Part 1, Preparations: Chapters 9-16 Summary

In Chapter 9, Pierce and Agar watch as Teddy Burke makes his play on Mr. Trent. After what appears to be an attempted pickpocket, Mr. Trent pats his side coat pocket, convincing Pierce that he keeps the key at home and only has it on his body on the day of the money transfer. Later, while watching Mr. Trent, Pierce sees him go home and pick up one of his dogs before leaving again. Pierce sees this as a chance to finally make Mr. Trent's acquaintance and hopefully learning which room of his home he keeps the key in.

In Chapter 10, Pierce goes to a kennel and asks to buy a made dog, a dog that has been trained to fight to the death. Pierce purchases the dog, but leaves it in the custody of the kennel.

In...