The Reckoning by James McGee

Author:James McGee
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780007320127
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Published: 2017-06-17T04:00:00+00:00

15

“And what makes you think,” Connie said sternly, “that I can afford to take in waifs and strays just because you feel sorry for them?”

“Took me in,” Jago said, turning from the window. “Didn’t have a problem with that.”

“That’s because you’re old and on your last legs. You need looking after.”

Jago threw Hawkwood a crooked grin. “And they say romance is dead.”

“I’m sorry,” Hawkwood said, “but I couldn’t think of anywhere else.”

“Oh, well, that’s all right, then,” Connie said, and shook her head wearily. “You men.”

“If you do take her in,” Hawkwood added cautiously, “she won’t need coaching.”

“I ain’t going to ask how you know that,” Jago said.

Connie looked at Hawkwood askance. “I know Runners do the odd job on the side, but I always thought that was protection work, not procuring.”

“Nice one,” Jago said, still grinning.

“And you can wipe the smirk off your face,” Connie said.

“Me?” Jago protested. “What the hell did I do?”

“Guilty by association,” Connie said.

“If you must know,” Hawkwood said, “it didn’t feel right, leaving her there. She wouldn’t admit it but I’m damned sure those bruises are Rain’s doing. She’d have known it was Annie who told me about Lucy.”

“And you didn’t think they’d take it out on her after you’d left?” Connie said, incredulous. “Shame on you.”

“Captain was only doing his job,” Jago cut in, earning himself another accusing look.

“No, Connie’s right,” Hawkwood said. “It is my fault.”

“Well, hallelujah,” Connie retorted. “A man with a conscience.”

Before either Hawkwood or Jago could respond, in a softer tone she said, “You think it was Rain who hit her?”

“Well, the bitch has a temper. I saw some of it in action. But with Lucy dead, I think it’s more likely she rented Annie off to some of Lucy’s more forceful gentlemen callers. Annie told me that Lucy didn’t mind being chastised because it earned her extra money. From what I understand, Lucy was Rain’s number one punishment moll, so she’d have needed someone to fill in. There’s a girl called Helena, but I’m guessing Rain chose Annie out of spite. I doubt it was voluntary. When we talked, Annie told me she didn’t take punishment herself; she only gave it out.”

“You believed her?”

“I did, yes.”

“I took a look,” Connie said. “She’s got the marks on her backside as well.”

“Lucky it wasn’t the face,” Jago growled.

Connie shook her head. “It’s never the face; bad for business. No one’ll go with a girl with a split lip and a black eye.”

“Where is she now?” Hawkwood asked.

“Theresa’s keeping her company. By the way, you know the girl has a soft spot for you, don’t you? Though Lord knows why, considering what you did.”

“That ain’t good,” Jago said. “She knows you’re taken, right?”

Hawkwood nodded. “She knows.”

He looked at Connie, who looked back at him. “If it had been anyone else asking …” Connie said.

“So she can stay?”

Connie sighed resignedly. “If she wants to. As you say, she’s a bright girl and Theresa vouches for her and she’ll be safe here. She won’t have to do anything she’s uncomfortable with.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.