Page 18 of Dubious about the Duke (Second Sons of London 5)

The Bow Street Runner nodded his head. “It isn’t just arson or murder that can earn a place on a ship bound to Botany Bay, Your Grace. Theft is most likely the most frequent crime. I’ve known some who have been sent from England’s shores for stealing a hairbrush. Beans. A case of tea.”

Dread filled Win, thinking of the two orphans being placed on a ship with criminals. He doubted they would survive such a long journey or if they did, how they would be abused by the more hardened criminals aboard.

“Have they been taken away yet?”

“No,” Blumer informed him. “I gave the grocer a few notes and told him to hold off reporting anything. That someone wanted to talk to the two boys first. Someone of great importance.”

“Take me to them,” he ordered.

His carriage wasn’t back yet and so he and Blumer walked several blocks. The entered the grocer’s shop and a small, thin man with sparse white hair rushed to greet them.

“I am the Duke of Woodmont,” Win said, standing tall as he used his officer’s posture and ducal authority. “I am here to see the two boys.”

“Stole an apple each, they did, Your Grace. And it wasn’t the first time. This is merely the first I’ve been able to catch them.”

He glared down at the smaller man. “Did you ever think they were hungry—and that’s why they took something?”

The grocer trembled under Win’s gaze. “But they stole, Your Grace. They should be punished.”

Pushing his hand into his pocket, he retrieved a ten-pound note and handed it to the grocer. “This is to cover your cost for previous losses—and to let me take the boys into my custody.”

“Ten pounds,” the grocer said, wonder in his voice as he gazed upon the note. “Ten pounds,” he repeated.

“I hope that is sufficient,” he said, knowing it was more than generous.

“You can take them, Your Grace. Just see that they don’t come back.”

“Where are they?” he asked, looking about the shop.

“I locked them in a closet,” the grocer said smugly.

Anger flared in him. “Give me the key. Now,” he barked.

The man ran behind the counter and retrieved it, telling him where the closet was.

“Stay here,” he commanded both the grocer and runner.

Win parted the curtains and stepped into the back of the store, finding the closet. He paused before it, collecting himself. He did not want to frighten the newly-orphaned boys.

He knocked on the door. “Freddie, Charlie, are you in there?”

A knock from within sounded. “Who wants to know?” a small voice asked.

“The Duke of Woodmont.”

Silence.

“I am going to unlock the door and let you out. I need to speak to you.”

Again, silence.

Win inserted the key into the lock and turned it, opening the door.

The pair blew by him so fast, he spun around.

“Stop!” he cried and then ran after them when they didn’t obey him. He thought everyone obeyed a duke.

Fortunately, the two ran into the grocer’s shop and by the time Win parted the curtains he saw Blumer had each one by the scruff of the neck.

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