‘Oh, that’s how a great many discoveries are made,’ I said cheerily. ‘It will all be fine now.’
‘Exactly what I was going to say,’ said Wilkes. ‘I am quite happy to disappear into obscurity once more. You are well aware that is within my skill set. I only ask that my son is allowed to continue in his career without interruption or stain on his reputation.’
‘I can guarantee that,’ said Fitzroy. ‘I’ve never been a fan of visiting the sins of the fathers on their sons. But, of course, for that to happen, you will have to face justice.’
‘Which would expose us both in a way that is unacceptable,’ said Wilkes. ‘By the way, Euphemia, your father’s death was as quick as I could arrange under the circumstances. He was an excellent man, but far too intelligent for his own good. I knew once Fitzroy had visited him he would work things out. A naturally trusting man, Josiah, but not a stupid one by far. Ironic, isn’t it, that your companion there signed your father’s death warrant when he tried to warn him?’
I felt myself tremble again. At my side Fitzroy briefly pressed his left hand against mine. I felt the crookedness of his broken fingers. I remembered when we had faced death together. He squeezed two of my fingers briefly.
‘You appear to have a problem,’ I said calmly. ‘We are blocking the only exit from the room.’
‘I don’t think so,’ said Wilkes. ‘You will not wish harm to come to your future sister-in-law, and Fitzroy so hates innocent life going to waste. It’s his biggest flaw.’
Fitzroy pressed my hand as if to urge me forward. I took my cue and stepped slightly into the room, shielding him partly from sight. I had no idea what he intended to do, but for one last time I would trust him.
‘Are you sure you have your facts correct? When I first encountered Richenda she abused me quite badly when I worked as a maid in her father’s house. She did elevate me to her companion, but only to flaunt her husband in my face. A man I loved, but who she effectively bought. He needed a dowry and I did not have one. I don’t know if she got more pleasure out of bedding him in the same house as I slept in or attempting to show me that money always wins over love. Frankly, if you kill her, you will be doing me a favour.’
Richenda’s eyes filled with tears. I could see her biting her lip to hold back the sobs. I wondered if she would ever forgive me.
‘So, the apple falls far from the tree,’ said Wilkes. ‘As a gentleman I deplore your sentiments. As an agent I can only approve of your methods. Fitzroy has had a more complete revenge on Josiah than I could ever have managed. He has cast you in his own image.’
‘Euphemia, say it is not true,’ pleaded Richenda.
I prayed inwardly that whatever Fitzroy was going to do, he would do it soon. My tactic might have distracted Wilkes, but Richenda was now a dangerous variable in an extremely volatile situation.
‘Come now, Richenda. You always knew how Hans and I felt about each other. Even today, you were bitter when you saw us holding hands.’
‘What do you say, Fitzroy, give me safe passage out of here and I will release the woman tomorrow.’
‘Unharmed?’ Fitzroy spoke from behind me.
‘Unharmed,’ said Wilkes, his expression smug, quite confident that he had won.
‘I don’t think so,’ said Fitzroy. ‘You are correct, I do not like to waste an innocent life, but I have become fond of Euphemia. I’d like to see her well established. What I cannot stand is traitors evading justice. In many ways I am considered to be of an immoral nature, but on that I hold firm.’ So saying, he brushed gently past me and levelled a gun at Wilkes. I realised that he had used me as cover while he withdrew the firearm from under his jacket. I found that I did not mind. However, I minded very much if Richenda was to be hurt.
‘Come. Come. Do you really think you can fire before…’
Fitzroy fired before Wilkes could even complete his sentence. The bullet pierced his shoulder and, after an incredulous look at his own blood flowing out of the wound, Wilkes staggered backwards, releasing Richenda. I reached out and pulled her clear.
‘It was all lies,’ I whispered urgently in her ears. ‘I had to distract him. Now go.’ I pushed her past me and out of danger. I closed the door. It did not occur to me to follow her.
Wilkes sat down heavily in a chair. One hand clenched against his wound. ‘I might have hoped that if you were going to risk the woman you would have done it cleanly,’ he said. His voice was level but sweat beaded on his face and his breathing was shallow. ‘This is only a flesh wound.’
Fitzroy moved further into the room. He kept the gun trained on Wilkes. ‘I would have,’ said Fitzroy. ‘But my damned hands. Got all messed up under torture. I simply can’t shoot straight, unless I am close to my target.’
‘I see,’ said Wilkes. ‘Then your offer of justice?’
‘There is only one way your son will remain unaffected.’
‘Do you give me your word as an agent of the Crown on that? That no action will be taken against him?
‘I do,’ said Fitzroy.
Wilkes nodded. He closed his eyes. ‘Do it,’ he said.
Fitzroy didn’t turn, but he said, ‘You may wish to leave, Euphemia.’
I stepped up beside him. ‘No,’ I said.
‘Then look away,’ he insisted. I obeyed, though it felt cowardly.
Fitzroy fired again and this time, when I looked back, there could be no doubt that Wilkes, also known as Helios, was dead. The man who had killed my father, and so many others, had finally been brought to justice.
Published by Accent Press Ltd 2019
ISBN 9781786156488
eISBN 9781786156471
Copyright © Caroline Dunford 2019
The right of Caroline Dunford to be identified as the author of this work has been asserted by her in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.
The story contained within this book is a work of fiction. Names and characters are the product of the author’s imagination and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
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A Death at a Gentleman's Club Page 18
