His thoughts returned to Elwood. He was very disappointed in the boy. He paid the kid two shillings a day to take his messages. Yet, even after getting a largess from Davy, the shirkster had tried to get more…and then lied. He’d lost all faith in the scamp. But he’d deal with the matter later. Right now, he needed to find out what trouble had found Xavier’s partner.
Davy opened the door before he could knock. “Thank God you’ve come.” He waved him inside the outer office.
Jacko threw his jacket on the bench as he looked around the room. “Where’s the pup?”
Davy nodded to Xavier’s office. “Inside with a client.”
Jacko laughed. “Does Xavier know his apprentice has claimed his office?”
Sitting down on the bench, Davy shrugged. “He gave him a key. If he didn’t want Vic using the office, he shouldn’t have done so.”
“So what’s the clever fellow up to?” Jacko sat sideways on the bench, with his back propped against the wall and his feet stretched across the seat. While Victor Hamilton was actually a woman who dressed as a man, Xavier had warned him to always refer to Vic as a male when speaking to anyone.
Davy let out a heavy breath. “Not sure, but whatever he’s planning‒it’s going down tonight.” Davy rubbed his belly and winced. “Since he ran off without me yesterday, my gut’s been turning bad.”
Jacko wistfully thought of his map in progress. “Any word of Xavier?”
“Nothing. He’s never been gone this long before.” He rubbed his stomach again. “I got a bad feeling about my boss, as well.”
“Don’t worry. Xavier can take care of himself.”
With a snort, he added, “That’s what they all say up to moment they get shot or stabbed in the back.”
Jacko didn’t want his friend thinking like that. It might bring trouble. “I’d like to believe we are more like alley cats. With every year we remain alive, the smarter we become and the harder we are to kill.”
Davy nodded. “That’s true. Thank you, Jacko. That makes me feel better.”
Xavier’s office door opened and Victor led a distressed, but well-dressed gentleman into the common room. Damned if the man didn’t look as if he’d been crying. Vic was getting more like her mentor every day. Xavier frequently made his clients weep.
Victor gave them a dark glare before seeing the man out the front door. The moment the door closed, the pup tore into them. “I run a respectable office here. In the future, you and Davy should lounge about in the kitchen when guests are afoot.”
Jacko laughed. By God, in a few more years, she’d be the spitting image of Xavier.
Davy stood up. “Sorry, Vic. I should have done that. We’ll stay in the kitchen next time. You look out of sorts. Did the meeting not go well?”
Vic ran a hand through her short blonde hair. “It went fine. Damn idiot says he has lost his servant. I think she just left his service, but I’ll have to interview the household staff to be certain.”
Jacko looked up in confusion. Davy pulled him away from his work for this? “You need my help to find a servant?”
His friend gave a quick shake of the head.
Vic stared at Davy in annoyance and then smiled at Jacko. “If I said yes, would you leave?”
Grabbing hold of Jacko’s arm, Davy said, “The answer is no. He’s here on my say.”
“I’m the partner…”
“And I have seniority and Xavier’s permission to hire Jacko.”
“I need some tea.” Vic looked at Jacko. “If you’ll join me in the kitchen, I’ll tell you my plan.”
***
Jacko followed the pup upstairs and listened to her plan to save an old woman whose husband had sent her to Bedlam. Jacko knew all too well the nightmares that occurred in the place. Even if the lady had been of sound mind going in, it didn’t mean she was sane now. “How long has your friend been in there?”
“She’s been missing for two months. It took her daughter awhile to determine she was not on holiday as the husband declared. Alice contacted me two days ago and I found Mrs. Carson yesterday.”
Vic spoke with pride at her speedy discovery. Unfortunately, the two months delay in looking might make a rescue impossible. Women were beaten, abused and raped in that hellhole. Once they truly lost their mind, they couldn’t be safely removed. “How old is she?”
“Not sure. She looks to be in her fifties.”
“Attractive?”
“Not any longer.”
