Scoundrel's Honor (Russian Connection 3)

Sanderson wagged a fat finger moving to unlock a heavy wooden door.

“Have patience.”

“Patience will not transform this decrepit building into an establishment worthy of my patronage. Nor will it offer me the sort of female I had hoped to ease my hunger.”

Stepping through the doorway, Sanderson waited for Dimitri to join him before closing the door and lighting a gas lantern that had been set on a low bench. The dull glow revealed precisely what Dimitri had anticipated. A cavernous room filled with crates that had recently been unloaded at the East India Docks. The only thing that appeared to be missing was the guard that must surely keep watch on such valuable property.

Sanderson weaved a path through the stacked crates. “Now that is where you are mistaken.”

“What do you mean?” Dimitri demanded, warily following in his wake.

“First I must swear you to absolute secrecy.”

Dimitri snorted, coming to an abrupt stop at the man’s ridiculous theatrical manner.

“There are gentlemen who might enjoy this pretense of mystery, but I am not one.” An explosion of fury raced through him. He had wasted endless nights being led about London by this stupid clod. Nights that he could have devoted to Emma and returning her to her rightful place in his bed. And for what? To be dangled by vague promises of young girls just ripe for the plucking? “Nor am I foolish enough to be led into so obvious a trap.”

Sanderson blinked, as if surprised by Dimitri’s suspicions.

“’Tis no trap, I assure you.”

“Then why are we here?”

Sanderson allowed a sly smile to curve his lips. “You are not alone in your preference for tender young creatures. The more tender the better, eh?”

“As you say.”

“Unfortunately, there are those in society who do not fully appreciate our choice of entertainment, so we must hide in the shadows.”

“Understandable.” Dimitri grimly squashed his surge of hope. The man had been making vague references to his ability to procure young girls for days. “It is best not to attract unwanted attention.”

“Precisely.” Sanderson leaned toward Dimitri, oblivious to the gas lantern that swayed dangerously close to a nearby crate. Ridiculous twit. “Which is why we have a number of young females transported from Russia to be auctioned for your pleasure.”

Dimitri tensed. “They are Russian?”

“An odd coincidence, is it not?”

“Odd indeed.” Dimitri’s voice was hoarse, his mouth dry. Russian females? Could he at last be on the threshold of destroying Count Nevskaya and his accomplices? It seemed impossible after so many years of futile effort. “And they are to be auctioned tonight?”

“Actually, the auction is not until tomorrow eve, but with a generous offer I am certain I can convince my partners to give you first choice of the wenches.”

“The females are in the warehouse?”

“They are.” Sanderson offered a leering smile. “Would you care to meet them?”

“More than you could imagine.”

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

UNAWARE OF HIS COMPANION’S tense anticipation, Sanderson led Dimitri through a series of locked doors, then down a set of stone steps to a narrow tunnel below. Dimitri was not surprised by the secret passage. In fact, he was intimately familiar with such hidden cellars. Any gentleman who imported goods knew that it was vital to possess a public warehouse where the officials could inspect your legally transported cargo, and a separate location for those goods you prefer to keep away from prying eyes. He had several such places scattered throughout St. Petersburg.

“Follow me,” Sanderson whispered, weaving his way through the damp tunnel.

Still conscious that he might very well be entering a trap, Dimitri remained on guard.

“I must admit I am curious how you managed to acquire Russian maidens,” he prompted.

“It is a profitable exchange,” the nobleman readily answered, the top of his high beaver hat nearly brushing the wooden beams that lined the ceiling and his glossy boots splashing through the occasional puddles. “We provide suitable English virgins to be sent to Russia and in return we are offered the tastiest of Russian fruits.”