by
In 1818, Jolyon Everett’s happy existence in Regency London seems assured with his lover Daniel Walters and their tight-knit group of companions, consisting of three other couples.
When Edward Stephens, the sweetheart of Jo’s best friend, Captain Ben Harding, comes to Jo for advice, his family issue seems the only blot on a clear horizon.
But soon, Jo faces another dilemma, involving a threat of blackmail looming over his and Daniel’s relationship with alarming ramifications for their friends.
By banding together, can the small society of men fend off this encroaching peril? And will Jo and Daniel be able to continue their life together, uninterrupted from danger?
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Publisher: JMS Books, LLC
Editors:
Genres:
Pairings: M-M
Heat Level: 4
Romantic Content: 4
Ending: Click here to reveal
Character Identities: Gay
Protagonist 1 Age: 26-35
Protagonist 2 Age: 36-45
Tropes: Blackmail, Class Differences, (Hits) Close to Home, Found Family, Hurt / Comfort
Word Count: 26251
Setting: London, England
Languages Available: English
Series Type: Continuous / Same Characters
“Good afternoon, sir. May I help you? Were you looking to make an appointment? I’m afraid that we are almost completely booked up for the bulk of the Season.”
The fellow ignored Daniel’s patter. Taking off his hat to reveal his scanty hair, he lounged against the polished surface of the counter.
“I ain’t in need of new duds, as I told that longshanks of a shop boy,” he said. “Rather some intelligence that you might be willing to spill. Tis remarkable how a word in the right ear can save a body a whole heap of trouble.”
His smile was as amicable as a shark.
Snell was only slighter taller than Daniel, at least a decade older and much heavier, with most of his extra weight carried around his protruding midriff. Despite his unprepossessing appearance, Daniel instinctively knew it would be dangerous to underestimate him.
READ MORE“Then I am unable to assist you,” Daniel said crisply. “At Shelford’s our customers must have complete confidence in our discretion. You must have mistaken us for a coffee shop or tavern.”
“Ho, ho.” Snell’s laugh didn’t reach his flinty eyes. “I’ve been led to believe that this is the domicile of a certain Mr. Jolyon Everett, formerly of Orange Street. Now,” he said with a smirk. “What’s a fine gentleman doing, relocating from where the nobs congregate? I mean, it’s good enough for the likes of you and me. But the gentry don’t usually disport themselves to mingle with trade.”
Snell’s inference bordered on the obscene.
“You can’t blame me for wondering why?” Snell leaned familiarly across the counter.
It took every ounce of Daniel’s control not to shrink away. He forced himself to feign mild interest.
Timmy’s robust defence, although well-intentioned, had only sharpened the man’s interest.
It’s wiser to pretend to play him at his own game.
“As I have already related, by Mr. Shelford’s direction, we cannot disclose any details about our customers, financial or otherwise. Even if they’re dished up and don’t have a feather to fly with. I can only tell you that Mr. Everett is amongst our clientage,” Daniel paused before adding with feigned regret. “If I was minded to divulge more, once word got around, we’d be losing business in a shake of a rat’s tale. And that would cost me my job.”
Snell rubbed his poorly shaven chin thoughtfully.
“As one working man to another, I can understand your dilemma. Considering Mr. E is your neighbour, you might pass on the odd crumb without risking your position, or even slip me the key to his rooms for a look-see when he’s not around,” Snell said unctuously. “Dip deeply at the tables does he? Or perhaps he has an expensive filly stashed away around the corner at Oxford Street? A gentleman would have to pay through the nose for all them there accoutrements a pretty ladybird requires. Or maybe his tastes run in another direction?” Snell looked Daniel up and down. “You must be aware of his comings and goings, pass the time of day on the stairs and so on. Surely he’s given you a hint? I’ll make it worth your while.”
“I wouldn’t know,” Daniel shrugged indifferently. “I keep to my station as the gentry do to theirs. Mind you,” He allowed some doubt to creep into his voice, “Perhaps Mr. Everett isn’t quite the gentleman he seems if a constable is making enquiries. I wouldn’t want to be tarnished by another man’s misdoings. Which magistrate’s district are you from? Soho, I presume, as it’s the closest. Marlborough Street court, is it?” He asked ingenuously.
“That’s right,” Snell agreed. “Just around the corner. Makes us neighbours, near enough.”
Daniel repressed a shudder of revulsion.
“Strictly speaking,” Snell continued. “I’m making enquiries on my own behalf. It’s a remarkable how a man can earn a bit on the side using the tricks of the trade.” He tapped the side of his fleshy nose. “It pays one way or another to watch and learn. This is unofficial-like and strictly off the books, although between you and me, some of the magistrates would trip over their own shoe buckles if they weren’t stuck on.”
Snell grinned ingratiatingly. Daniel forced himself to smile.
“I’ll leave you to think on it.” Snell straightened up. Daniel half-expected to discover a smear of grease staining the counter. “Since you know where I am, you can come and find me at Marlborough Street. Just ask for Jabeth Snell. And if not, well,” Snell grinned, “I might decide to investigate you instead.”
COLLAPSE
