The door opened. For once, the captain looked sober. His black eyes were sharp, and his dark clothes were clean. The smell of tobacco hadn’t changed.
“I told you to use the back entrance,” he hissed, ushering her inside quickly.
“I forgot. Sorry.”
He shut the door quietly. “You forgot? Do you understand what we’re risking?”
“It’s done. You don’t have to shout at her.” Dobkins showed him the bundle. “No one saw us. We have the bracelet. We’ll give it to you once Lion Boy is here.”
He examined the jewel under the light of a lamp, raising his eyebrows. “Fine piece indeed. Well, ladies, make yourself at home. I’ll see you later.” He donned a black coat and put a hand on the knob.
“We’re coming with you,” Vivienne said.
He barked a raspy laugh. “Absolutely not.”
“For once, I agree with him,” Dobkins said.
Vivienne insisted. “We’re involved in this plan, and we need to know if something happens to you. We must go together.”
He scoffed, hands on his hips. “I don’t want a clumsy, inexperienced pair at my heels. We’ll get caught in a moment.”
“We’ll wait for you outside of the circus,” she said. “We won’t interfere with your work. Besides, I’ve already been there, and I can tell you where the cage is. It’ll save you time. And I’ll hail a cab while you free him, so when you come out with Lion Boy, we’ll be ready to go. I also have a bag with some clothes for him. He’ll need them.”
Captain Jackson paused, stroking his chin. “We’ll discuss the details on our way there.” Scoffing, he beckoned them to follow him.
Dobkins rolled her eyes.
Vivienne should have been excited, happy even, to help Lion Boy, but she couldn’t ignore the fact that she might get arrested.
