London Calling

by Sorcha Mowbray

  Since Mrs. Ellison was busy she put a pot of water on to warm in the kitchen then went to her father’s office to lock the journal away. That task done, she gathered the things she’d need for a bath and carried them up to her room. When she went back downstairs for the heated water she found Mrs. Ellison waiting for her.

  Over a cup of tea she told Mrs. Ellison everything that she had learned about Peter’s disappearance, the attacks she and Nathaniel had endured, and how Carrick came to be involved.

  While Mrs. Ellison flitted about the kitchen, Trixie’s mind wandered. Had Nathaniel made it home safely?

  “You poor dear,” Mrs. Ellison shook her head. “You must be exhausted to be woolgathering like so.” She wrapped the jug of hot water in a towel. “Take yourself upstairs. You look as if you need a good night’s rest.” She shooed Trixie toward the stairs. “I’ll bring this up so you can wash up. Then off to bed with you.”

  When they reached her room, Mrs. Ellison poured some of the hot water into the basin then set the jug on the floor near the door. “I’ll fetch your used water in a bit.”

  “Don’t trouble yourself. I can bring it down in the morning after I wake.”

  Mrs. Ellison harrumphed. “Good night then.” At the door Mrs. Ellison paused. “I’m glad you made it home safely. Please make an effort to take care of yourself.”

  “I will.”

  21

  Nathaniel waited in the shadows until he found Fletcher making a patrol outside of Trixie’s home. Fletcher showed Nathaniel where to enter at the back then moved along with his watch.

  The house was dark but he knew enough of the layout to make his way upstairs. He followed her directions to her room but double-checked it was her sleeping in the bed before locking the door. Despite his exhaustion, his body hummed with anticipation as he undressed then slipped under the covers. She murmured in her sleep when he pulled her soft, warm body next to his.

  It had only been a day since he’d lain with her yet he couldn’t wait to feel her wrapped around his aching cock. He nuzzled her neck and ear then down to her collarbone. She sighed dreamily then rolled to face him. With a gentle touch she traced his lips and cheek then slid her fingers into his hair. It wasn’t clear who initiated it, but finally their lips met.

  Within seconds their kiss went from a warm simmer to a full burn. All of the frustration he had built up during the day when he had been unable to touch her the way he wanted came unleashed. Needing to feel her skin upon his own, he pulled her nightgown up until he could slip his hand beneath.

  She grasped his arm as if trying to get closer.

  Unable to withstand the temptation, he rolled her onto her back then scooted down so he could feast upon her breasts. She kneaded her fingers in his hair as he licked and suckled one then the other.

  When her hand wrapped around his erection he froze. That simplest of touches was very nearly his undoing. He groaned and pulled her hand away.

  “Did I do something wrong?”

  “No love.”

  “I just wanted to touch you.”

  “I know. Normally I would tell you to go ahead but I have been craving you all day. If you keep doing what you’re doing then I won’t last any time at all.”

  “Oh.”

  To stop any other questions she might have, he kissed her senseless. Her hand slid up his side and came to rest around his neck. Now that they were face to face again, he was able to pull one of her legs up and hook it over his hip. He slid his hand to the juncture between her legs and gloried in the fact that she was already wet for him. Keeping his lips upon hers, he muffled her sounds of pleasure as he worked her sensitive nub. When she began to rock against his hand he aimed his cock at her opening and eased his way inside. He kept his movements slow and steady despite his overwhelming need to drive into her body.

  She moaned against his lips as she became lost in sensation. He slid one hand up her back to hold her firmly in place against his chest. The other he slipped between their bodies to find her nub again. It only took a few more flicks to send her careening over the edge. Her channel gripped him tightly and sent him spinning into oblivion also.

  They remain locked in each other’s arms until their breathing returned to normal. Then he slid out of bed to get a rag from the basin stand. He gently wiped her thighs then tossed the rag aside. Anxious to have her in his arms again, he slipped in next to her and pulled her firmly against him. No words were needed from either of them.