Vic’s angry eyes left no doubt his question annoyed her, but Jacko was more concerned with her answers: old and unattractive. “Well, she might still be sane, if they’ve left her alone.”
Vic glared at him. “If who left her alone?”
Davy nudged Jacko’s arm. “Vic don’t need to know that.”
While the two argued what she should and shouldn’t know, he shook his head. Why did Davy bother trying to protect Vic from the realities of life? You couldn’t wallow in garbage without picking up the filth. And Vic’s profession would lead her into the sewer of human vices on a regular basis. Protecting the pup from the harsh facts of life would likely get her killed. He turned the conversation to something more practical. “What exactly is your plan?”
The question refocused Vic and she walked him through how she intended to rescue the woman.
Her strategy impressed him. It was not only well thought-out, but actually had a good chance of success once he made a few changes.
“What do you think?” Davy asked.
“It’s a good plan.” When he asked how she got her information, he laughed at her answer. Taking the gentleman’s mid-day tour had never been an option for him since no gypsy would ever be seen as a gentleman, no matter how much money he had. And only a fine gentleman was allowed to enter the cells and abuse the women however they wished. “And when they let you into a young woman’s cell, what did you do during your time?”
“I snuck out and checked all the cells in the hall looking for Mrs. Carson. When I couldn’t find her there, I picked a lock and entered another hallway. I found her in the third section.”
That she had found and spoken to the woman was critical to their success. “Could she understand you?”
“Yes, of course.”
That was good news. “Did you tell her you planned to rescue her?”
“Yes.”
He wished she hadn’t, too many ears willing to sell a secret for more food, but water under the bridge. “Tonight?”
“I told her soon, I didn’t know at that time which night would be best.”
Jacko relaxed. Such a promise from a young gentleman wouldn’t alarm anyone. They would think the boy intended to find a barrister and ask him to file papers in the courts. “But she is expecting rescue?”
“Yes.”
“And you are certain she will remember?” That earned him a scolding from Vic, who despite having visited Bedlam, still didn’t comprehend the situation.
Jacko’s fingers rapped on the tabletop. If Vic was right about the lady’s mental state, this might be his easiest removal yet. “Your plan is good, Victor, but I can make it better.”
Vic leaned forward. “By all means.”
Her response impressed him. While she clearly preferred to be in charge, for the sake of a mission, she did not hesitate to consider a better plan. “I suggest you take your gentleman’s tour as you intended, but instead of trying to sneak away to steal your friend, unlock all the cells in your assigned ward and rally those women to escape. That will call all the guards to your section, giving me more time to slip into Ward 3 and get your friend out.”
Vic remained silent for a moment and then frowned. “Well, my part will be very easy. I lifted a set of keys from the guard when leaving the place. But I’m not sure Mrs. Carson will go with you. With your long hair and dark complexion, you look rather like a pirate.”
He sighed. “Then write me a note saying I’m a good pirate. However, if this woman still has her wits as you cl
aim, she’d walk out with Satan himself if the offer came.”
The pup ceased to argue. “I’ll write you a note.”
“And give me the address where I should take her.”
Vic nodded and then tilted her head. “Exactly how will you enter?”
Jacko laughed. Xavier would string him up if he told the pup how to break into Bedlam. “I know a way.”
Davy frowned. “That’s all fine and dandy, but doesn’t this plan leave Vic in the midst of a ward full of mad women and held responsible for letting them out?”
Jacko laughed at the image of such a scene. Vic would talk circles around those poor guards. “It does, but I’m sure our young dandy can convince them he is an outraged victim and not the source of their troubles.”
Davy shook his head. “I still don’t like it.”
Jacko patted his friend on the back. “The boy will be fine. At worst, they’ll ban him from returning.”
“I got a bad feeling about this,” Davy grumbled.
Pounding on the front office door interrupted their plotting. Vic sent Davy to send whoever was at the door away, but by the new angry voice and then someone climbing the steps, Jacko realized they hadn’t left.
