Page 35 of Brazen

“I don’t give a damn,” Magnus cut in. “I will go to prison, if that is what it takes to rid the world of you two.”

Young gave a nasty laugh. “And risk ending up in prison with the two of us—perhaps even in the same cell? I find that unlikely.”

“You are correct,” Magnus said. “But it won’t be that I was part owner of an illegal gaming hell that lands me in prison.”

Young frowned, then understanding dawned in his eyes. “You are threatening to kill me?”

Magnus gave him a cool smile. “I am promising to kill both of you.”

“You would hang,” Blane said, but Magnus recognized fear in his uncle’s declaration.

The men stared at each other for a long moment, then Young grasped Blane’s arm and pulled him toward Magnus. Magnus stiffened, then stood unmoving as they passed him. He watched until they passed through the opening in the door and disappeared from sight.

Were the men weekend guests? He had to speak with Stirling. He hesitated. Should he leave, as planned, or stay the night, speak with Stirling first thing in the morning, and then leave? It was nearing four in the morning. Stirling was an early riser. Magnus would sleep for three hours, then rise and speak with him before returning to Barkely Hall.

Magnus strode down the aisle toward the door, his fury in full sail. There had to be some way to ensure his uncle and Young left him alone. For the first time, he considered enlisting the aid of his father. Was it worth telling his father about The Honeydrop in order to put a stop to Blane and Young’s advances?

He slowed as he passed the second to last stall from the door. If the two men waited outside, he might not be able to stop himself from killing both of them with his bare hands. A door creaked behind him. Magnus started to turn. Pain slashed through his neck and spiked through his skull.

“What the—”

He crashed onto his knees and the world went black.