Page 97 of Lord Ashley's Beautiful Alibi
But then, Kane went deaf. His ribs and stomach exploded in flames. His guts churned. He heaved up bile.
At once, he was free. Seeking his wife, he ran to her and seized her attacker by the scruff of his ragged coat.
Behind that man came one of Kane’s, a huge fellow that Corsini claimed could stop a bull—and he did.
Kane clamped his arms around his wife, drawing her back and away from the villain who had attacked her and who was now under siege from one of Kane’s men. Gus, angry as a wet cat, still slashed at the fellow, her hand poised to cut her assailant to bits.
All masked attackers swirled into the fists and raging pistol fire of Kane’s guards. Four were down, their fight gone with their breaths.
Kane counted six more, hands up, surrendering and panting on the soaked cobbles.
“Let’s tie these vermin,” he said to his men. “We will visit their master.”
His guards grunted their approval.
Kane would praise Corsini for his bloodthirsty taste in servants.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Rene Vaillancourt, thedebonair deputy of police, was known to remain late at the few social events he attended. Even afterward, he remained inspired, vigorous in his appetites for more. He would journey on to other, more private parties with personally chosen participants who yielded to his special tastes.
A few minutes after five the morning after Castleton’s ball, he arrived at his home in Rue St. Martin.
He wore a self-satisfied smile as he flung open the two doors of his salon and took two long strides into the dark room. Then he halted. His smile disintegrated.
Gazing upon his uninvited guests, he grunted. “I see I must dismiss mymajordomfor allowing in street scum.”
Kane lowered his arm from the man’s marble mantel, then clicked shut his pocket watch. “Don’t be harsh with him. If he disobeyed me and gave you any indication we were here, he would have died on the spot.”
Vaillancourt spied the six muzzled men who were seated, tied, hands and feet, in the middle of his fine Aubusson. He gave his evil smile. “I gather you have subdued all my household?”
“We have.” Kane strode toward him, his hands out to denote the six who glowered at him.
Vaillancourt’s blue eyes slid to Gus. “I would never hurt you.”
She chuckled softly. “I’m certain that’s what you tell all the women you seize in the streets.”
“I take only those who deserve it.”
Contempt rolled out of her like lava. “I deserve your attention because I am Madame St. Antoine’s friend.”
Vaillancourt indicated one Louis Quatorze chair. “I hope you don’t mind if I sit.”
Kane gave a royal flourish with one hand. “Please.”
Vaillancourt licked his lips. “Of course you are St. Antoine’s friend. But I do believe you are much more than that.”
Gus cocked her head. “Madame la ComtesseNugent’s niece.”
Vaillancourt huffed. “Immaterial.”
Kane scoffed. “Whatever your motive to attack my wife,thatis immaterial to what is about to happen.”
Vaillancourt tipped his head to and fro. “Get on with it, Ashley. It is late.”
“Later than you think,” Kane responded with glee. “This morning, in a few hours, in fact, the balladeers on the Pont Neuf and the printers oflibellesandchroniques scandaleusesin the Quai de Augustine will have news of your actions earlier this evening.”
“Ba! That your wife insulted me in front of the premier of Society?”
