“I don’t doubt it.” Dustin leaned forward, gripping his knees. “Can you describe the men who did this to you?”
Sully’s brows drew together. “One was heavyset and short.”
“Blue eyes?” Dustin questioned. “Very pale blue?”
“Yeah. The other was taller, kind of leaner. He had those black, piercing sort of eyes.”
“Dark hair? Dirty? Did the first one have a ruddy complexion, like he’d been drinking?”
A resigned nod. “I take it you’ve seen them.”
“Oh, I’ve seen them, all right. They came to my home. They threatened me and my family if I hired Nick Aldridge.”
“Dear God.” Sully leaned weakly back against his pillow. “Does Nick know this?”
“Yes. His description of the scum who tried to blackmail him at Newmarket matches ours. Same men. Same method.” Dustin rose and began to pace. “How long ago were they here?”
“I was only half awake when they broke in. The sun was just up. I’d say it was six A.M., maybe a little past. What time is it now?”
A glance at the clock on the mantel. “A quarter past ten. What else do you remember?”
“Not much. Other than demanding to know where Nick is, they didn’t talk. Except with their fists.” A pause. “Wait. When they were leaving, one of them called the other ‘Archer.’ I couldn’t see which was which. My eyes were too badly swollen.”
“Archer,” Dustin repeated. “Good.” Reaching into his pocket, he extracted the list Nick had penned. “Sullivan, I know you feel like hell, but I need your help. Aldridge gave me this list of jockeys who have been throwing races for money. He thought you might be able to add to it. If I read you the names, would you be able to concentrate well enough to do that?”
Sully blinked through slitted eyes. “Nick really trusts you, doesn’t he?”
“I hope so.”
“What do you aim to do with this list?”
“Visit every damned person on it until I find someone who’s able to shed light on this scheme and the bastard who’s orchestrating it. You and I both know that these jockeys, like the two ruffians who assaulted you, are just hired hands. I want their employer. Because whoever he is, he’s not only tarnishing the reputation of the turf, he’s endangering people’s lives. People like Aldridge.” Dustin met Sully’s gaze. “And Redley.”
That reference made Sully start. “Nick mentioned Redley?” A dubious pause. “What did he tell you?”
“Only that Redley was killed because he was stupid enough to try blackmailing his blackmailers.”
“That’s all any of us knows.”
“Well, I plan to call on the Viscount Preighbrook, Redley’s last employer, on my way back to Tyreham. Maybe he’ll remember something of consequence.”
“Um-hum. The St. Leger was Redley’s last race, the one he threw riding Preighbrook’s filly Nightingale.” Sully cocked a brow, studying Dustin with shrewd comprehension. “I’m not a suspicious man, but I’m not a stupid one either. You gave Nick a place to stay knowing damned well his presence could put you in danger. You’re letting Nicole run the Derby knowing damned well it could threaten your hard-earned, well-respected reputation as an owner and breeder. The truth is, you don’t have to do either. You’ve got more than enough money to hire people who’ll protect your family and keep your staff honest, which would shield you from this whole ugly mess. Why are you taking such a strong personal interest in the Aldridges?”
Staring at the list of names, Dustin smoothed the rumpled sheet. “My reasons, like my interest, are personal.”
“I gathered as much.” Sully’s eyes narrowed. “I couldn’t help but notice the fervent way you talked about the elf. She wouldn’t happen to be that ‘personal reason,’ would she?”
Dustin’s head came up. “And if she is?”
“Then you’ve got me to answer to.”
“Wonderful. That’s two fathers I have to contend with.”
A reluctant grin tugged at Sully’s lips. “I’m as tough as Nick. Especially when it comes to the elf.” His grin faded. “You care for her?”
“I do.”
“I mean really care for her; you know—decently? Properly?”