A Plague of Rogues: Knight Agency, #4

By Cay Reet

“Just think about what you could do to him … that should keep you entertained.”

A little favour for Sir Abraham Mortimer, head of the Board of Associates Jane is sitting on for the Knight Agency, turns into a large-scale adventure introducing the Uncle and the Niece. For a change, Jane needs to rely on her more discreet skills such as seduction and acting to find out what is happening. Also included are: a spectral monk haunting the grounds of an old manor house, kidnappings, daring deeds, a budding love affair, and, of course, a plague of rogues.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Cay Reet
• Release date: Feb 24, 2017
• ISBN: 9781386424666

Book preview

A Plague of Rogues

A Knight Agency Novel

by Cay Reet

© Copyright 2017 Text: Cay Reet

© Copyright 2017 Cover Design: Holz Vanderhuetten

Table of Contents

One

Two

Three

Four

Five

Six

Seven

Eight

Nine

Ten

Eleven

Twelve

Thirteen

Fourteen

Fifteen

Sixteen

Seventeen

Eighteen

Nineteen

Twenty

Twenty-One

Twenty-Two

Twenty-Three

Twenty-Four

Twenty-Five

Twenty-Six

Twenty-Seven

Twenty-Eight

Twenty-Nine

Thirty

One

––––––––

Jane opened her eyes and yawned. Then she grabbed her phone from the nightstand and left her thumb on a specific area of the screen for a moment. The phone unlocked and she checked the clock. With a sigh, she rose and padded into the bathroom. On the way, she activated an app. Good morning, Steven.

Good morning, Jane ... your mornings do get earlier and earlier...

No reason to sound so happy. With Myra married, Stacy in a relationship, and Cynthia learning to be a businesswoman, there’s not that many late nights. Unless they’re work-related, of course.

Of course.

She stepped into the shower. If I remember it right, I have two appointments today.

Indeed. One for a manicure and one with Clara. Are you going for a third suit?

How come I can hear the smug grin on your face, old man? She switched from cold water to warm water.

You know me well, brat. The suit?

Clara modified the first suit I got for me.

Why?

Because I’m used to wearing my throwing knives strapped to my left arm. I can’t leave the blouse sleeve open and fumbling with it during a dangerous situation isn’t exactly a good idea.

You could switch the knives to the small of your back.

She squeezed shampoo into her right hand. That’s where I keep my gun.

Good point. And how exactly is Clara modifying the suit for you?

She has promised to fit a holster for one knife into the inside of the left sleeve. Like this, I will be able to close my blouse sleeve and I will still have a knife to rely on. She rinsed her hair.

Do you think it will work?

I’ll see today, Clara is done with the modifications.

He sounded curious. I have fought with that problem myself in the past ... but, unlike you, I don’t keep my gun in my waistband, so I didn’t find the small of my back that bad a place to keep the knives.

She grabbed a towel and started to dry herself off. And now you want to know how well it works out.

Yes.

She finished drying her hair. My appointment is at half past eleven, if I remember it right. We can meet at Bradshaw and Son, if you like. I’ll have my nails done by then, too.

Yes, your appointment with Clara is at half past eleven, your appointment for the manicure is at ten. I think I will come to the tailor myself ... just for educational purposes.

Purely for those, I’m sure. She grabbed her toothbrush. I’ll see you there, then.

Indeed you will. Bye, Jane.

Bye, Steven.

The phone disconnected. She brushed her teeth, then she ran a comb though her short, blond hair. She went back to the bedroom and got dressed in a pair of blue jeans and a white, long-sleeved shirt. Afterwards, she ate a quick breakfast, then she grabbed her wallet, phone, and keys and left her penthouse. She took the lift to the basement and got into her blue mini. A few minutes later, she was on route for her first appointment of the day.

The manicurist greeted her with a smile and herded her to a seat in the corner of the salon where she did her work. Jane usually went to the same salon for haircuts, but her pixie cut was still in shape. They sat down and Jane prepared for the usual question.

What do you want today?

No artificial nails ... but I’m game for the colour, to be honest.

The other woman shot her a questioning look. Are you sure?

I’m still doing a lot of sports where long nails would be impractical. Kickboxing, for instance. Jane really did kickboxing, it made a good training for strength, precision, and agility and it kept her in shape.

Well, then, what would you think of turquoise? I’ve got a very nice new polish here. The manicurist pulled it from a drawer.

Jane mustered it. Yes, that one looks very good. It’ll go well with my eyes, too.

It will.

Jane placed her hands on the table and watched as the manicurist prepared her fingers and then did the gel nails. After they had been hardened, she checked them closely. Very nice, I must keep that colour in mind. A nice shade for everyday use.

