Crow was the last to leave the room as they headed out of the inn. He closed the door behind him and looked up to see two of the knights speaking with the innkeeper. They looked concerned, as if the man was telling them something they didn’t like. He returned Penelope’s nervous glance right before the knights finally took notice of their appearance. Subtly shifting his weight in case he needed to run, he met their suspicious gazes with confusion, as if he didn’t know why he was being approached.

Hartley spoke first, explaining that they were just leaving, but the knights didn’t let up so easily. They turned to Crow and Penelope, asking if the two minded being questioned about the robbery. Crow opened his mouth to reply, but Penelope stepped up first. She muttered something to the guards that made the men blush, announcing that they had everything they needed. 

[i]She’s getting better at lying every day,[/i] Crow eyed Penelope curiously. He didn’t know exactly what she had said to the knights, but based on their flustered reactions, he could take a guess. [i]Looks like she figured out that a few sultry words can go a long way,[/i] he bit his tongue to keep from smiling. [i]If she’s going to have fun with them, then I am, too.[/i]

“I hope you catch your thief before he causes any more trouble,” Crow crossed his arms, shooting the knights a glare. “If I get home to find my valuables missing, I’m going to have a few choice words to share with your commanding officer.”

“How did you know we’re looking for a thief?” one of the knights looked him over skeptically.

“What, are you kidding me?” Crow rolled his eyes. “You were talking about it so loudly, I could hear you from the end of that hallway.”

“Right…” the knight grimaced, uncomfortable about getting called out in front of his comrade, who elbowed him mockingly in the ribs.

“Anyway,” Crow placed a hand on Penelope’s waist to guide her toward the door as if she was his woman. He hoped he had been correct in assuming she had told the knights that they had left the inn early to get some privacy. “We’re in a hurry, so if that’s all you have to say, then we’ll be going now.”

“So, neither of you saw anything?” the first knight asked.

“Not even the tail of a cloak,” Crow shook his head. “Sorry, boys, but I only had eyes for this beauty.” He pulled Penelope close to himself and winked at her flirtatiously.

“Alright, you’re free to go then,” the knight reluctantly admitted defeat. “Have a safe trip.”

“Thanks,” Crow waved at them and kept walking towards the door, holding it open for Penelope to step through first.

Once all three of them had left the inn, Hartley turned on Crow with a glower, “That wasn’t fair. If one of us is going to pretend to be with Penelope, it should be me!”

“If she was with you, then why would she have snuck out with me?” Crow shook his head. “The lie has to be believable, kid.”

“Fine, but next time I get to be her lover,” Hartley muttered.

“Whatever you say.” Crow laughed and turned to Penelope. “So, where do we go from here, captain?”