Seeing Tessa’s face redden with anger, Harry said quietly, “Have you seen the effects of hellfire, sir?”
Knight’s hand dropped from the wax jack. “I have seen Nightingale’s, yes.”
“And do not forget The Gilded Pearl. It’s not just the destruction of property at issue,” Harry said with emphasis, “but the loss of life. Bartholomew Black might not have been a perfect ruler, but in the time that I have worked for him, I’ve seen him grieve for his subjects, care for them, work to make the underworld a safer place. Do you honestly believe a man like O’Toole will do the same? Do you trust O’Toole to rule, with the power of hellfire in his hands?”
A pause.
Knight leaned back in his chair. “Your bodyguard is a convincing fellow, Miss Todd.”
“He’s not just my bodyguard.” The glowing love on her face made Harry’s chest burgeon with pride.
“Ah. Pity.” Knight sighed. “Still, I cannot lead my men into a war they will not win.”
“We will win, Mr. Knight.” Tessa’s voice had the ring of conviction. “Mr. Garrity and the Prince of Larks are on our side.”
The duke sat up straighter. “This is true?”
“Yes,” Harry said, “and Miss Todd will also have the backing of my family.”
Knight’s dark brows lifted. “And who is your family?”
“My brother is Ambrose Kent.”
“I’ve heard of him.” A hint of respect was in the other’s voice. “An investigator, no?”
Harry nodded. “And my sisters have married powerful men with connections and resources to help in this fight.”
“As you see, Mr. Knight,” Tessa said, “there is only one right side to be on. When the House of Black is victorious, we will reward our friends—and woe to all who have crossed us.”
Harry thought she might have gone too far with the threat, but Knight gave a bark of laughter.
“I see why the two of you work well together,” the cutthroat said. “One woos with logic, the other brandishes a big stick. Very well, you have convinced me. You may count the House of Knight amongst your supporters.”
38
HoldingTessa’s shoulders in a firm grip, Harry said, “Promise me you’ll stay here on the boat with Mavis and Alfred.”
Tessa’s smile was tremulous, entirely untrustworthy. “I promise.”
Frustration knotted Harry’s insides. He wanted her anywhere but here, yet she’d insisted on being a part of the rescue. AndMavis, of all people, had supported her.
“This is House of Black business,” Mavis had said, and that was that.
Nowbothwomen were on this boat moored just downstream from O’Toole’s flash house. It was after dark, and they would be keeping watch here while the men launched the attack. Yesterday, all players had met to plan the siege, which was to be four-pronged.
Knight’s group would storm the front entrance, Garrity’s men the back. The Prince of Larks, Harry’s family, and the police would take the tavern. Lastly, Harry, Ming, and guards from the House of Black would row lighters into the water passage beneath O’Toole’s fortress.
Even so, O’Toole had the advantage in numbers. Determined to help his side win, Harry had worked through yesterday and today preparing special weapons for their attack.
As if reading his mind, Tessa said, “Are your devices and masks packed in the lighters?”
“Everything is ready,” he assured her. “We’re just waiting for Knight and Garrity’s signal.”
Knight and Garrity were to go in first, creating a distraction, drawing O’Toole’s men up into the fight…and leaving the water way less guarded. Harry had given them a firework to set off once their attack was underway.
As if on cue, Ming poked his head into the cabin. “Time to go.”
Harry took a moment to kiss Tessa, and she whispered, “Be careful, my love.”
