Ruby's Gamble~De Wolfe Pack Connected World

by Lana Williams

  But she didn’t think she was strong enough to ignore her longing to see him now that she had an excuse, and what Douglas didn’t know couldn’t hurt him.

  That afternoon, Gideon stood in the cargo hold of an anchored ship alongside Douglas. The clerk’s skills had caught Gideon’s notice prior to his realization that Douglas was Ruby’s brother. Now, he requested Douglas to assist him even more frequently. The man was sharp, conscientious, and willing to learn. But no matter how much Gideon tried, he couldn’t discount the fact that he was Ruby’s brother.

  Thus far, Douglas seemed uncertain whether he liked Gideon’s personal interest in his family, let alone his sister. He’d glowered as only an older brother could as he watched Ruby emerge from Gideon’s carriage two days ago. The next day, his manner at the office had been especially cool until Gideon requested his assistance with several projects. From what Gideon could tell, Douglas relished the challenges yet remained skeptical as to why he’d been selected for them.

  In all honesty, Gideon wasn’t sure either. Was he trying to win over the clerk? Yes. Did he think Douglas was better suited to act as his assistant than most of the others in his office? Yes.

  He sighed. Such was the mad logic of his thoughts when it came to anything involving Ruby.

  He forced his attention back to the task at hand and counted aloud the wool bales stowed on board.

  Douglas consulted his list in the faint glow of the lantern he held. “Yes, that’s the correct number,” he advised Gideon.

  “Excellent. Let us verify the wooden wool presses next.”

  Douglas tipped his head. “I believe I saw them over here.”

  Gideon followed Douglas along the narrow aisle between crates and wool bales, pleased when the number of presses matched as well. While he trusted Nash to make certain all was as it should be, part of his duties while in London included verifying the cargo himself.

  Done with the inventory, Gideon led the way toward the ladder. “Extinguish the lantern before we go up. I don’t want to risk a spark.”

  Douglas complied then followed Gideon up the ladder. Other workers moved about as they loaded the ship. Shouts, footsteps, and the scrapes of crates echoed throughout the vessel.

  “I don’t know what I’m going to do.” The hushed voice caught Gideon’s notice as he reached the top of the ladder.

  Two men stood in the stern, their backs to Gideon.

  “Did you tell your wife?” the other asked.

  “Tell her that we’re about to lose the roof over our heads? Hell, no. Especially not with another babe on the way.”

  “Does that make five?”

  Though Gideon didn’t care to eavesdrop, the location of the men left him little choice.

  “Six.” The man sounded less than pleased.

  “I can’t imagine having six mouths to feed,” his companion said.

  “Nor can I. Even with the oldest boy working, I don’t see how we’ll make it. And now with me losing money in that damned lottery…I don’t know what we’ll do.”

  “I lost some money in it, too,” the other man confided. “But I only bought two tickets. If I had money to spare, I’d give it to you.”

  “Maybe I can find extra work.” The man shook his head. “I should’ve known better than to buy so many tickets, but I was convinced I’d win. The man who sold them made it sound like a sure thing. Since I won a little the previous week, he told me I could do even better this time.”

  “Same thing happened to Kinsky, but he didn’t win much.”

  “Nor did I. Certainly not what they promised. The man who paid me said they had more expenses than anticipated and didn’t sell as many tickets which reduced the prizes.”

  Gideon wanted to punch something. That sounded like a lie if he’d ever heard one. Were they luring people into buying more tickets by allowing them to win small amounts?

  The men lashed several barrels into position while they grumbled further. Then the second man moved to the upper deck, leaving the man who’d lost the money alone.

  Gideon motioned for Douglas to wait by the ladder and approached the worker.

  “Mr. de Wolfe, sir.” The man’s eyes widened at the sight of Gideon. “I didn’t realize you were on board.”

  “I couldn’t help but overhear your conversation.” Gideon offered him a handful of shillings. “Congratulations to you and your wife on the new addition to the family.”

