After a supper of roast pheasant and sweet turnip, Jack and his friends turned in for the night. The long ride from London had tired them all out. As they ascended the stairs to the gallery overlooking the moonlit yard, Yori asked, ‘Do you think the man killed by those plague doctors was Rowland Bodley?’

‘There can’t be too many other Londoners who wear red ostrich feathers in their hats,’ said Jack grimly.

‘The feather could just be a coincidence,’ suggested Akiko.

Jack glanced at her. ‘Too much of a coincidence, for my liking.’

‘I reckon Nathan Holme did it,’ said Rose, leaning against the balcony rail. ‘To avenge his father.’

‘Nathan didn’t seem like a murderer to me,’ said Yori.

‘Grief can push a man to the brink,’ argued Rose. ‘If he didn’t do it, then he hired someone to do it for him.’

‘But why hire plague doctors?’ questioned Akiko, unconvinced.

Rose shrugged. ‘The men he hired likely dressed as plague doctors so they could move freely round the city and not rouse any suspicion.’

That’s certainly what a ninja would do, thought Jack, the notion flashing through his mind like a shuriken star.

‘What’s the matter?’ asked Akiko, noticing the troubled look on Jack’s face.

‘Nothing,’ he replied, dismissing his concerns with a shake of his head. He realized that he should be focusing on finding his sister rather than worrying about rumours of shadows. ‘Whatever it was, Bodley’s not our problem any more.’

‘Or anyone else’s, for that matter!’ said Rose with a gallow’s laugh. ‘Right, I’m off to bed. See you in the morning.’ And, as she passed Jack on her way to her room, she kissed him goodnight on the cheek.

Yori headed to his and Jack’s chamber, yawning, and Jack followed. But Akiko lingered in the darkness. ‘Jack,’ she called softly.

‘What is it?’ he asked, turning back to her.

Akiko stood stiffly, her usual warmth towards him absent. ‘How well do you know Rose?’

Jack could still feel the press of Rose’s lips on his cheek. ‘We’re childhood friends, that’s all,’ he reassured her.

‘That was over seven years ago,’ said Akiko. ‘A person can change in that time. I don’t think you can trust her.’

Jack frowned. ‘Why ever not?’

‘She’s a thief,’ replied Akiko, as if the answer was obvious. ‘And I think she’s taking advantage of you.’

‘How can you say that?’ argued Jack. ‘Rose is helping us find my sister.’

‘Not without payment,’ said Akiko. ‘I saw her pocket one of the coins you gave her for board and lodging. She’s stealing your money.’

Jack frowned. ‘Rose negotiated a good price for the rooms. She gave me back more change than I expected, so I’d be surprised if she’d taken any for herself. Besides, she may be a thief, but she’s got a good heart.’