London, 1890. A crowd jostled on Oxford Street amidst the cries of market traders, the smell of roasting chestnuts rising into the yellow fog. Two well-dressed women lingered at the corner, watching and waiting. Not long now. A tall gentleman walked past, top hat shining on his dark curls. His hand gripped an ebony cane, which he extended to ward off two urchins lounging against a nearby lamp post. The women exchanged glances. With a nod at her accomplice, Mary stepped forwards and hurried after him, her fingers snaking towards the pocket of his greatcoat.