Inwardly Vice cringed. He wished he was a bit more wholesome. Having inherited at such a young age had enabled him to be wild as a young man. But he’d lost a great deal of his innocence too. “It comes naturally.”
Bad clapped him on the back. “We’re nearly there.”
Ten minutes later, they walked through the door, Vice swaying on his feet in what he hoped was a convincing manner.
A quick survey of the room, however, left him disappointed. There was no sign of Crusher or Abernath.
Bad found them a seat at one of the tables, and they made a point to lose several hands to the house. Only then, did Bad, in a slurred voice, ask to see the owner. “I want Crusher,” he demanded.
“Who are ye to demand him?” The dealer spit on the floor.
“We’re old friends,” Bad swayed in his chair. “Tell him Baderness wants to see him.”
“Baderness?” The man spit again but got up from his chair. “I’ll get him but yer gointa regret it.”
Bad gave the other man a bleary-eyed stare but Vice clenched his fists under the table. “What’s your plan?”
Bad shook his head. “Get invited to the back room.”
Vice drew in a deep breath. He didn’t like it. They’d be trapped and with only two of them, it was more difficult to fight their way out but they were in it now. He wouldn’t leave Bad to face whatever was coming alone.
The dealer returned, waving them to follow. Vice stood, holding his breath. What were they about to find out?
Much like the Den of Sins, they made their way down a long dimly lit hall until a doorway led to a small back room. Vice had never been introduced to Crusher but he recognized the man immediately. A large scar ran from his eye to his lip with several more cutting at various angles on his face. “Did that to himself,” Bad muttered so only Vice could hear.
The only question Vice wanted to ask was why. But he stayed silent as Crusher motioned for them to sit. “It’s been a long time, my lord.” Crusher drew out the address, dropping his voice low. “To what do I owe this pleasure?”
Bad took the seat, leaning back in his chair as though he didn’t have a care in the world. Vice had never pegged his friend for an actor but he was putting on a show now. “Viceroy and I were just looking for some entertainment. Life has been a bit dull.”
Crusher’s eyes flitted to Vice. “And you came here? I’m surprised you’d stoop so low. Even back in the old days you were too high and mighty for the likes of me.”
Bad didn’t move a muscle. “That isn’t true. You were damned intimidating.”
“Liar,” Crusher sneered. “You were never intimidated and the only man that ever bested me.”
Bested him in what? Vice didn’t dare ask now. Instead he addressed Crusher. “Perhaps we’ve come to the wrong place,” he said, shifting in his chair. “Apologies for taking up your time.”
“Sit.” Crusher put on a smile that only pulled at his scars. “I didn’t say that I wanted you to leave. Just that I was surprised you’d come. What sort of entertainment did you have in mind?”
Bad cocked his head to the side. “Have any women of quality?”
Crusher’s lip curled over his teeth as though the conversation pained him. His fingers clenched and unclenched. “The normal fair. But you’re welcome to have a look.”
Something wasn’t sitting right. Crusher sounded affable but he wasn’t nearly the actor Bad was and his face twisted into angry lines. Or perhaps that was just his scars. “No thanks. If you had something special, you would have said so.” This time Vice did stand. If something was going to happen, he wanted to be able to reach the door.
Crusher stood as well. “I said sit.”
Vice cocked his head to the side. “And I said, no thank you.”
The dealer still stood behind Crusher and he came to man’s side. “My employer has asked ye nice like to have a seat for some gentlemanly conversation.”
Bad stood too. “I don’t think anyone is sitting.” Bad expanded his chest. “Why are you trying to keep us here?”
Crusher pointed a beefy finger at Bad. “Just because you bested me back then, doesn’t mean you can now.” He jabbed his finger toward Bad. “I know why you’re here. She’s mine now and you can’t have her.”
Bad paused. “Are we discussing Countess Abernath?”
“We are.” Crusher reached over and gave Bad a small push. “Let’s not play games. Life has given you everything hasn’t it? But not her. She’s for me.”