Page 35 of The Return of the Rake

The first was from Miss Marwick, informing him that her brother had returned late last night, should he wish to call upon him that morning. She indicated he would do well to go early, for she did not know how long he intended to stay put. Knowing Alfie Marwick could be as slippery as an eel, King lost no time in thanking her and sending back the information that he would call upon her brother directly after breakfast.

The second had been from the Reverend Honeywell, informing him he would like his company later that same day, around four o'clock, should he be available to meet with Tommy Tanner. It was politely written, but King was under no illusion. It was a summons and one he’d do well not to ignore. Heaven alone knew what guilt would be heaped upon his head if he did not do as the reverend wished.

Having had his spirits restored by another excellent breakfast, King went back to his room to collect his coat before leaving the hotel. A tumble of grey clouds greeted him as he walked past the once familiar shop fronts, chasing away any remnants of sun for the moment.

Finding the Marwick residence, he rapped smartly upon the door knocker and waited. A few moments later, the door opened, and a pretty maid with a pristine white apron peeked out at him. Her eyes widened upon seeing him and a rather cheeky grin spread over her face.

“Good morning, sir, and what might you be wanting?” she asked, with a bold twinkle in her eyes.

King, not immune to the attention of a pretty girl, smiled. “A word with Mr Marwick. I take it he’s at home?”

“He is, but having breakfast, I’ll—”

“Show the gentleman in, Lill,” called a voice from inside the house.

“Right you are,” the irrepressible Lill called back, opening the door wide and gesturing for King to enter.

King walked into a small but comfortably furnished dining room to discover Alfred Marwick tucking into a breakfast of ham and eggs.

“King! Well, well, this is a surprise,” the young man said, springing to his feet and crossing the room to shake his hand, smiling affably all the while.

“Morning, Alfie. Did your sister not tell you I was in town?” King asked in surprise.

“No,” Alfie replied, shaking his head and sitting down to breakfast. “I came in late and she went out early, so we’ve not yet spoken. Would you care for some breakfast?” he added, gesturing to the abundance on the table.

“No, thank you,” King replied before sending the maid, who was dithering in the doorway, a meaningful look.

“Hop it,” Alfie told the maid succinctly. “And close the door behind you.”

Sighing, Lill did as she was told and hopped it.

“Like that, is it?” Alfie replied, his expression a touch more serious now.

“I’m afraid so,” King replied. “Do yourself a favour and stay out of London for the foreseeable.”

“Oh?”

“What were you thinking, you reckless devil?” King added, shaking his head.

Alfie shrugged and returned a rueful grin. “Couldn’t help myself.”

“Couldn’t do anything but help yourself more like,” King replied with a snort.

“That too,” Alfie admitted, pouring himself a cup of coffee. “But Mourney’s men were so obviously going to mess the job up, I saw no reason not to make hay while the sun shone. It wasn’t like they were innocent lambs that got taken up, they were caught red-handed.”

“Well, Silas is fit to do murder. There’s a reward of one hundred pounds on your head,” King said grimly.

Alfie whistled, not looking entirely displeased by this information. “A hundred pounds, eh?”

“It’s not a good thing! Unless you’re looking forward to the day you’re found dead in some foul back alley.”

Alfie sobered and shook his head. “I’m not, I swear it, and I’m most grateful for the warning, King. Do you mean to say you came down here just to tell me that?” he asked, looking rather startled.

“That’s right, and now we’re even. You risked your neck for me last year. I’ve not forgotten it, and I’ve put the information you gave me to good use, I promise you,” he said, his tone dark.

Alfie nodded, sipping his coffee thoughtfully. “Has Lawson made his move yet?”

“No. But I’ve given him enough rope, and with me being absent for a time he should have enough of an inducement to hang himself,” King replied with a smile even he knew was unpleasant.