Page 83 of The Gift of Patience
“Is it some sort of code?” Hope asked, looking over her shoulder.
“Perhaps.” Patience rapped on the ceiling of the carriage. “Turn us back around, John. We need to return home.”
“As you wish, miss.”
Why would Rupert have given this to her if it was what she hoped it was? She wouldn’t curse her good luck. She only hoped they weren’t too late to catch Major Stuart.
All of themen set out for the gamekeeper’s cottage, horses in tow. They were to finish formulating their plan and then head to their respective positions either inside or surrounding the tavern. Devil would first send word with his contact that he wanted to speak with the gent, then seek out his gang so they were aware of his escape.
“When will I be free?” Devil asked.
“Soon enough,” Baines remarked. “I want to make sure you don’t get any wild ideas.”
“Why would I do that? Ye’ve got my Billy and I gave ye my word.”
None of them questioned when a man gave his word. There was apparently still some honour amongst thieves.
“Can you ride?” Renforth asked.
“I can stay on, but that’s about it.”
“That’s is good enough. I’ve one for you that will follow where the others lead.”
He rolled out a small hand-drawn map. “Now, here’s a basic layout of The Golden Goose and surrounding streets. Where do you usually meet our friend?”
Devil took a moment to study the map, then pointed to an area between a warehouse and the docks. “Here. It’s well-hidden after dark.”
“Cunningham, Montford, and Rotham, I would like you to watch the front. Here, here, and here.” Ashley knew they’d been placed there as the least risky positions, but at this point, theyneeded all eyes and ears. He pointed to the three sides of the tavern.
“Baines and Cholmely will watch inside, and Fielding and Manners will guard the yacht.”
“Stuart and I will watch Devil.” That man made an ungentlemanly sound.
“And me?” Westwood asked.
“I’d like you to keep watch at the clearing and send us a signal if you see anything from your vantage point.”
“Any particular signal?” he asked.
“Any signal at all will mean you saw something and put us on alert. Fielding and Manners will know to watch for it.”
Westwood nodded his understanding. “Carew is also available if needed.”
It seemed like as good a plan as they could make without having proof beyond the sound of a voice, a fancy scent, and possibly a snake-shaped walking stick.
“And you remember your part, Devil? Renforth asked.
“I am to tell the gang there’s been word of another shipment. I ’eard tell when I was being dragged to Newgate. I’ll send word to our man to see if ’e’s ’eard of it or if ’e wants in on it.”
Renforth nodded. “There is the possibility he may have already heard or that he will not show, fearing a trap. I’ve alerted the customs authority to seize them once everything is aboard the ship. Everyone’s weapons checked and ready?”
“Yes, sir.”
“We will leave our horses at the pier, ride across, then disperse from there on foot.”
They made their way outside to where the horses were saddled and waiting for them. A sombre mein shown on all of their faces, the seriousness of their task not lost on them. Sometimes people were hurt in these operations, and sometimes one of them didn’t come back.
Ashley and Westwood helped Devil into the saddle, then ensured he knew the basic commands.
