Billy rowed us out to the Phoenix, whistling tunelessly between his teeth. The ship lay just downstream of London Bridge in the middle of the river. From the lights and activity on deck it looked suspiciously as if the captain was preparing to weigh anchor. ‘Hurry, Billy,’ I urged. ‘Don’t fret, Cat: they won’t go just yet.’ His confidence was no comfort. As I watched the snowflakes settle and melt on his straining back, I wondered what other surprises he had in store for me. He had never said that he did not have another deal with Hawkins, and I would not put it past him to double-cross me. Miss Miller sat at the other end of the boat, her head bowed. She only raised it as we neared the ship. ‘Let me go first, Sister Catherine,’ she said. ‘The captain might listen to me if he is a godly man.’ Billy gave a snort of laughter and spat over the side. ‘Captain Janssen, a godly man? Pah! You know wot, lady, you’re almost as funny as Moggy ’ere.’ That did not sound very encouraging.
What do You think about Cat Among The Pigeons (2011)?
