“My apologies,” Croft said.“Enjoy the rest of your meal.”
When Old Larry refrained from showing any sign of having heard him, James gestured toward the nearest table.“Maybe we should sit.”
“Yes.Let’s,” Croft agreed, though his irritation showed in the tightness of his jaw.He huffed a breath and shook his head, then told Keats, “We might as well take our own luncheon while we wait.”
Relief eased the tension from James’s shoulders.He’d only been slightly hungry before arriving here, but the smell of food and watching the rest of the patrons eat had made him feel like he’d not had a meal in days.Catching a look from Croft, he sent him a nod of appreciation.
While many men feared him, James viewed him as just.
Yes, he’d overreacted on occasions and made mistakes, especially in his younger years.Thankfully, he’d since matured.After his father’s death he’d even abandoned the power-hungry agenda that had defined the Croft name for so long.Instead, he’d transformed into a fierce protector.
James liked this new identity his master was cultivating.He enjoyed helping him save innocent lives and punishing true evil-doers.
“I’ll have the mutton stew,” he said when Keats gave the option between that and chicken pie.Tankards of ale were soon provided and they settled into their chairs.
Noting where Croft’s attention had gone, James glanced over his shoulder toward Old Larry.After observing him for a moment he looked at his employer.“It’s quite remarkable, don’t you think?Nothing about his movements suggests he can’t see.”
Croft responded with a thoughtful nod, then took a sip of his drink.James followed suit, savoring the hints of caramel coating his tongue.The food arrived and he dug in with near ecstatic delight.Hot and soothing, it slid down his throat and filled his stomach with endless gratification.
“Should I ask if we can join him?”James asked once he and Croft were done eating and it looked like Old Larry had also finished his meal.
“And give him a chance to turn me down yet again?”Croft shook his head and pushed back his chair.“With the stakes we’re facing, I think I’ve shown enough consideration for one day.”
James agreed.If Old Larry had information that could ensure Lady Edwina’s safe return to her brother, then it was time to acquire it.
He followed Croft over to the older man’s table and remained standing while Croft claimed the only vacant chair, directly across from Old Larry.
“We’ve not been formally introduced,” said Croft.
“No need,” Old Larry replied.“We both know who the other is, don’t we?”
“I suppose we do.By name at least.”
Old Larry produced a snort, his vacant eyes staring directly at Croft, as though he could see him.“You’re the King of Portman Square, are you not?”
Surprise swept Croft’s face.“Indeed, I am.”
“Then I’m guessin’ you’ll threaten to kill me unless I provide the information you’re after.”
Noting the furious gleam in Croft’s eyes, James hastened to say, “It’s notyourlife that’s in danger if you refuse to help, but that of a young woman.We’re simply trying to find her so we can bring her home safely.”
“Ah, yes,” Old Larry said, his voice slightly mocking, “from high-rankin’ criminal to avengin’ angel.I suppose both positions can benefit from the same kind o’ skill-set.”
“Is it compensation you’re after?”Croft growled.
Old Larry tilted his head as if in thought, then said, “I don’t like you, Croft, but I can hear the truth in Murry’s words, so I’ll help as best I can.Not for you, but for the woman who was taken.”
“We don’t know enough to be sure of what happened to her,” Croft said, his voice tinged with annoyance.“Maybe she went with the man we’re seeking of her own free will.”
“She did not.”Old Larry’s blunt remark sent a shiver down James’s spine.
He shared a look with Croft, but before either of them could question Old Larry about his comment, he himself volunteered, “I heard a couple o’ conversations last week between the same two men.The younger of them was stayin’ here, the other stopped by to tell ’im a room had been readied for the lady in question.A discussion followed about the logistics required in gaining the lady’s trust.”
“What of the room?”James asked before Croft was able to comment.“Did either man mention an address?”
“No, but the older one said the carriage transportin’ her would pull into the courtyard behind The Gilded Lady.”
James frowned in response to the name even as Croft said, “I’m not familiar with that establishment.”
