Harry Scattergood almost invariably worked alone because he knew that he had the ability to escape from any place or predicament. Others lacked his expertise in shinning up buildings and running along roofs. If he had someone else in tow, he reasoned, there’d be a weak link. It was better to take his chances alone than to engage a fellow thief who might be apprehended and betray Scattergood in order to secure a lighter sentence. He was not, however, without friends. Alan Kinnaird was the closest of them. Because he liked the man, Scattergood had given him useful advice over the years, even suggesting houses that were ripe for a clandestine visit after dark. As a result, Kinnaird had been able to reap the benefit of his friend’s help time and again. He was eternally grateful and would do anything for Scattergood.

Kinnaird was a thickset man of middle years with the kind of constantly smiling face that won friends and deprived them of any suspicion. In spite of his bulk, he was extremely nimble and could squeeze through open windows with ease. As he got older, however, he preferred less strenuous ways of making an income and dressed in a way that allowed him to mix with crowds in theatres and at other public events. Like Scattergood, he’d learnt to look, sound and behave like a member of the class from whom his deft fingers took money on a regular basis.

When Scattergood called on him at his lodging, he was given a respectful welcome.

‘It’s good to see you looking so well,’ said Kinnaird.

‘I could say the same of you, Alan. Business is clearly thriving.’

‘That’s in no small part due to my mentor, Harry Scattergood.’

‘It’s only because I trust you implicitly.’

‘What brings you here?’

‘I have a proposition for you,’ said Scattergood. ‘It may frighten you at first, but the rewards on offer will ease your fears. All I ask is that you hear me out before you give me your answer.’

‘It will be in the affirmative,’ said Kinnaird, blithely. ‘Whatever you ask me, I’m more than willing to do. I owe you an enormous debt, Harry. It’s time to repay it.’

Scattergood smiled. ‘I was hoping you’d say that …’