  He fell asleep knowing he was exactly where he should be. They would talk about their future soon. Meanwhile, just being together was enough.

  When dawn broke, Nathaniel smiled. He kissed Trixie on top of her head then slipped out of the bed. He dressed as silently as he could then made his way downstairs. He found Jacob in the kitchen enjoying a cup of coffee while watching out the back window.

  “Good morning,” Nathaniel said as he dropped his boots next to one of the unoccupied chairs.

  Jacob raised a brow at his arrival. “You’re an early riser.”

  “Afraid so.” Nathaniel pulled his boots on. “Any disturbances last night?”

  “None.” Jacob took a sip from his cup. “Fletcher and I switched off somewhere around four this morning. If we get lucky we’ll have a day to rest before those bastards come around again.”

  “They seem to want that journal pretty bad so I doubt we’ll be that lucky.”

  Nathaniel helped himself to what was left of the coffee. Before he had a chance to finish Mrs. Ellison appeared.

  She paused in the doorway of the kitchen as soon as she spotted Nathaniel. “Mr. Dennison. I didn’t expect you until much later.”

  “Trixie is my priority. I wanted to be here as soon as I could to make sure she stayed safe.”

  Mrs. Ellison nodded. “Glad to hear it.”

  Nathaniel help up his cup. “I hope you don’t mind that I helped myself.”

  “Not at all. I’ll put on another pot in just a moment. I was about to begin breakfast for these gentlemen. You’re welcome to join if you haven’t eaten yet.”

  “I have not. I would appreciate it very much,” Nathaniel smiled his gratitude.

  She made shooing motions to the two of them. “Go make yourselves comfortable in the front room. I’ll let you know when breakfast is ready.”

  “I think she’s trying to get rid of us,” Jacob said to Nathaniel.

  “I believe so.”

  They grinned and left as directed. When they reached the foyer Jacob said, “Since you’re here I think I’ll take a quick pass around the block.”

  Nathaniel nodded then headed to the sitting room. He found three of the previous days’ news sheets on the table. Since he didn’t have the journal to work on, he settled in to read. He had just started reading the second in the stack when Trixie came in.

  “Good morning, Mr. Dennison,” she said from the doorway.

  He tipped the corner down so he could see over the paper. “Good morning, Beatrix.”

  “Mrs. Ellison said you had arrived.”

  They shared a private grin as she joined him on the sofa. “She invited me for breakfast. I was making use of your recent news sheets while I waited.”

  “Anything of interest?”

  “Nothing to keep my attention from you.”

  Mr. Ellison came to door. “The Missus said breakfast has been served in the dining room. You’re welcome to help yourselves.”

  “Thank you, David,” Trixie told the older man.

  “Shall we?” Nathaniel said, getting to his feet. “I find myself famished this morning.”

  Trixie’s cheeks turned pink. She put her hand in his and allowed him to escort her to the dining room. The smell of ham and fresh biscuits greeted them. Just as they sat, Jacob returned from his patrol.

  “Notice anything while you were out?” Nathaniel asked.

  “No.” Jacob sounded faintly disappointed. “Strangely quiet area for London.”

  “That’s one of the rea
sons Father always loved this house.” She spooned a portion of porridge into a bowl then added a healthy splash of cream. “Most of the neighbors are older couples whose children have moved out. We’ve never noticed anyone coming or going at odd hours.”

  “That should make anyone who doesn’t belong stand out.”

  “One would hope,” Nathaniel muttered.

  As they ate they chatted about one of the articles Nathaniel had read in the newssheets. He was about to enjoy his second helping of ham when something crashed in the kitchen. Mrs. Ellison screamed.

  All three of them rushed from the dining room, Jacob in the lead. Nathaniel and Jacob both pulled weapons out as they ran. As soon as they burst into the kitchen they came to halt. On the other side of the room a man stood behind Mrs. Ellison with a gun pointed at her head. Mr. Ellison lay on the floor nearby. He had a gash on his forehead, but no injuries that appeared life threatening.

  Mrs. Ellison’s eyes were wide with fright as she glanced from them to her husband.