  The man’s mouth opened and closed like a cod tossed onto the bank. “I couldn’t—”

  “I insist on giving you a small gift.” He pressed the coins into the man’s palm. “By the way, the lottery is run unfairly. I suggest you and the rest of the men avoid playing the game.”

  The man’s face reddened with embarrassment. “The ticket sellers are persistent. I’ll give them that much. Next time they come to the docks to convince us to enter the drawing, I won’t be giving them the time of day.”

  Gideon patted the man on the shoulder. “Nothing would please me more. Tell the other men who’ve lost money in the lottery to see the foreman about hiring on for extra work. We have additional shipments we’ll need hands to unload.”

  The gratitude and relief in the worker’s eyes warmed Gideon’s heart. He thanked Gideon again before climbing to the upper deck.

  “That was generous of you,” Douglas said after joining him. “Do you think he’ll use the money to buy more tickets?”

  “I hope not.” The thought had Gideon scowling. While he couldn’t return everyone’s money, the man had a large family to provide for. Gideon hoped the money he’d given him helped.

  “Work is becoming harder to find along the docks with so many in the shipping business cutting back,” Douglas said.

  “Perhaps we can establish other businesses in some of our vacant warehouses. That would provide additional employment.”

  Profit margins for shipping businesses had been reduced in recent years. With the coming of the railroad and changes in the import and export laws, long term storage needs had fallen away, leaving many warehouses empty. Goods that had previously required months of storage were now cleared and shipped on trains within a matter of days.

  Luckily, the de Wolfes had invested in railroads from the beginning. Warehouses were only a small part of their business. But others weren’t as fortunate.

  Could that have something to do with the lottery? Perhaps one of the warehouse owners had created this scheme to help his livelihood. The idea was a long shot but might be worth further inquires. Discovering where the money went would provide answers, but first he needed to find where it started.

  “I still intend to put an end to the lottery,” Gideon said. “No one seems to know who is behind the scheme or else they aren’t talking.”

  He’d considered giving up his quest when the risk was so high. He could’ve easily been murdered if not for Ruby and Douglas. But the near miss only proved the lottery was a scheme. More investigation was in order. He detested the fact that workers were being taken advantage of, leaving their families in need.

  Douglas stared at where the worker had disappeared from sight. “I didn’t realize how many had been hurt by it. I’m sorry to hear Johnson was. He’s a good man.”

  “While people should know better than to take risks with money they don’t have, they deserve the truth about the odds. Nor should they be tricked into participating.”

  Douglas frowned. “I might be able to find out more. I know one of the ticket sellers, though he’s reluctant to talk about the details. Perhaps I can convince him to share something helpful.”

  Gideon searched Douglas’ expression, noting the concern there. “I’d appreciate any help but not if it places you in danger.”

  “I’ll be careful. I don’t think he’ll harm me. We’ve known each other a long time.”

  Gideon wondered if he referred to the same man he’d questioned at the pub—the one who’d answered with his fists rather than words. Unease crept down his spine. The last
thing he wanted was for Douglas to be hurt. Or worse. An image of Thomas flashed through his mind.

  “Let us share what little we know with the police first,” he suggested. If Beaumont had encountered a similar scheme, the operation might be big enough to have garnered their notice.

  Douglas nodded, but Gideon had the distinct impression Ruby’s brother had already made up his mind to take action.

  Gideon reached for the man’s arm to hold him in place. “Don’t take any unnecessary risks. Your family needs you.”

  “Trust me. I won’t.”

  Gideon’s unease shifted to cold fear. Those had been Thomas’ last words.

  Chapter Six

  Late the following afternoon, Ruby hurried toward the docks in search of Gideon. Saturday was her short day, so she’d finished work mid-afternoon.

  Fog clung to the river as if reluctant to let go, limiting visibility. Its fingers stretched amongst the anchored ships, hiding all but the masts and riggings. The eerie sight made her shiver. She tightened her cloak and quickened her step. Her unease calmed when she neared the docks and caught sight of the dockers scurrying about, their shouts muffled by the mist.

