Page 45 of Stolen By the Heartless Duke

Jane realized suddenly that he was not guessing. He was expecting. Moments passed. Then footsteps. The dealer appeared from the shadows, glancing around quickly.

“I cannot stay long,” he said immediately. “If I’m seen, there will be trouble.”

“You won’t be,” the duke said.

The dealer looked at him warily. Jane studied the man carefully now. The duke had arranged this. Not just the game. All of it.

“You signaled him,” she murmured.

The duke didn’t deny it.

The dealer shifted. “What do you want?”

The duke’s voice sharpened. “Evan Lockwood. And a man who may have been with him who has a similar complexion to this lady.”

The dealer glanced at Jane briefly, then nodded. “I know the man you mean,” he said.

Jane’s breath caught.

The duke went still. “Evan.”

“Yes,” the dealer said. “He came here often. Good player. Very good.”

Jane’s heart tightened.

“And?” the duke pressed.

The dealer hesitated. “He was moved up. Advanced tables. Higher stakes.”

Jane swallowed.

The duke’s jaw flexed. “And Foxglove?”

The dealer shook his head. “Never saw that name here.”

Jane exhaled slowly, half with frustration and disappointment.

“A month ago,” the dealer added, “he played at a high table with a man called Phineas Strachan.”

The duke’s expression changed instantly. “Repeat that,” he said quietly.

“Strachan,” the dealer confirmed. “Everyone knew his name, even if they pretended not to.”

Jane frowned. “Who is that?”

The duke’s voice was flat. “A crime lord. Political circles have been trying to build a case against him for years.”

Jane felt something cold settle in her stomach. “And Evan played with him?” she asked.

The dealer nodded.

“Did they interact?” the duke asked sharply.

“No,” the dealer said quickly. “Just played at the same table.”

“And afterward?” Jane asked.

The dealer hesitated again. “That night, Evan won a large sum,” he said. “Strachan was not pleased when he left.”