One Penny Surprise (Saved By Desire 1)

“Is there another man in here?” the young lad piped up, his voice as worried as the anxious gaze he kept throwing over his shoulder.

Luke recognised that voice and leaned sideways in his chair to peer around the door only for his ribs to protest.

“Cor, what happened to you?” Toby asked in astonishment when he saw Luke. His gaze remained locked on Luke’s battered face as he walked somewhat absently into the kitchen.

“I got mugged, Toby, by that gang who stole your patch you told us about,” Luke murmured quietly. He beckoned the boy closer. “Don’t worry, we got them.”

Toby looked around the room warily as though he expected them to pop up from beneath the table.

“They are safely confined in jail, so you are safe,” Poppy reassured him.

The young boy looked like a rabbit that had just seen the hunter’s rifle. She nudged Luke aside and ushered the young boy to the table where she offered him a seat and sat beside him. When the boy’s hungry gaze fell to a half-eaten pie, she cut him a slice and slid the plate over to him, then added a huge chunk of bread and an apple.

“Now, what do you have to tell us?” Luke murmured gently when the boy began to tuck in.

Toby gulped and nodded his thanks when Barnaby handed him a couple of pennies. Poppy handed him a cup of milk.

“You are bein’ watched,” Toby garbled around a mouthful of food. He nodded toward the window.

Luke lifted his brows and looked at Barnaby, who suddenly stood to attention and lifted his brows at Toby. “Did you get a good look at them?” he demanded darkly.

“Aye. There was a man who was about her size but thin and dressed in black, and another fatter one.”

Luke nodded. “What did the second man look like?”

Toby frowned as he thought. His cheeks bulged with food. After chewing and swallowing thoughtfully for several moments he looked at Poppy. “Bit like her.”

“Was he about fifty-ish with a thinning patch of hair that’s a bit fluffy at the sides?”

Toby nodded. “He had a cap on but it was bushy on the sides and lighter brown than yours.”

Poppy sighed and looked at Luke. “Clarence.” They said together.

“Where are they?” Barnaby asked from his position in front of the kitchen door.

“Under the trees down the road. The one who looks like her left a little while back, but the other was still there,” Toby reported.

“So he has an accomplice,” Poppy murmured. “The attacker who assaulted us last night. I am not surprised he has someone else to do his dirty work for him.”

Luke nodded. The only outward sign of his inner fury was the muscle that ticked steadily in his jaw.

“I don’t understand what is going on,” she whispered. “I will go out and see him.”

“No, you won’t,” Luke replied. “Can I remind you that you were very nearly stabbed the other night? I need to take a look at that accomplice to see if he looks similar to the man I saw in the woods in the park the other day. You need to remain here where it is safe.”

“I ain’t stayin’ ‘ere,” Toby protested in a high pitched voice. He swallowed loudly and glared at Luke.

Knowing that Toby would probably get a thrashing if he didn’t return to his boss when he was supposed to, and have a prize to give him when he did, Luke handed him a couple more coins and shook his head.

“No, you have been a worthy help, Toby. I thank you and your friends for helping us in this way. One thing I need you to do now for me is keep an eye out and see if you can find this man again – not the accomplice, but the other man. His name is Clarence, but you mustn’t call him that. Don’t approach -.”

“I know,” Toby piped up. “Keep your distance. Stay safe and just watch.” He shared a conspiratorial grin with Luke then jumped when Marcus held out several more pennies to him.

“These are for you and your friends. You are fine to call by here whenever you have information. If Luke isn’t around then ask to speak to any of us.”

“Just stay safe Toby. If anything poses a threat to you just leave it well alone. Don’t put yourself in any danger,” Marcus ordered.

“Whatcha goin’ to do with that gang you got? They are dangerous.” The boy’s eyes were big and round with awe.