The Ace of Clubs Read online

He turned to me. “And why do you evade your men? You did the same at the Diamond Women’s Club the day of the explosion. Where do you go?”

  I stared at him in terror.

  “We’re going home,” Tony said. “Madame, lock your store. Perhaps you’ll be more forthcoming at Spadros Manor.”

  Blitz snorted, uncrossing his arms with a slight shake of his head. I recalled his words the night Marja died: My loyalty is to the Spadros Family. Who is your loyalty to, Mrs. Spadros?

  Sawbuck took my arm, but his grasp was gentle as he led me past a group of Tony’s men loitering in Madame’s shop room.

  Honor stood stiffly by the carriage, not meeting my glance.

  He believes I’ve betrayed the Family.

  Fuck him, I thought. If he and that driver had taken me to the bank instead of locking me in my carriage, I could have sold Anastasia’s necklace before gem prices fell. I’d have all the money I needed.

  Tony climbed into the carriage next to me.

  I said, “Where’s Madame? Where’s Tenni?”

  “They’ll be well,” Tony said.

  He probably put us in separate carriages so we couldn’t confer as to our stories.

  The prospect of returning terrified me. I didn’t think Tony would harm me, but what might he do to them? And how long would they be able to withstand before they told the truth?

  I couldn’t see Roy or Tony taking kindly to my work. If I confessed to my business and wasn’t beaten, or killed outright as any other Spadros would be who stepped out of line, I’d be watched every step I took.

  I remembered Madame’s little jest then, and my hands began to shake. Even if Roy didn’t kill me, Tony could presume that if I left home on false pretenses, changed clothes, and hired accomplices, it was proof of infidelity, easy grounds for divorce.

  I wouldn’t be safe anywhere in Bridges.

  * * *

  I sat in my parlor, gloved hands in my lap, as Tony paced the room. Sawbuck stood in front of the fireplace, arms folded.

  My gloves were soaked in sweat.

  “Why did you go to the zeppelin station? Honor told you we had specific instruction not to go into Clubb quadrant that day.”

  Tony tricked too much information from me, only to ignore it. “I told you, I had evidence of a bomb. I tried to warn them —”

  “By giving your name? Mrs. Jacqueline Spadros, illegally in Clubb quadrant, with knowledge of a bomb? Which you told no one about —”

  “I didn’t learn about it until I was on Market Center —”

  “And why on earth were you there? Why evade your men?”

  Why wouldn’t he listen? “I was helping Gardena!” I shook my head. “They aren’t my men in any case.” I had more than sufficient evidence of this already. “They’re your men, they’re your father’s men. Would they have escorted us to meet her blackmailer?”

  Tony hesitated, a quick procession of anger, fear, and resolution crossing his face. “Why would anyone blackmail Gardena Diamond? Why won’t you tell me what’s going on?”

  “Tony, I can’t tell you that! She risked everything to trust me with this. If I betrayed her now ... it would be wrong.”

  Gardena had killed her grandfather — as he asked — when his life became pure misery after his terrible accident. And someone threatened to go to her father with the truth.

  The fact that she came to me, of all people ...

  I faced him. “I will not tell you, nor will I tell your father —”

  Tony flinched, turning pale. The torture room of Roy Spadros was no secret in Bridges.

  “— if that’s your wish. So you must decide. Gardena’s secret has nothing to do with you, nor with this Family. I’m astonished you would pry into a woman’s private affairs this way.”

  Tony began pacing. “Did you know Pearson keeps record of what goes on in this household?”

  This didn’t surprise me. But it raised a number of questions.

  “For example, in January you told him more than once you were out calling, or going to tea. Yet later he found your driver and footman engaged in tasks around the house.”

  I gaped at him in horror.

  “Where did you go? Who did you see? Was Gardena being blackmailed again?”

  I said nothing.

  “Regina Clubb brought formal charges to The Commission, claiming she saw you illegally at Clubb Women’s Center — and accuses us of spying. Us!” He let out a bitter laugh. “That’s rich.”

  I smiled in spite of myself.

  “But on that day, Pearson has a notation that you were visiting Helen Hart. Must I speak to each of these people to verify your locations? Now I doubt your word on several matters.”

