Lakewood knew there was no sense in trying to make small talk. Smith wasn’t interested in anything other than business.
Lakewood put his plate on the table, as well as the goblet. It was only then that he realized he’d forgotten silverware. He retrieved it quickly, and when he returned to the table, he found that Smith had already filled his glass with wine.
“I hope you don’t mind,” Lakewood said as he took his seat, “but I had planned to have dinner with Gerome Berkshire this evening. He should be here any time.”
“Good. That saves me from having you send for him.” Smith continued eating as if he didn’t know how many social rules he had broken by barging into Lakewood’s house and making himself at home. The fact was, he didn’t care about such formalities even though he’d been raised in society.
“You’ve probably already figured out that I gave the staff the evening off,” Lakewood said.
Smith nodded. “I ran into the last of them as I arrived. I told them you were expecting me, and they allowed me access. You really should get better servants. I could have been anyone.”
“True enough.” Lakewood could hardly tell Smith that he was at the top of the list of people Lakewood wouldn’t have wanted in the house.
A knock sounded on the front door, and then it opened. Gerome Berkshire announced himself.
“We’re in the dining room, Gerome,” Lakewood called. “Come join us.”
He heard Gerome’s boots cross the foyer and then come down the hall. He would no doubt be just as surprised to see Mr. Smith.
“What in the world is this all about?” Gerome questioned, coming into the room. He saw Mr. Smith and stopped. “I didn’t know you’d be here.”
“Neither did Mr. Lakewood,” Smith replied. “Come in and have a chair. In fact, get some dinner. We aren’t standing on formalities here tonight.”
Gerome hesitated, then gave a nod. He went to the sideboard, throwing careful glances at Smith and Lakewood as he chose his meal. When he was finally settled in the seat across from Lakewood, Smith picked up the conversation.
“I was just telling Mr. Lakewood how glad I am that you were coming this evening. Otherwise I would have had to send someone to find you. This makes it much simpler.”
“What can we do for you?” Lakewood asked. He hated the feeling Smith gave him. Smith was younger than he and Gerome were, yet he commanded a presence that dominated the room. He was in control of the entire plan. It was his family’s wealth and power that had drawn Lakewood’s attention, and Lakewood’s resources that had drawn his. It seemed a good marriage of sorts.
Smith finished eating and even polished off his wine before saying another word. Lakewood didn’t like having to wait for information, but there was nothing he could do. Smith was in charge and would do things his way.
“I understand,” Smith said, pushing his plate back, “that we’ve had more than a little attention from the government. I’m curious why I haven’t heard the details of this until now.”
Lakewood wondered who was giving Smith information. When he found out, he would have that person eliminated, but for now he’d have to play his cards close to the vest.
“I didn’t think it worth bothering you with,” Lakewood replied. “I’m already dealing with it.”
Smith gave a cold smile. “I don’t pay you to do my thinking, Lakewood. I am the only one who will decide what is worth my trouble. It seems to me that a government investigation in which one of our close associates is forced to turn over evidence is reason enough for me to be involved.”
Gerome coughed, spewing wine across the table and onto Lakewood’s face and clothes. Lakewood slammed a fist on the table before thinking. Cursing, he grabbed his napkin and wiped his face. “Control yourself, Berkshire.”
Smith watched the exchange with an expression of ennui. He picked up the wine and poured himself another glass. “What else haven’t you told me, Lakewood?”
“Me? I, ah, I don’t know what you’re talking about. I haven’t kept anything from you. I send the reports as requested, and all the shipments of guns have been stockpiled and are ready for your use. I sent you the complete inventory and location of everything.”
“Yes, I have that, as well as the list of men who work for you. What about the situation with Seth Carpenter? I thought I told you last Christmas to kill him. Why is still alive?”