A Most Dangerous Profession(80)

Robert nodded and wondered if Moira had already sent word to Aniston that she wished to meet him. It was difficult to tell what Moira had or hadn’t done.

She hadn’t trusted him enough to include him. That stung, but Robert accepted it. It would take a lot to completely gain Moira’s trust. And while he’d made significant inroads over the last three weeks, it would take several months, if not years, before she completely let down her guard. She’d had it up too long, and the price of this was too dear for her to simply turn it over to him.

But he was the best person to deal with Aniston. Moira’s emotional attachment to Rowena made them both more vulnerable, and now was not the time for vulnerability of any kind.

He turned to the Bow Street Runner. “Tell me everything you’ve found out. Aniston’s habits, the number of men in his employ, and where you think he might be keeping the child.”

Mr. Norris began to rattle off an impressive amount of information, reaching into his coat pocket for a map of the house with Aniston’s bedchamber and all entrances clearly marked. “There are twenty-two servants in all, three of them naught but ruffians, and a harsh lookin’ woman who acts as a nurse. Those, he keeps with the child.”

I can handle three. “Where does he keep her?”

“The attic rooms, sir.” Mr. Norris’s stubby finger poked the map. “This set of steps leads to the attic. I’m sure she’s there, fer there were no lamps lit in that part of the house before, and now they’re ablaze.”

“Good.” Robert examined the map, then folded and tucked it away. “Thank you for the information.”

“Indeed, sir. The little girl . . . she looked scared. I’ve a daughter of me own.” The man’s clear eyes met Robert’s. “Ye wouldn’t be wishin’ fer some help, would ye? I’ve not had a good brawl in a month and I’m due fer one.”

“I could use a diversion. Something to set the place in an uproar and draw attention to the lower floors.”

The man smiled. “I can do that.”

“Good. I’ll be ready at the back of the house when it occurs.”

“Very good, sir. I’ll give ye ten minutes and then begin.”

“One more thing. My wife is quite anxious to assist in saving our daughter. She might arrive before I’ve completed my task. She’ll be carrying a weapon, perhaps two. And don’t be surprised if she’s dressed as a man.”

Mr. Norris blinked. “Pardon, guv’nor?”

“My wife is a bit of a gypsy. It’s difficult to tell what she might or might not do.”

Mr. Norris let out a long, silent whistle. “Very well, guv’nor. We’ll be on the lookout.”

“Thank you.” With that, Robert crossed the street.

Moments later, he was at the rear of the house. The servants were just beginning to stir, the kitchen door opened as the undercooks prepared the morning fires.

He slipped inside while two sleepy-looking men collected wood from the stack by the back door. Robert hurried through the kitchen to a back hallway, sliding into a pantry when footsteps approached.

He’d just exited the pantry and found the back stairs when he heard Mr. Norris yelling like a drunken coalman, shouting that he’d been cheated and wanted his dibs for the coal already delivered, or he’d call the constable. Footsteps raced toward the front of the house as the servants attempted to silence the overwrought coal vendor whose loud voice might rouse their master.

Robert slipped up two flights of stairs, taking refuge in a linen closet when heavy footsteps tromped down from the attic. When the footsteps passed by, he peered out and saw two big men disappear down the steps. So Aniston’s thugs think they are needed. Mr. Norris might meet with some trouble. But somehow, Robert thought the Runner would do just fine.

Robert hurried up the stairs. At the very top was a landing with three doors. He listened at each, deciding the middle one held the most promise.

He silently checked the knob and, finding it locked, backed up a few steps and then slammed his shoulder into the door. It broke, and he staggered into the room, where he found himself facing the third large brute.

With a roar, the man bunched his huge fist and swung in Robert’s direction. Robert ducked and, using the man’s momentum, shoved him into the wall, where his head hit with a spectacular thud.

In a perfect world, the maneuver would have ended with the giant senseless on the floor. Instead, after shaking his head like a wet dog, the man whirled to face Robert, ready for another bout.