He was nearly speechless. “This is… wow.”
Ash chuckled. “Wait until you see it at night, full of men gambling, music playing, the Lady Ravens dancing. I still think it’s magical, if I’m honest.”
“I’m very much looking forward to it.”
They walked downstairs and into a dimly lit corridor. Ash pointed with his cane. “That door leads to the alley behind the building. And that,” he said, swinging his cane to point in the opposite direction, “is the gaming floor.”
They walked through the curtain and were greeted by a chorus of voices. He shook hands with a man holding a glass of some kind of cloudy liquid, his long blond hair tied back at his nape. “I’m Michael. That’s Patrick, behind the bar.”
“What are you having?” Patrick called over his shoulder.
“Whisky, if you’ve got it.”
“We’ve got everything,” Michael said, and held up his own glass. “Even barley water.”
That’s right. This one didn’t even drink. Bloody Saints. Michael ushered him to a table where they were gathering. “That’s Giles, and our newest partner, Fitz.” They both shook his hand and welcomed him. They were younger than the other three.
Patrick arrived with a tray of drinks. “We’re going to have to start having either a barman or a footman attend these meetings pretty soon.” Laughter rumbled through the group as Patrick placed their glasses one by one around the table.
A large man who’d been standing quietly off to the side, slowly approached. He was bald, with a neatly trimmed orange beard that was sprinkled with grey. “Name’s McKinnon,” he said, holding out his hand. “I’ll be the one making sure you learn everything you need to know to keep everyone here safe.”
Simon blew out a breath. “No pressure then.”
McKinnon smiled. “You’ll do fine. I’ve never seen Ash be wrong about someone. There must be something in your skillset to recommend you, because it certainly isn’t your size.”
Simon laughed. He was the smallest man in the room.
“Alright,” Ash said over the din. “Let’s get started.”
Everyone settled around the table and quieted down. “First, and most importantly, Allister was married yesterday!” Ash announced.
A wave of cheers went around the table, and they all raised their glasses. He struggled to accept that they were welcoming him so fully as one of their own.
“Thank you for making it happen so quickly,” Ash said, taking another drink. “We appreciate your commitment to getting started.”
“I can’t even put into words how grateful I am for this opportunity, and how much I look forward to knowing you all, and working here with you.”
Simon’s brain felt like mush by the time he left The Raven’s Den. There was so much to learn and know. Luckily, he was already in the habit of carrying a notepad and pencil for keeping track of names and details of things, so that helped some. He’d written down the names of all the security staff he’d met, along with a brief description of each one.
Mckinnon was now the bodyguard for Mrs. Fitzwilliam, and she had apparently shared a cell with his sister at Auburn Ridge. If he believed in fate, he’d think he was destined to end up here.
The club would be opening soon, and he desperately wanted to see it all in action, but he needed to check on Madelene first.
She was at their table with a fresh pot of tea when he entered the kitchen.
“Have I told you yet today how beautiful you are?”
She graced him with a radiant smile. “Perhaps, but I won’t complain if you repeat yourself.” She got up from the table and came around to kiss him. She poured him a cup of tea before sitting back down.
“Do you want a scone? I still have one wrapped up.”
“As much as I would enjoy sharing one with you, I fear what it may lead to, and we can’t stay long enough for that.”
“We?”
“Would you like to meet my sister tonight?”
Her smile broadened in approval. “Yes.”
