“Stolen from her neck, sir?” Kyungsoo’s wide eyes, his most prominent feature, seemed to grow three sizes as he processed what Minseok had told him.

“Yes. The Countess had been wearing the necklace when it was taken. The thief seems to be quite skilled.”  Minseok ran a hand through his hair. His hair was a mess, he often took to dragging a hand through his mop of brown hair when he was nervous or worried about something. And the jewelry theft at the Kim Estate had him worried.

Jongdae had asked him to question the Countess, to find out who she had been speaking to during the night. The thought was it had to be an inside job – the Countess would have certainly noticed a stranger attending the event since she was so very meticulous with the guest list.

Minseok’s interview of the Countess was less than productive, as she answered every other question with a swoon and when she offered anything up it was to sneer “To think you of all people are suspecting one of my dear friends.” Junmyeon had apologized to Minseok for his Mother’s behavior, but Minseok could brush it off. At least he told himself he could brush it off. The words still stung.

Jongdae had asked around and found that the Countess had most definitely been in the ballroom for most of the evening, aside from her time greeting guests as they arrived. She hadn’t danced, her plump form giving her trouble with her joints and leaving her to perch herself on one of the scarlet chairs and watch the younger crowd waltz. “It seems that no one saw anything.” Jongdae had sighed heavily, trying not to feel defeat at the fact the thief had succeeded right under their noses.

Once Minseok had arrived back at his townhouse, he had shared the events of the night with his faithful valet, Do Kyungsoo. The man was loyal to Minseok to a fault. They had been together since they were children, Kyungsoo’s father held the same position for Minseok’s father. They were confidents and honestly more like friends than employee and employer – though Kyungsoo was one to never forget their ranks. He kept Minseok in check when it came to that sort of thing, propriety and what was socially acceptable.  

“I wonder what sort of person could do something like that – steal priceless jewels in front of a crowded room…” Kyungsoo shook his head back and forth quickly, “It quite boggles the mind, sir.”

“It does, doesn’t it?” Minseok replayed the night in his head, trying to pick apart anything he might have seen that could pinpoint the thief. As he recalled his actions a very memorable episode in an alcove in the gallery came rushing back, causing him to blush.

“Are you well, sir? You look a bit flushed?” Kyungsoo looked at Minseok, concern in his eyes.

“I- um, yes, I just feel a bit tired.” Minseok lied. He wasn’t tired. No – he probably wouldn’t sleep well that night. Not with a jewel thief on the loose…and the memory of a mysterious man and his passionate embrace.

***

Luhan sauntered into the reading room of Brown’s – the seen and be seen, most exclusive club for the peerage in the city (and likely the continent) – a newspaper in his hand. He wasn’t there to read, despite appearances. He was very much there to find Baekhyun, who usually appeared at the club on Tuesday afternoons owing to his Father’s insistence that he try, at least every now and then, to act the part of a respectable young man.

“Thank the lord you are here.” Baekhyun’s face lit up as Luhan sat down in the large leather chair opposite of his own “I thought I would suffocate from all of the stuffy ancient men in here.”

Luhan laughed quietly. Looking around the room Luhan could see that the place was no more or less busy than usual, given the time and day. Brown’s, especially the reading room, did have that sort of reputation. Old, titled men with too much money taking snuff and reading and talking about politics for hours on end. Baekhyun didn’t find that sort of atmosphere conducive to his more mischievous personality, so he always complained he felt that the walls were closing in on him when he came here.

“Did you get home okay last night?” Luhan questioned. Baekhyun had left with Chanyeol while Luhan had gone home alone, mirroring how they had arrived at the event.

“Yes – all of my jewels seem to be intact. “ Baekhyun grinned “I didn’t even have to faint or hit Junmyeon once.”

“That really was something, was it not? To think there is a thief who could steal a necklace from a woman without being seen.” Luhan could hardly believe it. Burglary and jewelry theft were not exactly exceedingly rare crimes, but most such thefts were easily solved. They were the work of disgruntled servants or petty criminals- not some kind of super stealthy thieves that could apparently walk freely into one of the most high profile social events of the season and walk off with a priceless family heirloom.

