Chapter 18
Finn and his two companions weaved through the festive carollers and decorations. Christmas was nearing and Finn felt splintered and separated from it all. The whole world was carrying on around him as if nothing had changed, and yet it had for him in every way.
Madochée led them through the dark shadowy vessels over the bridge and back towards Bermondsey.
"What do I have to do again?” Billy sulked, lingering behind. "If I go home with so much as a scratch on me—"
"What? Your pa will knock me senseless?"
"My pa died last winter."
“I’m sorry." Finn rubbed his forehead and paused with his hands on his hips.
"But my ma's tougher than him any hows. It’s her you should be worried about. My pa was soft as butter. Wouldn’t hurt a fly.”
“I'll not let any harm befall yer, alright
