As we climb out of the comfortable cocoon of the vehicle I see that we have at last evaded our pursuers, at least for now. I urge Louis to hurry, and we scurry down a side alley toward the Thames. My guardian spirits stay close, swords drawn. Though unseen, their presence will deter opportunist rogues, who will sense danger, even if they do not know why. More importantly, the Cavaliers will ward off any spirits Stricklend may see fit to send after us. I cannot rule out such a tactic. I am sure he is capable of it.

“Lilith, are you certain you know where you are taking us?” Louis is becoming increasingly unnerved by the curious stares and unwanted attention we are garnering. In our fine clothes we are unhelpfully noticeable. I do not answer, but press on quickly, not wanting to speak any more than is absolutely necessary. If our appearance draws interest, our voices would do so also.

We are rounding the corner into the street which contains Mr. Chow Li’s house when I see Freddie.

“There he is!” I cry out, unwisely, forgetting in the excitement of finding him that we do not wish to alert our followers as to where we are. “Freddie!” I call to him. “Please, wait!”

But the second he sees us he turns and runs. My heart constricts at the thought that I now inspire such fear in him. We scramble after him, tripping over the pieces of a broken cart and slipping through all manner of rubbish and detritus. Freddie is incredibly quick, but his progress is slowed by the obstacles, both inert and human, that are in his path.

I call again, but he is not listening. We chase him down through the storehouses and inns, past a tannery and a glove factory. Small children scatter as Freddie tears through them, and then they regroup to taunt us as we hurry after him. We are getting closer and closer to the river, so that soon I can see it as well as smell its dank, sour odor. Freddie’s flight takes him along its banks toward Tower Bridge, which is the only crossing here for some distance if he is not to find a rowing boat or a ferry. As he reaches the bridge, Louis shouts out.

“Montgomery! Have a care, man—you are being hunted!” he yells, pointing wildly to the three figures who are closing fast on Freddie from a side street.

“Oh, Louis, they will reach him before we do!”