“I have an idea, miss.” Becky grabbed the covered tray from the stand by the bed and opened the door. Though Arista couldn’t see anyone, she heard the deep tone of a man’s voice just outside the room. Becky said something in reply, then the door closed.
It seemed like hours passed. Arista paced the room. What if Becky had been caught? What if Wild were questioning her? This might be the only chance Arista had to find Bones’s stash before Wild had her firmly under his thumb. He had saved her, but not due to any kind of chivalry toward her. He had reasons of his own.
She had picked up the candlestick again when she heard voices in the hall. The door swung open.
“Thank you very much,” Becky said, backing into the room with the covered silver tray in her hands. “You’re a very nice gentleman.”
“Anytime, miss,” came a reply.
Arista watched as Becky smiled at the man in the hall. She very rarely ever met a man’s gaze, and if it happened by accident, she always turned away first. When Becky closed the door, Arista saw the faint stain of a blush on her friend’s cheeks.
Another reason why Arista had to figure out a way to get them out of this life; so that Becky could have one. Arista wondered if her friend wanted a family of her own. They’d never talked about it—never talked about any kind of future, really. Without a guarantee that there would even be a future, there had never been any point in talking about it. Now, however?
The thought took Arista by surprise. Did Becky want that? Her own family?
“Here, miss, I got these for you.” Becky’s voice broke through the strange direction of Arista’s thoughts. Arista could not focus. Why was she so distracted? Maybe because for the first time in her life, there was a promise of something more. The future, the freedom of her thoughts, made her mind go to strange places. She needed to focus on the here and now.
Her friend lifted the silver lid, and underneath, there was a neat pile of folded clothes. They looked very similar to the ones Arista had stolen earlier. Becky had sneaked them into the room, disguised as food.
“Becky, you are a genius,” Arista said with a big smile. She turned around, and Becky immediately began helping her undress. Soon Arista stood in just her shift and began pulling on the rough boys’ clothing.
“I’m still not sure how you’re planning on getting out, miss,” Becky said. “That man that Mr. Wild put outside the door isn’t moving.”
“Maybe you’d like to distract him for me?” she teased.
Becky’s cheeks turned red. “He was just doing his job,” she said, and her glance fell to the floor.
Arista wanted to pull her friend into a hug. Despite the scars and bandage over one eye, Becky’s goodness still radiated out.
“I only need a few seconds to make it down the hall,” Arista said. She stepped out from behind the screen and adjusted the wool cap. The clothing hung a little loose on her frame, but it hid her gender more than her old disguise had. The only thing missing was shoes.
She hoped that somewhere near the kitchen door, an extra pair of boots could be found. Otherwise she’d be running through the alleyways barefoot. It wouldn’t be her first time, but in the darkness she’d have to go slowly and walk carefully to avoid broken glass or sharp stones—and there was no time for caution.
Becky chewed her bottom lip. “Are you sure about this? If you get caught…” They’d both heard the veiled warning in Wild’s tone, but really—what could he do to her? He needed her.
Still, there were ways to ensure Arista’s cooperation without threatening her. One look at Becky proved that. And Wild, unfortunately, knew Arista would do anything to protect the girl.
“As soon as I’m gone, I want you to lock the door and wedge the chair under the latch—do you understand?” Arista said. “I’ll use our usual knock to let you know it’s me when I return. Do not open the door to anyone else. Is that clear?”
Her voice was sharp, but she needed Becky to listen to her—to do exactly as she said. “If Wild insists you open the door, blow out all the candles, tuck my dress under the blanket, and whisper that I’m sleeping. That should buy me a little more time. I’ll be back before daybreak.” Arista started toward the door.
“And if you’re not?”
Becky’s soft question stopped her. It was always possible, that she might not return—especially wandering the alleys alone in those dark hours before dawn. Even with her superb knife skills, it only took one mistake.
“Don’t think about it. I’ll return. I promise you.” Arista took the girl’s clammy hands in hers and squeezed. “Now, just imagine yourself at Haymarket Theatre—like the play I told you about—and put on a good show.” Becky’s lips trembled as she tried to smile.
If she could bring Becky with her, she would. If they had anywhere else to go…