IAN C. ESSLEMONT
RETURN OF THE CRIMSON GUARD

Night of Knives

Return of the Crimson Guard

This novel is dedicated to the first Winnipeg gang of the

Treherne Room and the second of Rick's Place.

For all those afternoons and evenings honing the trade.

With gratitude I acknowledge Peter Crowther, who made this work possible; John Jarrold, who extended a great deal of faith; and Simon Taylor, whose encouragement and welcome meant, and continue to mean, more than he knows.

Thanks also to Bill Hunter and Chris for their early readings.

Gerri, Conor, Ross, and Callum: you give it meaning.