There was that streak of mean Morgan was so well known for, but Nell didn't balk until he asked more questions. Really, it was the idea that the detective thought he could get anything off her without paying for it first that rankled more than any verbal or even physical abuse he could dish out.
"Ah-ah, Inspector. You know there's a price for information," she chided. "I seen a newcomer, one what stands out, for certain." Her mind immediately went to the big, blond American who'd tried to pay her not to join giblets with him at the pub, but no, Nell decided. American sailors weren't anything out of the ordinary. But then inspiration dawned.
"This is worth three pence." She held out a grubby hand with every appearance of confidence, though ready to snatch it back if he so much as hinted at smacking her with that damned stick of his.