He pulled the gun from his right side holster and pressed against the wall next to the kitchen entrance. He snapped his fingers at Vic and pointed to the corner of the same wall. Naturally the scamp ignored his instruction. Thankfully as the uninvited man climbed the stairs, Jacko recognized the voice and put his gun away. Shooting the Chief Inspector of Scotland Yard would get him hung. And given he avoided police whenever possible, the inspector didn’t know him and would probably shoot him on sight if any of his weapons were visible. Unlike the foot patrol, Stone always carried a gun and was said to be an excellent shot.
“Inspector Stone, is something wrong?” Vic asked as she stepped into the hall.
“Where’s Xavier?” the man snapped.
Vic had barely replied Xavier was on a case when Stone focused on Jacko. His eyes narrowed and his hand reached into his vest.
To Jacko’s surprise, Vic stepped between them, blocking any chance of the inspector taking a shot. “Jacko works for us.”
Xavier had evidently mentioned him because Stone ceased reaching for his gun and turned his attention to Vic. “It is critical I speak to Xavier.”
When Vic insisted he wasn’t here, Stone countered that he’d have to search the rooms to verify that was true.
Vic planted her hands on her hips. “I don’t think Xavier would approve of that.”
Her willingness to stand up to Stone impressed Jacko. The Chief Inspector of Scotland Yard was not a man to trifle with. Nor was he known for having a tolerant nature.
When the inspector ignored her, Vic followed him about and challenged the logic of his method of searching. Jacko struggled not to laugh at the pup’s audacity.
After a thorough and interrogated searching, the Chief Inspector apologized for the inconvenience and left.
While glad to see the man go, the man’s efforts concerned him. If Xavier’s contact for his assignment did not know where he was, then Davy’s troubled stomach might be on to something.
***
As a victim of Vic’s ability to persuade people to do her bidding, Jacko watched Xavier’s office while Davy and the pup went off on their silly lost servant case.
Jacko’s mind went to the half-finished map in his office. Once done, he could set a boy to making copies and sell them for five pounds apiece.
But no! Instead of growing my business, I sit in an empty office, watching dust form on my shiny black boots.
He took a moment to admire his boots. They represented money well spent. Cut specifically for his feet with the best leather, the tightest stitches and the strongest, yet flexible soles, his boots were perfection.
Without a knock, the front door opened. Inspector Stone walked in and closed the door behind him, clearly not done with him yet.
“Whatever you wish to put at my feet, I didn’t do. I’ve been a damn saint this last year.”
Stone’s thin-lipped smile and hard eyes warned Jacko he was a man short on patience. While he might allow Vic to talk back, he’d give no such leeway to a thieving gypsy.
“Since I believe you’ve been in Xavier’s employment, I seriously doubt you are in danger of sainthood.”
Translating his words to mean he could find a crime to lay at a gypsy’s feet with great ease, Jacko’s eyes darkened. “As close as I ‘spect to get.”
Stone sat down on the other side of the desk.
So the man wanted to play mind games. Not a problem. “Do you wish to make an appointment?”
“No. I want to ask a favor.”
Jacko removed his feet from the desk and leaned forward. “I wasn’t aware I owed you a favor.”
Stone’s hand rubbed his chin in a nervous fashion. “You don’t. This will leave me in your debt.”
Jacko leaned back, his hands laced behind his head. He rather liked the idea of having the Chief Inspector of Scotland Yard in his debt. “I’m listening.”
“Xavier is missing. I’ve had men search the jails and the streets for a one-eyed beggarman. It appears we’ve lost him.”
If the government had lost their best spy, matters were grave indeed. “I will try and find him if you will give me a clue where to look.”
“No. We have men enough searching for him. My concern is Victor. Once the boy discovers Xavier has disappeared, he’ll try to find his mentor. I need you to stop him. Barring that, I need you to keep him safe while he searches.”