“I dare say it is impressive, though really it puts such a damper on a party.” Baekhyun answered sarcastically, Luhan knowing Baekhyun craved such interruptions to spice things up.

“Yes.” Luhan paused, second guessing what he was about to do. He charged ahead with his words, trying to act like he was very nonchalant about it all, commenting on the entire event out of boredom as opposed to a burning desire to know “I thought I saw another man at the event dressed like you, with the same mask. And here I was under the impression that my future husband always wore one-of-a-kind pieces.”

Baekhyun stomped his foot on the ground, earning a look or two from some of the elderly denizens of the room. Baekhyun hushed, knowing better than to cause a scene “It was one of a kind! Or at least that is what my valet assured me. How dare someone do that- try to show me up?! Who was it?”

“I am not sure.” Luhan thought back to the incident in the gallery, admitting all he knew about the man is that he had a birthmark, was an amazing kisser, and made Luhan a tad thirstier than was comfortable. What he wanted to know was his name, but Baekhyun didn’t seem to have that information either.

“Can I join you, gentlemen?” Kim Heechul, brandy in hand, interrupted a fuming Baekhyun. He sat down without Luhan or Baekhyun giving him consent, which was very like him. Heechul was a bit of a social misfit, a very rich social misfit that was allowed into all of the best clubs due to his pocketbook. He wasn’t, however, always invited to the best parties due to his often flamboyant and unexpected behavior.

“Heechul.” Luhan greeted the older man “What have you been busy doing? I haven’t seen you in ages.”

“Oh, you know. The usual.” He smirked, taking a sip of his brandy “Causing trouble, angering my Aunt, spending too much money.”-

“Must be nice.” Baekhyun muttered under his breathe “You weren’t at the Masquerade last night, were you?”

“Regretfully no, because I apparently missed quite the show. Jewelry being snagged, not to mention the return of the infamous Viscount D’Adderleigh.”

“It was rather memorable, that is for sure. Though the Viscount was rather disappointing, he didn’t manage to do even one scandalous thing.” Baekhyun pouted.

“Well, I dare say he met his scandal quota three years ago. It isn’t every day that a man leaves one of the most eligible bachelors practically at the altar and then drives his Dad to…well, you know.” Heechul took another sip of the amber colored liquor, making a gentle ahh sound as he savored it.

“What happened to his Father?” Luhan tried to think back. He recalled hearing of the scandal. The Viscount had been engaged to Earl Pressley’s son, a very exclusive and desirable match which he infamously broke. It was rumored that the Viscount had behaved scandalously in some way, but the rumors never really matched. Some said he had a man that he kept in his apartments, another said he was a terrible gambler that had lost most of the family fortune.  But Luhan could recall nothing about his Father.

Heechul leaned forward, quietly explaining “He killed himself. Apparently because his son couldn’t help but bring about the family’s downfall.”

“How terrible. He must be a horrible man.” Luhan couldn’t imagine how someone could be so low as to drive their own parent to think death was better than living with the shame of their child’s actions.

“Yes, it seems he is a horrible man. Probably worse than yours truly.” Heechul pointed at himself, laughing.

***

Kim Jongdae was in his study when Minseok arrived. It was early afternoon, the two having agreed to meet at 1 o’clock sharp to discuss what they should do next regarding the jewelry thefts.

Jongdae, it seemed, had meticulously documented every detail of the thefts, and was very eager to share the information with Minseok. They spent a few hours poring over Jongdae’s notes, discussing any potential pattern or idea of what they should do next.

“The thief is getting bolder, I believe that much is clear.” Jongdae recited the thefts – first a break in, then another – this time with the resident’s home. The burglary difficulty intensified. Each theft was greater in value than the last, and the frequency seemed to be increasing as well. “It was only four days since the last theft, and now they dare to steal a necklace right off of a Countess’s neck.”

