James, however, gave a small smile. “So you are well-informed. I’m glad to know that, at least. It tells me I am dealing with a formidable enemy.”
Farrell spread his hands out in mock contrition. “And why should we be enemies, Your Grace? We are both businessmen, and I am here in your duchy, making you a rich man. The profits of my business enterprises are far-reaching, including your coffers. We fund the construction of many of the public facilities that pay taxes to you, including the church, the school, and several of the local taverns. Not to mention that your tenants make great sums of money from our fights, which they pay to you in rent every month.”
Violet’s heart was pounding in her chest.
Is this true? If so, how are we ever to dissuade people from giving this up?
James, however, looked undaunted, and she had to admire the cold, assured way her husband stared down the gangster.
“If you seek to frighten me by pointing out all the businesses that are in league with you, then save your breath,” he spat. “I know that most of these good, well-meaning villagers only participate in your illegal activities out of fear. And the small sum they pay in taxes to me is nothing compared to the protection rackets that you run. They must pay you huge sums every month to keep themselves safe from your thugs. Don’t pretend otherwise.”
Farrell’s face twisted in anger, but then he gave James a cold smile. “We keep the villagers safe from our rivals,” he explained smoothly. “And they are grateful for that protection. As for the extra income that the fights bring… well, you can ask them yourself how helpful the money is.”
“I have already spoken to my tenants,” James said coldly. “I do not need to ask them again if your business benefits them. They live in fear of you, but even then, they have confided in me how you rule this area like a king. But let me remind you, Farrell—you are not a king. You are nothing but a lowly criminal who has elevated himself through intimidation and fear. And you will fall, just like every other pretender to the throne.”
“So we are dropping any attempts at civility?” Farrell asked, stroking his beard. “Do we not respect one another to even discuss a partnership?”
“I don’t respect anything about you,” James snarled.
Violet wondered, as anger flashed in the gangster’s eyes, if this was the best approach to take. Without thinking, she found herself stepping forward to address him.
“What my husband means to say is that you must have a price to leave the duchy.”
Farrell turned his cold, surprised gaze on her, but Violet didn’t flush under it. She held his stare, tilting her chin up defiantly.
“The Duchess speaks for her husband,” Farrell drawled. “How very… modern.”
“My wife does not speak for me,” James said at once. He grabbed Violet’s arm and leaned down to her ear. “What are you doing? This wasn’t part of our agreement.”
He was glaring daggers at her, but she met his gaze steadily. She knew he would get angry at her for interfering, but he was allowing his temper to get the better of him, and if he carried on like that, he wouldn’t solve anything.
“Let me try,” she whispered. “He’s not that different from Father, and I dealt with him for years.”
James looked extremely unhappy, but at last, he let go of her arm and allowed her to step forward again.
“You are a businessman,” she continued, her eyes snapping back to Farrell’s, who was watching the exchange with interest. “And, as such, you know that sometimes, the cost of keeping a concern going becomes too high. Under my husband’s late father, you were allowed to carry out your business with impunity. But now, you face opposition from a duke. A very wealthy duke who has the power to shut down your operations if he wishes to.”
“No one has the power to shut me down,” Farrell said, sounding amused. “And your empty threats mean nothing to me.”
“They aren’t empty,” Violet insisted. “We have all the power and money at our disposal to send the Bow Street Runners after you.”
“Call them if you want to,” Farrell scoffed, “but they won’t find anything illegal. My businesses are air-tight. And my records are meticulous. I’m no fool.”
“Perhaps they won’t find anything the first time,” Violet relented, nodding. “But what if they keep harassing you? Bringing charges against the men who work for you? Discovering all the small ways that the townsfolk have been profiting illegally from your businesses? They may not be able to stop you outright, but they can make your life very difficult. And worse than that, they can make itexpensive.”
Farrell’s eyes flickered, and Violet felt at once that she had struck a nerve.
“There are other places you could run your businesses—places where you will not incur the wrath of the Duke of Attorton. Is it really wise to stay here, when he will come for you with everything that he has?”
Next to her, Violet felt James shift. When she glanced at him, she could see a flicker of worry in his eyes. It seemed to say,Is it really wise to threaten him?
But they were all adults in a precarious situation, and sometimes threats had to be made.
Farrell took his time to respond. Instead of saying anything right away, he reached into the pocket of his jacket and produced a pipe. One of his bodyguards handed him a spill, and he went to the fire to light the end of it. He then raised the spill to the pipe and inhaled. The end of the pipe glowed red, and he slowly exhaled the smoke.
Violet tried not to cough. She was not used to being around people smoking. In fact, it was considered rude to smoke in front of ladies. But Farrell was no gentleman.
He leaned closer to her, and she felt James stiffen next to her.
