A Tale of Two Thieves by Heather Massey

Author:Heather Massey
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Victorian historical steampunk fantasy supervillains, cinnamon roll hero only one bed queen victoria airships clockwork bodyguard crush, Charles dickens a tale of two slow burn brains and brawn underground bareknuckle boxing grumpy sunsh, fake marriage Victorian gangs of London clockwork fugitive thriller inventor chosen one social justi, cross dressing heroine thief British empire rebellion aristocracy royalty rebellion revolt
Publisher: Crackerjack Creatives, LLC
Published: 2021-04-30T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty

The woman grasped Nathan’s elbow in both hands as they walked. Though the danger was past, she was trembling like a leaf. And no wonder—she had been through a horrific attack.

Ruby brought up the rear, probably to monitor their surroundings. They soon entered a moderately respectable neighborhood, which had three times as many public houses as other businesses. A mix of pedestrians, horse-drawn cabs, and steam-powered omnibuses filled the street. Under the supervision of a mustachioed task master, young boys darted among the conveyances to scoop up horse dung and collect it in barrows. A Sisyphean task if there ever was one.

Nathan turned to the woman. “Might I have the pleasure of your name?”

“Chelsea Anne Whitehill. Pleased to make your acquaintance, Mr...?”

“I’m—”

Ruby cleared her throat so forcefully the message was loud and clear.

“On second thought, I shall formally introduce myself when we are assured of absolute privacy.”

“Of course, sir. I understand.”

She pressed closer to him as they walked. The irony did not escape him. If Chelsea Anne wanted proper protection, she was cozying up to the wrong person. Nathan glanced over his shoulder at Ruby, catching her in the act of rolling her eyes. He shrugged, perplexed as to why Chelsea Anne had become attached to him when Ruby was the one who had handled the dangerous part of the rescue.

They walked the remainder of the way in silence. About ten minutes later, they came to 88 Wentworth Street, a two-story brick building with an unassuming façade. Four windows, framed in brown trim, overlooked the street.

“Here we are.” Chelsea Anne grabbed his hand and led him to the door. He looked to Ruby. She nodded curtly, indicating it was safe to enter.

Chelsea Anne led them into the front hall. Ruby shut the heavy door behind them. He shuddered as warm air chased away the lingering chill.

Gas lamps and candles washed the room in warm lighting. Tasteful paintings lined the walls. Settees dressed in rich velvets and other elegant furniture provided comfortable seating. A couple sat nearby, gazing into each other’s eyes. The gentleman brought the lady’s hand to his lips, grazing her knuckles with gentle kisses.

Nathan’s brows shot up at the intimate display. Who were those people and why were they in Chelsea Anne’s home?

Chelsea Anne headed farther inside, ignoring the love-struck couple. Nathan relaxed his hold, but she refused to release his hand. “Ma!” she called out. “Come quick!”

Murmured voices caught his attention. They came from a parlor on his left. The open doors revealed a small gathering. Laughter and the clink of glasses drifted from the room. The odors of alcohol and cloying perfume laced the air.

Had they stumbled into the middle of a party? He hoped not, given the shameful state of his appearance.

As they waited for Chelsea Anne’s mother to arrive, his gaze wandered to the central stairway. It led to the second floor, where several rooms lined the hallway. Three of the doors were shut.

Above them, half a dozen people lingered by the wooden railing.

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