Yes, that’s what I thought, too, when I saw it for the first time. It’s a little more unusual than red or pink, but still something you can wear for every occasion.

And since I’m regularly sitting in during business meetings for my father, I need to keep my polish a little on the more discreet side now. I will definitely get this shade again.

Jane paid and returned back home to pick up some things for the next appointment of the day. She took a white blouse out of her wardrobe, then she added a red bow and a pair of brown oxfords. She packed everything carefully, especially the blouse, since she was in no mood to iron it again. Finally, she slipped in one of her throwing knives and closed the bag.

She arrived at Bradshaw and Son - a small, but well-established tailor shop - a few minutes early and walked inside immediately. She spotted Ben, another of the tailors, and greeted him with a quick nod and a smile. He nodded back while ushering an elderly gentleman into one of the fitting rooms. She placed her small bag on the floor next to one of the comfortable easy chairs the shop provided and sat down. For a moment, she glanced at her freshly-done nails, admiring the colour. The door to another fitting room opened and Clara, her own tailor, led a lady Jane knew quite well out of it. Lady Maria spied Jane and sent her smile. Clara disappeared through the door leading to the back of the shop where the work area for the tailors was situated. Jane rose from her chair and walked over to Lady Maria.

Jane, how nice to meet you.

It’s always a pleasure to meet you, too, Lady Maria. Although I have to admit I usually meet your husband when I come here.

The older woman laughed a little at this. Yes, I often send him to pick up my dresses after they’ve been professionally cleaned and pressed. He does spend more time in the city than I do.

I also had no idea we have the same tailor.

You mean Clara? She became my tailor recently, after the one who worked for me for a long time decided to retire. She is very good at it, though, she has a natural talent to know what you want and what will suit you.

That’s true. She found the right cut for my suits when she did my first and I’ve never known her needing more than two fittings for any item of clothing she made for me.

She made more for you than pantsuits, then?

Jane nodded. Yes, she also made the bridesmaid’s dress I wore at Myra Featherstone’s wedding. You must have seen it, if you saw the video of the waltz.

Of course I saw it ... it was a very beautiful dress and suited you perfectly, your character as well as your looks. If I remember right, however, each Maid of Honour was dressed differently.

We agreed on that early ... all three of us are very different in looks and character and Clara suggested only setting common parameters for the dresses.

A very interesting idea. I remember quite some weddings I went to which would have profited from such an arrangement. It often is quite difficult to find a style of dress which will look good on all of the Maids.

That was our problem, too. Stacy, Cynthia, and I are all blond, but that is where the things we have in common end. We are all different in build and we all have different tastes, too. Not to mention the fourth Maid of Honour we all would have liked to make disappear.

It was a very good idea.

Clara spotted them both and handed a parcel to Lady Maria. Your dress, madam.

Lady Maria took the parcel. Thank you, Clara. Please put it on the tab, my husband will settle it on Tuesday when he comes in.

Of course. Have a nice day, madam.

Oh, I shall. Have a nice day, too, Clara. You as well, Jane.

Jane bowed slightly. I intend to. Have a nice day and give my regards to Sir Abraham.

I will. And I hope you will come by for tea again soon.

I will call you later, once I’ve checked my appointments for the next week.

Lady Maria smiled at this. Goodbye for the moment, then. She calmly walked out of the shop.

Clara shot Jane an amused look. I had no idea you know that many people.

I often have no idea I know that many people myself. Steven will come in soon, too, by the way. He wants to see how the modification works out.

I think it works out well, but we do need to test it.

Jane entered the fitting room Lady Maria had just left and Clara disappeared into the work area again to pick up the suit. She hung it beside the mirror for a moment. Jane looked at the plain, black pantsuit. It doesn’t look different, but then, it shouldn’t. She changed into the clothes she had brought along and then slipped into the suit, too. It fit perfectly, but that wasn’t a surprise - she’d had it for some months already.

Where did you put the holster?

Lift your arm and turn the wrist so the palm points downwards. Then push your other hand into the bottom of the sleeve.

Jane did so. Her fingers touched something made from leather. A good choice, since the knife can always scrape along the holster a little. She put the knife in place, the blade pointing towards the elbow, the short grip pointing towards the end of the sleeve. She moved her arm, shook it violently, trying to dislodge the knife. It stayed where it was.

Clara shot her a curious glance. What do you think?

It’s certainly staying put. Jane turned to the mirror and moved her arm again, looking at the sleeve. I might spot something if I really, really looked out for it, but no normal person will. It doesn’t even feel that much more heavy. How do you manage that?

