‘She was stealing from you, Jack!’ explained Akiko, keeping the thief pinned with an armlock.

Glancing down at the open purse on his hip, Jack cursed. How could I have been so easily tricked by her? The girl was a pickpocket, a highly skilled cutpurse.

‘Jack?’ The girl stopped struggling. She frowned and studied him more closely. ‘Jack, as in … Jack Fletcher?’

He responded with a cautious nod. ‘What’s it to you?’

A smile burst across her lips. ‘It’s Rose. Rose Turner!’

Jack shrugged. ‘Do I know you?’

‘Do you know me?’ she replied, incredulous. A twinkle entered her emerald eyes. ‘Jack, we had our first kiss together. Moorgate – you chased me. Don’t say you’ve forgotten?’

Like a key unlocking a door, the memory flooded back and Jack gasped, ‘I was ten!’

Rose’s grin widened. ‘And I still remember it like it was yesterday.’

Jack shook his head in amazement. ‘Let her go, Akiko. Rose is a friend.’

Akiko, her cheeks flushed, released the girl. Rose straightened her dress, shot Akiko a scathing look, then turned back to Jack. She handed him his coins. ‘My apologies, Jack. I’d never steal from a friend. Now let me get you drinks on the house.’

A few moments later, Rose plonked three brimming tankards of small beer on the table. Then she pulled up a stool and sat next to Jack.

‘So, who’s the girl, then?’ she asked, nodding but not looking in Akiko’s direction.

‘I’m Akiko Dāte,’ replied Akiko with a tight-lipped smile. Bowing politely, she kept her gaze locked on Rose.

‘And this is Yori Sanada,’ said Jack.

‘It’s a pleasure to meet you, Yori,’ said Rose, gracing him with a beaming smile.

His cheeks reddening, Yori bowed and smiled mutely back. Apparently lost for words, he didn’t seem to know where to put his eyes, so looked up to the ceiling as if praying.

Rose glanced at Jack. ‘Doesn’t say much, does he?’

Realizing his friend was somewhat overawed by Rose, Jack replied, ‘He’s taken a vow of silence.’

‘Really?’ said Rose, intrigued. Then seeing that Jack was kidding, she began to laugh. ‘Don’t worry, Yori, I tend to have that effect on a lot of boys.’ She returned her gaze to Jack. ‘So where have you been hiding these past years?’

Jack took a swig of his drink. ‘The Japans.’

Rose looked him up and down. ‘I suppose that explains the dress.’

‘It’s a hakama,’ sighed Jack, too tired to explain any further.

‘You were always the great explorer,’ said Rose with a smirk. ‘You made your fortune yet?’

‘No, not yet.’

Her eyes went to his hip. ‘Judging by the heavy purse you carry, you must have had some success. I hear the Far East is a land of silver and gold!’

‘That depends on what you are seeking,’ Jack replied. ‘It’s an easy place to lose your head.’