  I never met with Helen Hart that day. I went to Market Center — by way of Clubb quadrant — to investigate David Bryce’s disappearance. Tony’s little sister Katherine went with me to see the stable-master, who was now dead. Had my actions put her in danger as well?

  “And then there’s Madame Biltcliffe.”

  This change of subject made no sense. “What of her?”

  His face softened into amusement. “The accountant you insisted upon discovered Madame Biltcliffe charges the Spadros Family significantly more than others using the same services. Is she cheating me? Or is she providing some additional service?”

  Oh gods, I thought. Is he going to kill her?

  “Was her story about the break-in at her shop true? Or is she allied with our enemies? You’re the judge of this. Is it too personal a woman’s affair? Or maybe she was being blackmailed as well. Perhaps I should send her and the orphan to my father to learn the truth.”

  I stared at my hands. “There’s no need to involve your father.”

  Tony stopped, leaning towards me. “What?”

  All I had worked so hard to keep secret was being revealed. But I couldn’t allow Madame Biltcliffe and Tenni to be hurt on my account. “There’s no need to involve your father.”

  I took a deep breath. “From the age of sixteen, I have employed myself as a private investigator.”

  The Information

  Tony leaned on the back of a chair, eyes wide, mouth open. Then he sat across the low coffee table from me. “But why? Is there something I’m not providing you?”

  I considered my bird in its lovely cage. “What if Frank Pagliacci’s men shot you during the ambush at your warehouse? By law, all this,” I gestured around me, “would revert to your father. He makes no pretense: this is for the protection and benefit of you, and you alone. He has no use or regard for me, other than to provide you with an heir.”

  Which, if I had any say in it, would never happen. I took a special tea every morning to ensure this. I would never bear a child to be used as a pawn in some Family scheme.

  I turned to Sawbuck, who sat beside me. “Would you protect me from Jack Diamond? Or Frank Pagliacci? Or ‘my men’?”

  Sawbuck didn’t move.

  “I thought as much.” I faced Tony. “And even if I were to return to the Spadros Pot I wouldn’t be safe. I need means to hire bodyguards until I can purchase a zeppelin ticket.”

  Tony leaned forward, head bowed, his elbows on his knees. He sat motionless for several seconds. Then he raised his head. “I shall create a will —”

  I stared at him in shock.

  “Sir,” Sawbuck said, “this is most unwise —”

  “Shut up, Ten. This is my house, not yours. My money, to do with as I wish. Do you understand?”

  Sawbuck’s face reddened and his jaw tightened, but after staring at Tony for several seconds, he glanced away.

  “I shall direct my lawyers to create a will which gives you everything on my death. Then you can keep our home and select guards of your choosing. My life means nothing if you aren’t cared for, whether or not you’re able to give me a child.” Tony shook his head. “I should’ve considered this, especially after Master Diamond’s outburst at the Ball.” He leaned back. “This explains your nightmares. Why did you never tel
l me?”

  I smiled. He had never revealed his nightmares either. “It’s of no consequence.” Why was he creating this will? Surely he didn’t trust me. Was this a test?

  Tony sat up. “Ten, ring for some tea. When the maid leaves, stand guard. I want no one overhearing.”

  Sawbuck rose, not looking at either of us, then stood by the door. I considered the stair at the other end of the parlor and who might be listening already, but it was much too late for that.

  Tony said, “Tell me everything. From the beginning.”

  The door opened. Sawbuck took the tray from the maid, set it between us, then left, closing the door with a sharp click.

  I patted the sofa. “Sit by me.”

  In whispers, I related my desire to be of use, to find freedom from my stifling life under Roy’s thumb. I told him I had allies, and disguises, and contacts in various places. I never mentioned names; Tony never asked.

  “So you see, Madame Biltcliffe and Tenni helped me. For their assistance, I pay her.”

  “You mean, I pay her.”

  I felt abashed. “Well, yes. But I meant no harm. She put herself and ...” I almost said “her maid” but I didn’t wish to contradict Madame, “Tenni in danger to help me.”

  “The girl does look like you from afar. I see how the men were fooled.” Tony squeezed my hand. “Go on.”

