*Sterling*
Standing in the darkened alleyway, I reach into my waistcoat pocket for my watch before remembering that its absence is the very reason I am here now.
It is a habit to take out my watch, flip it open, and look at the time… even though I wouldn’t be able to see its face in the darkness. I’ve instructed my driver to park my coach on the street at the end of the alleyway. If Swindler or Moondancer is about, I don’t want either of them to know that I am here.
There is also the possibility that I’ve misread Frannie’s taking of my watch. Perhaps she intends to pawn it in order to acquire the few coins needed to feed the little urchin who had stolen into my residence.
Or, as I hope, perhaps it is an invitation. I had gone into the club briefly and cornered one of the lads who ru
