Quicksilver Passion (193 page)

Big Ed looked up from his drink.
That’s a fool question. You know I do!”

Lon glanced around.
It’s a big crowd and rowdy tonight with the holidays going on. Wouldn’t take but a few free drinks and a hot speech to get them out in the streets and ready to burn the Palace down. I’m told that’s how the Duchess got a mob to destroy the River House Saloon back in ’62, when it burned.”

Big Ed paused and studied him.
What’s going on and what’s in it for you?”

Just say I’m trying to help a friend—you.” Lon grinned.

Big Ed said something obscene.
Don’t give me that! What’s in this for you?”

Lon played with the ends of his string tie.
Well, if your business gets better, I do better because I’m an employee.”

Tell me what you’re really after!”

All right.” Lon leaned closer.
I want the governess to do with as I please.”

You mean that drab little thing that looks after the Duchess’s kid? I seen her on the street, Lon, are you drunk? She ain’t so special—”

I want revenge for an old wrong,” Lon said softly through gritted teeth.
I want to rape her until she begs for mercy and then I want to kill her slow.”

Big Ed stared up at him.
I reckon the less I know about that, the better. It would be great not to have to compete with the Palace anymore.”

Lon nodded.

You get rid of the Duchess for me, I sure don’t care what happens to the drab mouse. What do you know that might turn this crowd into a mob?”