  “I never did anything more dangerous than following men suspected of infidelity —” the image of Vig beating the man who tried to violate me when I was sixteen flashed through my mind, but it wouldn’t do to tell Tony about that, “until New Years’ Eve.”

  I described my meeting with Eleanora Bryce, whose twelve-year-old son David had to be the child Tony’s kidnapped men spoke of. I told him about the Red Dog card Amelia found in my pocket after the Grand Ball, and my horror at seeing one on our front stair, which I felt sure was put there by Jack Diamond.

  Tony stared at me. “Several shopkeepers have complained of being harassed by a man fitting his description.”

  I told Tony about Stephen and Clover of the true Red Dogs, and how appalled they were at the kidnapping. Both Stephen and Herbert Bryce, David’s older brother, were later found strangled.

  “I’ve heard rumor of a strangler loose in the city,” Tony said, “but I had no idea those boys were connected to our troubles.”

  I then had a dilemma: what to tell him about Morton? I mentioned a man who claimed to be a Red Dog trey leader, but only as Morton, leaving out his true name.

  But Tony said, “And then Master Rainbow appeared, who you knew as Morton.”

  I recoiled, horrified. “How did you know?”

  Tony chuckled. “Pearson mentioned your cry of surprise at seeing Master Rainbow, calling him Morton, and I wondered where you might have met before.”

  Fear gripped me. What would happen to him?

  Tony patted my hand. “I mean Master Rainbow no harm. He saved your life at the zeppelin station, did he not?”

  I nodded, heart pounding.

  “Go on,” Tony said. “I want to know everything. No one will harm you or your friends.”

  So I told Tony I tracked David to Jack Diamond’s factory. Morton took me to the factory on his yacht to rescue David Bryce, yet afterwards David did nothing but rock and suck his thumb.

  “I shot Frank Pagliacci that day. But I learned from Dame Anastasia later that he was still alive.”

  “You shot him?” Tony stared at me, mouth open. “And Dame Anastasia knew him?”

  I nodded. “He was her lover, and part of her plot to defraud the city. He and Jack Diamond killed her, Tony. The zeppelin explosion was their means of assassination. Jack and Frank mean us personal harm, but I can’t prove it. In Jack’s factory, Frank said he planned to destroy the Spadros Family, one by one.”

  Tony paused, hand to his chin. “This explains many things: Master Rainbow’s injuries, for example. Again, taken defending you and your friend’s young boy.” He smiled. “I can’t help but feel indebted to him, even if he did deceive me. If you ever do need guards, he would be one to enlist.”

  He took my hand. “You are the bravest woman I’ve ever met. To enter Diamond quadrant, rescue this boy ... and actually shooting a man. Who taught you —?”

  I shot many more than one that day. But what should I say? Roy threatened to kill my Ma if I revealed to Tony that he had been training me. Did Roy know Ma was still alive? “One of the men dropped his gun when Master Rainbow shot him.” I shrugged, looking away. “It seemed easy enough.”

  Tony snorted. “I wish I had any talent for it.” He shifted in his chair. “What I’m trying to say is ... I feel tremendous pride in you, risking yourself to save this child as you did.” He turned to me, placing his hand atop mine. “But this business must stop. You’ve done a great service, and gained valuable information, but you’re much too precious to be placed in peril.”

  “But, Tony —”

  “Frank Pagliacci plans to destroy us one by one. He’s lured you from your home once already. One day he’ll capture you, or worse yet, Jack Diamond will, and I can’t even think of that.” He ducked his head, trying to capture my gaze. “Will you promise me you’ll stop this nonsense? Please?”

  Did I have a choice? I couldn’t look at him. “Yes, sir.”

  “Ah, now, none of that. Look at me. I don’t mean to order you. I’m not my father. I — I want you to be safe. That’s all.”

  I nodded. My bird was very safe. Yet it would never fly.

  * * *

  The doorbell rang. After a few moments, Sawbuck opened the door. “The Memory Boy Werner Lead, sir.”

  Memory Boys remembered exactly what was said, and delivered messages so secret they mustn’t be written.

