Contents
CHAPTER 40: JAMESON
Overview
Jameson confronts his elusive uncle Bowen at Nine King’s Gate Terrace, leaving Xander to stall Branford if necessary. He offers leverage—hinting at Vantage—to secure an invitation to the Devil’s Mercy that night and to procure an alchemical painting and London crucibles. Bowen’s interest signals a tentative, risky accord.
Summary
Jameson and Xander arrive at Nine King’s Gate Terrace, Bowen Johnstone-Jameson’s residence. Anticipating interference from Branford, Jameson instructs Xander to stall him if he appears. Jameson proceeds inside, noting Bowen’s controlled, formidable presence and the calculated way he sizes people up.
Jameson opens by signaling he can trade something valuable. He invokes Vantage, the ancestral estate he won, as his leverage. Bowen underscores their distance by addressing Jameson as Mr. Hawthorne, pushing Jameson to state his price.
Jameson demands an invitation to the Devil’s Mercy that night. He further asks Bowen to acquire the artwork titled An Alchemist with Angel’s Wings and arrange retrieval of every crucible in London museums. These specific, alchemy-themed requests raise the stakes and advertise Jameson’s broader pursuit.
Bowen’s guarded demeanor shifts; he becomes intrigued, indicating that Jameson’s bold asks and implied collateral have engaged him. The meeting closes with Bowen’s attention secured, setting up a dangerous alliance and the next move toward the Devil’s Mercy.
Who Appears
- Jameson HawthorneProposes a deal to Bowen, leveraging Vantage to secure a Devil’s Mercy invite and alchemical acquisitions.
- Bowen Johnstone-JamesonPowerful uncle; tests Jameson, then shows interest in his bold demands and implied leverage.
- Xander HawthorneStays downstairs to stall Branford if he appears; provides backup and misdirection.
- Guard at Nine King’s Gate TerraceScreens visitors and permits Jameson upstairs to see Bowen.