Jacko sighed. “Can you tell me anything about Xavier’s assignment?”
“No.”
“Any clues where to look?”
“No! I do not want you looking. I want you to keep Victor away from this. I realized upon searching Xavier’s room that he and the boy are closer than I previously realized.”
Jacko gave no reaction to his comment. Homosexuality, which was what Stone no doubt assumed, was a crime punishable with prison time. However, if Vic’s true gender was discovered, a judge could declare her behavior insane and she’d end up in Bedlam on the wrong side of the bars.
Stone continued. “Xavier has pulled out of worse scrapes. I have faith he’ll somehow survive this one, as well. However, he’ll never recover if he loses Victor.”
Jacko sighed and covered his face with his hands. Xavier would never forgive me if I failed to protect Vic. “I can only promise you the following: When Vic finds out Xavier is in trouble, I will encourage him to keep you apprised of his plans. And whatever scheme Vic devises, I will try to ensure I take the riskiest role. Vic is not a young dandy willing to sit on the sidelines and let others protect him. However, he does allow logic to rule over emotions. If he believes I am the best skilled person for the job, he will let me do it.”
Chapter 3
Alice looked up as Thomas knocked and entered. She could tell just by the rapid cadence something had happened.
“A letter from Mr. Thorn, Miss.”
He brought the letter to her and waited to hear its content. Alice ignored the impropriety and opened the letter.
Miss Collins,
Expect a package delivery early in the morning. Package is being held in poor conditions, but remains intact.
Victor Hamilton
Alice gasped as the meaning of his letter filtered through her worried mind. Vic had not only found her mother, but also planned to bring her home by early morning. Never had she dreamed he could locate her so fast.
“Good news?” Thomas asked, evidently growing tired of waiting.
She jumped up and hugged the dear man. “The best news. Mother will be here tomorrow morning.”
Thomas returned her hug. “Thank God! I will see her room aired, and ensure a grand breakfast is ready. What time should we expect her?”
“I’m not certain. A rescue is probably best done at night, and then they must travel here. I would guess five o’clo
ck.”
“A rescue?” Thomas sputtered.
“I believe so.” She handed him the letter, so he could read it. “You see Vic says she is being held in poor conditions. Not that she had been held, but she currently is. I believe he plans to rescue her tonight and bring her straight here.”
“Victor Hamilton? But where is Mr. Thorn? Why is he not rescuing her?” Thomas’ hands fluttered in agitation while he spoke.
“Everything will be fine, Thomas. Mr. Thorn was not available, but it doesn’t matter. Vic has found her and so quickly. I doubt Mr. Thorn could have done better. Vic’s achievement is nothing less than a miracle.”
Thomas huffed. “How do you know the boy has even found her? His letter says ‘package.’ Who calls a lady a ‘package’? Other than a scamp who needs his ears boxed.”
“Thomas, settle yourself. Vic is a grown man who has studied under the greatest sleuth of England for the last year. And he has been promoted to partner. Mr. Thorn would never promote him, if he had not proven to be extraordinary.”
Thomas refused to give way. “He still should not have called Mrs. Carson a ‘package’.”
“I am sure he meant no insult. He was merely writing in code, simple enough for me to understand, but deceptive to anyone who might intercept the message.”
Thomas finally calmed and frowned at the letter. “But this means he has yet to rescue her.”
“But he will tonight.”
“He will try, but…”
Alice grabbed Thomas by his arms and gently shook him as her gaze bore into his. “No. He will rescue her tonight. Victor will not fail us.”
Thomas’ frown deepened. “God save us. Are you still in love with him?”
Alice laughed at the ridiculous direction change of Thomas’ mind. “No. I gave up on Victor years ago. Although his fine attributes has left very large shoes for other gentlemen to fill.”
Thomas refocused on the letter. “Assuming the fellow can do what he says, his comment about poor conditions worries me.”
A Right to Love: Romantic Spinoff From The Adventures of Xavier & Vic Book 2.5 Page 3