Page 23 of Crimes, Conspiracies, and Courtship (Paddy’s Peelers Mystery #1)

THE VICAR

FEbrUARY 23, 1820

“I-I’m sorry, sir. But they been arrested. Well, most of ‘em. And one Runner dead.” Robert Dunn twisted his hat in his hands as he spoke to the back of the man’s head. Two brawny bodyguards flanked the huge oak desk. He watched a curl of smoke twist and rise to the rafters, disappearing. Like he wanted to do.

“Who got away?” A quiet, cold voice.

It put a chill right down Dunn’s spine. Rumor had it the man was disfigured. The reason no one saw his face. Robert couldn’t wait to get home to his wife. Dottie would have a hot supper and a smile waiting. If he got home. “Thistlewood, but they’ll find him soon enough.”

“They haven’t found you.”

“True ‘nough.” Dunn shuffled his feet. He was a proud man, full of himself, so people said. But put a knot in his belly. Of course, a knot in his belly was better than a knotted noose around his neck. “I was born in London, know these streets and alleys better’n most.”

“This was a scheme dear to my heart,” said. “I’m disappointed, and that’s not a good thing for anyone.”

Dunn nodded his head, then realized his boss couldn’t see it. “Yessir. What do you want me to do?”

“Stay down for a few months. You should have enough to get by. Don’t try to make some blunt on the side and get caught. Newgate will be the least of your worries.”

Dunn swallowed. Sweat trickled down his back. “Yessir. I’ll wait for word.”

“You do that.”

Dunn walked to the door.

“Oh, and Mr. Dunn?”

“Yessir?”

“Don’t disappoint me again.”