He shook his head, and watched as she carefully removed the fabric. She tossed the pillow back on the bed and lifted the case to her nose, inhaling deeply. When she lowered the fabric she sniffed the air once, then twice. The pillow case crumpled in her fist, she started for the door. She was honestly going to track Mila like a cat tracked prey. It felt all manner of wrong, but Jack didnt care if she hacked up a hair ball or ate a pigeon if it brought Mila home.
He and Jasper followed Wildcat down the stairs, through the hall and outside once more into the hustle and bustle of Whitechapel.
The afternoon had fallen to darkness, and the street lamps tried their best to illuminate the area. The girl paused on the walk, lifting her face to the chilly breeze. Her mouth opened slightly, as though she was tasting the night. When she lowered her chin and turned her head, her eyes caught the light and flashed like a cats. Downright bizarre, that wasand oddly thrilling at the same time. What an extraordinary creature. He could have used her in his petty-theft days.
This way.
When she began walking, Jack followed. He was going to suggest taking his motor carriage, but if Mila left on foot, then he wanted to proceed on foot, as well. Feet could go places wheels could not.
They walked to the Cheapside area, where the scent lingered around St. Pauls. Jack smiled. Of course his curious Mila would pause to explore and learn. She wanted to know everything, and he had indulged her as much as he could, taking her to museums and events. Now he wished he hadnt. Maybe she wouldnt have run off if she hadnt known there was so much world out there just waiting for her. It was a selfish thought, but honest.
Occasionally, Wildcat would stop and smell the pillowcase again, and then the air. No one seemed to notice the three of them trotting along despite the odd picture they had to present. Jasper was all cowboy, from his hat to his duster, right down to his worn boots. Wildcat was exotic with a huge head of curls, and feline features. And then there was Jack, looking like a lanky undertakeror a vampire, perhaps. Vampire certainly had a more romantic edge to it, and was better suited to the sinister image hed worked so hard to cultivate.
In the past hed been a bad man, and sometimes he still was. He imagined he would be bad in the future, as well. Yet, for all his connections and underworld associationsall the power hed fought for and wonhe had no real idea how to solve the problem that was Mila. He was a master of denial and subterfuge, but even he couldnt lie to himself that well. He would do everything in his power to give Mila the life she deserved, but he wanted her for himself, at least just for a little while. Maybe it was that rotten part of him that just wanted to ruin her innocence and goodness. Or maybe it was because he knew it was wrong to want her, but he wanted her in the worst possible way.
The trail led them onward to Covent Garden. Hed suspect shed gone to a show, but the theater was closed this time of yearmost of society was in the country at their grand houses, hunting and having lavish house parties. Mila knew there wouldnt be any plays for a few months because hed explained it to her when shed voiced her disappointment. So, why would she venture there?
They rounded a corner onto King Street and stopped. Wildcat sniffed and looked around. Then she turned and headed straight for a pub not far away. At this point Jack didnt care if Mila was sitting at the bar three sheets to the windhed just be so happy to see her.
But Mila wasnt at the bar when they walked in. She wasnt at a table either.
I dont see her, he said.
The American girl shook her magnificent head. No, but I smell her. On them. She discreetly pointed at a table near the back.
Jacks eyes were nowhere as keen as hers, but as he peered through the smoke-hazed light, he spied two familiar faces at that table: The Twins. They werent twins, of course, not even close. They werent even related, but that was the big joke. Several times theyd tried to insinuate themselves into Jacks business, his circle. But they were more cruel than smart, and had a view of women Jack found deplorable, so he told them in no uncertain terms to bugger off or hed make them very sorry.
The two of them had been to his house when Mila was there. In fact, the blond one had commented on her in front of Jack, making rude assumptions about just what sort of girl she was, and whether or not he might have a go.
Jack hadnt killed him then because it had been broad daylight and there were witnesses. However, he didnt feel quite so particular this time.
Hands in his pockets, he adopted a lazy slouch and approached the table, Jasper and Wildcat close behind. As he neared them, he saw that one had crutches and his arm in a sling while the other had a splint over his wrist and hand. The tips of his fingers were purple and swollen. They looked as though they had been used very badly by someone who knew how to inflict damage.
He almost smiled. That was his girl.
Ello, boys, he greeted with a predatory grin as he joined them.
The blond looked warily to his darker companion. Dandy, he said.
