Chapter Two
Many hours later, Louis sat composed while Tremblay blundered into the room. He watched with amused patience as the man lurched towards the drinks cabinet and, at last, managed to seize a decanter.
“Make mine a large one, Tremblay,” intoned Louis, and the fool swung round, sending liquor sloshing onto the carpet.
“What the devil?” roared the older man.
“Yes, I admit, I have some similar attributes. A large, if you please.”
“You’ve got some nerve after your performance with my wife tonight. I have a good mind to…”
“Tsk,” tutted Louis with a shake of his head. “Is this the same wife you were prepared to whore out to discharge your debts to me?”
“How dare you!” Tremblay spluttered.
“You really are a detestable creature, Tremblay. I’m half inclined to call you out, yet as much as it pains me, I may still have a use for you.
Now tell me.” Louis leaned forward, cool as ice, and snapped open his hand.
The sapphire and diamond pendant dropped from his palm, sparkling in the firelight as it swung from his finger. “Where did you get this?”
“That’s… that’s mine…” Tremblay stammered.
“Wrong answer. Try again.”
The older man’s eyes narrowed, his lip curling in contempt as he stared back at Louis.
“Tremblay, do I need to remind you that I possess little patience?”
“It’s a family heirloom.”
Louis sighed. “Correct, though not of your family’s making. So, I will repeat my question only once more. Where did you get it?”
“I won it fair and square in a card game. You can’t just take a thing like that.”
Louis shook his head and jiggled the jewel tauntingly. “My dear chap, I think we have already established that I can — and I have. Now, a name, if you please.”
Tremblay hesitated, taking an unsteady step back as Louis loomed from his chair. “Um, Norman,” he stuttered, “Frederick Norman.”
“There now,” purred Louis, patting the man’s shoulder with mock geniality. “That wasn’t so difficult now, was it? Good night, Tremblay.”
“But, but, it’s worth a bloody fortune. It’s priceless!” protested Tremblay.
“Indeed,” murmured Louis as he sauntered to the door, “to you perhaps. To me, merely another piece of a greater puzzle. Oh… and have Poppy informed I will collect her at noon.”
“Poppy?” Tremblay repeated, bewildered.
“Yes, my dear. Poppy, the wife you carelessly lost to me this evening and shall never touch again. The wife whose dog I rather adore. Poppy, Tremblay. I am taking her shopping. Au revoir.”