Caleb Crowther swung round, his eyes wild and excited, the barrel of the gun aimed at his wife’s throat. The chuckle started as a rattling sound deep in his chest. In a moment he was roaring with laughter – frightening, insane laughter that sent a chill down the spines of all who heard it. Outside, huddled together in a carriage and waiting to be transported to an even safer distance, Cook and Amy heard it also. ‘God love and save us,’ whispered Cook, hurriedly making the sign of the cross, ‘it’s the devil himself!’

As soon as the laughter had started, so it ended. The ensuing silence was more than the officer in charge could bear. ‘I’m going in!’ he said in sombre voice. ‘The rest of you stay here… there’s no point in risking all our necks. Keep alert, mind!’ he warned. ‘He’s a devious devil.’

No sooner had the officer gone a dozen steps than a shot rang out, causing everyone to dive for cover. The echo had barely died down when there followed a short burst of laughter, then a second shot.

For what seemed an endless moment, the startled birds overhead ceased their dawn chorus. A deathly hush prevailed.

On cautious footsteps the men inched their way forward, dreading what might await them. At any minute each one feared the shot that would mow him down. However, they had no choice. Two shots had been fired in that room, yet there were three people there. If the third was alive, it was their duty to get her – or him – out alive.

As they silently entered the house, there wasn’t a man there who did not offer up a prayer for his own safety.

Chapter Thirteen

‘Well now, sure there’s a song to light up some lucky fella’s life, eh?’ The good-humoured Irishman came into the hotel bedroom, jauntily flinging his carpet bag on to the bed and appreciatively eyeing the slim, uniformed figure that emerged from the bathroom.

‘Oh, I’m sorry, sir,’ Molly said, obviously embarrassed at being overheard humming a merry tune as she went about her duties. ‘I was just changing the towels… I’ve finished now.’ She crushed the soiled towels to her breast and would have hurried by him if he hadn’t called out, ‘Won’t you tell me what wonderful thing has happened to put such a jolly melody in your heart, eh?’ There was a twinkle in his eye and a certain unsteadiness about him that told Molly he also had been doing some celebrating.

Molly warmed to his friendly manner. ‘Nothing more “wonderful” than landing a proper job,’ she said, smiling at him, ‘and soon… I hope to bring my children to live with me.’ Molly’s smile was radiant, bathing her whole face with loveliness. Her dark eyes sparkled like black gems.

‘Kids, eh…? And where’s your ol’ fella?’ His gaze was suddenly intense.

Molly was on her guard now. She thought the man was too interested. ‘Excuse me, sir,’ she apologized, ‘but I’ve a deal of work that won’t wait.’