Page 25 of Molly Boys
“There’s something else.” Ev toyed with his gaudy golden goblet. “Apparently, it’s been suggested that Charlie may not have been the first victim. We thought if anyone would have heard anything of that nature, it would be you.”
Louie tapped his fingers against his thigh thoughtfully. “I did hear something a while back, regarding one of Simon Blackwell’s boys.”
Francis’ lip curled in distaste at the mention of the other man. He snorted loudly, earning him a warning look from Ev. Francis was absolutely right in his dislike of the man. Although neither of them had the misfortune of crossing paths with him, Ev knew Simon Blackwell was a blight on society. He was a user… a cheap peddler of flesh. He sold his boys regularly, had them trawling the parks for customers regardless of the danger. While some mollies chose to exchange sexual favours for money, Simon Blackwell’s boys were little more than slaves, placed under his power and influence by nothing more than circumstance and desperation.
“Have any of his boys gone missing?” Ev asked.
“It’s The Old Nichol, darling, mollies and unfortunates go missing all the time.”
“Louie? What is it you know?” Ev’s eyes narrowed suspiciously.
“Fine,” he sighed. “Terrible things happen all the time in the slums, as you well know, but I did hear a whisper about one particular boy who met a rather nasty end. Apparently his body had been mutilated, much like your little strawberry tart. Questions were asked when his body was found on Pearl Street, but from what I can gather, it was hushed up.”
“What?” Dickie gasped. “Why?”
“The law doesn’t interfere in The Old Nichol, love.” Louie shook his head, somewhat sympathetically. “They don’t take kindly to outsiders. Even I have no reach within its boundaries, but I heard whispers that the Pearl Street boy wasn’t the only one. There were others, all found within The Nichol’s boundaries, which meant the police looked the other way. After all, what’s a few dead mollies?” Louie’s mouth tightened as his expression hardened. “From what I hear, the chief commissioner would have considered that a public service.”
Ev turned to Francis, who’d been quietly absorbing the information carefully, then frowned at Louie.
“Were they definitely mollies?”
Louie nodded.
Ev fell back in the chair and stared at the untouched crimson liquid in his goblet as his mind churned.
“What is it?” Francis asked. “What are you thinking?”
Ev rubbed his lower lip with his forefinger. “We came here to find out what Louie knows, in case Charlie’s death might somehow lead back to the Islington house. But what if there’s something worse for us to be concerned about?”
“What are you talking about, Ev?” Louie asked as his gaze sharpened and he leaned in intently.
“What if those boys and Charlie were killed by the same person? It would mean that he has a very specific type of victim.”
“Pretty young men who enjoy the company of men,” Francis mused.
“But Charlie wasn’t from The Nichol, so that would mean the killer is no longer content to hunt within the boundaries where the police are less likely to interfere. He’s getting bolder in his search for victims.”
“Oh for heaven’s sake, Ev,” Louie scoffed, leaning back on his chaise and swirling his drink. “Stop being so dramatic. Are you really suggesting that there’s some kind of monster out there hunting young men?”
Ev shook his head. “I think it pays to be cautious. At least until we understand more about what’s happening.”
“I don’t know, Ev.” Francis took another sip of his wine. “I’m not unsympathetic towards what happened to poor Charlie, and yes, I’d like to see his killer brought to justice. But I’m more concerned with keeping the police away from the Islington house right now.”
“We need to keep an eye on the investigation somehow.” Ev insisted, tapping his fingers against his thigh restlessly.
Francis frowned. “I’m not quite sure how we’re going to do that. Not without raising suspicions.”
“Well, I’ll let you know if I learn anything useful,” Louie promised.
“Thank you,” Ev murmured.
Suddenly there was movement and noise from the assembled guests. Louie looked up and clapped his hands in delight, his mood switching instantly. “The entertainment is about to start. Oh… you will stay, won’t you?” He reached forward and grabbed Francis’ knee, squeezing excitedly. “They’re going to re-create the temple of the Vestal Virgins.”
“Of course, we will.” Francis smiled as he pulled Dickie from his own chair onto his lap. “After all, this is Darling Dickie’s first time to Mother Clap’s.”
“But not his last, I hope.” Louie winked. “What about you, Ev darling?”
“I don’t think…” Everett shook his head, his words trailing off. His head was so full he felt like he couldn’t focus.