20 A New Plan

CHAPTER 20 A New Plan Fagin and Bill were planning their next move. They knew it would not be as easy to snatch Oliver in the street again. Nancy was cooking sausages on the fire. She listened quietly to their conversation. Her face was very pale. She looked tired and worried. The mysterious man named Monks once again sat in the corner of Fagin's room. This time, however, he was the one talking. His hat was pulled low over his face and his coat was buttoned high on his throat. The only

recognizable part of him was a red scar across his left cheek. "We must get Oliver Twist back," he hissed. "He is a danger to us all." "Why do you care so much?" Bill asked. He was suspicious of this man. He had seen Monks in town a number of times, but they had not met until recently. Bill wondered why Monks tried to hide his identity. Everyone Bill knew was a criminal and everyone had a secret. There was something different about Monks, though. Monks was hiding something very unusual. "It's none of your business why I care," Monks shot back. "I have information about Oliver Twist that I want to keep a secret. He cannot remain in that house—or with Brownlow. It will mean the end." Fagin and Bill looked at each other. They both knew that they needed Monks. He had

access to places and money that they did not. Nancy placed a plate of sausages on the table in front of the men. "That's it for me," she said. She wrapped her shawl around her shoulders. "Where do you think you're going?" Bill asked. "I'm off to see Bet," Nancy said. She spoke with confidence, but her face was pale. Monks watched her while she spoke. "I'll be back in a couple of hours." "Don't wander too far," Fagin warned. "We need to stick together right now." "What's that supposed to mean, Fagin?" she snapped. "Haven't I always been here for you? Haven't I been stealing for you and cooking for you since I was a young girl?" "Now, Nancy dear," the old man said. "Let's not get angry. We might suspect you have something to hide."

"How dare you!" she yelled. "That's enough!" Bill said. "Go see Bet if you want. Just be home in two hours if you know what's good for you." Nancy nodded. She touched Bill on the shoulder before running out the door. A few minutes later Monks said a quick goodbye. He rapidly walked up the dark street in the same direction as Nancy.