The Ruby in the Smoke

Chapters 11 & 12 provide a deeper look at just how dangerous Mrs. Holland can be. She threatens and attacks a pawn shop owner who has done nothing to her, and who simply happens to have bought the wrong item off the wrong person. Mrs. Holland does not care about him; she only wants to get the papers that will take her to the Ruby. The shopkeeper is lucky that he got away with his life. The next person they visit is the thief. He is a drunk young man who is half passed-out, and hardly dangerous. Nevertheless, Mrs. Holland instructs Mr. Berry to beat him up, and when he says he will give her what she wants, she tells Mr. Berry to hit him again, simply because he has gotten in her way. Mr. Berry is more violent and dangerous than Mr. Hopkins was. He has been to prison already, and seems to have no conscience about obeying Mrs. Holland's commands. Mr. Hopkins shied away from killing Sally, but Mr. Berry is not likely to. Adelaide seems to be convinced that there is no hope for any of them, and that Mrs. Holland will find them no matter where they are. On top of this, it looks like Mr. Selby has now become Sally's enemy too. There is danger closing in on all sides, but Sally has good, loyal friends to help her. They have already proved their bravery and their willingness to fight.