  A second man came in through the back door. He pointed a pistol in their direction. “Go get the journal. Now.”

  Nathaniel stepped in front of Trixie. “What journal?” he asked.

  “We don’t have time for games. You know what journal we want. Get it now or this woman dies along with at least one of you.”

  Nathaniel quickly assessed the situation but didn’t see a way out. Even if he managed to convince Trixie to get the journal and run out the front door -something she would never do when Mrs. Ellison was clearly in danger-the men would likely kill at least one of them and still chase after her.

  Over his shoulder he told Trixie, “Go get the journal.”

  She nodded and hurried away.

  Jacob and Nathaniel waited, still as two statues, and stared down their opponents. Even when Trixie returned, he didn’t look away.

  “Here. Just don’t hurt her.” Trixie tried to brush past but Nathaniel stopped her.

  “No. You’re not going near them.” He plucked the journal from her hand. “How shall we do this, gentlemen? You have pistols. We have pistols. You have something we want. We have something you want.”

  “Toss the book ‘ere and we’ll be on our way,” the man holding Mrs. Ellison said.

  “No.”

  “What do you mean no?”

  “What guarantee do I have that you’ll release her?” Nathaniel asked.

  “You don’t, mate,” the second man said.

  “Seems to me we have a problem then.”

  “Well what do you think we should do, Goven’r?” the first man asked.

  “How about if my friend,” Nathaniel gestured to Jacob. “Brings you the book and he backs away with Mrs. Ellison?”

  “Only if he comes without his pistol,” the second man said.

  Nathaniel and Jacob exchange glances. Jacob nodded then handed his pistol to Nathaniel in exchange for the journal. Jacob walked forward until he could reach Mrs. Ellison. He set the journal on the table near the men then pulled Mrs. Ellison behind him as soon as the man went for the book.

  “Down!” Nathaniel ordered as he shoved Trixie backward, out of the kitchen. Jacob pushed Mrs. Ellison to the floor then Nathaniel opened fire on the men. The man fired back, grabbed the journal, then both men hurried out the door, slamming it closed behind them.

  Nathaniel chased after the men but had to duck back into the house when the man fired another shot at him from further down the alley.

  Jacob joined him at the door. “I’m going out the front.”

  “Here.” Nathaniel handed Jacob’s pistol back to him. “I’ll follow them as soon as the alley is clear.”

  “Got it.” Jacob hopped around the table and dashed out of the kitchen.

  “Mrs. Ellison, are you all right?” Trixie asked from somewhere behind him.

  Nathaniel didn’t hear what Mrs. Ellison said. He tried to remain focused on the sounds in the alleyway. A few people stuck their heads out but he waved them back inside their homes.

  He startled when someone tugged at his jacket. “Dammit, Trixie! Get back inside and see to Mrs. Ellison.”

  “She said she’s fine. She’s tending Mr. Ellison. I’m coming with you.”

  “No, you’re not.” He looked back down the alley.

  “Yes, I am.”

  “I don’t have time to argue with you. I need to follow those men and try to get that journal back.” He stepped out onto the walkway and darted in the direction the men had gone. When he heard her echoing footsteps behind him he said a prayer for strength. Why couldn’t she come to her senses and stay at home where it was safe?

  When he stopped at the edge of the next alleyway he grabbed her hand. “If you insist on coming, you have to do exactly what I tell you.”

  “That’s always been a bit of a problem for me,” she muttered.

  22

  “Did you see where he went?” Nathaniel pulled Trixie along behind him.

  “No.”

  Their heads swiveled back and forth as they both searched the street and the alleyways they passed. They darted around the slower pedestrians and ducked out of the way of an oncoming horse and carriage.

  “Dammit,” Nathaniel swore under his breath. “I know he came this way. I’m certain of it.”

  “Where’s the most likely place he would head?”

  Nathaniel searched his memory banks. “Whitechapel, maybe. Or perhaps the market.”

  “What’s down there?”

  “People less likely to question your behavior.”

  “Hallo!”