“You have never been able to find one of the stolen jewels, correct?” Minseok asked.

“No, we have not. Which means the thief still has them or is disposing of them in a less than reputable way, likely pawning them to a shady black market seller.” Jongdae explained, “I have a man from the Home office asking around near the docks and in the less affluent parts of town, but so far no luck.”

Minseok tried to reason it out. If the thief was stealing jewels he had to be selling them somewhere. What thief would hold onto their haul, especially when they were not necessarily a monetary unit but needed to be converted into one? Then the idea hit him. “Could they be gambling with them? Perhaps one of the backroom games?”

Jongdae looked thoughtful, considering the idea, “That is a very real possibility. I knew you would be good at this old boy!”

Minseok smiled shyly. He wasn’t so sure that he truly was good at playing detective, but he was willing to try, “What games still operate? Does Herringwood still run one?” He had been gone for three years, he wasn’t sure what high end gambling hells still existed.

“Yes, Herringwood is still up and running, still bringing in the scoundrels by the dozens.” Jongdae thought of the handful of men he knew gambled at the club, a ragtag bunch of spoiled brats that were known for their less than proper behavior “There is also a game run at a small home near Browns. Let me think…”

“Perhaps we should start by buying into a game and seeing who is playing.” Minseok offered.

“By we I am hoping you mean you?” Jongdae raised an eyebrow at Minseok, attempting to get his friend to agree, “My Father will kill me if I am seen in one of those establishments.”

Right, Minseok should have known better. Jongdae’s Father would likely find out about it and very likely have to be restrained from knocking his son out for stooping so low. Those type of establishments were for the rogues, those who didn’t have a stellar reputation to begin with, or who didn’t care if their reputation was ruined. Someone like himself, Minseok thought. Someone without much to lose socially.

“Fine, I will do it. But you owe me for this.” Minseok was anxious about the situation, but knew it made sense. He didn’t have a reputation to damage plus he had the background that wouldn’t raise any suspicion from the other players.

“Thank you old boy! What a great team we make!” Jongdae grinned, Minseok couldn’t help but smile too. He had to admit it felt good to be doing something, even if that something would only increase the rumors surrounding him.

***

Baekhyun was drunk. Perhaps not terribly drunk, but a bit drunk and Heechul was to blame. He had found some amusement sitting in the reading room with Luhan and Heechul, sharing a few too many drinks of brandy. When Heechul suggested they take the short walk from Browns to another club up the road, which would be very soon growing far more lively with a younger crowd celebrating the recent engagement of a certain Baron to a certain smitten little heiress, Baekhyun had no trouble saying yes.

“Please try not to hiccup, you are embarrassing me.” Heechul jabbed his elbow at Baekhyun’s side, causing the man to stagger a bit.

“How could I embarrass you? Didn’t you release a dozen cats at the Countess Merrick’s sixtieth birthday party?” Baekhyun hiccupped again.

Luhan was seriously considering if he had made a good decision accompanying these two. He quickly decided that he would see them to the club and then take his leave. He was set to have dinner with his parents that evening after all – he had every reason to leave Heechul and Baekhyun to their own devices.

“It was five cats, and yes. It was beautiful.” Heechul recalled all of the screaming that occurred when the furry creatures darted around the room, attempting to find places to hide from the throngs of hysterical elderly matrons.

As the three of them neared the end of the block, Baekhyun stopped suddenly, pointing straight ahead.

“What is it?” Luhan asked, trying to figure out what Baekhyun was gesturing towards.

“Who is that?” Baekhyun squinted, trying to make out a man who was walking towards them. Unable to identify the man Baekhyun started walking again, quickening his pace. Heechul and Luhan followed behind him, slightly amused and slightly worried. As they came within ten feet of the man Baekhyun stopped again.

Luhan studied the stranger. He didn’t recall ever seeing him before. He was dressed well, clearly of their class. His dark brown hair was a bit messy, perhaps it had been styled that way. His eyes were large, unusually large and expressive, cat like almost. Luhan had to admit he was a very handsome man, whoever he was.

