Unmasked By A Devil (The Deville Brothers Book 5), page 3
He sat wedged on one side of the hackney between Michael and Nathan. Opposite were Gabe and Forrest. All wore their cloaks.
“We are going to the Speckled Hen for pies after, aren’t we?” Zach asked.
“I find I have a craving for one,” Forrest said.
Their cousin was vastly different from the emotionless man who had arrived on their doorstep clutching his daughter many years ago. His family had left England for India when he was an infant. Forrest had returned after the death of his wife. He was now married to the lovely Ruby.
Their family was growing, and Zach loved each and every member even if he had resented their happiness in a small way. He’d been shallow and petty to hate that marriage had taken his brothers from him as they had Warwick. Perhaps change was good, and it was time he found other things to do with his life.
Visions of a certain French woman slipped into his head. He pushed them aside. It was unhealthy to be fixated on a woman simply because of her body and the sultry tone of her voice.
When the carriage slowed, they all pulled up their hoods and climbed from it.
The church they had been visiting for many years was in a quieter part of London, a small building hidden from the road. One side was blackened from fire, and the other covered in a creeping vine. It was old, and a place his forefathers had been meeting for centuries.
Their boots thudded on the stone path as they walked to the scarred wooden front door.
“Is it only me who has a problem with him wearing the ring and knocking on the door?” Zach asked.
“Move on, Zach, for pity’s sake. Every time we come here you say that,” Gabe snapped.
“It’s not like he’s the best Deville either,” Nathan added, winking at Zach.
“Just the eldest. The brothers improved with each new birth,” Michael said.
“Or addition of a cousin,” Forrest added.
“If you are all quite done,” Gabe gritted out. He then knocked on the scarred wood four times.
They entered in single file. A man sat at a table with a solitary candle burning. This scene was always the same and had deviated only a few times since they’d set foot in here. The room was dark, and the candle offered little by way of light, but no one challenged the need for more.
Gabe sat at the table and folded his hands, ringed finger on the top. His brothers and Forrest lined up behind him.
“Veritas scutum tibi erit,” they all said.
The truth will be your shield, Zach translated in his head.
“We have had word.”
Geraint was the man’s name, and he was the only person who gave them orders. Tall, with a solid build, his hair was dark with grey at the temples, and he was one of the king’s advisors. Zach had never been able to ruffle his feathers, although he had tried many times.
“And so it begins,” Zach muttered, but he felt his excitement rise as he received an elbow in the ribs from Michael.
“Two days ago, we believe four French women infiltrated the confidences of three of our high-ranking lords who sit in the House. One was the foreign secretary. They had gathered at Lord Blackhall’s residence here in London to discuss some highly confidential government information.”
“What were four women doing at such a meeting?” Nathan asked.
“The secrets the women took are extremely sensitive and could cause unimaginable damage to our monarch and to England if released,” Geraint said, ignoring Nathan’s question. “As yet, there is no indication of their identities other than the men believed them French.”
“How is it possible that three high-ranking lords and a government minister have left information about the place for these women to find?” Zach asked. “Surely they are not that reckless?”
“Why were these women in the house?” Forrest asked.
“We believe the women were masquerading as prostitutes,” Geraint continued in his calm voice. “The men were plied with enough alcohol so they stayed lucid but were happy to talk on matters they should not have. We cannot be certain but think some kind of drug was used also to control them.”
Michael snorted. “A man’s downfall. Women and alcohol.”
“Thinking with the wrong head again,” Zach said.
“I’m afraid it has resulted in an issue of national security for the king and our country. Last night, the king was sent a blackmail letter demanding the release of two French spies or the information they held would be sold to the highest bidder. What they sent was one of the documents that had been taken that night at Lord Blackhall’s house. They were told the rest would be given to the French government and any other country interested for the highest price if their demands were not met.”
“Which spies?” Gabe demanded.
“Falcon and Lucien.”
“I thought Falcon was dead?” Gabe said.
“He was not hanged but left in prison,” Geraint said.
Zach swore loudly, and his brothers did so under their breath.
“Two years ago, Falcon was responsible for the murder of many English soldiers,” Nathan snarled.
“He also murdered an entire family when he stepped foot on English soil so he could hide in their house with their bodies still warm,” Michael thundered.
“And let us not forget the three women he took to his bed the same night. All were mutilated and then strangled,” Zach added. “He must never be released.”
The only outward sign that Geraint might be slightly uncomfortable was the quick look he gave his hands before returning it to them.
“He cannot be released!” Gabe roared the words while slamming his fist down on the table.
It took a great deal to upset the Earl, but clearly this had done so. Zach put a hand on his shoulder as Forrest did the same from the right. Gabe’s muscles were rigid. Zach shared his rage.