  Nathaniel and Trixie both looked toward the shout.

  “Um… is that Willis?” Trixie asked.

  “Yes.” Nathaniel pulled her toward the edge of the road. He stopped only long enough to let a horse carrying a rider pass. “We’re in a bit of a hurry. What are you doing here?”

  “Carrick sent me to find you. He has a lead about where your brother went and wants you to meet him at the docks.”

  Nathaniel swore under his breath again.

  “If Carrick is onto something, we might be better off finding him.” She gestured to the crowded street. “We’re not having any luck finding the men we were looking for. By now they could have handed the book off to any number of people who could have gone in any direction.”

  “True.” He tipped his head to Willis. “Where can we find Carrick?”

  Willis gave them directions to a seedy area down by the river. “Carrick said he’d join the two of you on the other side of the bridge but to act casual.”

  “I know the place,” Nathaniel assured him. “Go back to Trixie’s and get Fletcher and Jacob. We may need them.”

  “Will do.” He gave Nathaniel a quick salute then turned toward her home.

  Nathaniel led Trixie through the market and around to the bridge Willis mentioned. Once there he moved Trixie’s hand onto his arm so they could stroll at a more leisurely pace. As soon as they crossed the footbridge Carrick moved in behind them. “We followed one of the men here late last night. He hired the ship over there on the left. It returned about an hour ago.”

  “What of the captain?”

  “I followed him when he left the ship. He didn’t go far. Took lunch at one of the local pubs then returned. He’s still aboard. Samuel got close enough to see that he’d curled up in the cabin to sleep.”

  “What are you thinking is the best way to handle this then?”

  “Captain looks like a regular. Nothing out of place about him or his ship. My guess is that he’s just making extra money carting people back and forth for whoever is behind this. I’d take a direct approach. Offer him more money to take you to the same location. No questions asked.”

  “Seems reasonable.” Nathaniel looked at Trixie. “I’m guessing you aren’t going to let me take this boat ride alone, are you?”

  “Not on your life.”

  “You do realize that it might be that risky, right?”

  “Of course I do. But
if there is a chance that my brother is wherever that man is going, I need to be there too.”

  Nathaniel sighed. “All right. Let’s go.”

  “Wait.” She tugged on Nathaniel’s arm. “Don’t we need a plan or something?”

  Carrick shrugged. “We go in. Ask the Captain where he took his last passenger. If he answers we compensate him. If he doesn’t we either offer him more coin or we find another way to convince him to answer us.”

  “Another way?”

  The men glanced at each other but Trixie held up her hand. “I don’t want to know. Just… just handle it.” She brushed past them and headed to the ship.

  Nathaniel caught her by the arm. “Let us do the talking when we get inside.”

  “I wouldn’t dream of anything else.”

  Carrick snickered at Nathaniel’s plight. When they reached the ship, he motioned for his men to join them. They discussed the plan then Carrick’s men created a perimeter on the dock around the boat and one of the larger men in the group led the way onboard. The same man went inside the cabin and woke the Captain.

  The man returned to the deck with a white haired, sea-weathered man who looked as if he’d been roused from his bed. “What devil are you doing on my boat?”

  “You took a man out to sea last night at about half past midnight. Where did you take him?” Carrick said.

  “Who wants to know?” the Captain asked.

  “Doesn’t matter,” Nathaniel answered.

  “Tell us where. We don’t have much time,” Carrick pressed.

  The old captain leaned against the boathouse. He pulled a pipe out of his pocket and lit it. “What’s in it for me if I tell you?”

  “You could be saving a man’s life. Isn’t that worth something?” Trixie asked.

  “Well, I don’t know anything about a man’s life being in danger. Anyone I’ve ever taken out on this here ship has been hale and hearty and willing to go where I took them.”

  Trixie crossed her arms over her chest and harrumphed.

  “We have reason to believe that more than one person has been taken against their will and one of those men is her brother. Will you help us find him?”

  “I might be.” He pointed his pipe at them. “For a price.”

  “And what is your price of passage?” Nathaniel asked.