Leaving the West End behind her, Tessie's mind swirled with guttural panic. She had to find Finn and didn't know whether to run straight to the docks or wait for him as agreed that evening. She had an awful sense they didn't have that much time, but as she fled across Albemarle Street, Finn leapt out from an alley and caught her around the waist.
"Tess!" He grabbed her mid-flight and she caved against him, breathless and panting.
"Yer were right, we've got to go!"
"Did he give it to yer?"
"No," she said, bending over to catch her breath. "He won't do it. Did yer follow me?"
"Aye. I couldn't bear it. Now I'm glad I did."
"Aye. We have to run. Now!"
"Alright then," he said, and giving each other a nod, they both broke into a run.
In the pockets of her skirt, Tessie fumbled for the fi
