Forty
I did not know that crime lords went about in such high style,” Beatrice said, marveling at the fine carriage that was approaching.
“Mr. Weaver controls a profitable slice of the London underworld,” Joshua said. “He specializes in gambling establishments and taverns. But he also provides financial services to those who cannot obtain such services from respectable banks.”
“At rather high interest rates, I expect.”
“He is a businessman at heart,” Joshua said.
He watched the sleek black carriage pulled by two perfectly matched, high-stepping black horses come to a halt in the street at the top of Teaberry Lane. Two men climbed down. All of Weaver’s enforcers had a certain look, he thought. They were big, intimidating, well armed and well dressed. The black ties they wore around their necks were well known throughout the criminal world.
The pair looked at Joshua for direction.
“Please keep watch on the apothecary and her shop in the lane,” Joshua said. “Do not let anyone in through the front door or the alley. The establishment is closed until further notice. I am concerned for the safety of the proprietor.”
“We’ll look after her,” one of the men said.
They touched their black caps and went quickly along the lane.
A footman in black livery jumped down to open the door of the carriage and lower the steps. The massively built man seated in the cab looked out through the opening.
“It’s been a while, Joshua,” Weaver said. He took in the scar and the cane with a thoughtful expression. “I heard there was an accident.”
“Word gets around,” Joshua said. “Allow me to present Miss Lockwood, a very good friend. Beatrice, this is Mr. Weaver, an old associate of mine.”
Beatrice smiled. “Mr. Weaver.”
Joshua hid a quick grin. He could not imagine another lady of his acquaintance acknowledging an introduction to a notorious crime lord with grace and charm. It was clear from the surprise that flashed in Weaver’s eyes that he was not accustomed to being greeted so cordially by a member of the respectable class.
“A pleasure, Miss Lockwood,” Weaver said. He glanced at Joshua, brows slightly elevated, and then gestured with one gloved hand. “I hope the two of you will join me in my carriage while we converse. Standing about in the open affects my nerves.”
Joshua handed Beatrice up into the cab and joined her. They sat down on the black velvet cushions.
Beatrice examined Weaver with politely veiled curiosity. There was a lot of Weaver to examine, Joshua thought. The big man took up most of the opposite seat. There was a cool, calculating intelligence in his pale eyes. He was well dressed in the latest fashion. His tailor had done his best to camouflage Weaver’s bloated body but there was only so much that could be accomplished. And nothing could disguise the aura of poor health that emanated from Mr. Weaver, Joshua thought. Weaver’s color was not good and his breathing was much tighter now than it had been the last time they had met.
“I must admit I am curious to know why you are requesting my assistance after a year of silence,” Weaver said.
“It’s a long tale and it has not ended,” Joshua replied. “It’s connected to the accident you mentioned. I think that one of the people believed to have died in the same accident is still alive. He has become something of a problem for Miss Lockwood.”
“I see.” Weaver inclined his head toward Beatrice. “I’m sorry to hear that, Miss Lockwood.” He turned back to Joshua. “I am happy to be able to assist you today but supplying two guards is not sufficient to repay the debt that I owe you. I trust you will let me know if I can be of any further assistance.”
“I do have one question,” Joshua said. “Have you heard of an independent operator whose services include kidnapping and murder? He is a foreigner and speaks with a thick Russian accent. Witnesses report that he is entirely bald and has a face like a skull. He calls himself the Bone Man.”
“Sounds like a character in a Gothic novel.” Weaver’s eyes narrowed. “But your description is familiar. Nearly a year ago I heard rumors about such a man. It was said that he was recently arrived in London and that he was an experienced professional.”
“Professional what?” Beatrice asked.
“Assassin,” Weaver explained gently.
“Oh, right,” Beatrice said.
“I let it be known that I would be interested in employing such an expert but he never made any attempt to contact me. In fact, he disappeared almost immediately.”
“He found another employer,” Joshua said.
“I assume this other employer is from your world, Joshua. Because I would most certainly know if one of my competitors had hired him.”
“His new employer is a madman named Clement Lancing,” Joshua said.
Weaver nodded. “I assume you have a plan?”
“The Bone Man’s weakness appears to be his professional pride,” Joshua said. “I intend to use that vulnerability to set a trap but I will need your assistance.”
“Of course.”
Joshua explained the nature of his request. Weaver comprehended immediately.
“That will not be a problem,” he said. “I shall make the arrangements as soon as I return to my office.”
“Thank you,” Joshua said. “Please consider your debt repaid in full.”
Weaver grunted. “I will never be able to repay it.”
Joshua opened the door of the cab and made his way down to the pavement. He reached up to assist Beatrice.
Together they watched the gleaming black equipage disappear into the mist.
“Dare I ask the nature of the favor you performed for Mr. Weaver?” Beatrice asked.
“His daughter was taken when she was a young girl and held for ransom by one of Weaver’s underworld competitors,” Joshua said. “I was able to find her and retrieve her unharmed.”
“I see. That explains why he feels he can never fully repay the debt.”
There was something in her tone that made him realize she was concerned.
“What is it?” Joshua asked.
“Mr. Weaver is a very ill man,” she said quietly. “He is dying.”
“It’s his heart, I’m told. For years he has maintained the truce in the criminal underworld. It will be interesting to see what happens when he is gone.”