My Favorite Thief by Karyn Monk Page B

wherever he wanted to go,” added Violet.
    Flynn nodded. “He was awake by then, an’ knew what was about.”
    â€œI told the lad I didna need to know where he was headed, but said he should take his mask off afore he got there, so the driver wouldna take notice of him,” Oliver continued.
    â€œWe was hopin’ he’d get away nice an’ quiet, but I stayed out an’ pretended it was my Jimmy who left when the peelers saw the carriage leavin’.” Annie shook her head with irritation. “That one peeler got a bit touchy when I told him he was just like all the others, but I knew he’d never actually try to find Jimmy. None of ’em care when a whore gets a beatin’, an’ that’s the hard truth of it.”
    â€œYou aren’t a whore anymore, Annie,” Charlotte reminded her. “And if Jimmy or anyone else ever lays a hand on you again, I shall insist that the police find them and lay charges.”
    â€œYe’re most kind, Miss Kent.” Annie smiled fondly at her. “But the bobbies don’t care about what happens to a girl like me.”
    â€œWell, we care about ye, lass,” Eunice informed her flatly.
    â€œAye, and I’ve told ye if Jimmy dares show his face around here, I’m puttin’ my boot to his ass an’ makin’ sure he doesna come after ye again,” added Doreen. “Come on then, lass,” she continued, turning her attention to Charlotte. “Ye look as if ye’re about to fall over. Let’s get ye into yer bed.”
    â€œDinna worry about the peelers,” Oliver added, heading toward the door. “I’ll show them the carriage and send them on their way.”
    â€œThank you, Oliver.” The throbbing in Charlotte’s leg told her that she had been walking and standing for far too long. “I suppose there’s nothing more we can do now.”
    â€œLet me help ye upstairs, lass,” said Doreen.
    â€œNo, thank you, Doreen. I can manage. Good night, everyone.”
    She limped slowly up the stairs. After entering her room she closed the door, then collapsed wearily onto the bed, heedless of the blood on her evening gown or the uncomfortable constriction of her corset. She had not wanted any of them to know how exhausted she was, or how profound an effect Inspector Turner’s interrogation had had upon her. She inhaled a shallow breath and rolled onto her side, fighting to endure the pain now streaking from her thigh to her toes.
    Thanks to the efforts of her fiercely loyal household, the Dark Shadow had made it safely out of her home. With luck, he would make it back to wherever it was he lived that night. If he decided to reform his ways and stop stealing, he might even avoid being found and arrested for the murder of Lord Haywood. Her efforts to help him had been successful.
    She closed her eyes, confused by the powerful sense of loss that had gripped her on learning the Dark Shadow was gone.

Chapter Four

    S OD IT, A RCHIE, I’ M STARVIN’. C AN WE GO, NOW?” The woman glared sulkily at the enormous man beside her.
    â€œShut yer bloody gob, Sal, unless ye want to feel me fist in it,” Archie warned. “I’ll tell ye when it’s time to go.”
    â€œWe’ve been here all night,” Sal pointed out, too cross and tired to be intimidated by his threat. “I’m hungry an’ I need to take a piss.”
    â€œThen piss,” he said, glowering. “Who the hell is stoppin’ ye?”
    â€œWhat—right here on the street?”
    â€œWhy not? It’s cleaner than the privies or pots ye’re used to.”
    â€œI ain’t pissin’ on no street,” she informed him tartly. “It ain’t proper.”
    A bark of laugher escaped him. “Oh, so ye’re all high an’ proper now, are ye? For a bit o’ brass ye’d piss in a church in front of Jesus Christ himself, an’