  The spec sheet she’d taken from the printing shop was tucked in her pocket. She was anxious to share it and Mr. Pike’s name with Gideon. She kept a wary eye for Douglas, hoping to avoid an argument. He wouldn’t be pleased if he knew what she was about. But with luck, he wouldn’t know.

  She’d asked him to sever ties with Will after he’d wanted to dump Gideon in the river. From what she’d heard, he now embraced the life of a thug, willing to step on the wrong side of the law when he deemed it necessary. Douglas rarely took her advice, so she doubted he’d done as she asked. He’d come home late and left early the past few days, only saying work was busy. She hoped that was the truth.

  She’d seen him briefly this morning when he’d mentioned that he and Gideon planned to continue checking the ships today. But which ones? Did that mean they’d be together? Between the numerous workers and limited visibility, she feared she wouldn’t be able to locate Gideon.

  In addition to the information she had to share, she wanted to thank him for sending his doctor to see her father. The man had been patient, helpful, and thorough. Whether it was hope of improved health or the new bottles of medicine, Father had been in much better spirits and had certainly coughed less frequently. Color had returned to his cheeks as well, and his appetite had improved, though that might be due in part to the second basket of food Gideon had sent. Gideon had done so much for their family that now she felt as if she were in his debt.

  She studied the nearest ship and searched the deck for his tall form but didn’t see him anywhere. Shouts sounded from the river bank a short distance away. She turned to see what caused the commotion and spotted Gideon striding toward the men only to disappear down the bank. How odd.

  She changed course and left the dock to follow him. Several men were gathered around something on the shore. Gideon directed them to move the object farther up the bank out of the water’s reach.

  She halted with a gasp. Dear heavens, they’d found a body.

  Though there was always talk of all manner of things being dragged from the river, she’d never witnessed a body pulled from its depths. Her feet carried her forward as if they had a mind of their own.

  Gideon knelt beside the person, his expression grim as he examined the body. The three men standing around him watched, blocking much of Ruby’s view.

  “Is he alive?” one man asked.

  Another removed his hat, as if to pay his respects.

  As she drew closer, a knot formed in the pit of her stomach. The men shifted and gave her a glimpse of the body. One glimpse propelled her forward to shove the men out of her way.

  “Douglas?” Breathless with horrified disbelief, she dropped to her knees to stare at her brother.

  “Ruby.” Gideon placed a hand on her arm.

  Her gaze held on her brother’s pale features and blue lips as her eyes filled with tears. “No. Please, no.”

  Gideon bent low to hold his ear near Douglas’ mouth for a long moment. Then he placed a finger on Douglas’ neck.

  “He’s still alive,” he said as he pressed on Douglas’ lower chest several times. “Lift his feet,” he ordered the men.

  They hurried to do his bidding, each raising one of his legs.

  “Higher. So his head is lower than the rest of his body.” Gideon pressed Douglas’ chest with grim determination. “We need to get the water out of his lungs.”

  An odd gurgle came from Douglas. Hope sparked inside Ruby at the sound. “Douglas!”

  “Release him,” Gideon told the men and rolled him to his side.

  Douglas retched water, leaving him coughing and sputtering. Then he lay back, his face still pale, eyes closed, trying to catch his breath.

  “Douglas.” Ruby held his arm, needing to reassure herself he lived as she wiped away her tears. “Thank God.”

  Gideon drew a relieved breath. “Douglas, what happened?”

  His eyelids fluttered open to stare at her then his gaze swept over the other men, including Gideon. She could all but see the hesitation on his face. “I must’ve lost my balance and fallen off the ship.”

  Ruby frowned at his hesitation. Didn’t he have a clear memory of what happened? But she was so grateful he was alive she didn’t care how he’d ended up in the water.

  “We need to warm him,” Gideon said. “Can one of you find some blankets?”

