“Excellent, you’re a perfect match.”
“How do you know that?”
“I’m sure there are a great many things I don’t know about your family, as I’m sure there are about mine” was all he said. Ellen agreed.
They did not have long to wait before they heard the noise of men approaching. Loud and singing.
“Good Lord, are they all drunk?” Leo asked.
“They were, so I can’t imagine that’s changed, and Cam is incredibly persuasive and can get people to do most things,” Warwick said.
“Right then,” Uncle Bram said. “We create a disturbance and lure them outside. If that can be achieved. I’m sure not all will leave Gray, but some.”
“I’m going in,” Ellen said.
“Ellen, you are still injured, as is Leo,” Uncle Bram said.
“We’re going in,” Leo said.
He sighed.
“Warwick and I will go with Ellen and Leo,” Dev said.
“I should go,” Uncle Bram added.
“Trust me to care for your family, Bramstone,” Dev said.
The two men shared a look, and then Bram nodded.
The men arrived, a large group of them. Two held pieces of wood like torches, fire blazing at the ends.
“Can I punch you, Max? I’ve always wanted to,” Cambridge said.
Then men spilled onto the street, singing and shouting. One tripped and landed on another.
“Well now, no punch required,” Mr. Huntington said. “They’ve started the fight for us.”
“Hardly seems fair,” Cambridge said.
Dev, Warwick, Leo, and Ellen moved to stand beside the building, near to the gate. She hoped this worked. Hoped they were not seen.
“That has to hurt,” Warwick whispered as Max got Cambridge in a headlock. “My brother-in-law could squeeze the life out of a person with those arms.”
The commotion grew as more punches were thrown. Mungo was there and Uncle Bram, yelling at the top of their voices.
“They’re coming,” Dev whispered.
The gates were opened, and men ran through the opening and across the road.
“I count eighteen, which leaves seven inside, including Detective Fletcher,” Warwick said. “Let’s go.”
Ellen had her umbrella now gripped firmly between her hands, and Leo held his cane.
We’re coming, Gray.
CHAPTERTHIRTY-SEVEN
His ribs ached, and his nose throbbed. The two men had grabbed him, with a third soon joining them. He’d fought them back, but there were too many, and a punch had knocked him to the ground. When he woke, he was in a small, cold room bound hand and foot. How long he’d been here, he had no idea. But one thing he knew was that Brownly was one of the Baddon Boys or an associate.
