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“What?” He jerked the book away from me. “What the hell are you doing?”
“I’m asking you a question, though you’re lucky I didn’t snatch the cash box while I was at it.”
He shot a glance in the box’s direction. “What do you want?”
“Are you always so helpful?
His only response was a glare.
Brushing the hair from my face, I made an attempt at charm. “I’m so sorry to disturb you, but I’m wondering if you could point me to the nearest telegraph office.”
“Won’t be open yet.”
I pulled my watch out of my vest pocket. Nearly eight o’clock. “If you could please tell me where to go, I can be there when it does open.”
I had every intention of asking Madam Munro for more help and hang the consequences. Begrudgingly, the desk clerk gave me an address, and with even less enthusiasm, he gave me directions to find it. Ordinarily, I would have tipped someone for their help, but I was out of cash. He didn’t deserve it, anyway.
I’d have asked for directions to the nearest bank, but given his surly attitude, I hoped I would just stumble over one. Walking quickly to dodge the exasperating rain, I accomplished my tasks.
A telegraph went off to Madam Munro and a signed bank note restocked my wallet.Thank you, Grandma Fairchild.
I returned to the hotel to find both Rafe and Margaret dressed and waiting for me. She sat at the dining table, tapping an annoyed little rhythm on the note I’d left.
He stood in the middle of the room, arms crossed, scowl as black as the charred remains of our fire. A bulge in one pocket was likely the bag of dirt he’d needed to calm down.
Neither of them spoke, which was its own accusation. “I had some errands to run.”
My words had little effect. I gave a sigh and asked if they were ready to leave. They were, and it was a very disgruntled group that rode the elevator down to the lobby. I returned our room key to yet another clerk, this one younger and more civil.
“Shall we book a cab?” I eyed the rain with reluctance.
“We can walk,” Rafe said at the same moment Margaret responded.
“If you wish.”
I shrugged. “Two against one. We’ll get a cab.” I caught the bellhop’s attention and set him on the task. We might have made a motley crew, but the dollar I’d flashed was real enough, and soon we were ensconced in a decent carriage. The driver might have looked askance when I told him our destination was Ballast Island, but again, the sight of green inspired him to the task.
We’d barely started rolling when Margaret asked, “so where did you go, exactly.”
“To the bank, for one thing. This little adventure made a dent in my wallet.”
“We could have bunked in the rowboat,” Rafe said, as if that idea had actual merit.
I bit back a sarcastic reply. “I figured Oliver Stevenson wouldn’t look for us in the most expensive hotel in the city, and since we’re all still together, I’d say it was a good call.”
Also, I’d needed a few moments of peace, although I didn’t admit that.
“He wouldn’t have found us anywhere.”
Ignoring Rafe’s muttered reply, I focused on Margaret. “I also found a telegraph office and sent a request for help to Madam Munro.”
“You did what?” Rafe might have been annoyed to wake up alone, but now he was angry.
“Asked for help.” I carefully articulated each word, and if I drew on my family heritage, no one would fault me. Rafe angry was impressive. Rafe angry in a small carriage was a threat to life and limb.
“You should not have done that.” He thundered the words, his expression black.
I could not afford to back down. “Why not?”
