Page 19 of Heart of a Witch
I’d given up a long time ago trying to get Corbin to call him father. As long as he addressed him in person as such, it was all that mattered. “The maids still talk, and you know how they are for gossip.”
“Oh yes, and I’m sure the many women you bring home give themnothingto gossip about.”
“I need to go to the club,” I said, ignoring his snark.
He laughed, draping one arm over the arm of his chair. “You know, for someone who berates me for leaving evidence of my drinking, you’re quite the hypocrite when you own such an establishment.”
“That establishment is our future, Corbin. It’s time to get out of the witch-hunting trade.” I poured him a scotch, only because he’d drink one when I left anyway. “We will make our own names as men.”
“That, brother…” He lifted his glass in my direction. “I couldn’t agree more with. I only wish you told him.”
I finished my whiskey, then blew out a fiery breath while checking my pocket watch. “I must go if I’m not to be late.”
“Zerheus forbid Elijah Shaw is late.”
I hated when he called me by my full name. “Try to do something with yourself today, if you’re not going to attend school. Maybe bathe.”
He called after me, “I can’t make any promises.”
I walked downtown, my gaze inadvertently landing on the old gallows as I passed. Since Father had gone hunting witches in a club of black magic, Redforest had been quiet. No hours-long sermons at the church. With most of the priests traveling with him, we’d been left to guard the town from witches ourselves, not that any would ever be stupid enough to come here with our reputation. Most of the time, the people put on trial weren’t witches at all, but ones who’d gotten tangled up in trying to perform a spell with no magic—or something along those lines. During the trial, they were tested for magic but sometimes freed with moderate punishment.
When he found a real one, they were brought to these gallows to be killed in front of the town. He’d hang them first, to weaken them, after placing shackles on them to take away their magic. Then for good measure, he’d either rip out their heart or burn them. Those were the only ways to destroy the demons inside. Fortunately, witches didn’t come here often.
I unbuttoned the top button of my shirt, then tugged at the collar. I dipped down a dark alley, the only shortcut to the club. Shoving my hands in my pockets, I walked the gas-lamp-lined cobbled streets, past the dressmakers, cigar shop, and bakery as it wafted the smell of fresh bread into the autumn air. I could have taken the carriage, but I enjoyed long walks. They helped me clear my head.
The dark double doors to my club was a welcome sight as I turned left down the narrow street. A lamp flickered overhead, and Tim and Greg stepped apart when they saw me, making an entrance.
“Mr. Shaw,” Tim said, adjusting his jacket, which was far too small for his muscular arms. I didn’t mind. The customers would be warier of making a scene once they saw him. It was why I had hired him as my security.
“Any troubles tonight?”
Greg shook his head. “Nothing of note.”
I nodded curtly, then stepped inside, inhaling the smell of liquor, smoke, and polished wood. Denise was the first to greet me, pushing her chest out and sucking in air as if she could look any thinner in her corset. I pretended not to notice. “Hey, sweetheart.” I leaned down and kissed her cheek.
“Is your father back yet?” she asked, her eyes glittering in curiosity.
“No, he’s still away on business.”
She nodded. “He’s only doing Zerheus’s work. Someone must protect us from the demons. We miss him at church is all.” She leaned over a stool and whispered into my ear, while her fingers traced up the inside of my leg. “As long as you’re all alone in that big mansion…”
I offered her a clenched smile. “Not alone, love, but as always, I’m charmed by your forwardness.”
She smiled, then leaned back. “If you get lonely tonight, you know where to find me.”
I exhaled slowly. “I’m a lucky man.”
She grinned, and I moved to the other side of the club. I was sick of hearing about the god’s work, about demons and witches. For one night, I wished I could not have to hear about my father or any of it.
I ordered a whiskey, then rubbed the back of my neck, undoing a knot. Moving my fingers downward, enjoying the release of the ache in my back, I hit the top of one of the many large scars hidden under my shirt.
A lump formed in my throat, and I downed the whiskey to keep dark thoughts from invading. Maybe it was why Corbin drank so much too, to keep the pain at bay. After all, he had far more than I.
Seven
Victoria
We were rich for the first time in our lives, but it meant nothing without Ember with us.
