Karrington stood to his full height. “The Duke of Karrington.”
The formidable door opened slowly, allowing them to walk blindly inside. They passed the heavy steel door designed specifically to keep the prisoners locked inside. They were allowed entry by the two guards at the entrance into the men’s felon quadrangle.
Karrington had used his vast wealth and connections to procure an audience with Bromswell, or Easton, as he was now called. The former baron had been stripped of his title and lands. Henry’s only solace was that the former baron would die alone in shame and dishonor.
Henry’s gaze shifted around the courtyard. The foul stench of urine and feces nearly caused him to lose the contents of his stomach. All three men quickly took out their handkerchiefs to cover their noses.
“Good Lord, we are not even inside the prison.” Windchester shook his head in disgust.
“It is no secret that the prisoners are treated no better than animals.” Karrington gazed around the small space.
A tall, robust prison guard with a thick mustache met them in the courtyard. He had a sinister look that made Henry’s skin crawl. He had seen men like him in his travels, and parts of him felt a small ounce of sympathy for the prisoners who had to interact with such a cruel man.
“Yer Grace, the prisoner ‘as been taken ter a wee room where he is awaitin’ hangin’. You lot will meet him there,” the guard announced in a thick cockney accent.
“Thank you, Mr. Thorpe.” Karrington gave the man a curt nod.
“This way.”
Mr. Thorpe led them down a long dark corridor surrounded by prisoners in cells. As they passed, different men called out to them for help or threw insults. Only a few lanterns provided any light. The smell was nearly unbearable. Henry pushed the handkerchief more firmly against his nose as they followed the guard.
They reached a small interrogation room where a beaten and dirty Bromswell sat chained to the floor. His hair and beard were long and unruly. His body was covered in bruises and fresh cuts. Bile rose in the back of Henry’s throat.
If he hadn’t despised the man so much over the past three years, he would pity him. However, the sight of the man that murdered his sister in such a state gave Henry a small amount of joy. It was because of him that Amelia would never see her child grow up to be a beautiful young woman. It was his fault that Karrington nearly lost Livie.
“You’ve got visitors, yer highness,” Mr. Thorpe taunted Bromswell who looked up at the three men. “That’s what everyone calls him here. We’re sad to see him go.” The jailor eyed Bromswell with a sick satisfaction that made Henry shudder.
A dead and empty chuckle came from Bromswell. His eyes were full of hate as they focused on his former friend. “I wondered when you would come to gloat.”
“I don’t need to boast over your downfall. You’re not worth it.” Karrington’s voice was low and menacing.
“It seems you have finally won, Karrington.”
“That’s always been the difference between us. There was never anything to win. It was always about right and wrong.” Karrington sighed. Their early, fast friendship ended when a girl at a pleasure house died at the hands of the baron. Bromswell had always resented the duke for his wealth and title, while Karrington could not forgive the other man’s transgression.
The two men clashed again three years ago when Bromswell set his intentions on courting Livie, reigniting their dislike for each other and showing Karrington that he couldn’t live without her.
Bromswell gave Karrington a wide, toothless smile and sneered, “How is your duchess? Still a cow?” Henry had the urge to knock the remaining portion of his teeth out on Livie’s behalf.
“Since you’ll be dead in an hour, I see no point in acknowledging that comment. We both know how beautiful my wife really is. So much so that she has all of society groveling at her feet.” Karrington’s voice was full of pride.
Windchester walked over and stood menacingly over Bromswell. “We’re here to give you a chance to do one good thing before you die.” His voice was cold and direct, a side Henry had never seen.
“Why would I do anything for the three of you? I’ve always hated you lot. Your friendship, your titles, and your damn arrogance.” Bromswell shrugged his shoulders, the garment he was wearing hung loose on his malnourished body.
Having no time for games, Henry looked the man directly in the eyes. “If you don’t tell us what we want to hear, I’m going to pay Thorpe here to leave the room while I beat what’s left of your life out of you—”
“Henry,” Karrington warned in his fatherly tone.
Bromswell looked shocked, and then gave Henry a smile. “Look who has finally gotten a pair of bollocks. Astonishing.”
Henry wanted to punch him for his comment, but even he had to admit Bromswell was right about him.
“We need to know where Josephine would go if she returned to London. Do you have any idea?” Windchester folded his arms over his chest.
“I don’t know, nor do I care. It’s because of that bloody witch that I’m here. I should’ve never agreed to help her silence Lady Evers. I was blinded by jealousy and I needed that fucking dowry.” Spittle flew out of Bromswell’s mouth and dripped down his chin.
Bromswell had wanted to marry Livie for her twenty thousand pounds to pay off his debts, but she thwarted his plans by courting and eventually marrying Karrington.
