Free Lady Rogue by Kathryn Kramer Page A

disgust in his expression at the thought of what she was, strangled her words.  Her eyes  darted to and fro, seeking an escape, and was in that instant that she saw Robbie coming up from behind. Dawn shook her head violently, trying to give him a sign.  She could not, would not steal from this man. But Robbie was upon the gentleman before she could blink an eye, exerting his lightning speed and feather touch.  She saw him extract a heavy gold watch from the man's pocket. With lightning speed he found a stickpin and a pocketbook. However, it was not until Robbie reached for the leather satchel that the gentleman sprang to action.
    "Oh no you don't you young scroundrel!"  The gentleman she knew as G.F.S. lunged out with a punch that landed squarely on Robbie's jaw, sending him squealing.  Effortlessly he push ed her brother against a wooden wall of the quay, cutting off any avenue of escape.  "You'll not be getting these!"
    "Please, Sir.  'E didn't mean any 'arm, 'e didnt'." 
    "Don't plead for him.You're in on it too.  I know your game.  Well, we'll see what the law has to say.  I have a particular loathing for women who use their...uh..charms to lure a man on, only to send him to his death in the Thames.  I'll see that both of you are apprehended.  It's one thing to steal quite another to..."  With a groan he slumped forward and Dawn stood in frozen horror, feeling his pain as if it were her own.  Black John had descended on the gentleman from behind, hitting him on the head with a large wooden club.
    "Ye've killed him yer 'ave!" Dawn's eyes were fiercely accusing as she bent down to wipe the blood from the man's head.               
    "If we 'aven't we'll bloody 'ave to now.  This is the kind o' toff wot won't rest until 'e sees us all 'ang."  Black John fished in his coat for a knife, wielding it with dead ly intent as he crouched down.
    "No!"  Stealing was one thing, murder another.  Dawn would have none of it.  Besides, this man had shown her kindness when she had been in a pickle, had even given her a ride in his carriage.  With reckless daring she threw herself in the way of John's knife.
    "Get out o' the waiy!  I'll gi' yer the back o' me 'and, I will!"  He brandished his fist threatening ly, used to everyone cowering.
    "Noooooo!  I won't go.  And wot's more , if ye 'arm 'is one I'll peach on yer, Black John.  I swears I will."  Clenching her jaw, determined to stop at nothing, Dawn held her ground. "Awaiy wi' yer now."
    "Argh..."  In vexation , John threw up his hands.  Dawn's gasped outburst was attracting dangerous attention.   Several heads were already turned their way. Thinking quickly, John picked his victim up and slung him over his shoulder.  "Never could 'old his whiskey, this un.  Nothing fer it but to take 'im 'ome," he said loudly.  To Dawn he bristled, "yer've won, at least fer the moment.  Come on."  Moving into the shadows, John trudged along the docks with Robbie and Dawn following close behind.
    She had held Black John at bay for the time being, Dawn thought.  But how long would her obstinence grant G.F.S. his life?

Chapter Six
     
    Dark clouds smothered the moon, strangling any beams that might have shed light on the small procession that made its way along the boards of the quay.  Dawn followed closely behind Black John as he headed towards an old deserted warehouse.  Usually that dilapidated old wooden building sheltered his ill-gotten gains, but tonight it held a more ominous purpose. Dawn shuddered to think of it.  Somehow she had to stop Black John and find a way to set the gentleman free before the night was over.
    "Come on!  'Urry up.  'e's heavy.  Move yer feet! "  John Dunn struggled under his burden as he issued the order.  "Stop yer doddling, for if we're caught I promise ye I'll maike yer pay."
    "I'm 'urrying as fast as I can!"  That was a lie.  In truth she was moving as slowly as she could , hoping for the first time in her