James rubbed his chin. “Pay him a thousand, and”—he narrowed his gaze—“advance him another two thousand against what we’re going to be paying him over the next year.”
If the secretary was curious why, he said nothing, only bowing slightly and closing the door. Before it was completely shut, Duke James said, “And send for my grandson Dash.”
“Yes, my lord,” came the reply as the door shut.
The Duke stood and said, “My two grandsons have come from the court in Rillanon to serve with me. Their parents are still in the capital, as my son must tidy up a few things before joining us.” He circled around his desk and said, “James, the eldest, has a strong appetite for the army, like his Great-Uncle William.” James smiled. “But Dashel is . . . well, let’s say I’m looking for the proper undertaking to engage his . . . unusual talents.”
He put his hand on Roo’s shoulder. “Do you think you could use a clever lad in this soon-to-be-booming enterprise you’re building, Mr. Avery?”
Roo wanted to hire a noble’s grandchild as much as he wanted a boil on his backside, but sensing the way this conversation was heading, he said, “My lord, I would be more than happy to have a bright and talented lad join my concern . . . as an apprentice, you understand. I can’t show favoritism because he’s of high station.”
James laughed at that. “Rupert, if you had any idea of my history—never mind. I think you’ll find the boy a quick study, and he’s getting a bit underfoot around here.”
A knock came from the door and James said, “Come in.” The door opened and a young man stepped through. Roo glanced back and forth between the Duke and his grandson. The resemblance was striking. They were of equal height, though the boy might be a finger’s width taller. Save for the age, they could have been brothers, not grandfather and grandson. But where the Duke had a beard, the lad was clean-shaven, and where the Duke had nearly white hair, the youth had curly brown locks.
“How would you like to try your hand at commerce?” asked the Duke.
“What do you have up your sleeve, Grandfather?” responded the youngster.
“Something that will keep you out of the gambling halls and taverns, Dash. Meet your new employer, Mr. Avery.”
Roo nodded. The young man seemed wryly amused at the news that he was now an employee of Avery and Sons, but he merely nodded. “Sir” was all he said.
“Now, go with Mr. Avery, and when you get to Barret’s, ask to see Jerome Masterson. Introduce yourselves and say this, that I would count it a great personal favor if he could facilitate whatever Mr. Avery needs done to establish his little syndicate.”
To Roo he said, “Good luck, and I hope you don’t go broke too quickly.” To Erik he said, “I hope you can find a day when you can enjoy all this immense wealth Rupert is going to put aside for you until you return.”
Erik nodded, “I’ll say yea to that, sir.”
To Dash the Duke said, “Come by and visit us from time to time, you rogue.”
The young man said, “That means you’re throwing me out of the palace again?”
James laughed. “Something like that. You’re Mr. Avery’s apprentice until he fires you, so you’ll be living wherever he puts you.”
Roo thought of the already cramped quarters shared by Luis, Duncan, and Jason, but said nothing. The three men left the Duke’s office, and Roo found he could hardly breathe, he was so excited by the prospects of the coming opportunity.
He barely heard Erik’s good-bye as he left the city gate, the grandson of the most powerful noble in the Kingdom at his side, his new apprentice.
13
Gamble
Roo cleared his throat.
The door waiter turned and Roo winced as he saw it was Kurt. His old nemesis narrowed his gaze and said, “What do you want?”
“I would like to speak with Jerome Masterson,” said Roo evenly, ignoring Kurt’s lack of civility.
Kurt raised one eyebrow but said nothing. He turned and whispered something to another waiter, a new boy unknown to Roo, who nodded and hurried off. “Wait here,” said Kurt, walking away.
“Surly bugger, isn’t he?” said Dash.
“You don’t know the half of it,” said Roo.
The second waiter and Kurt returned a few minutes later, and Kurt said, “Mr. Masterson regrets that his schedule at this time doesn’t present an opportunity to speak with you. Perhaps some other time.”
Roo’s temper began to flare. “Let me guess, Kurt. You neglected to specify who was asking to see him.” Roo pushed through the swinging railing and Kurt backed away a step.
“Don’t make me send for the City Watch, Avery!” warned Kurt.
Kurt motioned for the young waiter to come closer, and with some hesitancy, he did. “What did you say to Mr. Masterson?”
The boy glanced at Kurt, then Roo. “I told him what Kurt said to tell him: a former waiter wished a word with him.”