Chapter 16 #2
A knife was brought up against his neck. “Then perhaps ye misplaced that blue blood in yer veins.”
“My blood is not any more blue than yours,” Cordell returned with a laugh. “However, since I do not have the time to teach you a proper lesson in manners and comportment, this will have to do.”
His arm shot out and caught the assailant in the center of his throat.
While he was gasping for air and trying to recover from the blow, Cordell followed up with a fist straight to the man’s jaw and then a roundhouse kick to his solar plexus which effectively had him doubled over in pain on the ground, writhing in agony and gasping for his next breath.
“I doubt he learned his lesson. Always was an unsavory sort.”
Cordell spun around to face the newcomer. The silhouette was standing a short distance away, a puff of white smoke emitting from a cheroot. He could smell the sweet scent moments before a chuckle resounded through the air.
“If you wanted an audience, Steele, you should have just requested one.”
Another shadow appeared behind Cordell but he relaxed when he realized he wasn’t going to be attacked. Instead, the members of the Wolf’s loyal Pack followed behind him as their leader led the way.
It didn’t take long before they were walking in the side of a slightly dilapidated building. The Wolf sat down at a crude wooden table in the midst of a single, flickering lantern, the dim light casting ominous shadows all around. “Have a seat.” He gestured to the only other chair present.
Cordell noticed that the Wolf lowered his weight with a slight wince. “Are you still free from infection?” he asked bluntly.
“For now,” the man returned with a flash of his teeth.
“But we will see how long the Reaper intends to keep his distance. He has been thwarted too many times. His patience might be at an end.” He leaned back and flicked the ashes from his cheroot to the dirty wood floor.
“But I doubt you came all this way to inquire about my health. Have you decided to call in your favor this soon?”
Cordell could sense the three members of the Pack hanging nearby but they kept a respectful distance as they conversed with their master.
He had no doubt that should he act out of character, he would be swiftly dealt with and there would be no second thoughts or hesitation involved.
“I need to know who is responsible for the theatre murders.”
“Straight to the point,” his companion muttered. “And here I thought you were a bit more subtle than that.”
“I do not have the luxury of time or patience,” Cordell said firmly. “There is too much at stake.”
“Ah, yes. Of course. Miss Sims.” The dark head tilted slightly. “I find it fascinating that you could imagine yourself in love with her in such a short acquaintance. Has it even been a week since you were known to each other?”
Cordell clenched his jaw. “I did not mention love but what does time matter if one’s heart is engaged?”
“That is a valid point,” the Wolf replied with a deep inhale.
As he released it just as slowly, his focus fell to the table.
“I always wondered if my existence might have been altered by that of a strong, courageous woman like Miss Sims.” His eyes flashed.
“You are a fortunate man, Steele. I hope that you do not take her favors for granted.”
“I would never presume to do so,” he snapped.
“Whatever you may think of me, I am not the monster that everyone is waiting for me to be. True, I used to believe that I could become that man, but no longer. Aislynn is helping me to realize that people do not have to be defined by their past.” He hesitated.
“Perhaps it is a lesson that you could learn as well.”
The Wolf gave a snort. “So many lessons, Steele. You sound like my old tutor.” He shook his head, as if clearing away the old cobweb of memories.
“As to your request, I do not know who is responsible for the murders. All I can say is that if you wish to learn more about him, he shall be at Vauxhall at midnight awaiting your lady love.”
Cordell frowned. “How do you know that unless you are aware of his identity?”
“The rumor mill is not just for the aristocracy, Steele. There are whispers all over this city, and my men and I catch but a handful of snippets that we manage to piece together from time to time. I do wish I could offer more.”
Cordell doubted his show of sincerity. “Do you?” he scoffed lightly.
He got to his feet, and he could feel the tension in the Pack behind him.
“I appreciate your kind assistance, Wolf. If you think of anything else that could be useful, please send word my way.” He tapped a fist on the table. “I do wish you a pleasant evening.”
He started to go but he was stopped by the Wolf’s next statement. “How far are you willing to go for the truth to solve the mystery, Steele?”
Cordell slowly turned. He saw another cloud of smoke dissipate in the lantern light’s soft, eerie glow. “As far as it takes.”
“You would die for Miss Sims?”
“Yes.” Cordell should have been surprised at how easily the answer sprang to his lips but he wasn’t.
“And what of traversing the same, dark path that you have taken before? Would you allow yourself to endure the same misery?”
He clenched his fists. “If it meant securing Aislynn’s freedom, then yes.”
“Interesting,” the Wolf murmured. The cheroot was snuffed out along with the lantern light. “Good luck on your journey through hell tonight, Steele. I feel you will need it and Vauxhall is a good place to start.”