I work with a minimum of material and the leather has been thinned. In essence, I only put a tight sling into your sleeve, just the minimum of what you will need to keep the knife in place. It’s directly embedded in the lining, too, so it stays in place much better than it might otherwise. Clara chuckled. I actually enjoyed figuring that out, to be honest. I will submit the design, so other tailors, working for your colleagues, can copy it.

That should help quite some of my colleagues. A suit for special work, that’s what we call it officially. You never know when you need another hidden weapon.

I’ll take your word for that.

Jane stepped out of the fitting room and immediately spotted Steven’s tall frame. He spotted her as well and shot her a smirk. Well, how does it work out?

You tell me. She moved her left arm.

You have it stowed away?

Yes, it’s sitting snugly in there.

Excellent.

Clara smiled at the praise. I will submit the design, so it can be added to other suits as well.

He smiled back. I’m sure it will be very helpful for our colleagues.

* * *

Jane drove over to Park Lane in the afternoon, wearing jeans, a long-sleeved shirt, and a dark-blue coat. She parked in front of one of the houses and walked up the gravel driveway. Once she reached the main entrance, she rang the bell.

An elderly man opened the door and greeted her with a smile and a slight bow. Miss Browne.

She nodded to him. Martin. Is Cynthia back already?

I’m afraid not. She has been working very hard those last few weeks. He stepped back from the door.

She entered the house. Cynthia is growing into a very serious businesswoman.

She is, indeed. Perhaps even into a too serious businesswoman. Mistress Desdemona usually knew when to pull back a little and take time for herself and her child. He closed the door.

But Cynthia doesn’t have a family to speak of, so she doesn’t take as much time for herself.

He shot her a smile. She has you, however.

That she does ... but I have my own work to complete. What she needs, is some kind of task outside of business.

She was much more mindful of her time while she was still helping with the wedding preparations.

Unfortunately, Cynthia seems to have inherited her mother’s tendency to be more assertive when others are concerned and less assertive when it comes to her own needs.

How do you know about that? He looked genuinely surprised.

Lady Maria mentioned it. She knew Cynthia’s mother very well.

Yes, she would know about that.

The bell rang again and he opened the door to let Cynthia in. She spied Jane and beamed. Jane! So good to see you! Especially on a day like this one.

Jane beamed back. Tough day in the business world?

Very tough day ... what do you do when things are rough in your job?

I hope I’ll survive ... and plot which enemies to take along, if I don’t.

That made Cynthia laugh. Suddenly, my day doesn’t seem all that bad. Come, let’s take a seat and talk.

Jane followed her best friend through the house she already was quite familiar with. They entered the green sitting room in the back of the house, looking out over the garden. Autumn was making itself felt, the trees were already shining brightly in reds, browns, and yellows. They sat down and Cynthia pushed her black pumps off.

She wriggled her toes for a moment. Feels good to be out of them. They’re very beautiful, but sometimes I wish I could wear sneakers to work, like you.

You could wear oxfords ... like I do when I’m wearing a suit.

Yes, that I could do. Cynthia leaned back and closed her eyes. She looked exhausted.

You should take more time off for yourself, Cynthia.

Her friend sighed. I know. But it feels so wrong to do that ... without good reason.

Your health should be good reason.

Aren’t you preaching water and drinking wine there? You’re regularly in fights and getting shot at and kidnapped and who knows what.

Jane shrugged. But that’s an integral part of my work. As a Knight Agent, it’s completely normal for me to be shot at or captured. And I usually win my fights, even though I do get bruises and scratches out of them as well.

Cynthia laughed. Well, that’s true, luckily. You are right, I should make sure not to work too much.

Find something outside of business to do.

I wish I could think of something.

They both fell silent for a while. Jane mustered her best friend. She noted the slight pallor and the less than hyper demeanour. She is tiring, she needs to find something besides business work to do. I just wish I knew something.

Cynthia sighed again. You know, I can’t help thinking we’re growing up ... Myra, Stacy, and I, I mean. You always were a lot more grown up than us, not that you showed it. But now ... Stacy of all people has a steady relationship, Myra is married, and I have my own company to lead.

That’s life for you. Things change. Sometimes it’s good, sometimes it’s bad, but whatever it is, you have to deal with it and make the best out of it.

I bet you’re a master of that.

I have to be ... it’s what has kept me alive more often than I care to admit.

I wish I were as strong as you, Jane. I wish I had your unlimited power reserves.

Jane laughed at that. They’re not unlimited, but I have been trained to get the best out of them. She grew serious again. You are strong, but in a different way. You have the ability to care, not just the ability to protect by killing off the dangers.

