Lady Thief Read Online Free PDF Page A

learned to respect this man—this highwayman.
    She stepped forward, amusement in her golden eyes. “Sorry, Jason. I had to make certain you were alone.”
    Jason laid his pistol on the table and continued to look irritated. “Sure, and who would I have with me? Me, that’s wanted by the Runners almost as bad as you are.”
    Jenny chuckled and sat down across the table from him. “Never mind that, Jason. Why did you want to see me?”
    He resumed his seat and stared at her. “I wish I knew why a lady like you would take to highway robbery.”
    “I told you why. I am searching for a spy.”
    “I remember what you told me. But I’ve got a few wits left, and I know there’s more to it than that. You’re too fine a lady to end with your neck in a noose. You ought to leave robbery to them that knows it best.”
    “Like yourself?”
    “Bloody right!” He frowned at her. “This spy of yours—why is he so important?”
    Jenny clasped her hands upon the table and leaned forward slightly. “Jason, correct me if I’m wrong, but isn’t there an unwritten rule against one thief asking another thief awkward questions?”
    Jason scowled. “I take that to mean you ain’t going to answer me.”
    She smiled brilliantly. “I’m glad we understand one another. Now, if you wouldn’t mind telling me why you wanted to see me . . . ?”
    Jason grunted. “If that’s how you want it.”
    “It is.”
    Obviously out of charity with her, he pulled a packet from inside his coat and tossed it across the table to her. “Took that off a gent the other night. Thought it might interest you.”
    Jenny slowly picked up the packet and stared at the official seal. After a brief struggle with her conscience, she broke the seal and opened the packet. There was a long silence while she flipped through the papers. “Jason, who did you take these from?”
    “Don’t you consider that an awkward question?” he asked with a sneer.
    “Don’t be difficult, Jason. Who was it?”
    He shrugged. “Damned if I know. Just a flashcove with a fat purse and no taste for playing the hero.”
    “Meaning that he didn’t shoot at you.”
    “Aye.” Jason laughed. “He whimpered and moaned like I was the devil ’imself. Nearly broke his neck, he was in such a hurry to hand over his purse and them papers.”
    “Can you describe him to me?”
    “Don’t be daft, lass—it was as dark as pitch.”
    Jenny smiled wryly. “Sorry. I forgot that you refuse to ride on a moonlit night.”
    “You’d do the same if you had any sense. One of these ‘moonlit’ nights, some cove’s gonna figure out who you really are; then the cat’ll be out of the bag for sure, if you’ll pardon my choice of words.”
    Jenny laughed. “Perhaps. But, never mind that now. You were right about these papers—they interest me very much. I’m much obliged to you, Jason, for bringing them to me.”
    Jason shrugged again. “No skin off my nose.”
    Jenny tapped the packet against the table thoughtfully. “This will have to be returned to the War Office as soon as possible.” Her golden eyes were grim. “I must discover who was carrying these papers.” She gazed across the table at her highwayman friend. “Jason, was the coach traveling toward the coast?”
    Jason nodded. “Aye. ’Twas on the road to Dover.”
    “Was there baggage strapped on?”
    He looked thoughtful. “Now that you mention it the top of the coach did seem a mite bulky. Happen the gent was planning to cross the Channel.”
    Jenny slammed the packet down on the table, her eyes flashing angrily. “Damn. Sometimes I think that half of England is spying for the French.”
    Jason shrugged. “It’s profitable.”
    “It’s also traitorous.”
    “Well now, lass, not everyone can be as loyal to England as you and me.” He grinned at her. “What’s in the bundle of papers anyway?”
    Jenny continued to look angry, but her voice was calm as she replied, “Dispatches.”
    “Dispatches?”
    “Yes.