The Irregulars

"Hey! That was mine. Oi nicked it fair an' square!"

Two little street urchins raced by the stairs of Scotland Yard. One rejoined a particularly rough looking group and the other, smaller boy skidded to a haul several feet away.

"That ain't fair, runnin' ta your own grounds," the smaller one whined.

The offender waved a change purse teasingly. "Come an' get it then, ya little coward."

He glared then sneered at the older boy. "That ol' thing ain't worth it and I'm not chicken."

I heard several people yelling and I turned to see the smaller boy's group of friends running up the street. There were six or seven more of them, all dressed in clothing of various states of ruin.

As the group approached the others looked at each other. They were outnumbered by at least three if they started a brawl. Quietly, while their rivals were occupied, they snuck off around the corner without a backwards glance.

The friends all looked saddened to hear of the loss of the purse. I overheard the leader saying they would have to work harder if they were to get enough for bread to feed everyone.

I did not hear the group's response for at that moment the very man Lestrade and I would be arresting walked down the opposite side of the street. Combine the flock of urchins with the people walking past, I was unable to fight my way through to the other sidewalk.

I was desperate to tail the man to be sure he would be at the halfway house to-night. He had a several yard head start down the street and I had no way to get to him. Looking around, I settled on the little urchins with a sudden idea.

"Excuse me. Yes, actually all of you. I have a job for you if you're interested."

They all looked up at me excitedly except for the smallest one that had the trouble earlier.

"Ah c'mon, Ian. Yer just as good as any of us," one of his friends said giving him a nudge.

"Now, there is a man I need you all to keep an eye on. He's a bit short than me, brown hair, well dressed, with a bandage around his right hand. He's just up the street now, but I have an engagement this afternoon and cannot follow him myself. Here are a few shillings for each of you."

I couldn't help but smile when their eyes lit up as I dropped the coins into their hands. Ian still looked a bit uncertain, but I could quickly remedy that.

"Ian, you've the most important job. I need to know where that man is going to be to-night. I want you to report back to me here around six to-night."

He nodded and when he did his dark blond hair fell in his dark brown eyes. I was about to leave when the leader stepped up next to him and tousled his hair.

"I'll make sure 'e gets back ta you, sir." He smiled then ran off, his group following.

Ian threw his arms around my knees. "Thank you!" he squeaked then ran off with his friends.

I smiled as I watched them. They may be helpful again and I would be happy to have them help.

I did two prompts with one story. I hope that was okay. Hope you liked it!