‘But you’ve seen him recently? I always know when you’re lying, Spears.’

‘I’ve had enough problems trying to live here without getting meself killed by one of Monks’ men. I don’t want you bringing more trouble to me door.’

Kate paced the floor in an attempt to get warm. An icy draught blew in from the old kitchen and the smell of charred wood and smoke hung in the air like a pall. ‘I don’t suppose you’ve got the range going, by any chance. I could do with a cup of tea.’

‘Tea? I ain’t had a hot drink for months. I got no coal and I was about to starve to death when Harry turned up just before Christmas. Not that I had what you might call a Christmas. I probably wouldn’t be here if he hadn’t bought me some food and drink.’

Kate smiled in spite of the fact her face was stiff with cold. ‘That sounds like Harry. But where is he now? Where is Monks? I want to find Harry before he does something he’ll regret.’

‘You left it a bit late for that, miss. He’s been back here for nigh on two months, where’ve you been all this time?’

‘You’re right. I should have come looking for him sooner, but I’m here now and I need to speak to him. Is he upstairs?’

Spears shook his head. ‘No one in their right mind would stay here. As for me, I got nowhere else to go.’

‘Are you expecting him to call on you again? You must know something, Spears.’

He leaned closer and she recoiled at the smell of his unwashed body. His straggly hair was lank and greasy and he had grown a beard. ‘What’s it worth?’

‘I’m not stupid enough to carry a lot of money on me in this neighbourhood.’

‘But you got some, I know that.’ Spears cast his eyes over the reticule she clutched in her hand. ‘I’m starving, miss. Get me a pie and a jug of ale and I’ll tell you everything I know.’

Kate eyed him warily. She had no way of knowing whether he was simply using her or if he actually had some information as to Harry’s whereabouts.’ She sighed, shaking her head. ‘If you’re having me on, Spears, I won’t forgive you.’

‘I won’t be here to repent if I don’t get some vittles inside me soon.’ Spears raised a skeletal hand to his forehead. ‘I’m faint from lack of nourishment.’

‘All right. I’ll go to the pie shop and the jug and bottle, but you’d better give me some news when I get back or I’ll go straight to the police station in Leman Street and report you for being here illegally. I assume the property still belongs to Harry.’