Page 51 of A Raven Returns

Ash gave the man a nod of thanks.

“Before we go in,” Fogg said, “I have something for you that I think you’ll like. We found this hanging on the bookshelves in his study, inside that house.” He held up a leather strap. Ash ran his hand along its length, a vicious smile growing on his lips. Perhaps tonight’s justice would be even more poetic than he had imagined.

“This might be one of the best gifts anyone has ever given me. Hold on to it until I need it.”

Inside the large warehouse, several lanterns were lit allowing him to clearly see the scum he’d come for. The man sat on a crate, his hands tied behind his back, two large men flanking him. Ash recognized Brennan, but the other man was unfamiliar. He shot a look at Fogg who gave him a nod of reassurance. This man could be trusted, and understood what he was here for.

“Thank you for bringing him in alive, gentlemen.”

“We didn’t hurt a hair on his pretty little head,” Brennan said. “We left that pleasure for you.” The swine was a bit foppish, truth be told. His too long, curly hair hung over his forehead. He wore no coat or waistcoat, so either they’d grabbed him when he wasn’t wearing them, or they’d removed them, knowing Ash would want to be rid of them anyway.

“Do you know who I am?” the man said pompously.

Ash stepped forward and allowed his gaze to travel over him, derision, no doubt, plain on his face. “Of course I know who you are, Frederick. Or should I call you Gregory, since that’s the name you used on the marriage license? I am glad to finally meet you. You’ve been a hard man to track down.”

“And who are you?” The man sneered. His nasally sniveling voice irritated Ash even more. Ash slowly removed his coat and handed it off to Fogg along with his hat and cane.

When he turned back, he flicked his hand in an upward motion and the two men pulled Frederick to his feet. Ash leaned in close and spoke with a deadly calm. “I’m the man who’s come to deliver your punishment.” Frederick scowled and Ash slammed a fist into his stomach, knocking the wind from him in a whoosh. He groaned, unable to double over because he was being held upright. He coughed and sputtered as he frantically tried to draw in a breath. Ash basked in the satisfaction brought by the panic on his face.

“So tell me, Greg.” He used the name as a taunt. “Why Gwen? Why did you choose her?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Ash drove another punch into his stomach. “This will go easier for you if you answer my questions honestly. Now, why did you choose Gwen?”

“Because she looked like my wife.” He struggled to get the words out between his labored breaths.

“There, see? That wasn’t so hard.” Frederick flinched as Ash clapped him on the shoulder.

“So, you thought if you made a baby with a woman who looked like your wife, you could more easily pass the child off as your own.”

He nodded, still panting.

“How did you learn about Warwick?”

He half shrugged. “If you visit the right kind of pub you can find anything you’re looking for.”

“Even if that thing is a fake marriage to a woman so that you can abuse and rape her to your heart’s desire?”

“I did no such thing. She was nothing but a worthless maid and I gave her a better life than she deserved.”

Rage erupted inside Ash’s chest. With a roar, he threw his fist into the man’s stomach three times. He reached a shaking hand behind him and Fogg placed the leather strap inside.

He held it up in front of Frederick as the man panted breathlessly. “Do you recognize this?”

“No,” he wheezed.

“Well then, perhaps the sting of it against your skin will jar some memories loose.”

“Untie his hands.” Of course Frederick tried to run once they were loose, but he didn’t stand a chance against those two men.

“I didn’t say you could leave, Greg.”

“You can’t do this!” he shouted, hoarsely.

“I think you’ll find I can, Greg.”

“That isn’t my name! When my father hears about this, you’ll be sorry.”

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