Thank you ... how is Steven, by the way?

Speaking of killing, eh? He’s well, we met at the tailor this morning.

Who got a new suit made, you or him?

Clara modified my first suit for me. It worked out perfectly.

That’s great. How are the others?

They’re well. Brock and Grand are on a mission at the moment, but it’s not very dangerous. Liam is inventing and Frank is organizing stuff.

So they’re all doing their work.

Very much so, yes. Have you heard of Myra lately? I had a missed call yesterday.

Cynthia nodded. She called me after she failed to reach you. The honeymoon is going well, they’re flying back tomorrow. She’s a little afraid of meeting the monster-in-law again, though.

We destroyed her mother-in-law completely ... and they’re not going to live at the mansion.

True. I just hope Mrs. Featherstone learned her lesson.

Jane smirked a little. If not, we can teach her a second one.

Yes, we can do that.

And you will take time off on Thursday.

Why will I do that?

Because I called Lady Maria after my appointment with Clara. She expects both of us for afternoon tea on Thursday.

Cynthia smiled. Yes, I will be there. I would never cancel afternoon tea with Lady Maria, I like her far too much.

I’m pretty sure she likes you as well.

She likes us both. Me, because I’m so much like my mum, and you, because you’re such a strong and courageous agent.

And because I have a lot of moxie.

At that, Cynthia laughed. Yes. Which reminds me, you still haven’t taught me to put on my lipstick while using a knife blade as mirror.

I also still haven’t taught you how to take out four policemen without hurting them seriously ... or getting hurt yourself.

Yes, you still haven’t taught me that, either.

And I won’t do that in a hurry.

Too bad. Cynthia yawned. But it’s probably a good idea not to teach me. On some days, I might be tempted to beat up a stupid business partner.

You should nap a little ... I’ll let myself out.

Cynthia nodded and curled up on one of the two couches. Yes, I need some sleep.

Jane left the room and made her way back to the entrance hall. Martin appeared there out of nowhere. She shot him a grin. I always knew butlers get trained to teleport.

He chuckled. Don’t tell anyone, it’s a trade secret. How is Miss Cynthia?

Nodding in the green sitting room.

She needs the rest, but it’s not a long-term solution.

No, it’s not. I’ll think of something. She seems to favour the green sitting room, though.

She does ... very much like Mistress Desdemona. The butler sighed heavily. I just hope you can find something else she can spend time on. She is getting much better in business matters, but she is running herself into the ground.

I’ll do my best, Martin. After all, I promised her to look out for her. I keep my promises whenever it’s humanly possible. Which is why I never make them lightly.

Two

––––––––

On Thursday afternoon, London was caught in an early autumn storm. Despite that, Jane was in a good mood on her way to Mortimer House. She always looked forward to meetings with Lady Maria. She parked her mini beside the house and slipped out of it, then she hurried to the main entrance and rang the bell. I should have packed an umbrella ... Steven never would have forgotten that. Well, at least my hairdo won’t suffer too much. That’s one more good reason for short hair. The time stretched. Where’s Jacob? Normally, I hardly get to put my finger on the bell before he opens the door. She rang the doorbell again. Finally, the door was opened, but not by the person Jane had expected. She faced a tall, young man wearing a dark blue suit. For a moment, they both just looked at each other.

Well, either Jacob found the fountain of youth or you are not the butler.

He blushed slightly. I ... I’m not the butler.

She smirked a little. Ah, the logical answer. Can you let me in, though? It’s pretty wet out here and I doubt I’ll grow another inch from the rain. Although it would be nice.

What? He looked confused for a moment. Then he seemed to realize it was raining. I’m sorry, please, do come in.

He stepped back and she quickly entered the large entrance hall. For a moment, she mustered the room, glancing up the large, central staircase. Felt good to walk down there while insulting high society and displaying Steven’s GSR. And I know both Sir Abraham and Lady Maria had a lot of fun that evening, too.

So, if you’re not the butler, who are you?

I’m Cedric Thornton. Sir Abraham hired me as his secretary.

Ah. He hired you recently, didn’t he?

He did, just a little over a week ago.

At this point, Jacob entered the entrance hall and spotted them. Miss Browne, how nice to see you. I really must apologize for not properly welcoming you.

You have a lot of work to do, Jacob, so I forgive you.

He smiled. Thank you. At least I can properly escort you to the blue salon.

They left the entrance hall together. Jane shot the butler a glance. There’s more to that than just missing my arrival, isn’t there?

Indeed there is, Miss Browne. Sir Abraham wishes to speak to you for a moment.

