“No.” I snapped. “I was clear at Dunecht Hall. You manipulated my affections and sought to involve me in art fraud. You are not forgiven.”
Euan’s brows knitted in confusion, “But… you rescued me—“
“I helped you tonight because I believed you to be in trouble. But if that is not the case and you are not afraid of the Brothers, there is no need for you to accept my hospitality any longer.” My tone was sharp and detached. “You can leave any time you want.”
Euan’s wounded look did not break my defences this time.
“I have no clothes or money—.”
“I will lend you a suit and a few shillings to travel.” Euan stood, dejected.
“Very well. I will leave in the morning. Good night Ben.” He said stiffly and blessedly left my room.
The following morning while Euan still slept, I received two visitors. Maud had left the front door open while she scrubbed the step. Lawrence Blake and Benjamin Cavendish walked into my home and into my study as if they lived here. I knew that I must have looked pale as a ghost for the blood drained from me when they appeared unannounced.
“Ah, Benedict, I am pleased to see you are safe and well”, Blake said. The maid scurried to the study door wringing her hands.
“Sorry sir, I know the gentlemen should have been announced—“ Maud simpered apologetically, I put my hand up to calm her nervous chatter.
“It is quite alright. Please inform Mr. Wilkins and Mr. Troy that I am not to be disturbed.” I gestured for my guests to take seats at the table and I closed the study door.
“I am glad to see you, brothers. I was rather worried after the to-do last night.” I said as I crossed the room to join them at my occasional table.
“Indeed. May we speak with you on a matter of great… sensitivity? Is it safe here?” Cavendish asked sounding a little more timid and paranoid than he had done the previous evening.
“You may speak plainly.” I asserted. “What the devil happened last night?”
“Well”, He sighed. “It appears that Lord Ardmillan has outfoxed us. He has a confidant with whom he shared our meeting place. The smoke bomb was to distract so Ardmillan could make his escape. I tell you—I will not leave a stone unturned until I find the blaggard and make him pay.” Cavendish sniped. Now, this was the Benjamin Cavendish I’d come to know and despise.
Blake removed his blue glass spectacles and placed them on the table. “I understand you and Lord Ardmillan are… intimates.” I knew they were trying to find out if I was in league with Euan.
“No! That was thirty years ago. We were friends at university and he tossed me away like an unwanted toy when someone else caught his eye. Look, I don’t know what Euan told you about me. But we are not friends, we were once closer than brothers, but Euan put an end to that.”
“That is… disappointing.” Blake drawled. “He told us you were a trusted intimate, and most suited to our cause.”
“We are not intimates. I had no idea who had vouched for me to join the Brotherhood.” I restated truthfully.
“So you would not know where the rat would run to ground?” Cavendish asked.
“No, I’m sorry. I am clueless as to his personal habits these days. I have met with Euan once since university, and that was for the auction of his late father’s collection.”
“Gaddamn it!” Blake thumped a fist on the table and his spectacles jumped. It appeared that they had counted on me to know where Euan was hiding out.
“And what of dear Leopold?” I inquired “I feel beastly for not insisting he stayed with me that night.”
“The boy has been desperate to be off the bridle for months. Let him have his fun. He will come back with his tail between his legs. He knows that no other men can give him what he needs.” Blake said smugly.
“But, he was supposed to stay pure… for us!” Cavendish interjected with outrage. “We will have to start the rituals from the beginning again.”
“We will, but this time we will ensure we have all we need before we start, and Brother Hannan can take an active part in proceedings.” Blake smiled at me in a way that made my skin crawl.
“Can we return to Exeter Hall?” I asked.
“No, the gymnasium is no longer of use to us. Euan informed someone of our meeting place and it is not secure.” Blake revealed.
“The bloody Fire Brigade was called to the hall, thousands of patrons were evacuated. Did you see The Times this morning? The press is having a field day and making all kinds of insinuations. We were lucky to get into our clothing before a pair of firemen bashed down the changing room door.” Cavendish said. “I’m glad you got out unscathed.”
“Me too! I used the back passage and found my way to The Strand before the Fire Brigade arrived.” I explained. Cavendish tapped his nose and winked.
I could not quite believe what I was hearing. They did not suspect me at all and believed that their wayward Brother Ardmillan was behind the attack.
Blake stood despondently and retrieved his spectacles.
“We will be in touch when another venue has been decided. Until then it would be best for all concerned to cease contact. We must protect one another’s interests and regroup when it is safer.”
I nodded in agreement. “Thank you for taking the time to speak with me.