  A man scrambled up the bank while Gideon and the other two helped Douglas rise. He swayed unsteadily, but with their assistance, made it up the path to the docks. Ruby followed on trembling legs.

  “Go find Nash,” Gideon ordered the two men as they lowered a shivering Douglas to the ground.

  “Let’s remove your wet suit coat,” Gideon said and with Ruby’s help, they replaced it with Gideon’s dry one.

  In need of reassurance that he’d truly survived, she sat beside him and took his hand again. “You’re so cold.” She pressed it between hers.

  “We’ll have you warm and dry soon.” Gideon glanced about then asked, “Why don’t you tell us what really happened?”

  “What do you mean?” But Douglas didn’t look at either of them.

  Gideon touched Douglas’ cheek where a darkening bruise was now visible. “If I had to guess, I’d say you were on the wrong end of a fight. Only because it looks familiar,” he said, the corner of his mouth tugging into a smile. Then his expression grew somber. “If you don’t tell me what happened, I can’t help you.”

  “Eyes are everywhere,” he muttered. “If I’m not careful, they’ll find me and finish me off.”

  Ruby gasped. “Was it Will?” Worry had her searching for him.

  “Not if they can’t get to you,” Gideon said.

  Douglas didn’t answer her but looked at Gideon. “What do you have in mind?”

  “I think you need to take a turn for the worse.”

  Gideon raised a brow, wondering if Douglas understood his meaning. Douglas’ gaze swung to Ruby then he closed his eyes and slumped over, feigning unconsciousness.

  Ruby stared at Gideon as if he were crazy as she placed her arm around Douglas. “What is your plan?”

  “If they believe he’s unconscious, we can buy some time. Douglas is right. Too many people are watching. We don’t want to put him in further danger.”

  “What do you want me to do?” Ruby asked.

  “Continue acting like a concerned sister,” Gideon suggested. “I’m taking both of you to my home for safekeeping.”

  Ruby’s eyes widened. “But my father—”

  “He’s coming with us as well.”

  Within a matter of minutes, Gideon had a still “unconscious” Douglas covered in blankets and placed in his carriage. Ruby followed, wringing her hands, whether from true worry or acting, Gideon didn’t know.

  The details as to who had beaten Douglas and tossed him in
the river could wait until the Compton family was safe. Unfortunately, he had little doubt that it involved the lottery.

  When Nash arrived, Gideon told him what he wanted everyone to know—that he was taking Douglas to his house and sending for the doctor. Then he ordered the driver to take them to Ruby’s home so they could collect her father.

  “Gather what you need,” Gideon advised Ruby. “I’ll remain with Douglas.” Gideon didn’t share his worry that they were being followed. If someone wanted Douglas dead, no doubt they’d watch to see if they’d succeeded.

  Ruby hurried up the stairs, leaving Gideon alone with Douglas. “I thought we agreed you weren’t going to do anything dangerous.”

  Douglas sighed. “I didn’t think I had.” His shivers kept Gideon from pressing harder.

  Gideon clenched his jaw. The close call was nearly more than he could bear. It had been pure luck that Douglas had washed up on shore rather than continuing downstream with the current. He couldn’t imagine having another death on his hands or telling Ruby and her father that Douglas had drowned.

  When Thomas had been killed by thieves, Gideon had promised himself never to allow his own actions to place someone else in danger. Now it seemed he’d broken that vow.

  Only a few minutes passed when Ruby came down the stairs with a bag on one arm and the other supporting her father. Mr. Compton looked rattled and confused. Gideon hoped the situation didn’t prove too much for him.

  “Douglas,” Mr. Compton whispered as he sat on the seat beside Gideon, staring at his son.

  Douglas opened one eye. “All will be well, Father. Thanks to Mr. de Wolfe.”

  Gideon heard the fear in his voice.

  Ruby sat beside her brother, her expression concerned as well.

  Gideon said little until they arrived at his home. The footman who opened the door didn’t bat an eye at Gideon’s request to help him carry Douglas inside in case anyone watched.