Seeing Danger (Sinclair and Raven #2)(39)

“I'm really not sure about this, Toby. Another location would offer more protection.”

“I've told you why it's perfect, Lilly,” the boy said. He looked up at her with wise, old eyes that had seen more than any child his age should. “Temple Street is all well and good for when they's sick, but this will offer them a place to bolt. A place to hide and stay warm, close to where they spend most of their days.”

“Do they often need a place to hide?” Lilly almost feared the answer, as in her heart she knew it.

“Yes.”

One word that said so much, she thought, looking around the dark, dismal space. She would ensure it was bright and clean. Ensure those children who needed a place to hide would feel safe in it.

“I will be guided by you with what we need in here, Toby, if I choose to lease it.”

She and the boy had come up with the idea for leasing more rooms for the children after he had come to her with rumors that were suddenly thick on the London streets. Rumors about a man called Dominus, who was intent on building an army of children to work for him. An army of thieves that would take over all other gangs. No one knew his identity, but they feared him. It seemed his reputation had grown through foul deeds that even Toby struggled to recount to Lilly.

“I heard tell that he will destroy anyone who gets in his way, Lilly. I'm thinking you need to stop going to the Watch, and stop any inquiries, ’cause it must be him who's taking the children.”

“Why do you say that, Toby?” She moved to where he stood, placing a hand on his shoulder.

“’Cause maybe he'll come after you.”

Lilly remembered what Devonshire Sinclair had said to her.

“Have you given thought to the fact that the carriage that nearly hit you outside the Watch House did so deliberately?”

Was he right?

“I shall be careful, Toby. Do not worry about me, just keep yourself safe.”

The boy was far too thin still, Lilly thought as he started moving again, looking around the small room, checking corners for God knew what.

“We shall need someone to watch over this, Toby, should I lease it. I want to make sure it is kept clean and stocked with food and supplies. It will also need a sturdy lock on the inside.”

“Perhaps I can help you there, Miss Braithwaite?”

Lilly turned to Mr. Snow, the owner.

“Happens my sister lives nearby. Husband's a sailor and always off at sea. She has two little ones, and could use the extra money.”

“I would be happy to meet with her,” Lilly said. She wasn't going to say yes until she had checked the woman over thoroughly. After all, others may not care for these children, but she damn well did and she would have no one abusing them.

“We should leave now, Miss Braithwaite. I hear the noise rising downstairs, which would suggest the Anchor’s patrons are well down the barrel. I have no doubt that their excitement is only going to escalate. Therefore I suggest we hasten our departure.”

“Soon, Wilson,” Lilly said, waving a hand at her footman. His face was creased with worry lines and she hated that it was she who had put them there, but before they left she needed to discuss a few things with the landlord.

“The lease will run for ten years, Mr. Snow?”

“I'd only be willing to offer you five, Miss Braithwaite,” Mr. Snow said, rocking back on his heels and rubbing his chin.

“Well, never mind then,” Lilly placed her hand on Toby's shoulder. “I'm sure there are other places nearby.”

“I know of another,” Toby winked at her.

“Excellent, well lead on then.” Lilly smiled at Mr. Snow as she drew level with him.

“Now let's not be hasty, Miss Braithwaite.”

Lilly knew what he thought, that she was a noblewoman who was following one of her pet causes that would wane in time. Someone he could fleece with an exorbitant rent. However she was nobody's fool, her grandmother had seen to that, and she knew how to get what she wanted.

“Hasty, Mr. Snow? I have told you my conditions and as they are not suitable to you, there is nothing left to be said.”

Mr. Snow scratched his sandy head for a few seconds before speaking.

“As long as nothing outside the law happens up here and my patrons are not disturbed, you have yourself an agreement, Miss Braithwaite.”

Lilly was sure that with the Anchor’s reputation it would be her children who were disturbed, yet she remained silent on that fact. “Excellent.”

They spoke briefly, and then she told Mr. Snow that her man would be in touch. Taking Toby's hand, she left the room behind Wilson. The noise level rose as they reached the street below and pushed open the door. They encountered several drunken patrons who had obviously spilled out of the Anchor and were in the midst of an argument of some sort.

“I warned you, Miss,” Wilson said softly.

“That you did, Wilson, and this, Toby, is why I am unsure about this place. Surely the children will run into trouble here,” Lilly said as they skirted the group of men.

“Compared to most places we go, this is safe, Lilly, and it’s easy to get to. Plus a quieter place would make some of the children uncomfortable. As long as the door has a strong lock, the others will come here if they need a safe place to stop.”

Lilly understood the logic behind Toby's words, even if she didn't like it.