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“For the time being,” Baldwin replied, rising. “At least until we are satisfied that we aren’t being watched.”
Corbyn perused the length of him. “You look terrible.”
“Frankly, I don’t smell that good either,” Baldwin admitted, “but I had to convince Morton that we lived in the rookeries.”
Oliver rose and placed his empty glass on the desk. “I can handle the smell, but the fleas are horrendous.”
“That they are,” Baldwin agreed. “And the straw poking out of the mattress can be quite irksome.”
“It is more comfortable to sleep on the floor, in my opinion,” Oliver remarked.
Corbyn met his gaze, his expression stern. “When you are recruiting Miss Dowding for this assignment, be sure to inform her of all the inherent dangers that are associated with this abduction. I don’t want her to be unprepared and turn into a simpering miss on us.”
“I will,” Baldwin replied. “I intend to teach her some basics on how to defend herself, as well.”
“I wish you luck, and I want to be kept informed,” Corbyn said. “If this assignment fails, it is on you, Falcon.”
Baldwin tipped his head in acknowledgement as he and Oliver started towards the door. They walked in silence until they left the building.
“I sure hope you know what you are doing,” Oliver muttered.
“It will work out.”
“How can you be so sure?”
Baldwin glanced over at his brother. “We don’t have much of an option in the matter. I need to establish a level of trust with Morton.”
“But to choose Miss Dowding…” Oliver’s voice trailed off. “That is a bold choice, Brother, even for you.”
“I will ensure that Miss Dowding is ready for the assignment.”
Oliver lifted his brow. “Why do you have so much confidence in her?”
“She is stronger than most people give her credit for,” Baldwin replied, hoping his words were true. “Furthermore, she is desperate to find her friend, which is why I believe she will go along with this plan.”
“What if this friend isn’t with these abducted girls?”
Baldwin shrugged. “Then I made a valiant effort to find Miss Hardy, and I failed.”
“And you would be all right with that?”
“I would, especially since I can’t keep chasing after Miss Hardy,” Baldwin replied.
Oliver skirted around a rotting animal carcass in the street as he remarked, “Jane will be furious if something happens to Miss Dowding.”
“I am well aware of that fact.”
“She might very well never forgive you.”
Baldwin winced, knowing his brother’s words were spoken in truth. “Then nothing can happen to Miss Dowding.”
“Jane already holds a lot of resentment towards you for leaving,” Oliver shared.
“I am well aware of that,” Baldwin said. “She spoke some harsh words to me a few days ago.”
Oliver gave him a side glance. “What are you going to do about it?”
“What can I do?” Baldwin asked honestly. “Jane made it perfectly clear that she hates me.”
