Page 89 of Seduced By a Scoundrel

“Agreed. We have questioned them all, and your Alfie, I believe, is all of seventeen years old and is in way over his head.”

“What did he say?” Sybil asked.

“Nothing helpful. He was hired by his friend’s uncle. No names. Paid in coin.”

“The uncle?”

“Conveniently out of town.”

“So they know enough to be scared of this Minos Society,” Priya guessed.

“Aye. I’ve got men at the pub and the flash houses in the area.”

“I hate it when secret societies are so… secret,” Sybil muttered. She waved the invitation like a banner of war. “You take the flash houses. I’ve got this apartment at the Albany to visit.”

“Well, that does not bode well at all.”

“For them,” Sybil said grimly. “Because tonight I mean to get some answers.”

The Albany was a private collection of bachelor apartments in Piccadilly, set off the busy road. The main building, a converted townhouse, was dark brick with white-painted windows. The covered Rope Walk lay behind, flanked by additional buildings. Lord Byron had apartments here, as did any number of titled men who did not wish to be at home either with their parents or with their wives. And, apparently, a secret society.

Also, Peony was somewhere up on one of the rooftops.

Women were not allowed.

Lord Singleton, however, was allowed.

Apprehension and a deep desire for vindication and, let us be honest, violence, thrummed in Sybil’s blood. She was not sure what to expect, but these were the men who had tried to abduct her. Who had tried to bring real harm to her friends. Who were responsible for the ill treatment of any number of women besides.

It was not very surprising that it should all be headquartered at one of the most fashionable addresses in London.

Sybil crossed the courtyard and followed the Rope Walk to one of the new sets on the ground floor, near the end. The sound of carriage wheels and late-night carousers drifted from the next street over, but otherwise it was quiet.

Not a good sign.

For one thing, she was not particularly fond of quiet.

For another, Pierce was meant to be here with several of his men. Peony was in place, but where were the others? She would glean as much information as she could, but she did not know how many members waited inside. She could hardly take them all on, even as Singleton. But when else would they get a chance to get the members gathered in one place?

She could not afford to wait any longer.

“Psst,” Peony hissed. “Where is everyone?”

“I don’t know,” Sybil admitted without turning to look at her friend, lest it give them away.

“I don’t like it.”

“Me neither.”

“I did see Keir,” Peony said. “He went around back.”

Sybil nodded. “I guess this is it.”

“Don’t die.”

“Likewise.”

When Sybil finally knocked on the door, a large man holding a cudgel answered. He wore a rough coat, a rougher expression.