Tommy’s part in the mission was over. She could relax and give up the life of a boatman. And she knew just where to begin: the Clams & Cockles Inn.

Two women sat in wicker chairs at Tommy’s favorite table overlooking the water. The diminutive blond one with the faraway expression and the clumps of red paint in her hair was Tommy’s sister Marjorie. The woman with the sharp green eyes and a sturdy sword stick was Tommy’s sister Elizabeth.

The only one missing was Chloe.

Tommy and Chloe had been inseparable from the moment they’d met at the orphanage. Tommy had been little more than a toddler. They’d grown up together, first as orphans with side-by-side cots and then as wards of the eccentric Baron Vanderbean.

But Chloe had married a duke. She had new responsibilities and was no longer free to join in her siblings’ exploits, no matter how much Tommy missed her.

“Where are they?” she asked as she took her seat.

“Any minute now.” Elizabeth’s fingers caressed a brass handle in the shape of a serpent.

“Your oysters!” sang out a lusty voice. A serving girl placed a brimming basket in the center of the table, along with a tankard of ale for Tommy.

“You are the best sisters,” Tommy said fervently, and reached for the oysters.

“And you’re the worst,” Elizabeth grumbled. “I wish I could swill pints of ale in public without receiving disapproving looks from passersby.”

“Hit them with your sword stick,” Marjorie suggested. “Judging strangers is rude.”

“Or become a boatman,” Tommy said between bites, careful to face her sister when she spoke. It was difficult for Marjorie to hear over the noise of a crowd. “No one pays any mind to what we do.”

“You are not a boatman,” Elizabeth reminded her. “You are playing a role.”

“Were playing,” Marjorie corrected, her voice loud and pointed.

Tommy’s many temporary roles did feel like playing a game. She loved each while it lasted, but was always glad to remove her costume and be herself.

“Did you find the fish spinster of your dreams?” Elizabeth asked.

“I was working,” Tommy reminded her. “There will be time to look for love later.”

“Liar,” Elizabeth said. “You stopped looking the moment you laid eyes on—”

“Shush.” Tommy felt her neck flush. “Wynchesters meddle in other people’s business. Not mine.”

Marjorie brightened. “And Graham?”

Relieved by the change in topic, Tommy waved her hand toward the buildings on the other side of the market. “He’s off saving the day. Tonight, a father will finally reunite with his family. Thank you for the forgery, by the way.”

“Always my pleasure,” Marjorie replied primly.

“I could have gone on the boat with you,” said Elizabeth. “I could have bludgeoned villains or poked holes in them with my blade.”

“No poking necessary,” Tommy assured her. “I would have signaled if we needed you.”