A Rogue No More - Lana Williams Page 0,86

and for a long moment, Thomas feared he’d refuse. Just as Thomas was about to goad him further, Sir Alexander sat and the cards were dealt.

Several of the players at other tables ended their game and rose to watch. Soon a small crowd had gathered around Thomas’s table.

Thomas watched the cards carefully, trying to put all else from his mind. The goal of the game was to not exceed one and twenty. He took the risk of stopping at nineteen and won another hand, smiling as he took Sir Alexander’s money then watched as another hand was dealt. He deliberately lost the next, going over one and twenty and again on the following round.

Sir Alexander was the one who was smiling as his pile of notes grew larger. “Tsk. Tsk, Raybourne. Too bad you’re not good at this either. I had expected more, given your reputation.”

Thomas did his best to act surly as if losing with poor grace. He finished his drink and ordered another, pleased when Sir Alexander did the same. Thomas managed to win the next hand, and this time, the knight was the surly one.

More people arrived to watch as word of the game spread through the gaming hell. Graham and Hugh entered the room right on time, remaining by the door. Aberland came in as well, all of their approving looks lending Thomas confidence. When Lord Thornton arrived with Sir Stuart Godfrey, the long-standing head of the Court of Directors of the East India Company, Thomas drew a relieved breath. None of them were visible to Sir Alexander unless he turned around, and all remained quiet. Aberland had done just as Thomas had requested.

The time had come to move forward with the next step in the plan. Thomas made certain to lose another hand before clearing his throat.

“It appears your luck exceeds mine this evening, Sir Alexander.”

“You should learn not to challenge me, Raybourne.”

“I tip my hat toward you. Your cleverness amazes me.” Thomas was counting on the man’s pride and temper to assist him. “No wonder you’ve risen to such great heights.” The sarcasm in his tone couldn’t be ignored.

The knight’s lips pursed as he glared at Thomas. “What are you suggesting?”

“Did you gain your knighthood the same way you gained power in the Company? By using unscrupulous methods?”

“See here. I worked hard for all I have.” His eyes narrowed. “What are you about? Have you so quickly forgotten our recent conversation?”

“You refer to the one where you’ve agreed not to have another person murdered if I keep quiet about your efforts to take over both the Earl of Arlingwood and Sir Reginald Gold’s docks?” Thomas said it loud and clear so everyone watching could hear.

Sir Alexander’s shock—eyes wide and mouth agape—was almost satisfying. But Thomas wouldn’t be pleased until the knight had not only been stopped but punished for his deeds.

The man glanced at the two other players who sat at their table then at those standing nearby but didn’t look behind him. “I don’t know what you’re talking about, Raybourne. You should keep your mouth shut if you know what’s good for you.”

“I’ve had time to think about it since you paid a visit to Artemis Press the other day, and I refuse to keep your dirty secrets. Murder is a serious crime. And I don’t appreciate you threatening one of our authors or having the murder scenes from his book re-enacted. You have blood on your hands now. Even worse, you’ve done it under the guise of the East India Company’s interests.”

“Cease this at once. You’re speaking lies, and I won’t have it.” Sir Alexander rose, spittle coming from his lips as he spoke. “Do you hear me? I won’t have it!”

“What is all this about?” Sir Stuart stepped forward to stand next to the enraged man.

Sir Alexander’s mouth dropped open with surprise once again. The entire room was silent as everyone watched the scene unfold.

Thomas rose as well. “Sir Alexander Bolton is responsible for the recent deaths of Joseph Smead and Markus Whitney.”

“What?” The Earl of Arlingwood elbowed through the group of men to glare at the knight. “Is this true?”

“No!” Sir Alexander glanced about as if looking for an ally. “Raybourne has lost his mind. Can’t you see?” His expression filled with relief as Lord Thornton slowly eased forward with Cummings at his side. “Thornton, tell them.”

“It’s true,” the lord said, and Thomas was able to breathe again. “He ordered the two deaths with exact instructions to copy murder scenes