Macintosh remained sitting on the floor, squinting at Hunter.
“Man can’t even sleep in peace. y’want? Breakin’ inta a man’s home at this ungodly hour.”
“Mac, get up!” said Hunter. “If you want to live, move yourself!”
“What kinda way is that ta talk? Go ‘way. Lemme alone.”
“Damn it, Mac…” Hunter went over to the washstand and picked up the basin. He threw the water into Macintosh’s face.
“ Aaarrghr
Macintosh lunged up off the floor and came lumbering at Hunter like an angry bear. Hunter ducked his swing and gave him a sharp jab in the solar plexus. Macintosh wheezed and doubled over. Hunter threw him up against the wall and slapped him twice across the face.
“Snap out of it. Mac, damn you!”
Macintosh made a small stunting, squealing sort of noise. “Gonna be sick…”
“Oh, for Christ’s sake
Hawke Hunter stepped away as Macintosh doubled over and threw up on the floor.
“Mac, you’re a fucking mess.” said Hunter.
Macintosh wiped his mouth with his sleeve. “Now look what ya gone an’ done,” he said. “I’m gonna break yer bloody neck…”
“It’s your own neck I’m trying to save. you fool.” said Hunter.
“They’re going to hang you!” Macintosh blinked. “What? Who? What the devil are ya talkin’ about?”
“The Tories! The Hellfire Club. you idiot! The followers of the headless horseman! They could be on their way here right now to lynch you, just like they did to those four friends of yours!”
Macintosh paled. “The horseman’s men’? They’re gonna hang me?”
“That’s right, you fool. Sober up if you don’t want to die! You’ve got to get out of hem right now!”
“Sweet Mother o’God,” said Macintosh. “And ya come ta warn me. God bless ya. Reese. you’re a real friend. I’m sorry I took a poke at ya-”
“Never mind that now,” said Hunter, impatiently. “You’ve got to get out of here. Are you sober enough to remember what I tell you?”
“Aye, if comes to my own neck, that I am,” said Macintosh, rubbing his face. “They’re not gonna hang Ebenezer Macintosh. by God!”
“Listen to me carefully,” said Hunter. “We haven’t got much time and lives depend on it. The horseman’s men are going to try to kill off the leaders of the Sons of Liberty, one by one. Get to your South End boys. Tell them that they’ve got to place a constant watch on Adams and the others or they’ll wind up dangling from the Liberty Tree. Have several men watch each of them at all times, especially at night. And you stay out of sight, yourself. You got that’?”
Macintosh took a deep breath and nodded. “The horseman’s men are gonna try ta kill Adams an’ the others. Have my boys watch ’em, day an’ night.”
“Good man. Now come on, we’ve got to get you out of here. Have you got a place to go where you can hide out?”
“Aye. I’ll go an’ see my boys. They’ll take care o’ me. They’ll know what ta do.”
“All right, get moving. Quickly, now!”
Macintosh grabbed his coat and hat and lumbered down the stairs, Hunter right behind him. “God bless ya. Reese,” he said as they stepped outside. “You’re a good friend. I won’t forget this-”
“Yeah, yeah. I’m a saint, I know. Get moving. And for God’s sake, keep to the alleys. Don’t let anybody see you. And don’t forget what I told you.”
“I won’t forget. I’m on my way.” He shambled off into the darkness and turned into an alleyway. Hunter sighed with relief. And then he heard the sound of running footsteps. His fingers closed around the butt of his Beretta, but he relaxed when he saw Johnny Small come running up to him.
“Mr. Hunter! Mr. Hunter! Thank God I’ve found you!” The boy was out of breath. Hunter grabbed him by his shoulders.