Angel Rogue by Mary Jo Putney

Author:Mary Jo Putney [Putney, Mary Jo]
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Demonoid Upload 2
ISBN: 9780451219923
Publisher: Lisa's E-Book Collection
Published: 2006-11-07T05:00:00+00:00

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Chapter 19

Even though Robin did as much as he could, Maxie had to half carry him. The canal seemed endlessly distant. The back of her neck prickled in anticipation of Simmons waking or his men returning to come after the fugitives.

Given a choice, she would prefer Simmons himself. He had shown signs of a conscience, but she would trust his men no further than hungry wolves in a butcher shop.

She kept hoping that other people might appear, but the area seemed deserted. People must be eating their midday meals. As she and Robin entered the shadowed alley between two of the warehouses, she prayed for a miracle with what energy she could spare. They could not go much farther like this.

They emerged onto the sundrenched wharf to find a loaded barge sitting at the mooring. A man and a boy were on deck preparing to cast off. The captain was a short fellow with a broad muscular figure and grizzled hair. He straightened and eyed the newcomers curiously, which wasn't surprising since Robin was draped over Maxie like a shawl.

A straightforward plea for aid seemed best. Letting her desperation sound in her voice, Maxie said, "Please, sir, can you help us? We were attacked and my husband has been injured."

The captain's startled face reminded her of how she was dressed. With her free hand, she yanked off her hat. The man blinked, his interest thoroughly engaged.

She had thought Robin beyond awareness, but he murmured in her ear with irrepressible amusement, "Brought out the heavy guns, I see. Poor devil hasn't a chance."

"Hush!" she hissed, keeping an arm around his waist as the captain jumped to the wharf and walked over to the newcomers.

"You were attacked by thieves in town in broad daylight?" he asked, visible skepticism on his weathered face.

What story would be likely to appeal to a canal man?

When in doubt, tell some variation of the truth. "It wasn't thieves, but my cousin and his friends. They're trying to stop us from reaching London." She glanced back, having no trouble looking anxious. "Please, can we go with you for a little way? I can explain everything, but they will be here at any moment."

She turned a pleading gaze on the captain, trying to look like the sort of female a man would feel protective about. She should have paid more attention to her cousin Portia, who had spent years cultivating helplessness.

The freckled faced boy ventured, "Mebee they're only lookin' for a free ride, Pa."

The captain studied Robin, who was wavering on his feet. "That blood looks real enough." Coming to a decision, he said, "All right, lass, I'll take you on faith for a few miles."

He stepped forward, stooped, then lifted Robin and slung him over a broad shoulder as if he were a schoolboy. "Come along."

Maxie followed, stepping. across the narrow gap between wharf and boat. The barge was simply constructed with two blunt ends and a square cabin in the middle. Tarpaulin covered mounds were secured to the deck, and the air was redolent with a strong, not unpleasant scent of wool.

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