The dirigible continued north toward the landing port in Central Park, and Finleys carriage continued south and a little west, inching farther and farther away from the grandeur of the hotel and the party Griffin would enjoy. Not too far, though. She wasnt headed for the slums tonight.
Dalton was wise to keep his household just on the fringe of Five Points. He didnt impinge on anyones business that way and avoided anyone trying to take a piece of his. The gangs didnt take well to strangers, and if Dalton was from San Francisco the same as Jasper, then he hadnt been in the city long enough to fully establish himself. He obviously fancied himself above the gangs and their ilk, judging from the way he dressed and spoke. Perhaps that was something she could use to her advantage.
His was a moderately sized, slightly shabby redbrick town house with a freshly swept walk and a weathered brass knocker on the door. It looked like the sort of place where a middle-class merchant might have once lived with his wife and childrennot a den of thieves. There were even flowers in the tiny gardens tucked on either side of the steps.
Are you certain this is where you want to go, miss? the driver asked as she stepped out. Its not the sort of neighborhood a pretty little thing like you should brave alone.
Finley smiled in appreciation as she dug a few coins out of the pouch concealed beneath the bottom of her corset. If he only knew the damage she could work, he wouldnt be so quick to dismiss her as a little thing. Though, he was still welcome to think her pretty.
Its all right, she told him. Im meeting friends here.
He looked dubious, but he didnt press the issue as she dropped payment and a generous tip into his palm. You have a good night, then, miss.
Its all right, she told him. Im meeting friends here.
He looked dubious, but he didnt press the issue as she dropped payment and a generous tip into his palm. You have a good night, then, miss.
She bade him good-night and approached the front steps, hoping the cabbie wouldnt sit there and wait until she went inside to leaveas though he were her father or guardian.
To her relief, the coach pulled away when the front door of the house opened. It was the behemoth who glared down at her. Youre late.
She glared back. So?
He didnt seem to know just what to make of that. Clearly he was not a man accustomed to being talked back to. Mr. Daltons waiting for you. Follow me.
When Finley crossed the threshold, it was as though shed stepped into another world. At that moment, she realized there was no turning back. Jasper would prove to be either a friend or enemy, and she would either survive this or she wouldnt. She didnt doubt for a minute that Dalton would try to kill her if he found out shed lied to himit was what any criminal would do. She could only hope she would have backup with her when the time came.
The house was comfortable and cleanmuch like the home her mother and stepfather owned. Shed grown up surrounded by lemon scent and furniture polish, the slight, sharp tang of vinegar. The smells brought a pang of homesickness to her chest as she followed the silent giant across the foyer through another doorway. He knocked and opened the door to reveal a small green parlor.
Jasper sat on the sofa. He looked up as soon as she walked in. There was absolutely no recognition on his face, but she thought she caught a glimmer of something in his green eyes. The girl was there, too, watching her like a mouse eyes a hawkor perhaps the other way around. Finleys own eyes narrowed.
Why were pretty girls always so eager to get all territorial when another girl entered the room? It wasnt as though Finley was competition or wanted that ugly-arse necklace she was wearing.
Dalton was at the bar, fixing himself a drink. He turned and grinned at her, bright eyes crinkling at the corners. Did he stand at his mirror and practice that smile? Did he know just by how it felt on his face how charming it was? He was almost too perfect to look atlike an angel sent to earth.
Only Dalton was no angel.
Miss Bennet, he greeted in a low drawl. Good evening. Care for a drink?
Finley shook her head. She needed all her wits about her. No thanks. My apologies for being late.
A quick glance at the clock above the mantel, and Dalton frowned. Youre not late at all.
She couldnt help but throw a triumphant smirk at the giant, who glowered in response.
Her host appeared not to notice the exchange. He gestured with his glass toward the sofa. You remember my associates, Jasper Renn and Mei Xing?
Mei Xing? As in a-mazing? Poor girl getting stuck with such an unfortunate name. Or perhaps she thought it was cute. Finley nodded at each of them. How dyou do?
Chuckling, Dalton walked around to the love seat and gestured for her to join him. I love how you English speak.
Really? Ive always been intrigued by what I believe is referred to as the Southern drawl. She seated herself beside him, forcing herself to act relaxed and affable. This was how it was supposed to gohe had to like her for this to work.
