Page 91 of The Ambiguous Enigma of the Hunted Lady
“Lookin' for Digby.” Nash stated boldly. “He and I run together.”
“I might's be able to reach out to him.” the thug whined. “But I think you gun' have to pay fer security.”
“Sure.” Nash didn't have the time to argue.
“Ten shillings.” the thug spat.
“Bugger off.” Nash shot back. He didn't actually have any coin. “When we're on the outside.”
“Now, or maybe I take it from you.” The thug pulled out a small knife.
“Don't think on it laddie you'll get cut.” Nash hissed, tensing for a fight.
“Nash?” Digby's voice came out of the darkness, and his huge frame followed suit.
“Digs.” Nash grinned. He was elated to see his friend alive and well. “I need your help, mate.”
“I thought you had gone,” Digby cocked his head.
“I thought so too.” Nash scuffed the stone under his feet. “But I couldn't leave ya. Not you nor them kids.”
“You mean it?” Digby sniffled.
“I mean it, mate.” Nash felt as if he might cry alongside the gentle giant.
“Have you got the shillin's then.” The thug moved his knife towards Digby.
“Filthy con artist.” Nash uttered.
“Scat.” Digby commanded, taking four large steps towards them.
“Blast.” The thug, no doubt upon realizing just how big Digby was compared to himself, turned tail and ran.
“It is good to see you my friend.” Nash laughed out, and took in his friend for a great embrace.
“I thought I would never see you again.” Digby sobbed, picking Nash up and swinging him around.
“I'm here now, aren't I? Come on now, put me down.”
“Sure, boss.”
“You don't need to call me that.” Nash said. “We're equal now. But we gotta do somethin' before we can go back to them kids.”
“What do we gotta do?”
“We gotta take down Riphook.” Nash whispered.
“That's all fine and good but how?” Digby clearly couldn't fathom undertaking such a task.
“Come with me, I'll explain on the way.” Nash beckoned him onward, and the two took off at a jog towards the Devil's Acre.
“So, we got to trick him?” Digby was getting a handle on the plan.
“That's right, we trick him. He thinks that we're trying to go back to work for him.”
“If you say it'll work, then it'll work.”
“I say it will.” Nash bit down on his lip.It bloody well better.
