The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella) novel Chapter 1714

After a while, Horace rang up, "Hey Hans, I got some intel. The guy who popped Sam was called Viper. He's a regular at the Gentleman's Club, who usually shows up on Wednesday or Friday nights. Sometimes he carries a bag with him, which was puffed up before he goes in, but deflated when he leaves. Looks like he's making some shady deals."

"Can you dig up a list of the usual suspects at the club when Viper is in attendance?"

"Sure thing." After Horace gave his report, he added, "Look, Boss, Viper skipped his club visit last week and didn't show up this past Wednesday. It's Friday tonight. Maybe we hit the jackpot if we swing by?"

"Let's do it."

"Alright, I'll swing by to pick you up at 7."

After hanging up, Arabella told Romeo she had to step out for the night and suggested he hang out with some buddies.

"I'll just wait for you at the hotel."

He had just met with friends earlier that day and felt not in the mood for more socializing. He preferred to wait for her at the hotel, ready to lend a hand if needed.

As the clock neared seven, Romeo wanted to ask her about her plans, about how many of her crew would be with her, and whether they were up against a big group, but he feared prying too much would upset her.

Seeing that he tried to speak several times but stopped, while frequently checking the time, clearly reluctant to see her go, Arabella couldn't help but smile at his concern.

"Don't worry, it's just a little apprehension."

With her skills, she wasn't the one who should be worried.

"When do you think you'll be back? I'll order some late-night snacks for us." Romeo reached out to touch her face. Even knowing her capabilities, he couldn't help but worry about her every time she stepped out on a job.

"If I'm not back by midnight, go ahead and get some sleep."

"Is the target that tough to catch?"

"Not tough, just there are a lot of unknowns, like it’s not clear if that guy will show up tonight, and whether he'll meet with his cronies. If he's planning to hit a spot, we might get a lead on their hideout, maybe even the big fish behind it all. If that happens, I might not be back so soon."

Romeo's eyes dimmed at the thought, as the danger she might face weighed on him.