The Falcon had been hard to catch. By the time members of Alexius had cornered him like the feral beast he was, he’d murdered many and passed information he’d stolen from the house of a high-ranking British government minister to the French. The Deville brothers had played their part in tracking him but hadn’t been the ones to capture the man.
“The king may have no choice but to order his release,” Geraint said.
“Surely Parliament will not allow that?” Nathan said, grim-faced.
“The information they have could destroy many,” Geraint countered.
“He will destroy many if released,” Zach said.
“Do you honestly think the documents will be handed over with his release?” Forrest asked. “Because I doubt that very much.”
“Of course they won’t. We are not dealing with people of honor or we would not be in this situation,” Michael said.
“Our king hopes it does not get to the point where the spies will be released,” Geraint said.
“How did the women approach these men? Surely they were not invited?” Gabe demanded.
“On the evening concerned, there was a knock on the door. A gentleman stood there. According to the butler who saw him, he was of average height and size,” Geraint said.
“Which tells us nothing,” Gabe said. “And there is no such thing as an average-sized person.”
“Exactly,” Zach said. “They are large, small, tall, thin, or rotund but rarely average-sized.”
“The man said the women were there as requested,” Geraint continued, undeterred by Zach’s words. “When the butler approached Blackhall, he seemed confused, as did the other gentlemen. It appears the women had followed the butler into the room where the men were.”
“The women were persuasive is my guess?” Forrest said.
Geraint nodded. “The men had been drinking steadily through the meeting and so were—”
“Responsive to flattery,” Nathan said in disgust.
“The butler said Blackhall told them to go, but one of the women sat on his lap, and it seems, she was extremely persuasive.”
“Which means what? That they were drunk so therefore their behavior is forgivable?” Zach demanded.
“Or drugged,” Geraint added. “They are powerful men. I would ask you to remember that.”
“My brother is correct in what he says, Geraint. We have been in this very room more times than I could count and heard of these so-called powerful men making stupid mistakes that greatly impact the security of our nation,” Gabe snapped.
Geraint sighed. It was possibly the first time they’d ever heard one from him.
“Presumably all the men present spent time with the prostitutes?” Nathan asked.
“Yes. The women joined them for a night of revelry. The following morning, they were gone and the lords were extremely hazy as to what had happened. But they found their papers had been rifled through, and documentation was missing,” Geraint said.
Zach muttered something unflattering. “And now you want Alexius to find these women presumably?”
Geraint nodded, and he then placed a piece of paper on the table. “These are the details we have.”
Gabe took it.
“What of the man who was with the women?” Forrest asked.
“He did not come inside, and the butler did not see him again.”
“And you want Alexius to get these women or the man or anyone involved before they leave England?”
“Yes. We have men at all points of departure in the United Kingdom,” Geraint said. “There is also something else,” he added.
“Let me guess. The keys to the treasury were left on the table and stolen,” Zach said, which had his brothers snorting.
“We have someone undercover here in London who we believe is getting closer to these women,” Geraint said, ignoring Zach.
“You really believe whoever is involved in this is still in London?” Zach asked.
“We do, as the letter with demands to the king was sent the following day.” Geraint hesitated.
Zach frowned. Geraint was holding something back from them, he was sure of it.
“Well let’s hope that now the men who run this country have been informed to think before they invite strange women into their homes?” Nathan said.
“One moment.” Gabe raised a hand. “Are you telling me members of Alexius are undercover?”
Geraint nodded. “I cannot go into detail.”
“Well, clearly whoever it is, he is not a nobleman, as we are not that intelligent,” Gabe said.
“They have been undercover for some time,” Geraint said. “I will pass on anything they learn to you and the others as soon as I have anything of interest.”
“‘They?” Michael asked. “How many are there?”
“There is more I must tell you,” Geraint said, instead of answering the question.
“But of course there is.” Nathan sighed.
“We fear a member of Alexius is betraying us.”
“Excellent,” Zach muttered. “That rounds things out nicely. Not only are noblemen notoriously unreliable with national secrets, but they are also willing to sell them for the highest price?”
“So, these women are just pawns is what you believe, and it is them we need to find first?” Forrest said.
“Because they will be easy to get information out of,” Nathan added.
Geraint nodded.
“Then we shall endeavor once again to clean up the mess men of power and consequence have made,” Gabe said. “Veritas scutum tibi erit.”
“Veritas scutum tibi erit,” Geraint replied.
They left in single file as they’d arrived, and only when they were outside the church with the door shut did Zach say, “It does not inspire me with confidence that such men run this country.”
“There are many good ones also, little brother. Friends that we respect,” Michael said. “Not to mention Gabe.”
They walked until they could flag down a hackney, all deep in thought. They then directed the driver to take them to the Speckled Hen.
“Geraint said they had someone undercover,” Forrest said. He was now wedged between Zach and Nathan while Gabe and Michael traveled in comfort. “Do you think he could possibly have been speaking about a woman?”
