“I’m a big boy, Nix. I’m sure I will be fine.”
“Not many nobles I’d say could look after themselves, but you and your bothers are some of them.” He shrugged. “There is a meeting. I sent word as there are rumblings about the men holding it. Russian, and nasty blighters. They’re saying they want information and will do whatever it takes to get it.”
“Information about what or whom?”
“Well now, that’s the interesting part. Seems there is a group of men who parade as nobles. Part of an elite group who protect our king and country. A group no one knows the names of. It’s these men they want.”
“Really?” Nathan said softly. It seemed Geraint was correct.
“Now, I don’t ask what you and your brothers get about doing, Mr. Deville. Not my business.”
“Good to hear.”
“But I’ve wondered.”
“And yet with six children, I’m sure the money we pay would stop you from enquiring further, Nix.”
“That it does. But there’s something brewing, Mr. Deville. I’m just not sure what. There’s whispers but nothing solid.”
“Whispers?”
“Murmurs about a spy lifting things from powerful people. Riots are being planned supposedly, but those may be smoke screens.” Nix’s face twisted in frustration. “I’m trying to get the truth, but it’s not easy with so much swirling in the air. But I know there are Russians involved.” He spat on the ground as if the word tasted foul.
“Keep searching and listening, Nix,” Nathan said.
“There’s a meeting due to take place outside the rear of Madam Bolade’s. A rally of some sort. I thought you’d like to attend.”
“I have no idea how you come by this information, Nix, but it’s impressive what you learn.”
“My eldest wants to learn the piano, Mr. Deville, and the youngest needs new shoes. I’ll do what I need to.” He smiled and showed a row of missing teeth.
“Well then, you better take this.” Nathan handed over the money, shocked—and ashamed that he was shocked—that Nix had a child wanting to learn the piano. “I am grateful, as always.”
“Stay safe, Mr. Deville.”
“You also, Nix.”
The informant vanished into the dark, and he knew Nix would be at the meeting, just as Nathan would attend.
Someone knew about Alexius, which was not surprising really, as money bought most things, and information was no different. But it was dangerous to those of them working for the group. Their identities remaining secret was what made them efficient.
Pulling the hood of his cloak to cover his face, Nathan made his way to Madam Bolade’s. The building housed a well-known brothel run by the notorious madam and her lover. Supposedly her family had come with the Huguenots and stayed.
Reaching the brothel, he slipped down the side toward the rear, wondering at the activities going on inside the four walls. He hoped Zach was not there but wouldn’t put a large amount of money on that.
All the Devilles had, in their day, been wild and reckless. They still had that in them, but Zach seemed to take it to an entirely different level. The elder three kept a close eye on him.
He knew the place was frequented by noblemen, businessmen, and those that had enough money to pay the price for a night with a woman. Especially if that woman was willing to enact whatever fantasy said man wanted. Madam Bolade’s was not a place for those of a refined sexual palate. It was for the more adventurous gentleman.
Reaching the end of the building, he moved into a large area that was grassed and fenced on two sides. Pulling his hood forward, he made for the rear of the group that had formed ahead and waited. They talked, a low rumble. Working men who rose with the sun and got about earning decent money. Others, he knew, were not quite so scrupulous. And it was those men who often preyed on the honest.
He would watch and learn and see if he could find who was behind this. He’d then slip away and tell his brothers and listen as they ranted at him for his reckless behavior.
Nathan smiled. It felt good to be reckless again.
Chapter Nine
“You cannot seriously think I will let you go inside that building alone?”