You two look as though you ad a bit of an altercation wiv somefin nasty. Mind if I inquire as to what that was?
A gang, the smaller one said.
Jack kept his smile easy. Lyin to me aint a good path to go down, mate.
Wildcat leaned in and smelled them both. They reek of her.
The dark one shoved her. Get off, bitch.
She laid open his cheek with one easy swipe of her clawsand claws was the only word to describe them.
The bloke swore and reached for a weapon, but then Jack blinked and Jasper was behind the table, a pistol pointed at each fellows head. Id rethink any thoughts of violence you might be entertainin, the American advised. Thats my lady you just insulted, and Im a mite sensitive where shes concerned, so Im sure youll understand that I just might twitch and blow your useless heads off. Move and speak carefully now.
This was someone Jack could see himself working with in the future. Very useful indeed were his new American friends. He leaned down, placed both his palms on the scarred tabletop, ignoring that it was sticky beneath his fingers. Lets give this anover go, shall we? Now, I know the two of you miscreants crossed paths with my girl. I know that she did the world a disservice by lettin you walk away, but shes better than me in that respect. He looked at one and then the other, making eye contact until he felt them fall under his spell. Where is she? Tell me quick and youll walk out of ere with all your bits still attached.
The blond looked ill. She went across the street. Brick place. Woman let her in.
There, that wasnt so ard, was it? Jack gave them both a small, cold smile. Go near her again and Ill personally see to it that you spend the rest of your days pissin out your eyes. Ave I made mself understood?
They both nodded.
Excellent. He straightened and gestured at the darker fellows bleeding cheek. Might want to get that looked at. Then he turned and walked outand he didnt care who watched.
That was a lot easier than I expected, Jasper commented once they were outside. Both pistols were back in their holsters.
Jack shrugged. People dont normally lie to me.
And they give you what you want.
Sometimes.
The American grinned crookedly. Why, Mr. Dandy. Youre a freak just like the rest of us.
Had he been wearing his hat Jack would have tipped it. Dont let it go to your ead. He checked for a lull in traffic before running out into the street. His companions followed him up the steps to the pretty brick house. He rapped the knocker hard.
A gorgeous older woman with glossy black hair and intriguing eyes answered a few moments later. She looked at Jack and blinked, her smile slipping just a bit. He arched a browhe was certain hed never met the woman before.
May I help you? she inquired, her gaze not leaving his.
Jack inclined his head and put on his best posh, Forgive us for calling unannounced, Madam, but I was told by two gentlemen that you may have seen a friend of mine.
I seriously doubt that, my lord, she replied. My girls are not of your class. Oh, she was good. Jack couldnt quite tell if that was an insult or not.
He smiled. Her name is Emilia, or Mila. Shes about this tall, uncommonly beautiful. A sweet girl. Have you seen her?
The woman gave a little under his influencehe felt it. Then, she blinked again, and tore her gaze from hispurposefully avoiding contact. How in the devil did she know to do that?
Im afraid not, sir. Perhaps you should check with Mrs. Newberry down the street. I know she has at least one vacancy. Were filled up. Sorry I cant be of help. Good day.
Only Jacks well-placed and quick foot prevented the door from closing in his face. He took a silver case from his inside coat pocket and opened it. Take my card. If you do see her, I would appreciate it if you let me know.
Of course. Still, she didnt look at him. Instead, she took the card and yanked the door shut. Jack just managed to pull his foot free, otherwise she might have crushed it.
So much for people not lying to you, Wildcat commented dryly as they walked down the steps.
She did a poor job of it, too, Jasper added.
Jack nodded. Indeed. But it was a lie told to protect Mila, and he appreciated it. She was with someone who would look after her.
Wildcat fell into step beside him. Want me to talk to her?
He shook his head. No. Thank you. I would like you to keep an eye on this place, however. Milas here and she obviously doesnt want to be found just yet. If she wants to prove a point by stretching her wings, Ill let her do just that. And maybe a little female guardianship would do her good. But it had taken every ounce of his strength not to barge into that house and find his girl.
You want us to spy on her. There was a bit of an edge to Cats voice.
Jack stopped on the walk and turned to her. No. I want her kept safe.
Did you see what she did to those two in the pub? She can take care of herself.
Physically, yes. But Mila is good. Too good. I wont let anyone ruin that.