Derek sighed. Something was afoot here and it must trace back to the old scandal. “If you can lead me to this woman and her companions, I could place you aboard a ship; help you start a new life."
Simon did not even bother to look up from his food. "Do I look like fish bait to you, guv? I keep a wary eye in my "ead for press gangs."
"I am talking about a merchant vessel, not the navy. But if you don’t want to be a sailor, I could take you with me when I return to America."
Simon took a gulp of ale, seeming to consider the offer. "Don’t know where she lives. Might be able to find out. If’n you paid me up front. Dangerous work an’ all."
Derek doubted whether he would ever see Simon again, but he slipped the boy a handful of coins. “Can you get a message to me? I’m staying with the Marque