Most English are. Jasper spoke. Least in my experience.
Finley arched a brow. Really? Have you been to England? She wanted to ask what he was doing there. If he was a prisoner, then why was he allowed to walk around freely? It didnt look well for proving his innocence.
I spent some time there was his response.
Her gaze skipped to Mei. What about you, Miss Xing? Have you ever been to London?
No, the girl replied in a deceptively soft voicelike a cloud wrapped around steel. But I doubt you have ever been to San Francisco, let alone Peking.
Forcing a smile, Finley crossed her legs. No, I havent. She was accustomed to other girls not liking her, so she didnt take it personally this time. Girls didnt need a reason to despise each other.
As fascinating as this conversation is, Dalton said with a dramatic roll of his eyes, Im starving. Lets eat. When he stood, he offered Finley his arm, just like a gentleman would.
She placed her hand on his elbow and allowed him to escort her from the room. She made her grip just a tad tighter than it should be and felt the solid muscle beneath his sleeve. He wasnt some noodle-limbed ponce. He was strong and she would do well to remember it. When he turned those dark-rimmed blue eyes at her and flashed a lopsided smile, she felt like a deer being sized up by a lion. Griffins words about Dalton being nothing like Jack echoed in her head. He was a real villain.
The dining room was small, with a table set for four and accented with fresh flowers. The walls were painted a soft coral, and a sideboard of rich ebony held heated silver dishes. Their contents smelled delicious. Finleys stomach growled softly.
Dalton held out a chair for herat his right. He seated himself at the head of the table. He asked her several questions over dinner, which she assumed were to divine her character, though she was surprised by the seemingly genuine interest behind them. She tried to be as honest as possible, because lies were often difficult to remember, but avoided telling him anything too personal or anything that might link her to Griffinor Jasper.
I could use a girl like you, Finley, he told her as he cut into a thick beefsteak.
Finley forced her lips into a coy smile. I know. What did you have in mind?
There was no mistaking the predatory interest in his eyes. Id like for us to work together as friends. But first, I need to know youre right for the job. What would you say to a test?
She chewed and swallowed the bite of potato in her mouth, appearing nonchalant, even though the palms of her hands grew moist. What sort of test?
Theres a document I need in a house uptown. Id like for you to go there with me and help me steal it.
Are there people in the house? Her heart began to hammer in her chest. Anxiety or anticipation, she wasnt certain.
Theyre having a party, he replied with a grin. Everyone will be nice and distracted.
Shed never stolen anything before. Hitting people who deserved it was one thing, but stealing ... It wasnt as though she could refuse, though, could she? Not if she wanted to gain his trust. She glanced down at her clothes. Im not exactly dressed for a party.
I can fix that. All you have to do is be your lovely, ruthless self if we run into trouble. Are you game or not?
It was all she could do not to look at Jasper for a sign of how she should respond. Instead, she grinned back, twirling a lock of her hair around her finger. Always.
The house was huge and ornate, situated near the corner of 58th and 5th, not far from Central Park, in the wealthier section of the city. Lights blazed in the windows, carriages of different colors and sizes were parked out front, and music drifted down to the street, along with the sound of conversation and laughter.
All in all, it seemed everyone was having a bang-up time. Finley turned from the carriage window to Dalton. How are we getting in?
All in all, it seemed everyone was having a bang-up time. Finley turned from the carriage window to Dalton. How are we getting in?
He leaned across her to glance outside. I reckon well saunter right on in through the front door.
She raised a brow. Theres an automaton guarding it. She had taken on metal before, but wouldnt it call attention to them if she ripped the thing apart on the front steps?
You leave the tin can to me and keep those sharp eyes of yours peeled for any sign of trouble.
A footman from the house opened the carriage door for them. Dalton stepped out and then offered Finley his hand. She had to give him credit for behaving exactly as he ought.
He looked the part of a gentleman, as well, dressed in a stark black suit with white shirt and cravat. Hed found a rich plum silk gown for her that fit remarkably well and had only needed to be let out a bit in the bust. Surprisingly, Dalton had taken care of the alteration himself on the spot.
My father was a tailor, he explained to her as he had pulled apart a seam. His clients were San Franciscos elite. That explained his impeccable clothing.
Arm in arm, they climbed the steps to where the automaton stood along with another footman.