The Artful Dodger

Chapter 18

Time passed. Twelve bongs struck, cutting the cold night air like a huge knife. Most of London was sleeping, but in the rougher areas many merry-makers were still drinking and dancing, uncaring of the time. In one of these rough areas, in a shabby apartment, an angry ginger woman was shouting.

"This ain't right Bill! That's all she's got in the world! Could keep her off the streets, that could!"

Sikes turned around slowly, grimacing at the angry woman standing before him. Sometimes he wondered why he kept her.

"I'm a rogue. I don't care." he got closer to her menacingly, "and I don't care what you say either. Now make me supper- QUICKLY, before I go out."

Nancy turned and began to cook, fuming. She purposely sprinkled dust from the mantel on the slab of cheap meat that she was preparing and even spat on it a few times when Bill was not looking to show her distaste. Meanwhile, the man was preparing his crowbar and ropes that would enable him to enter the empty flat. After a while, it was ready, and Nancy dished it up unceremoniously, making sure to use the most cracked plate she could find.

Bill scowled at the state of the fatty meat.

"Work every night I do, an' all you buy is the dog's chops. Bet it tastes bad as well," he said, taking a greedy mouthful, "but my Nance is a good cook, ain't she? Makes even the worst steak taste good!"

Nancy smiled sweetly and turned around, thinking fast. Nothing she did could return the girl her things. A whole party of Bill's acquaintances were ready and waiting at the tavern, and so she could not do anything to stop the robbery. However, she had an idea.

"Bill, I'm gonna be bored tonight..."

Bill looked up.

"Go to the pub then, I don't care," he said through a mouthful of meat.

"Naw. Can I come with yer?" she said hopefully.

"No, gels ain't no good for proper robberies. Ah, but we did need someone small for the window... we were set up to borrow Oliver but if you want to..."

Nancy nodded eagerly, and started to get ready. Her plan was working.

They left the apartment late, past one. Nancy held her skirts high as she traversed the cobbles, trying to keep up with the imposing figure ahead of her. He was armed with a crowbar, a huge sack, and a small lump under his coat which she knew was a knife. Above him, there were walls and balconies of houses that had gone to ruin. The sad buildings seemed to mirror the mood. After a while of walking, Sikes turned around and motioned her to stop.

Suddenly, much to the surprise of Nancy, they were surrounded by a menacing group of people, wielding tools and several had knives. Her eyes widened and she backed up closer to Bill.

"Sikes?" asked the largest man, stepping forward.

"Of course. Step away. You're scaring the girl." said Bill, scowling.

"Why'd yer bring her?"

"Gettin' in the window. Move, Clark."

The huge Clark stepped aside, and motioned to his group to move, letting Bill see the block of flats.

"Be an easy one. Anyone brought a skeleton key?"

"Hod's got one." said an older thief that Nancy knew to be called Torkin. Hod, a small man with a crooked face and nasty eyes, stepped forward and inserted it into the lock. Click.

The men stepped into the shadows one by one, walked past the first few flats, and went straight up the steps.

"It's the second floor. Nancy'll climb up outside an' let us in, won't you?" said Bill, and received a curt nod from Nancy.