  Tony leapt from the sofa. “Splendid! I’ll be there at once.” He said to me, “I’ll be right back.”

  Sawbuck closed the door, remaining inside.

  I hurried to Sawbuck. “I didn’t mention anything from the night you found Marja. I’d appreciate your silence a while longer.”

  He regarded me warily. “You play a dangerous game, Mrs. Spadros. Trust, once lost, is often gone forever, and hatred soon follows.” He glanced aside, then spoke earnestly. “I don’t want him hurt. You understand?”

  “That’s the farthest thing from my mind. But I must learn who killed her.” I grabbed his arm. “I must. She was a mother to me. I can’t stand aside when I believe this all is connected. But I can’t do that with Mr. Spadros hovering.”

  Sawbuck’s face softened. “Pot rags must stick together, eh?”

  I had forgotten: he was Molly’s sister’s son, undoubtedly born in the Pot, just as she and I were. “Yes.” Yet I felt disturbed somehow. “One day we must sit, Master Hogan, and have a chat.”

  He bowed and turned to go; I returned to my seat.

  Just in time: Tony stormed into the room. “The unmitigated gall! The effrontery! How dare the man address me in that manner! And to a Memory Boy!” Tony threw his hands in the air and stalked to the fireplace.

  This sudden anger surprised me. “Whatever has happened?”

  Tony paced, gesturing as he spoke. “Cesare Diamond, that’s what’s happened. The scoundrel! I ask a simple question, and he proceeds to cast insult. He even insulted you! I should call him out ... yes, I shall challenge him!”

  “That would be unwise, sir.” Sawbuck’s voice startled me. “Mr. Cesare is quite skilled with weapons, or so I’m told.”

  Where Tony was not.

  I began to laugh, remembering my encounter with Cesare Diamond on the rooftop at Market Center as we lay in wait for Gardena’s blackmailer. “The man is dreadfully rude. Yet he always spoke truth. What did he say?”

  Tony turned crimson, his manner instantly cooling. “That’s not important. But —” he took a few steps, then faced me, “it confirms you were with him on Market Center. I suppose I should be grateful for that.”

  Tony actually considered calling out Cesare Diamond. After telling m
e at the Queen’s Day dinner that we were only at cease-fire with the Diamonds and “nowhere near” ready for war.

  To challenge the Diamond heir in the midst of a cease-fire?

  Tony was out of control.

  Pearson came in. “Dinner, sir.” He surveyed us. Normally, we dressed for dinner at seven; we certainly were not dressed for it now. “Should I tell Monsieur dinner will be delayed?”

  “No,” Tony said. “We’ll have dinner now.” He grabbed my upper arm. “None of our guests have had time to prepare either.”

  The way he said it made me suddenly afraid.

  * * *

  Tony hauled me to our dining room. Tenni and Madame sat glumly across from each other halfway down the long table.

  “Please sit,” Tony said.

  So I sat at the foot of the table, rubbing my arm. Tony took his seat at the head of the table. Sawbuck sat beside Tony, to his right. Morton sat across from Sawbuck, at Tony’s left.

  A guest sat mid-table. Had Morton risen in Tony’s favor?

  Sawbuck took Morton’s placement as a matter of course. The servants set the soup dishes and retreated.

  Madame shook her head slightly when Tenni caught her eye, then nodded once Tony began to eat.

  Tenni shoveled soup into her mouth as if famished.

  I sipped a spoonful. “Tenni, will your family worry for you?”

  Tenni shrugged. “I’m usually home by now. My sister should be there with the little ones.”

  “I’ll have my butler send your sister a message,” Tony said.

  Tenni started, giving him a frightened glance. “Thank you, sir.” She finished her soup, used her bread to wipe the bowl clean as she ate it, then said, “That was very good.” She smiled, relaxing, as if she believed dinner to be over. “It’s so quiet here.”

  Several minutes passed as the rest of us ate in silence.

  The servants cleared the soup dishes and placed our main course. Tenni’s eyes widened as she stared at her plate. Then she ate as quickly as before, slipping her roll and meat into her pocket.

  When I first came here, I did the same, in case they took it away. And I always hid food to bring home to Ma.

  Morton said, “Is it noisy where you live, then?”