Then it will be my pleasure to speak to him.

They quickly reached Sir Abraham’s study. Jacob knocked, looked inside for a moment, and held the door open for her. Jane stepped inside and greeted the master of the house with a smile and a bow.

I apologize for the secrecy, Miss Browne, but I hope you can help me put some worries to rest.

Whatever I can do to help you, Sir Abraham.

You have met my new secretary?

Yes, just as you planned.

He shot her a curious look. How do you know I planned that?

Jacob never failed to catch me at the door before and he apologized without giving any reason. I had to wait for quite a bit outside, which means that your secretary didn’t just pass the door by accident. You wanted him to open it and made sure it wouldn’t be opened before by anyone else. This way, we could meet coincidentally.

I see I underestimated you profoundly.

Normally, that can be deadly, but not in such a case. What worries you about your secretary? And why have you hired him, if he worries you?

He didn’t worry me when I hired him. He sighed. I thought it would make my life a little easier if I had someone to keep an eye on the appointments and other details of organisation.

It would.

I wasn’t aware you had a secretary yourself.

She sniggered. I don’t, but I have a handler. Steven knows more about my appointments than I do on quite some days. Not to mentions he’s extremely good at gathering and combining information.

That must be very helpful.

It is, usually. What happened to make you worry about your secretary, then?

He shook his head. It’s nothing precise, nothing I could put a finger on. It’s just a feeling that he is not what he pretends to be.

You have a lot of experience, you should listen to such feelings. Did you do a background check on him?

Yes, of course. I contacted the companies he worked at before, spoke to some people there. I checked the address he gave me ... a small flat he is renting out now, since he moved in here. He lifted his right hand for a moment. My decision, not his. I insisted he should be available at odd hours, too, in case I would need him. He complied, which was one reason why I chose him.

He worked for companies before he came to you? How many?

Only two ... but then, he’s twenty-seven.

Why would a man who worked in business before suddenly decide to become a secretary? What kind of work did he do there?

He shrugged. He was in finances.

And what made you doubt him? When did you start to feel worried?

A few days after he had started working. He seemed too efficient to me ... he always seemed to be where I was, even without me calling him.

You mean he was following you? Shadowing you?

I had the feeling he was watching me, yes. He paused for a moment. I know the Knight Agency will not intervene, but I hope you can give me some advice.

She thought about it. I can do more than that, I think. I can ask Steven to do a background check on him.

What will be the difference?

She laughed at that. Steven doesn’t just talk to employers, he goes through databases and back to the very moment of a target’s birth. If there is anything unsavoury in that man’s past, my handler will find it.

But I can’t ask you for that...

It won’t be official Knight Agency business. I will just ask my handler for a favour. The timing is good ... he doesn’t have much work to do in his garden right now, which means he needs other things to fill his spare time with.

You think he will see it this way?

Yes, I think so. Even if he doesn’t, he won’t be able to withstand the challenge. If something dangerous comes out of it, we will involve the Agency. Otherwise, we can advise you about what to do, once we know who he really is.

Thank you, Miss Browne. I appreciate your help very much.

She smiled. I’m glad to be of help to you.

Well, my dear wife would kill me, if I kept you longer than necessary. You should go to the blue salon now.

I will. I have been looking forward to the tea since we have agreed on the date. I will inform you as soon as I know something about your secretary.

I hope to hear from you soon.

As soon as possible.

Jane left the study and found Jacob waiting outside. He looked concerned as well. I hope you could give some advice.

I offered a little more than that. A very thorough background check for starters.

That will be helpful, I’m sure.

They walked towards the blue salon. You have experience in hiring personnel yourself, don’t you?

It is part of a butler’s work, yes. Usually, I hire the servants as well, but a secretary is not a servant per se.

He is not, I imagine. What do you think about this man?

I am not sure what to think about him. He is very efficient in his work, but I stumble over him in the most unusual places. The same goes for the maids and even for the gardener.

Well, perhaps he just likes fresh air?

Perhaps. But there must be better places to obtain it than the garden shack.

Most likely ... given how beautiful the garden is.

They reached the salon and Jane knocked on the door. We’ll know more soon. With those words, she opened the door and stepped inside. She put a smile on her face. I’m sorry I’m late.

Cynthia smiled back brightly. We will eventually forgive you.

I hope so. Jane bowed towards Lady Maria. Good afternoon.

Good afternoon. I know why you are late, so you are forgiven. Please, take a seat.

Jane took a seat. Thank you. I have really been looking forward to this afternoon for a while.

So have I. Lady Maria turned to Cynthia. My dear, you do look very tired.