"Cooperation does have its benefits." Finian stroked a finger across his mustache. "In that vein, I've a proposition for you, Mr. Hunt."
"What is it?"
"My brother and I have an eye on Lyon's club. The business won't last long under Lyon's second-in-command. With a third partner, Patrick and I could take it over."
In other words, the O'Briens didn't have enough coin or manpower to take it over between the two of them. "I work alone," Gavin said.
"Do you? From what I hear, Kingsley paid you a visit not long ago."
Nosy bastard."I said the same to him as I'm saying to you. My business is my own."
"Are you certain you aren't in league with Kingsley? Planning to divvy up Lyon's territory between the two of you?" Finian had an odd smirk on his face. "From what I can tell, you and Kingsley share a lot in common."
"I have nothing in common with Kingsley. And I don't take on partners because I don't like being double-crossed," Gavin snapped.
Finian studied him for a long moment. "If you're not working with Kingsley, then you had better watch your back with the rest of us. He's hired on an army of brutes. Early this morning, one of them bloodied a pair of my best customers and warned them to stay away from my club." Eyes glittering, he said, "I believe you're familiar with that experience."
Bloody hell. If Finian was speaking the truth, then had Kingsley been behind the attacks on Gavin's patrons as well? Gavin's hands curled into fists. "These cutthroats—you have proof that they work for Kingsley?"
"Theyboastedof the fact. Kingsley has grown fearless." Lines of tension bracketed Finian's mouth. "My guess? Kingsley's found someone to back him. Someone who prefers to remain in the shadows."
The news sent a chill down Gavin's spine. "Black?" With the support of his father-in-law, Kingsley could become more than a nuisance.
"A likely possibility." Genuine fear flashed in Finian's eyes. "You see, Hunt? We must band together or Kingsley will bring us all down."
"I want no part in the scuffle over Lyon's club," Gavin said.
Yet he found himself pausing as Percy's words played in his head.No man is an island.Though he didn't trust the O'Briens farther than he could toss them, mayhap it wouldn't hurt to try building bridges instead of burning them.
"I do, however, have an offer for you and your brother. We put the past behind us and agree to no further violence between our men. Negotiation instead of bloodshed," Gavin said evenly. "What say you?"
Finian looked relieved. "I say that sounds like we have an understanding, Hunt."
He reached out a hand, and Gavin took it.
* * *
Back in the carriage, Gavin filled Stewart in on the proceedings.
"You trust Finian?" His mentor's bushy brows came together.
"No, but I trust Kingsley less. Any news from Will?" Gavin's head guard was monitoring the comings and goings of Kingsley's club.
"Not yet."
"We'll wait to hear his report before interrogating Kingsley," Gavin said.
As the carriage slowed, Stewart frowned. "We can't be back at the club as yet." He lifted the curtain and at the sight of the dilapidated building that housed the second-rate Temple Bar Theatre, he said with a knowing leer, "Oh, it's like that, is it?"
"I'm not here for a tumble," Gavin said curtly.
"No need to play coy with me, lad. You take as long as you need. Better Evangeline 'Arper than that other one."
"What do you have against Percy exactly?" Gavin heard himself say.
"No need to get testy with me. AndPercy, is it?" Stewart glowered at him. "Iknewthis would 'appen. Tried to warn you, didn't I, but you wouldn't listen. You've gone arsey varsey o'er the chit."
Gavin's face heated like that of a child being taken to task. Which was ridiculous, seeing as how he was a grown man who hadn't asked permission for anything in as long as he could remember.
