“No. I don’t.”
“Then let me help you. It may hurt a bit, but you’ll be glad once it’s over.”
“I’m…scared.”
“No shame in that,” Adrian murmured. He caught Isak’s hand, careful not to hold it too tightly, and felt tiny fingers curling around his palm. A knot formed in his throat – the sort he’d not felt since he was a boy. “I get scared too from time to time. In fact, I was worried we might not find you.”
“I’m glad you did.”
“Me too.” Adrian brushed his fingers across Isak’s forehead. “Let’s leave this awful place, shall we?”
The faintest movement conveyed Isak’s agreement. Adrian scooted forward and scooped him into his arms,the boy’s agonized screech in response to the shift in position causing his stomach to turn itself inside out.
Teeth gritted, Adrian held him as lightly as he could manage. Samantha led the rest of the children out through the wardrobe, and Adrian followed with Isak, his progress slow in an effort to keep from causing the boy further pain.
Wycliff, the rotten scoundrel, would pay with his life for this horrid injustice.
13
“Take these children to Murdoch,” Adrian told his driver. “Don’t leave them there without his assurance that they will be properly cared for. Tell him I plan on checking.”
Phelps nodded and whipped the horses into motion. Still holding Isak, Adrian turned to Samantha. “Find a hackney and bring it here.”
He’d do it himself if it weren’t for the boy. Seemingly aware of this, she strode off at once without asking questions.
It took a while for her to return, during which Isak’s breathing grew increasingly labored, as though he struggled to bite back the pain. Not knowing what else to say or do, Adrian simply stood there, glaring at anyone bold enough to look at them with too much interest.
A group of five men who were walking along theopposite pavement were too caught up in their conversation to pay them any mind. Adrian tracked their movements, noted their clothes and mannerisms, and decided they must be working class. Most likely out for a drink after work.
Hooves finally sounded and a carriage appeared. Adrian hissed a breath of relief when the vehicle stopped and Samantha leapt from the cabin.
“Take him to St. George’s Hospital,” Adrian told her once he’d helped Isak into the carriage. “Ask for Doctor Moore and tell him I sent you. He’ll make sure Isak receives whatever treatment he needs.”
Turning, he ordered the coachman to steer clear of potholes and avoid sharp turns.
“I suppose this means I’ll see you later,” Samantha said, a knowing look in her eyes.
He nodded, then bent to give her a quick parting kiss before handing her up. The door closed and the carriage rolled into motion, slowly disappearing from view as it turned a corner.
The men he’d spotted earlier hadn’t made it much farther. Without Murry there to help him, they might prove useful. “Oi!”
Several people turned.
Ignoring all but the group that had gained his notice, he crossed the street to where the men waited, their expressions full of interest as he approached.
“I’ll give you five pounds each if you’re able to get three men to the Bow Street Magistrate’s Court. Another five once the job’s been completed.”
It was a huge sum, at least two months’ wages for a skilled tradesman. Probably more for these fellows. They stared at him.
“What’s the catch?” one of them asked.
“No catch,” Adrian promised. “I’m simply unable to see to the task myself. So I’m willing to pay to make sure they receive proper punishment.”
“How do we know you’re not trying to trick us?” another of the men inquired. “Could be you’re merely attempting to rid yourself of a problem.”
“They were protecting that place over there.” He gestured toward The Buxom Lady Tavern. “Tried to keep me from finding the children being kept there for nefarious means. One boy was so badly battered I’ve sent him to the hospital just now for treatment.”
“Sounds to me like Bow Street might be too good for the men in question,” the first man who’d spoken said. The rest of the group concurred.
