Page 71 of To Hunt the Hunter

“A tempting offer,” Lucian replied dryly. “But I decided many years ago I would not allow him to make me in his own image. I will not change my opinion at this late stage of the game.”

“The game?” Jack repeated, one dark eyebrow lifting.

“The game,” Lucian agreed, his expression grim. “And a dangerous one at that. Do not underestimate my uncle and believe him to be the pleasant old man he appears to be. And he will appear so, I assure you, even though you know he ordered my throat cut. He believes you and your men are the only witnesses to his nephew’s murder, the only ones who can implicate him. He will kill you without a second thought. Do not turn your back on him, or give him the opportunity.”

“Ah, lord, preachin’ to the choir, you be. Though I appreciate the concern. I’ll be back soon enough, with yer famble cheat an’ all my word on it.”

He spat in his hand and held it out to Lucian, who looked at it with mingled disgust and outrage.

“Right,” Jack said, wiping his palm hurriedly on his trousers. “I’ll bid ye adieu.”

Matilda watched as the big man hurried from the room and turned her gaze upon Lucian.

“Famble cheat?” she enquired with interest.

Lucian grinned at her, that mischievous look firmly back in his eyes. “I believe it is a cant expression for a ring.”

“Ah,” Matilda said, nodding her understanding. “The things one learns in your company, Lucian Barrington. I can hardly credit it.”

***

The three of them had just finished dinner when Flash Jack returned.

“Show him in,” Lucian said blithely to the rather incensed hotel manager, who had just left off protesting at having such a villain wandering in and out of his fine establishment.

Mr Elliot’s jaw was rigid and determined until Lucian settled his icy gaze upon the man. After an uncomfortable moment, the manager blanched, bowed, and hurried out. Jack strode in a few moments later with a face like thunder.

“Bleedin’ cheap-arsed scaly cove,” Jack fumed as he approached the table. “Reckoned to give me twenty yellow boys instead of fifty for snabbling you, lord. As if I’d stick me neck in a noose for such a paltry return. I ought to have put him to bed with a mattock and tucked him in with a spade, the blackguard, but I did like you bid me, though it pained me sommat fierce.”

“Mind your tongue, you old rogue,” Lucian said mildly, pouring out a glass of wine and handing it to Jack, who brightened perceptibly.

“Beggin’ your pardon, missus,” he said to Matilda, belatedly swiping his hat from his head before turning to Phoebe and grinning. “Princess.”

Matilda nodded and hid a smile.

“Good evening, Jack,” Phoebe said. “We did warn you Uncle Theodore would cheat you. He’s a very bad man.”

“Aye,” Jack said sourly. “You can’t trust no one these days,” he added without even a trace of irony.

Matilda caught Lucian’s eyes though and saw the glimmer of amusement there.

“My ring?” Lucian said, holding out his hand.

“Oh, aye, the blighter wanted to keep that an’ all, but I weren’t havin’ it, not when I was thirty guineas light on the deal.” Jack’s expression was one of righteous indignation as he fumbled about in his coat pocket and retrieved the signet ring, handing it back to Lucian.

“You’ve done well, thank you, Jack,” Lucian replied, sliding the ring back on. “You will be rewarded as promised. Did you have any trouble?”

Jack shook his head. “No, but it was just like you said. Creepy old bast— devil he is, once you know. Like butter wouldn’t melt in his mouth, but I know there was a pretty couple of barking irons under the table and he’d ’ave used ’em too, if I’d given him the chance. Old Jack’s too canny, though, and we got away sharpish without giving him a chance at us.”

“What did you tell him?”

“Just like you said, lord.” Jack took an appreciative swallow of the wine. “Ah, that’s nice, that is,” he said, smacking his lips.

“Jack,” Lucian pressed.

“Yes, lord, sorry. I told him I was gonna get cleaned up and come and visit the pretty lady what had been with you when I, er….” He paused, frowning as he looked towards Matilda and Phoebe.

“When you cut Uncle’s throat?” Phoebe said helpfully.