Saving the Boxer (Ormond Yard Romantic Adventures, #3) by Neil S. Plakcy

Author:Neil S. Plakcy
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: gay, mm romance, victorian, regency, england, boxing, boxer, Jews, Judaism
Publisher: Samwise Books
Published: 2023-12-11T00:00:00+00:00

17: Allegation: Magnus

Magnus was reading the Saturday paper in his dressing gown when he noticed the brief article entitled “Boxer Arrested in Banker’s Death.”

“Boxer Ezra Curiel, the Hammering Hebrew, has been arrested in conjunction with the beating death of banker Nathan Walpert. Walpert’s body was found in the alley behind the boxing ring at New Cross in the late hours of Saturday November 28. The coroner has determined that he suffered a severe body blow to the stomach, which pushed him backwards so that he hit his head on the cobblestones. The subsequent injury caused his brain to bleed out and resulted in his death.”

He looked over at Toby, who had already washed and dressed, wearing a pair of gray slacks, a white shirt and a wool jumper. “Here, Toby, did you see this?” he asked. “Silas’s lover has been arrested.”

Toby moved his chair around the breakfast table to read along with Magnus. “A witness placed Curiel at the scene of the crime. Upon being questioned, his wife, Mrs. Rebecca Curiel, told the police that her husband had returned home that evening in blood-stained clothes.”

Magnus put the paper down. “Why, that is ridiculous,” he said. “Anyone familiar with boxing would know that the men involved frequently sustain injuries which result in blood on their clothing.”

“But presumably Curiel did not travel home in his boxing shorts,” Toby said. “Wouldn’t his wounds have been treated at the ring, and then he dressed in his regular clothing?”

“That is true. But many bandages do not hold, and blood seeps out,” Magnus said. “Remember how you skinned your knee last month? Despite our efforts to control the blood it did seep into your tweed trousers.”

“And Will had a devil of a time removing the stain,” Toby said. “But poor Silas, to have his romantic hopes dashed so terribly.”

“Well, we both knew there was little hope of a happy ending between them,” Magnus said. “The Mrs. Curiel of whom the article spoke would surely be an impediment.” He shook his head. “And now this charge of murder. Surely that will be the end of their affair. Silas will have to count himself lucky if his assignation with the boxer is not revealed.”

They both sighed, and Magnus resumed reading the paper while Toby returned to his breakfast. Will was clearing the table when they heard a prodigious banging on the front door.

“Whoever is that?” Magnus asked. “On a Saturday morning?”

“I will see to it,” Will said. “Probably a peddler.”

Magnus heard him open the door, and then hurried footsteps in the hall. Silas Warner burst into the breakfast room. “I need your help!” he exclaimed.

Right behind him, Will looked chagrined. “Mr. Warner,” he said.

“It’s all right, Will.” Magnus rose, pulling the belt of his dressing gown tighter. “Shall we retire to the parlor? We have already read the article in the Times, but you may tell us anything else you know.”

“I saw him arrested last night,” Silas said, his voice rent with despair.

Toby took Silas by the arm. “Will, could you bring Mr.

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