“My friend—his name is Perkins—said he’d gather some Runners and wait for our signal. Once Joshua and I lure some of the gang away, they’ll raid the Black Bear. They have a dozen warrants for Ferryman’s arrest. Perkins is all but salivating to be the one to take him. They can’t get close enough.”
“They’ve arrested him before,” Joshua chimed in, “but then the Runners got threats, and one ended up dead.”
“I assured Perkins that if they took Ferryman now, his gang would be in no position to strike back. It will take them time to regroup, and Perkins and the magistrate can use that time to try to sentence Ferryman. Once he’s gone, the gang falls apart.”
Violet sniffed. “There are a dozen rogues waiting to take his place.”
“No doubt. But it takes time to deal with challengers and quell infighting. In that time, we get stronger too. Maybe band together with the other businesses on this street. Fight back against any gang that comes in and demands taxes.”
“We?” she asked, brow raised. Was King really thinking of staying?
“Er—you, that is,” he said.
Of course he wouldn’t stay. How could she expect him to? He was a nob, not a publican. But she’d have Archie back, and perhaps she could hire some other strong backs to keep order and tell off any upstart rogues.
“It’s almost midnight,” King said. “Let’s gather what we need and finish…this…”
Violet glanced at him and noticed he was giving her an odd look. She raised her brows.
“Er—what is it you are wearing?” he asked.
Violet had forgotten she’d dressed in trousers and a waistcoat.
“Oh, she wears that to clean,” Joshua said. “Doesn’t she look ridiculous?”
“Not the word I would use,” King answered.
“Should I go upstairs and fetch the materials we set aside?”
“Go ahead, Joshua.”
Her brother scampered up the stairs. “What is it you’ve set aside?” Violet asked.
King waved an arm as though that was of no consequence. “You are wearing trousers,” he said, his eyes roving over her. “I don’t know how I didn’t see that right away.”
“I thought they would make movement easier. I may need to run or climb.” As he was still staring, she snapped her fingers. “What should I gather? Knives for each of us? Surely we need some sort of weapon.”
“I think you saunter into the tavern wearing those trousers and that is weapon enough.” He put his arms about her waist and pulled her close. “Why didn’t you wear these earlier?” He slid his hand over her bottom, making heat flood through her limbs.
“I didn’t know the effect they’d have on you. If we survive tonight, maybe I’ll wear them again. When we’re alone.” She gave a pointed look at the stairs, where Joshua could be heard moving about.
“Right.” King released her and stepped back. “Have to focus.” His gaze strayed to her again, and he seemed to struggle to pull it away. “Weapons. Right. Grab three knives, small enough to tuck in a pocket or boot.”
Joshua was coming down the stairs and tapped his pocket. “Already have my dagger.”
Violet nodded approval. She’d bought him the small but wickedly sharp dagger at a pawn shop the year before. She told him to keep it with him whenever he was out and about. “Just remember that the first defense is to run.” She hadn’t bought herself a dagger, so she grabbed two sharp knives and handed one to King.
“Here’s the plan,” he said before outlining it for them. Half a dozen times, Violet wanted to say it would never work, but she didn’t have a better idea, and they had no time to debate. They were out of time.
They had to act. Tonight.
Chapter Nineteen
Joshua crouched behindthe Black Bear with Vi on one side and King on the other. He’d never admit it, but he was nervous. Whenever he’d come here before, he’d been scared that he’d be caught and get Lizzie in trouble. But now King assured him she was safe in one of those big houses in Mayfair. Joshua wished he’d had more time with her, maybe stolen a kiss before he’d said goodbye. But she was safe, and that was what mattered.
And now King would make sure everyone else was safe from Ferryman.
Joshua watched as King helped Vi stuff the materials she’d need in the pockets of the large coat she wore. Neither of them looked nervous. Vi had her mouth set in a line that meant she was determined to do whatever it was she’d set her mind to. Joshua had seen that look many times.
