He plunked the two glasses on the table, sat in the chair opposite, and raised an eyebrow. “I’ll flirt with you in earnest as much as you like.”
I felt myself flush but held on to my smile. “What is it?”
“Let’s play.” He drew out a pack of cards and began dealing for rummy. I set a coin on the table, and he matched it. Under cover of the noise from the next table over, he asked, “How’s Sarah? What did she say?” He picked from the deck and laid down a seven.
I picked it up, mistrust and trust dragging at me like two warring tides. I made my voice noncommittal. “She’s all right.”
“Kit.” His tone made me look up. His eyes were searching, every bit of humor gone. “Do you not trust me for this?”
I wanted to, and it seemed he was trying to be kind.
“I know you wouldn’t hurt me or Sarah on purpose,” I said. “But you’re still tight with the Castle men.” I laid down a queen. “And—I know you’re still mixed up in something.”
He drew back, his expression baffled. “Why would you say that?”
I didn’t answer, and he settled a forearm on the table and leaned in. “Why would you say that?”
My eyes darted to his hand where it rested, a loose fist, on the table. “Because you don’t get calluses like those from recordkeeping at the Custom House.” I reached to pick another card, and he laid his hand on top of mine, wrapping his fingers around.
“It’s my turn to draw,” he said quietly. “And yes, I do get calluses like this from work. There aren’t enough docks at the Custom House, so the ships moor three or four deep in the river, which means I have to row out to count the casks and crates before they offload.” Gently, he removed my hand from the deck, picked, and laid down the card. “Jaysus, Kit.” His voice was subdued. “Why didn’t you ask me? I’d’ve told you the truth.” The bruised look in his eyes was like a hook in my heart.
“I’m sorry,” I said, my voice breaking on the words. “But—it’s Sarah.”
“Yeah, it’sSarah,” he said pointedly. “You’re not the only one who looks out for her, you know.”
Remorseful, I said, “She told me you have.”
The lines around his mouth softened. “You’re not the only one looking out foryou, either, Kit.”
My surprise at the notion held me utterly silent, and after a moment, he gave a small shake of his head and his gaze dropped to the cards. “It’s your turn.”
I picked from the pile, holding the card long enough to consider my words before I played it and said under my breath, “She says there were two Castle men in Mayfair that night, and the moment she saw them she ducked out of the light and hid her face.”
“I heard it was Billy and Tommy, but still no one’s mentioned her,” he said.
The hard rock of worry inside me softened.
“Is that who she saw?” he asked.
I nodded.
“They’re lying low in Bermondsey.”
Relieved at the thought of them far from Mayfair, I grinned for the benefit of whoever was watching. Still, I’d join the group around the fire before I left, to see if any of the Castle men acted strange around me.
“There’s something else.” James leaned both elbows onto the table, holding the cards in a fan before him to half cover his mouth. “What do you know about Maggie?”
My nerves twanged. “She was sent to Swan River for stealing a bracelet twenty years back, was married to a monster, and came back quick as she could. She’s shrewd and clever, and a good actress. I don’t much trust her. Why?”
“Don’t show surprise.” He laid down a seven.
I gave him a look. “You know I’m collecting sevens. You’re helping me win.”
“Yeah, I’m bloody trying, Kit.” The look he gave me was half humorous exasperation and half such kindness it tipped my heart sideways. I wasn’t used to having someone trying to take some of the worry off me.
“Thanks,” I said quietly. I took up the seven and laid down a nine.
“Emma’s wondering if Maggie’s here for more than just taking over the ring.” He picked up the nine and played a knave. “She might be here to even scores.”
