Page 87 of The Ambiguous Enigma of the Hunted Lady
“So very clever.” Kenneth spoke through gritted teeth.
“Don't let him work you over, Kenneth.” Leah said, sliding off of the desk. “Do what we're here for.”
“You're right.” Kenneth shook his head.
“Oh, she's right, is she?” Cornelius grinned. “You can think for yourself, can't you Kenneth?”
“Blast it.” the hooded lad barked. He crossed to the chair in two swift strides and let down a hearty blow upon Cornelius brow. The pain shot out around his dome, and a few stars flashed over his eyes.I haven't been hit like that in years!
“Nash!” Leah yanked him away.
“He's yanking us around, I won't have it.” Nash's hood fell from his face, and Cornelius saw his injuries.
“So, you're Nash.” Cornelius chucked as he lolled his head around in the chair, running his hands over his hair. “Strike well for a scrawny fellow.”
“You best tell us how you set a meeting with Riphook.” Nash spat back at him. “And you best do it now. We're bringing you both down tonight.”
“Oh, I doubt that.” Cornelius clicked his tongue and drank from his wine glass which he had previously left in the room.
“You don't understand Uncle.” Kenneth took the seat across from him, the pistol still in his palm. “My friend, the Marquess of Winchester, has already gone to rise Judge Roberts. We have built a case against you, and we mean to see it through. If you deliver Riphook to us now, then perhaps the court may consider it an act of charity during sentencing.”
“During sentencing?” Cornelius raised his eyebrows.
I will have to pay Roberts a small fortune, but I will recover it all after he meets with an untimely accident. The old fool can be bought just as any other official in the city.
“You have no choice.” Leah added. “The law is already on its way. You know Kenneth's got the coin to pay for prosecution.”
“That I do.” Cornelius mulled it over.Perhaps this is the best chance I'll have of disposing of Riphook. He won't let the law take him alive.
“Please Uncle, see some sense in all of this madness.” Kenneth stressed. The pistol barrel was unwavering.How many men has he shot in the war, and is he truly willing to shoot me?
“You wish for me to set a meeting with Riphook, so that you might arrest him, is that correct?”It is better to take the safer road. This may in turn serve all of my purposes.
“That is correct.”
“Very well.” Cornelius saw the wave of relief was over Kenneth. “Although it is not so easily done. Someone must bring him this message.”
“Who?” Kenneth raised an eyebrow. “We cannot contact anyone from their organization.”
“Someone like him.” Cornelius pointed to Nash.
“Me?” Nash balked. “Are you touched in the head? Riphook will want me dead.”
“Why?” Cornelius was intrigued. The politics of their little underworld shifted ever so suddenly.
“Not if Fowler got out alright,” Leah said, turning to Nash. “If he got out, then Rip won't know you talked with him. You'd just be trying to get back in with him. He loves that groveling nonsense.”
“That he does.” Cornelius chuckled.
“What's the message?” Nash asked. “I don't like it, but I'll do what I gotta do.”
“Tell him: Number 3.” Cornelius yawned, taking another drink of wine. “He'll know what it means.”
“What does it mean?” Leah pressed. “We need to know.”
“It's a code,” Cornelius explained, half interested.I will play along for now, then I will deal with her personally while they arrest Riphook.“It means that we should meet on pier number six in one hour's time.”
“Right then.” Kenneth stood from his chair. “Nash, get 'round to the Judge's house. Let Winchester know about the pier. Then take the message over to Riphook. Follow him there, if you can.”