“D’Adderleigh?” Baekhyun said loudly, the other man pausing. Baekhyun broke into a smile, a sadistic looking smile.

So this was the notorious scoundrel that had ruined his family? Luhan thought he looked rather harmless, rather kind in fact. Apparently looks could be deceiving.

“Yes. Can I help you with something?” Minseok stared at the three men. He recognized two of them. One was most definitely Kim Heechul, a man that he had run into years back when he had frequented some of the literary salons in town. The other was the son of some Baron something or other – Minseok couldn’t recall. The third man, who was extremely striking in appearance, was a stranger.

“It is amazing to see you strolling around town. You are a much more courageous man than I.” The shorter one who looked a bit drunk mocked him.

Minseok was not about to take the bait. “Yes, well, good day then.” He tipped his hat, preparing to walk past the men when he realized he was in fact standing in front of Herringwoods- his intended destination.

“Planning on gambling, are we?” The shorter man asked, noticing that Minseok stopped himself when he realized he was in front of the notorious gambling hell.

“I –“Minseok couldn’t very well explain that no, he wasn’t really the type to gamble at such a place or gamble at all really. That this was all an attempt to track down a jewel thief, which was actually a very admirable task.

“Have fun then, my lord.” Baekhyun seemed to find some satisfaction in the fact he had left a notorious Viscount tongue tied. He pulled at Luhan and Heechul’s sleeves, urging them to continue.

Minseok’s feet stayed planted, the blood rushing in his ears. He wanted so very much to tell that rude little man the truth, but he knew he couldn’t. He also knew that the fact he was going to Herringwoods would be spread all over town by the end of the evening. He thought this might happen, but now that it was most definitely happening he felt lost and afraid and more than a little upset – the memories of three years ago coming back to him full force.

He watched the three men walk past him, the only one daring to look him in the eyes was the one he didn’t recognize. The only thing he saw in the man’s face as he passed was a look of disgust... or maybe it was pity. Whatever it was, it made Minseok want to turn heel and run. But he didn’t, he had a job to do. A noble, important job. He opened the door to Herringwoods, ready to buy into one of the most notorious games in town.

***

The gaming rooms were small, cramped even. Minseok had bought into the game with a significant amount of funds – he wanted the other gamblers to know he was serious.

Looking around the table was a study in who not to be seen with. A scandal ridden heir to a minor barony, two men who were well known for having married well and squandered most of their wives’ fortunes on drink and mistresses, an elderly man stylized as Sir with a well-known gambling addiction and three bastard children he failed to support, and Minseok. Could one of them be the thief?

The cards seemed to be in Minseok’s favor as he won hand after hand, earning the groans from those around him. It was fortunate in more ways than one, his winning streak. If anyone of these men lost their money they may resort to putting a certain jewel- perhaps a stolen one- up as an ante.

Hand after hand was played, Minseok began losing. Checking his pocket watch he realized it was getting late. As the minutes turned into hours he found no evidence that anyone here was anything other than a morally bankrupt scoundrel. Resigning himself to defeat he cashed out of the game, deciding it was time to head home.

As he headed for the door one of the men working at the club stopped him, placing a hand on his arm. “My lord, would you be interested in a more exclusive game?”

“Exclusive? Why…yes. I think I would.” Minseok’s heart was racing. Perhaps he had just been invited to a gaming session that would prove very helpful to catching the thief “When and where is this game held?”

“On Monday evening- half past ten o’clock. Let the footman know that you are here for the midnight game and he will direct you to the location.” The man let go of Minseok’s arm “I look forward to seeing you there.”

Minseok nodded. Hopefully this lead would pan out.

-------------------------

a/n – And we have our obligatory Heechul. Poor Minseok being confronted by Baekhyun….or is it poor Minseok? What really happened 3 years ago? And what will happen when Luhan finds out he has the hots for a man he thinks is so terrible? Hmm….I wonder *runs away*

PS- I am working Chapter 3, I should have it posted later today.