Madman's Dance (Time Rovers #3)(67)

“He wanted to ask me questions.”

“Why not do that on the street, in plain view?”

“Not safe that way,” Annie replied. “Some folks don’t look kindly if you talk to the rozzers.”

“What did he ask you?”

“If I knew anything about that Irishman and all that gunpowder he’s got.”

The spectators started murmuring amongst themselves and it took Hawkins to bring the room to order. Keats chuckled to himself. Someone hadn’t bothered to tell Annie that the explosives were not to be mentioned.

“Mr. Arnett, this is your first warning,” a glaring Hawkins announced.

“Yes, my lord.” Arnett turned his attention to Annie, who seemed confused at all the fuss. “Confining your answers to those regarding the prisoner only, has he at any time offered you money in exchange for certain favors?”

Annie frowned. From Keats’ experience, she didn’t like toffs much, especially ones who talked down to her.

“If you mean did he go for an upright, no. He’s not that way.”

There was tittering in the court. Keats fought to keep the smirk off his face.

“Yet he asked you to go down an alley with him.”

“I already told you why he did that.”



“Did he give you money?”

“Yes.”

“How much?”

“A shillin’. It got me a bed for a few nights.”

“He paid you a shilling for information? That’s quite generous. Are you sure it was only that?”

“Yes.”

“You have been arrested,” Arnett said, leafing through his notes, “three times for solicitation and once for stealing a loaf of bread.”

“I have, sir.”

“So you admit to being a woman on the wrong side of the law?”

Annie’s chin raised again, fire in her eyes. “If it comes to starvin’ or goin’ with a punter, I’ll do what I must to eat.”

“So offering your services to a police officer would allow you a chance to ply your trade unhindered, am I right?”

“No, it’s not like that. The rozzers don’t do that.”

“Why not? Who would you complain to?” Arnett pressed.

“They don’t do that,” Annie repeated.

“So you are saying that the prisoner has never once offered to pay you for sexual favors or to trade those favors for a blind eye?”

Keats’ gut knotted. He’s making me sound like a moral degenerate.

“He’s not like that!” the witness retorted, glaring at the barrister. “Never has been.”

That’s it Annie! Give him one on the shins.

“Have you heard that he’s ever made such an offer to any of the other unfortunates?”

“No,” Annie replied. “He’s just good with us. He gives us money, tells us to get to a doss house so Old Jack won’t find us.”

“How eminently philanthropic,” Arnett replied sarcastically. “At what time did you speak with the prisoner?”

The high color in Annie’s cheeks faded. “I’m not sure. I think it was going on ten.”

“Could it have been earlier than ten?” Arnett pushed.



“Maybe. The last time I remember, it was just after eight. I’d had a bit of supper and was walking toward Gunthorpe Street. I went into the pub for a time.”

“So you cannot say with any certainty that you saw the prisoner at ten that evening.”

“No, sir. But he didn’t do it. He’s not that kind.”

“That will be all, Miss Crickland.”

Wescomb rose. “I have no questions of this witness.”

The woman slowly made her way back to where she’d been sitting amongst the other witnesses. From the expression on her face, Keats could tell she felt she’d let him down.

Sorry I got you into this, Annie.





Chapter 21




2057 A.D.

TEM Enterprises

Cynda had just added the extra moat when the bald man reappeared, beckoning to her. “Will this hurt?” she asked, edgy.

“No.” Dr. Weber pulled a small device out of his pocket. “I will place this on your arm, and you will feel a slight tingle.”

“Is that all?” A nod. “Why do I have to have it?”

“It will make you calmer.”

Cynda frowned. She felt calm enough, at least when he wasn’t around.

“Roll up your sleeve and let’s get this done.”

She did as he asked, and felt the pressure on her arm. As he’d said, there was a slight tingle.

“I will come back tomorrow and administer another dose. In time, we’ll switch to a chip that will deliver the medication.”

“What’s a chip?” she asked.

“Nothing you need to worry about,” he responded breezily as he packed away his things.

Cynda never liked it when they told her that. “Can I go now?” she asked, wanting to get back to her castle.

“No, just stand here for a minute or two. I want to make sure there is no reaction.”

“How do you know if it’s not okay?” she asked.