Author's Note: Sorry this chapter took me so long to post. With school starting and having to ride my horse almost every day I haven't had much time for writing.

Chapter Nine: Bill's Tool

When Kathryn and Dodger entered the room, they were surprised to find Bill Sykes standing at the table talking to Fagin. Kathryn gasped and stopped in her tracks. She looked over at Dodger with wide eyes. Dodger was obviously afraid of Bill too because he had stopped and was looking very scared.

"Why is he here?" Kathryn asked Dodger in a whisper.

"I don't know. Mus' be about money. That's all 'e every comes by 'ere for." Kathryn and Dodger walked quietly around the two men who were talking intently at the table. They tried to make it to the fire but in vain.

"Come ove' 'ere you two young scoundrels," Bill called. Kathryn and Dodger turned slowly around and walked back to the table. Shaking violently, Kathryn tried to clutch Dodger's hand but he wouldn't let her. She realized that it would probably not be the best thing to let Bill or Fagin see them holding hands.

"Now, you two," said Bill, "let's see 'ow useful you were 'oday." Kathryn made no move to empty her pockets so Dodger pulled out his solitary handkerchief.

"Dodger," growled Bill, "I expected more of you. Now let's see what the new boy has brough' me." Dodger nudged Kathryn and she was brought back to earth. Slowly, she reached her hand into her pocket and pulled out the silver necklace. Handing it to Bill, she backed away quickly.

"Now fis 'ere is a righ' good piece of workmanship!" Bill said while clapping Kathryn painfully on the back. "You're goin' to be a righ' good thief soon enough," he continued looking at Fagin, "Fagin, wot 'as fis boy been gettin' on the job lately?"

"Oh, Alexander 'ere is one of the bes' thieves I 'ave. Every day 'e brings in the best wallets and pocket watches there are," Fagin replied.

"Good. Alexander, you will come with me to be further educated on the art of thieving. Be ready to leave with me by eleven o'clock sharp tonight." With that, Bill Sykes turned and left.

Kathryn stood in the middle of the room, stunned. She had to spend a night doing who-knows-what with Bill Sykes. Not good.

"Alexander," Dodger said, "come with me and we'll talk abou' it." Kathryn followed Dodger to their bedroom and sat down on her bed. "I've never been on a trip wif Bill meself but I've 'eard tell of several who 'ave. I'm lucky 'cause I've always been too tall for 'im to take me. Those who go don't come back. Rumor is 'e takes 'em to steal things from rich people's houses. Be careful tonight." Kathryn shivered. She wasn't sure if she was ready for something like this.

If only I hadn't found that necklace, she thought, then maybe I wouldn't be going on this dreadful trip. Kathryn sat on her bed for the rest of the day; not caring to eat of drink anything. When bedtime rolled around, Dodger joined her on her bed. "I don't know how you feel, but I 'ope you come back. I won't eat, drink, or sleep until you come back."

"Oh Dodge, don't do that for me. Who knows, I might never come back and a don't want you to die because of me." Both sat on Kathryn's bed until they heard the sharp rap of Bill's cudgel against the door. Slowly, Kathryn rose and started to walk out to Bill when Dodger stopped her.

"Please, Kathryn," he said quietly, "be careful." He bent to kiss her forehead and hurried back to his bed. Kathryn stood stunned for a moment before coming back to earth knowing she had to come back alive. With new resolution, she stepped out into the room and told Bill she was ready.

Bill led the way out into the cold, London night. He was a tall man, and took large steps, so Kathryn was forced to trot to keep up with him. They walked for what seemed like hours until they were on the outskirts of London. Finally, they stopped at a large, rich-looking house with dark windows.

Kathryn trembled. I wonder if I have to go in there, she thought. As if in answer to her thoughts, Bill suddenly bent down and grabbed her by the ear. "Now, Alexander, you are going to go in that house and bring me whatever valuable you can find." He pushed her towards the house.

Nervously, Kathryn walked to the house. I don't have a choice, she thought, if I don't go he will certainly kill me. Sticking her chin up higher, she walked to the house thinking of ways to get in. I suppose I could get in by the window. Yes, that is the best plan.

Luckily, she found the window to be rather low and she didn't have any problem getting in. She lightly let herself down inside the house and tried to walk softly to the fireplace where she saw something shining. It seemed like forever before she finally found herself standing before the stone work of the fireplace.

Standing on tiptoe, Kathryn scanned everything on the mantelpiece. Over in the left back corner, she could just make out the soft glint of a pearl necklace. Reaching out to grab the necklace, she heard a small voice in the back of her head. She drew her hand back and tried to make out what the voice was saying.

You must not steal, the voice said. Kathryn gaped as she tried to reach for the necklace again and tried to grab it. But the voice made her pull her hand back again. In vain, she tried to steal other various things from the house. Finally, she gave up.

What am I to do? she thought, If I go back to Bill empty handed he's sure to kill me. But I can't stay here or I will be caught. Oh what am I to do? I must go back to Bill and hope that he doesn't hurt me. Sticking her chin up and trying to be brave, Kathryn crawled back through the window and strode over to a waiting Bill Sykes.

Author's Note: Thanks for reading! Please review. I will try to have the next chapter up as soon as possible but I'm not making any promises.