Ten Ways to Ruin

Simon moved to the chair behind his desk and waited. Tapping his fingers on the arm of the chair, he listened as footsteps approached, and then Riley shoved the man into the room.

“Here’s your latest cheat, King,” Riley said with a satisfied smile. “Do you want me to stay?”

“Yes.” Slowly, he rose and stared down at the young man. Now that he could see the cheater up closer, he realized just how young the man appeared. Simon doubted the man was even twenty yet.

“How old are you?” Simon asked in a harsh tone, hoping to intimidate the man.

“Ten and eight,” he replied with a shrug as if he weren’t sure of his exact age. “Why?”

“When did you start working for Hardy?”

The man laughed. “I don’t work for no Hardy.”

Simon stared at the man. “Do not lie to me. What is your name?”

“Smith,” he said with a self-assured smile.

“Smith, this is how tonight will go for you. I am going to ask you who you work for and you will tell me. Then I shall let you leave here unscathed. But I am itching for a fight tonight, so if you lie to me, you will crawl out of here. Do you understand me?”

Simon took two steps closer as Smith stepped back, nearer the door where Riley stood arms crossed over his chest. Slowly, Simon removed his jacket and waistcoat before rolling up his sleeves. The boy’s smile faded.

“It was Hardy,” Smith stammered nervously.

Simon moved closer until he could see the fear in Smith’s brown eyes. “Are you lying to me, boy?”

“No, I swear it on my ma’s grave.”

Simon seriously doubted this boy’s mother was even in a grave yet. She was probably down near Covent Gardens with the other doves. “Get out of here, boy.”

“Yes, sir.”

Riley opened the for him to leave. “Do not return, lad.”

“I won’t, sir.” The boy raced past Riley and was out the door in seconds.

Riley returned with a grimace. “What he said doesn’t make sense, King.”

“Hardy.”

“Hardy helped you start Hell.”

“He did at that.” And perhaps Hell had become too profitable, taking away business from Hardy’s gaming hell. “I’m going to see him.”

Riley stared at him for a long movement before saying, “Are you sure you want to confront him tonight?”

“Yes,” Simon bit out.

“Shall I accompany you?”

“No. Have Lucifer saddled.” Simon put on his waistcoat and jacket. So much for his plans this evening. A woman would have to wait until later. At least beating Hardy would release some of his frustrations tonight.

“Of course.”

It made no sense that Hardy would want to undermine him. Hardy knew him better than anyone. He helped him get away from his stepfather and the beatings he’d endured. Beatings his mother had never stopped for fear Albert Kingsley would turn on her.

He pushed those awful memories away and headed out to confront Hardy. As Simon mounted Lucifer, he breathed in deeply to calm himself and the horse. The jet-black gelding was the most sensitive horse he’d ever owned, knowing when Simon’s mood turned dark and reacting in much the same manner. Lucifer stomped his hooves, impatient to start off.