“Aye. Most appealin’. As to the question put before me just ahead of the lamb’s arrival,” the prince held up his right hand in a mock taking of oath, “the answer is no, Pey. No money launderin’ activity is associated with anythin’ I may be askin’ about.”
Innes stopped and looked Duff full in the face with the sort of sincerity that Scots are known for. “In that case, my answer is aye. Certainly you have my word, little brother. ‘Twould be yours whether I was bound by the legal profession or not.”
“Thank you, Pey. When all ‘tis done, I hope you’ll still be callin’ me brother.”
When Duff reached the top of the third floor stairwell and turned he could see the light in the outer offices at the end of the hall. He didn’t go out of his way to sneak up on his assistant, but the man was focused on his task to the exclusion of all else.
“Grieve.”
As expected, Grieve cleared at least three inches from the seat of his chair when Duff said his name and clutched at his lapel near his heart. “Sir,” he panted.
“Grieve, are you goin’ deaf, man? I was no’ exactly bein’ stealthy on my approach.”
“Perhaps, your Highness. I shall look into it.”
“What are you doin’ here so late?”
Grieve looked at his watch. “’Tis only eight.”
“Aye. What time did you arrive this mornin’?”
“Seven thirty, sir.”
“I see.” Duff sighed. “I do no’ deserve you, Grieve. But do you no’ have a hobby or any, em, thin’s of interest outside this room?”
Grieve looked mystified. “What could be of more interest than affairs of state, sir?”
“Indeed, Grieve. Carry on.”
“Aye, sir.”
“Oh.”
“Sir?”
“About my schedule? Heavy as you please tomorrow, but clear the pages from then till Monday mornin’.”
“Sir?” Grieve’s eyes were big as he blinked like an owl.
“I’m takin’ some personal time, Grieve.”
“Personal time, sir?”
“Aye. ‘Tis what Americans call it. You may use me as you wish tomorrow. Dawn to midnight. I will skip meals if necessary.”
“Oh, sir, I do no’ think ‘twould be…”
“But! Tomorrow night at midnight, I do no’ serve at the pleasure of the fae again until Monday.”
“I see, sir. A most unusual idea.”
“Aye. And that bein’ the case, ‘twill be no need to mention it to anyone.”
“I understand, sir.”
“Good night, Grieve.” Duff nodded and continued on toward his personal rooms feeling a little guilty about the worried look on Grieve’s face.
As many of the Thursday and Friday appointments as possible were moved to Wednesday and every second of Duff’s day was booked to the point where the hallway leading to his office was lined with people waiting like Washington D.C. Congressional lobby cues. Now and then it occurred to Duff that Grieve might have been enjoying himself, having taken instructions quite literally.