In a short time, they produced a drawing they could use in their search for the killer.
“Looking at these sketches, both of these miscreants have struck a chord with me,” Nelson said.
“They are the sort one might see at an alehouse in Covent Garden,” Sebastian added.
“That’s it!” Katie’s thoughts lit up like a flash of lightning.
“What is it, Katie? Do you remember something else?” Paula asked.
“The Rooster,” she exclaimed. “I remember one of the thieves suggested they head to The Rooster.”
“That’s wonderful, Katie,” Sebastian said, taking her hand in his. “I’m so proud of you.”
Katie’s breath caught at his words. His dark eyes were filled with such warmth, she could have gazed into them for hours.
“Yes, of course,” Nelson interjected. “The Rooster is a well-known public house that is frequented by the criminal element.”
“And how would you know that?” Paula blurted.
“I’m a man who knows a great many things,” Nelson countered, arching a dark brow.
“Bravo, Katie,” the dowager said, setting her empty brandy glass on the side table. “I think that is enough for today. We’ve accomplished a great deal. Well done to all of you.”
The dowager was right. They had accomplished a lot today—first, the fencing lesson, where she’d learned so much, and now the sketches. She suddenly felt a wave of exhaustion wash over her. And a sudden worry that nightmares would plague her again now that she could see those faces.
“Do you think the sketches will help?”
“I am positive that between the sketches and knowing the alehouse the thieves frequent, we will find these men, Katie,” Sebastian said.
“And not to worry. Soren’s virtually unkillable,” said Nelson.
“What does that mean?” asked Katie.
“Sebastian has honed his fighting skills on the battlefield and his work as a security expert. He’s probably the best hand-to-hand fighter in the land,” explained Sir Nelson. “He is almost unstoppable in combat.”
“Pay no attention to him,” Sebastian said, frowning at his friend.
Nelson shrugged. “I was only offering reassurance.”
Sebastian turned back to Katie and gave her hand a gentle squeeze. “I promise, Nelson and I will be careful in our search for these men.”
Katie’s nerves felt raw, as a strange sense of foreboding swept over her. “I—I hope so,” she said.
Chapter Seven
Three Nights Later
Sebastian was like a racehorse chomping at the bit. He wanted to find the bastards who’d caused Katie so much pain and heartache and had left her paralyzed with fear for more than a year.
“Several ships have come in today. The Rooster is likely full of riffraff that came in with the tide,” Sebastian said as his carriage traveled swiftly through the London streets. “With luck, Doogan—will be there.”
“Let’s hope he has coin in his pockets for several mugs of ale,” Nelson added. “It’s been three nights and no sign of him yet.”
“By the by, your man certainly came through with these clothes.” Sebastian glanced down at the shabby coat and trousers they had worn on their late-night patrols. “I must thank him with a jug of his favorite ale.”
“Just get him some fresh kippers, he loves those above all else.”
Sebastian chuckled at Nelson’s description of his head footman, who’d acquired the nickname Kipper because of his fondness for the fish. “And I thank you for foregoing your nightly visit to your mistress and spending this night with me.”
