But then, he’d also made the mistake of assuming she wouldn’t go into the warehouse and do a physical count after he’d entered the number in the ledger. Damn it. Master spies didn’tassumeanything. Not if they wanted to stay alive.
On the other hand, he now had almost all the evidence he needed.
Chapter Eleven
Annie glanced sideways at Niall as they walked home. They were almost half-way to the boardinghouse and he hadn’t spoken. “Ye are angry with me still?”
Niall shook his head. “Nae.”
“Ye have nae spoken a word since we left.”
“Sometimes silence is better, lass.”
“I cannae blame ye for nae wanting to talk.” Annie felt embarrassment wash over her. “Ye doona want me to screech at ye again.”
Niall smiled. “I cannae deny that, but ’tis nae the reason I am silent.”
Annie furrowed her brows. “Why, then?”
“I have a sister. My brothers and I learned early to give Margaret a wide berth when her temper is riled. She has blackened more than one eye and bloodied a number of our noses.”
“Your sister strikes ye?”
“On occasion. There are ten of us brothers and sometimes we tease her a bit too much.”
“I have nae brothers or sisters. I cannae imagine having ten.”
“Margaret would think ye lucky.” Niall shrugged. “We nae doubt deserved the punches we’ve gotten. Besides, we were the ones who taught her to fight.”
Annie felt her eyes widen. “She fights? Like a man?”
“Nae lass would win in actual fisticuffs. We did teach her to defend herself though.” Niall glanced at Annie. “Something ye should learn too.”
“I can take care of myself.” When Niall arched a brow, she grimaced. “Well, most of the time. What happened Monday was a surprise.”
“Most attacks are. ’Tis why ye need to be prepared. Have ye ever handled a dagger?”
“Nae. And doona tell me your sister handles knives like ye do.”
Niall grinned. “There are few who handle knives like I do.” Then he sobered. “But Margaret kens how to throw one. She can fire a musket and release an arrow straight and true as well.”
“Are those skills women need in the Highlands?”
“They are skills women should have anywhere.”
Annie shook her head. “I can hardly wander the streets of Glasgow with a sword or pistol at my side. And a bow would be useless in the city, if nae illegal.”
“Aye, but ye can hide a dagger.”
Annie glanced down to where a black handle protruded from each of Niall’s boots and another knife was sheathed at his waist. “I can see those.”
“But ye doona ken about the others.”
“Others?” Annie frowned. “Exactly how many knives do ye carry?”
“Half a dozen or so.”
“For God’s sake, where?”
