1
1827
Jensen was sitting in the office of the gambling establishment he ran for the crown. Everyone here thought he was Jack Billings gaming hell owner. The truth was he was an agent for the crown known as Thoth the god of gambling. He was also the second son of the Duke of Richmond who he had not seen in two years since taking over the gaming hell it was safer for his father if he did not know his business. His brother on the other hand had come into the gaming hell from time to time to play cards. Jenner was the heir to the Dukedom, but he had a wild side, and as far as he knew his little brother was the owner of the gaming hell, he had no idea Jensen worked for the crown. It had to be that way to keep them safe as far as Jack was concern Jensen Everleigh was dead. That was until Victor Valentine the Earl of Brixton walked into his establishment and changed his life forever.
"Othello sent me your father and brother were injured he thinks you need to go home and be with them."
Jensen sat in silence shocked at the words coming out of Victor's mouth.
"What happened?"
"The hunting lodge seemed to go up in smoke they got out but neither of them is doing well."
Jensen stood up opened his office door and started shouting orders.
"Mac get in here right now."
A round middle age man who was wearing a derby hat who had two tuffs of hair sticking out of the sides of the hat walked into the office.
"What ya need Boss?"
"I need you to watch the place for a time. I will contact you and let you know when I will be back. If you need to contact me, I will be..."
He turned to Victor for an answer he had no idea where they were going.
"Richmond."
"address it to Jenner Everleigh."
"Sure, boss anything else?"
"Watch the tables make sure there is no cheating. Lord Peyton is in deep and is looking for a loan do not loan him anything. Do you understand me?"
"Sure, thing boss. No loans until you get back."
Jensen and Victor left the gaming hell and started the ride to Richmond. Jensen seemed to be lost in his own mind. Victor tried to engage him in conversation hoping to keep his mind of what might lay ahead. The truth was someone had set the hunting lodge on fire and they both had awfully bad burns. The Doctor did not hold out hope for either of them, but if there was a chance for Jensen to be able to say his goodbyes Simon wanted him to make his peace with them. Victor did not think Jensen had any idea soon he would be the Duke of Richmond.
They reached BountifulJensen's family estate. He jumped off his horse and ran into the house leavingthe stable hand to quiet the horse. Victor followed him into the manor and lookedfor Simon who had been keeping watch over the Duke and his heir. Simon wasstanding at the top of the stairs when Jensen rushed past him Victor looked toSimon for word, he shook his head neither of them had survived they were toolate, but what gave Jensen the answer was the sounds coming from the Dukesbedchambers and his Aunt Pauline's wailing.