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Jacqueline spoke before he could get a word out. “There are better ways to provide for one’s family than being a party to murder.”
The girl’s color deepened. “He might look like the sort of man who would do such a thing, but he’s not. His name is Samson, and he’s father to two young children, a girl and a boy. Their mother died a year ago. He told me working for Boucher these last few months has earned him more income than a year’s hard labor at the mill.”
“He is aware of his income’s ultimate source, is he not?” asked Jacqueline.
“He knows Boucher owns some brothels.” Her gaze slid away.
Jacqueline’s hazel eyes burned. “Did you tell him your Marian might be working in one of them soon, along with many other little girls, in order to feed him and his children?”
Sally’s chin wobbled. “No,” she at last managed.
“Rest assured your Samson knows his wages come from vice and misery,” snapped Jacqueline without mercy. “Any man who willingly works for a monster like Boucher has sold his eternal soul for tainted coin. You should have more care in whom you place your faith.”
The girl bowed her head and didn’t speak again.
Black panels of opaque cloth had been nailed all around the windows, making it impossible to look outside and see where they were going, but Will didn’t need to see to know where they were headed. Listening to the sounds outside and counting each turn and its direction told him they were on their way to the east side of Covent Garden. The Dove’s Nest wasn’t far now. Just a few more streets…
But instead of maintaining a straight course, the carriage slowed and made an unexpected turn to the left.
His gut tightened. Perhaps I counted wrong?
Another turn, and another.
Bloody hell. They weren’t heading for The Dove’s Nest at all, but someplace farther north. Glancing at Jacqueline, he marked her placid expression. She had no idea anything was wrong. He prayed God some of Gonson’s men had the wits to realize they’d deviated from their course and start searching for them.
Boucher was indeed as crafty as Jacqueline had warned. There would be no outside help now. It was entirely up to the four people in this carriage to find a way to defeat the enemy.
He looked at Sally with deep misgiving. Whether she would fight with or against them was something he couldn’t predict. I suppose I’ll find out when the time comes.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Jacqueline could tell something was wrong. Will’s whole body had gone stiff. She frowned and looked askance.
He responded with an infinitesimal shake of his head and a glance to his left, where sat Sally, who appeared oblivious to the rising tension. “I’m not sure where we’re being taken,” he said aloud. “But it seems a long way away.”
Now she understood. Somehow, he knew they weren’t heading where he’d predicted. Her stomach knotted. That meant Gonson’s men were waiting in position to close in on…no one.
Taking a deep breath, she tried to calm herself. The stiffness of the long, thin blades concealed in her bodice and left sleeve were a comfort, as were the skin-warmed pistols strapped to her thighs.
A silent prayer winged its way to heaven. If I am to die, let me die fighting and take Boucher with me so she can do no further injury. Let my girls be saved!
Everyone sat up as the carriage slowed, turned, and came to a halt.
Jacqueline’s frayed nerves made her jump when the door opened and a face appeared.
“You’re to come out one at a time and slowly,” said the unfamiliar man. “Any sudden move and you won’t have time to regret it.” He gestured to Sally. “You first. Mistress wants to talk to you.”
He was right. Boucher really is here to see it done.
Sally shot her one last terrified glance before doing as she was told.
A gasp of shock erupted from the girl as she descended, and Jacqueline strained to hear. Before she could catch anything beyond a soft cry of “Marian!” the man came back, this time to fetch Emma down.
“I’m not afraid anymore,” said the little girl, laying a hand on her knee as she passed. “I know Abi’s safe.”
“Come on,” growled the man, glaring.
Jacqueline watched her brave pupil exit the carriage, and then it was her turn. She paused a moment to look into Will’s eyes and made a decision. “I love you,” she said quickly. “With all my heart. No matter what happens, I want you to know.”