“Why would you say that?” Zach asked.
“Because you said when Ruby had gone missing you thought you heard a woman’s voice at the church door and that she had knocked twice. Why would she be there if she was not working for Alexius?” Forrest added.
“No women are part of Alexius,” Gabe said.
“Change is everywhere, Gabe,” Forrest continued. “Who better to get close to other women than one of their kind?”
“It would be incredibly dangerous, surely?” Nathan said.
“It would,” Forrest agreed. “And take a brave woman to put herself in such a position.”
“But it is not inconceivable,” Zach added softly. His back tensed, and he wasn’t sure why.
He was still thinking about it as they entered the Speckled Hen, a tavern that they had frequented for many years.
“It’s like I can’t go anywhere without falling over a Deville.”
The voice belonged to Warwickshire Sinclair. Friend and, until recently, fellow rabble rouser. With Warwick were his brothers Lord Devonshire and Mr. Cambridge Sinclair.
“I hardly think a Sinclair can speak,” Gabe said, shaking hands. “You and those Ravens are everywhere.”
These were some of the men he respected, Zach thought. Big builds with dark hair and green eyes, all seven of the Sinclairs were similar enough that if you saw one alone, you knew who they were instantly.
“How are you?” Warwick got to his feet and greeted Zach. “Now I’m not with you constantly that does not mean you can fall into trouble.”
“As if it was ever me that got into trouble.” He punched his friend on the shoulder.
Warwick grinned. “You do know that I am still here for you, don’t you, my friend? That I still wish to keep you company some evenings.”
The words were spoken softly so only he could hear and made him feel lighter inside. He was no child but had been behaving as such. He’d resented what his friend had found. But no more.
“I know.”
“Sit,” Cambridge said. “You are not aiding my digestion, and this is my third pie.”
Zach sat next to Warwick.
“How much do you loathe connubial bliss?” he asked his friend.
Warwick’s smile grew.
Love, Zach sighed silently. It was all around him.
CHAPTER FOUR
Miss Mary Blake was tired and out of sorts as she walked into the Hatton Ball with her family.
“You have never asked about what I had you deliver that night, daughter.”
“Pardon?” She shot her father, who walked at her side, a look. “To what do you speak of, Father?”
Why was he discussing this now? Years after the night that had changed her life.
“Do not tarry, Mary,” her sister, Phillipa, snapped from in front of them.
“As I am just behind you and walking with Papa, I fail to see how I can be tarrying, Phillipa.” Mary’s words had a bite to them her sister failed to heed.
She had not managed to get anything tangible to give Geraint last night. Nothing from the other women at the brothel. It was vexing in the extreme. She would have to go out again tonight.
“Yes, well, stop dragging your feet then. You are walking like a carthorse,” Phillipa said.
Mary might love her sister, but she did not like her very much. She’d often wondered if in fact she had been swapped with another at birth and out there somewhere were her real parents. Mary and her sister were vastly different people.
“Don’t act the simpleton, Mary,” her father said, picking up the reins of the conversation he’d started before his eldest daughter interrupted. “You are the most intelligent member of this family and cannot pull it off,” Lord Blake said.
“Why are you asking me this now, Father?”
“I’m curious.”
She looked at the elegant figures of her mother and sister. Another thing they did not have in common. Mary was short and podgy. While her father was tall, he did have softness around his middle, so at least she shared that with him.
“You told me I must never speak of it again, Father.” Mary did not meet his eyes because he would see she was lying. He was really the only person in the Blake household who noticed anything about her when he was there and not squirreled away at his club with his cronies.
“What surprises me, knowing your penchant for digging at something until you find the truth, is that you actually listened.”
She snorted, which earned her a glare from her mother. It was true that one of her finer qualities was tenaciousness.
“Snorting is unladylike, Mary.”
“Sorry, Mother.”
“I felt the matter was grave, so I actually obeyed your wishes,” Mary said airily. She then crossed her fingers behind her back.
In fact, it was a whopping untruth. She did not simply deliver the note her father had been incapable of delivering that night years ago. She’d forced her way inside the small church and demanded answers. That evening her entire existence had changed. It had given her a purpose she hadn’t even known she needed.
“Will you tell me about it now, Father?”
He was smiling, the creases on the sides of his mouth deepening. His black hair was grey now, but his shoulders were still straight, and he walked about as he always did, with purpose.
“I will not, but I thank you for waiting five years to ask me that question. You showed far more restraint than I give you credit for, Daughter. That night you did something for me that was extremely important, and I will never forget the act.”
He’d asked her to knock on a door and repeat the words “Veritas scutum tibi erit,” the truth will be your shield. He’d then told her to never speak of it again. She’d honored his wishes, but she had spoken the pledge many times since.
“For heaven’s sake, Mary, put your shoulders back. Slouching is unbecoming,” her sister said, shooting a look over her shoulder.
