The guard’s critical eyes swept over him, but he eventually took a step back. “Go on, then, but I will be watching you, Bloke,” he said.
Greydon headed down the corridor to where he could hear loud laughter. He stepped into the hall and saw scantily clothed women walking around with trays in their hands. Some of the women were in the laps of the men that were playing cards at the tables, whispering into their ears.
Tables filled the room and men of all walks of life sat around them. A low-hanging cloud of smoke hung in the hall from all the cigars that were being smoked. Someone was playing a rowdy tune on the pianoforte in the corner and a few men that were into their cups were singing along.
He hated gambling halls. Their sole purpose was to deprive men of their money. But it was the place that his brother loved the most. These were the people Phineas preferred to associate with.
His eyes roamed the room until they landed on Lord William. He was sitting at one of the tables in the back and, by the looks of it, he was ahead at the moment.
Greydon skirted the tables but was stopped by a blonde-haired woman with a tray in her hand. “Can I help you with something?” she asked in a sultry voice.
“No, thank you,” Greydon said. “If you will just let me pass…”
The woman stepped closer to him until they were just inches apart. “I would be happy to show you upstairs,” she said. “The beds are quite comfortable.”
No wonder why his brother came to The Lucky Ace. It acted as a brothel, as well. Phineas couldn’t seem to help himself.
Greydon took a step back. “I am not interested in what you are offering.”
The woman’s lips turned into a pout, which he suspected was well-rehearsed. No doubt it was quite convincing to the men that were interested in that type of thing. “That is a shame. I am told that I am quite vigorous.”
He cleared his throat, finding himself deucedly uncomfortable at that thought. “Yes, well, that is quite informative, but I am meeting a friend. And I am late. Do you mind?”
Annoyance flashed across the woman’s face. “Yes, I do mind,” she said before she spun around and walked off. It was evident that she was not used to being rejected.
Greydon continued to the table and saw Lord William toss his cards down. He came to a stop next to him and gestured towards the empty chair. “May I have a seat?”
Lord William looked up at him through bloodshot eyes. “Greydon?” he asked. “What in the blazes are you doing here?”
“I need to speak to you,” he replied as he sat down.
“I thought you were too good for a place like this,” Lord William mocked as he reached for his drink. “That is what your brother told me.”
Greydon leaned closer to him. “I was hoping you would answer a few questions for me.”
Lord William tossed back his drink and slammed the glass onto the table. “And what kind of questions would those be?” he asked. “Because I am rather busy.”
“Yes, I can tell,” Greydon responded dryly. “But they will be quick.”
Turning to face him, Lord William asked, “Do you know what I miss most about your brother?”
“I do not.”
Lord William burped, loudly. “I miss how he would come in here as if he owned the place. He would sit right where you are sitting and play for hours. I could always count on him, and he is gone now.”
“I’m sorry, but surely you have other friends that can play with you.”
“Nah, these men are imbeciles,” Lord William said, gesturing to the other men at the table. “They only care about winning and they do not think long term.”
The men at the table scowled at Lord William, but they continued to focus on their cards.
Lord William continued. “I am lonely, Greydon. So lonely. I do believe I need the companionship of one of the lovely ladies here tonight.”
“I won’t stop you, but don’t you think you have had enough for one day?”
Lord William stared blankly at him. “Why would you think that?”
“You are drunk,” he pointed out.
