‘There’s no guarantee they’ll see it that way,’ Jack replied as three pike-bearing men strode purposefully towards the inn. ‘It would be Porter’s word against ours and we’re strangers in this city.’

‘You’re not,’ observed Akiko.

Jack glanced down at his Japanese robes. ‘I feel like it, though,’ he said, as he considered their welcome so far.

The constables were almost at the door and Jack’s hand instinctively reached for his katana. But instead of entering, the men filed past and disappeared down Bread Street. Jack let out a long sigh of relief, resting his head against the glass.

‘Are you ’ere to drink or just stare out me window?’ said a gruff female voice.

Jack turned round. The inn was gloomy, lit only by guttering candlelight. The stink of tobacco hung in the air, wreaths of smoke swirling like mist up to the rafters. Groups of men and women, rich and poor, clustered round heavy wooden tables piled high with tankards of beer. A burly ale-wife with an ample bosom and arms like a docker’s stood behind the counter. She squinted at them with hostile suspicion.

‘We’re seeking lodgings,’ said Jack, offering his most charming smile. ‘Your establishment comes highly recommended.’

The woman’s stern face didn’t crack. ‘You got the means to pay?’

‘Of course,’ said Jack, confidently striding up to the bar. ‘Your finest room please, and dinner for three.’

‘And a hot bath,’ added Akiko.

The ale-wife blinked. ‘A bath?’

‘Yes,’ said Akiko eagerly. ‘A hot bath.’

The ale-wife eyed her dubiously. ‘Are you sure that’s wise? You don’t want to catch anything.’

Akiko frowned. ‘What could I catch? Washing cleanses the body.’

Shaking her head in astonishment, the ale-wife snorted. ‘Huh! Foreigners!’ Then she turned to Jack. ‘That’ll be sixpence for room and board. Plus another threepence for the bath.’

Jack baulked at the price but nonetheless paid over the coins from his purse. The sight of hard cash seemed to soften the woman, but only for a moment. ‘BOY!’ she bellowed, and a runt of a lad came scuttling out. ‘Take our young guests’ bags up to their room, put fresh sheets on the bed and stoke up the fire to heat the water.’

The boy furrowed his brow. ‘What for?’

‘A bath,’ said the ale-wife, rolling her eyes.

‘What?’ he moaned, his shoulders slumping. ‘I’ll be to and fro from the conduit all afternoon!’

‘Then you’d best get moving!’ snapped the ale-wife. With a put-upon sigh, the boy went to take Jack and Akiko’s packs, but Jack hesitated. He was nervous about handing over his precious belongings, in particular the rutter. Noticing his reluctance, the ale-wife said, ‘Have no fear. There ain’t no thievery in my inn. You have my word.’