“Do ye think that just because we are in this tavern and not fancy as the two of you, we are criminals?” a second one asked with a smirk. “We are playing cards, as you can see.”
Without as much as blinking, Daniel reached into his pocket and pulled out a gold sovereign. He placed it on the table, but rested his hand over it.
“There is no need to pretend between us. I am neither the Crown nor the Watch. However, I have a long memory and a short temper. Think about Suffolk. One year ago. Who could have burned something for coin?”
“You are asking us to get us killed,” the smallest man near the wall hissed. His eyes darted around the room as if he expected to get attacked. “Think. A person who plays with fire to murder someone is not someone to hunt without taking a risk.”
The men exchanged a look. To the untrained eye, it was merely a questioning glance or a look of agreement. However, Daniel could see fear in their eyes. They truly believed that whoever set the fire was not one to be trifled with.
They rose from their seats, scooped the few coins they had on the table, and then scurried away, looking like they were headed for the back exit.
Daniel rose, set to follow them, when he felt a heavy hand land on his shoulder.
“You are asking too many questions,” a man rasped. “My customers do not appreciate that kind of interrogation.”
Daniel turned to see the large tavernkeeper. While Daniel was tall and had grown broader as he grew older, the other man was like a barrel. He looked like someone who could crush another man with his bare hands. Behind him, rough-looking customers were glaring at him, as if to prove the enormous man’s point. Some were openly assessing his and Theo’s attire.
“My customers are here to have a hearty drink,” the tavernkeeper continued. “They do not appreciate blue bloods poking their noses into business that does not concern them. It’s time you leave the establishment with your fancy friend.”
“I believe your hand should not be on my arm,” Daniel groused, his eyes narrowed on the man’s hand. “Remove it now.”
The tavernkeeper remained where he was.
The two regarded each other as if they were going to start a duel. The air inside The Dead Man’s Hand grew thick with tension.
Violence seemed ready to erupt.
Daniel felt his muscles coiling as he prepared his body for attack or defense against the hefty man before him.
“Stonewynn, for the love of all that is holy,” Theo whispered as he moved closer to him, “and the love of all your sisters, do not. We can take down two or three in a fistfight, but not a whole tavern of them. I would rather not die in this place with my obituary announcing how I was punched to death in my best suit in a tavern.”
Daniel clenched his jaw as he tried to control his breathing. He did not take his eyes off the tavernkeeper, keeping the challenge steady.
The other man faltered, perhaps seeing murder in his eyes. His grip on Daniel’s shoulder lightened.
Daniel was taller than him, even if the other man had more muscle, which seemed necessary in his line of work. However, Daniel had seen so much and would not let himself be cowed.
Still, Theo had become the voice of reason, and he saw how true his friend’s words were. They might be on a mission, and he might have his pride, but nothing was worth dying for. He had family members who relied on him to keep himself alive, even though his sisters had married quite well.
“My apologies,” Daniel rumbled.
Then, he reached for his pocket a second time. This time, he pulled a small bag of silver. He dropped it on the nearest table, its clatter echoing across the room.
“A round for everyone, for disturbing the peace,” he offered. “I do not intend to start a fight. I am merely seeking answers.”
Then, he turned on his heel and flung the tavern door open. He and Theo exited the establishment in a huff.
Frustrated and still vibrating with repressed anger, Daniel paced outside.
As the air of the night hit his face, his hands curled into tight fists. He had done everything he could to avoid hitting anyone.
“Daniel?” Theo approached gently.
“One year, Theo,” Daniel replied, his body still wound tight. “It’s been a year, and I am still not close to discovering what happened at Suffolk. It’s been a long time since I’ve stood over their ashes.”
“You may think that there is nothing new to be gleaned from our visit, but I disagree, my friend,” Theo shook his head. “Those men, no matter how rough they were, looked terrified. It means they’ve heard of such a man, someone who plays with fire and burns others with it. While you are getting warmer, you must make sure that you do not get burned. Your sisters will despair at your loss. I know how close you are, you Brighton lot. Not to mention that your estates need you.”
Daniel’s jaw clenched.
