Page 27 of The Devil Himself
“Does he ever mention the current marquess?”
She swallowed. “Oh, sir…”
“Cora, this could be very important,” Deacon told her. “The young marquess is only fifteen.”
“Mostly he talks of marrying his mother. Says then he’d have control of it all.” She twisted her hands in her skirt. “That’s all, honest.”
“Thank you, Cora.” She might have more information, and he would set Deacon to pulling it out of her in the coming day or so, but she was clearly through telling tales to him. Rys could see it on her face. He didn’t think it was from loyalty to Daffyd. More fear of him.
“Naturally, not a word to the patron, Cora,” Deacon added.
“No, sir. Not at all.”
Deacon withdrew some coin from his desk. “Why don’t you take the night off, my dear.”
She took the coin in a thrice, then smiled at Rys. “I could always entertain your guest, sir.” She leaned slightly forward to put her more than ample bosom on display.
“Thank you, Cora, but I fear I have my own business to attend to tonight. I do appreciate the offer, however.”
“Anytime, Mr. Grey, sir.” She rose, giving Deacon a questioning glance.
“You may go, Cora.”
“Give my regards to your sister,” Rys added.
“She’ll be so pleased, sir.” Cora had recovered enough to give him a saucy wink, and then she was gone in a rustle of skirts and a waft of lavender and citrus.
“A few weeks hence…” Deacon mused, finishing off his whisky. “That does sound like they have a plan.”
“It does indeed. Arthur has said the same to his mistress, among others.”
“And you’re having them followed?”
“Yes. Damnation, what a tangle. I have to wait for them to do something I can prove.”
Deacon set down his glass, then clasped his hands loosely between his knees as he leaned forward. “Tell me. Is it true that Angelsey was shot just outside your club?”
His cheeks heated, not from embarrassment, but from rage at how Luc had been injured. “Yes. With a hunting gun, most likely at long range.”
“And he was one of Hallowarren’s best friends.”
“Yes. He’s the one who asked me to look into this whole situation for my brother’s widow and heir.”
“And you agreed.” Deacon watched him steadily, expression carefully blank.
“I did.” He shrugged. “It started as a whim, but then they shot someone in front of my club.”
“Mmm. Well, if you like, I’ll keep after Cora. Subtly. See if she knows aught else.”
“I appreciate it. I was going to ask if you would.” Deacon understood the implications for his club with someone being injured just outside. They were men of business, and they needed to be able to provide a safe environment for patrons.
“I’ll send a message if I discover anything.”
“Thank you.”
Deacon’s lips curved in another wicked smile. “And I’ll let you know when I’m ready to call in that favor.”
That had him chuckling as he rose, moving to shake hands with Deacon again before grabbing his coat. “You do that, Collingsworth.”
