CHAPTER 25: JAMESON

Jameson realizes that Rohan is not merely the Factotum’s messenger: Rohan is the Factotum himself, the Proprietor’s powerful successor-in-waiting. Avery challenges Rohan about the children serving the Devil’s Mercy, and Rohan explains that the club rescues certain children from terrible circumstances and teaches them secrecy, implying that Rohan may have once been one of them.

Rohan opens a palm-locked black stone door and warns Jameson and Avery that the house always wins. Jameson enters a grand domed chamber with multiple hidden doors, five curtained archways, golden granite floors, an infinity symbol of onyx and white agate, and golden pans holding lilies. The room’s acoustics and design make the Mercy feel both theatrical and dangerous.

Rohan escorts Avery and Jameson around the five archways, explaining that each area is themed around sin and pleasure. Sloth offers luxury relaxation, gluttony offers fine food and drink, and lust leads upstairs to private chambers, where Rohan makes clear that nonconsensual behavior is punished severely.

At the next archway, Rohan reveals the fight ring, tied to wrath, envy, and pride. Members may fight, bet on fights, or settle disputes there, but Rohan warns that the house fighters are brutal and do not hold back. Rohan also explains that four of the five areas allow wagers, including unconventional bets recorded in binding books.

Rohan gives Avery the chips purchased with the untraceable transfer and says the chips will be returned to him for safekeeping at night’s end. At the final archway, greed, Rohan directs them toward the gambling tables, advises Avery to play against members rather than the house, and privately warns Jameson not to wager anything he cannot afford to lose, adding that there is a reason men like Jameson’s father are barred from returning.