Page 181 of Eternal Craving

“It’s rather a delicate matter. I’m severing ties with an old fraternity.” I picked up one of my knights and feigned interest in moving the piece. “Their purpose is obsolete.”

The following night, I replayed the evening spent with Jacob with my heart full of gratitude. Time with him was the only thing that soothed my soul.

I donned a disguise.

With a gentleman’s attire consisting of a hat, a well-tailored suit, and my finest long, black jacket, I conveyed an air of confidence as I strolled along. I wore tinted, horn-rimmed glasses to obscure my eyes.

During the short time in Archer’s study, I’d rummaged through his papers, leaving the notebook in his wall safe so that it appeared undisturbed. And yet I’d studied the contents, reading the accountant’s notations, revealing how they spent their money, and discovering the locations where the Stone Masters liked to stay.

The Manor Grand, famous for being one of London’s better hotels, provided a discreet meeting place for lawyers,businessmen, and politicians alike. It was popular amongst those who desired to stay in the heart of the city.

Just inside the lobby, an elderly night porter snoozed in his high-backed chair. Reading upside down, I checked the guest book. Archer had signed in under the name of Salisbury. Had we been better acquainted, I’d have offered advice on keeping a low profile.

Taking three steps at a time, I made my way up to the third floor. Strolling along the corridor, I wondered how many of the other rooms had been taken by Archer’s men.

Listening at the door, checking for the presence of Archer, I made sure the room was empty. Upon the bed rested a well-traveled suitcase, already packed. This didn’t appear to be one of the hotel’s better suites. With its virtually bare décor and poor view, it reflected how business took precedence over luxury. Against the left wall was a desk, upon which rested a letter that Archer had begun writing. He must have become distracted, leaving the missive unfinished. Within the hearth were dying embers.

The sound of creaking floorboards out in the corridor gave away the person who was fast approaching.

The door opened and my gaze connected with a well-dressed, burly looking, bearded man. He went for me and I stepped back, ready for the second punch he threw. I dodged the strike and my spectacles fell off.

“I have an appointment with Lord Archer.” I tipped my hat.

He picked up my glasses.

“I’m completely blind without them.” I wrapped my fingers around his wrist and thrust him back, cracking his head against the brick. I could smell his fear.

Archer glared at me from the doorway. I let go of the man, tilted my head, and gave him a roguish smile. Archer gestured for his colleague to leave.

The bearded man was clearly shaken. “Sir, I’m not leaving you alone with it.” He rubbed the back of his head.

Archer patted his friend’s arm. “Five minutes.”

“I’ll come back with the others.” He handed Archer the spectacles and left.

“He referred to me as an ‘it’” I tut-tutted. “Most rude.”

“My men are well trained.”

I reached for my glasses. “It’s good to see you.”

“Wish I could say the same.” He ignored my out-stretched hand and dropped my glasses. “This disguise doesn’t work.”

“Good thing I’m not easily offended.”

He approached the writing desk and peeked at the letter, checking to see that he hadn’t left anything important out.

My mind raced with the idea that he might want to kill me. “1212, a good year for the Stone Masters?”

He turned to me with a raised eyebrow. “I have no idea what you’re referring to.”

“The fire wiped out one-fifth of the city’s population.”

Archer strolled over to the window. “I may have misjudged you.”

“Oh, you definitely have.” I joined him and stared out at the bleak view. “I’m the son you never had.”

Archer glared at me. “Careful.”