All Is Bright - K. Sterling Page 0,46

trust you slept well and you’re ready to be off,” Cyril murmured. Lavender hummed then thanked a footman as a glass of green juice was set down in front of him.

“Yes and yes. As I’m sure you’re ready to have us out of your hair.”

“Indeed,” Cyril said dryly but he gave himself away when his eyes flicked to Elliot. Lavender considered them as he gulped down his juice then wiped his lips.

“I must confess that I underestimated the professor and I offer you my sincerest congratulations,” he told Cyril then bowed his head at Elliot. Cyril’s eyes tightened as if he was waiting for something uncomfortable to pass.

“Thank you,” he said then pulled in a deep breath. “And I appreciate your patience and assistance with this...matter. I will make sure you’re all very well compensated and your lives are all back in order,” he added. Lavender smiled as he reclined and nodded.

“You should have a bill for the repairs to my house. I’m told everything’s been completed and looks just as it did before Toly’s last...outburst,” he said. His lips twitched as he watched Toly beam at Wilder and laugh at something Ezra said. It felt like things were sliding back into place and everyone could relax again. Lavender was relieved as well but he was impatient to get home. Robin was waiting for them in Chicago and there were still a few days left before Christmas Eve. There was still time for movies and puzzles and reading by the fire. Sage had time to bake cookies for Santa and prepare a big Christmas Eve dinner. They’d snuggle with cider after Robin went to bed and the stockings were stuffed. And maybe make out if Reginald and Paul got the hint and turned in early. But even if they didn’t, it would be a perfect evening. Reginald and Paul were staying until after the new year because it just made sense for them to spend the holidays together. As if his ears were burning and the devil heard his name, Reginald peeked into the dining room.

“Am I allowed to sit with the cool kids again?” He asked sheepishly. His eyes touched Toly’s and Reginald’s brows rose hopefully.

“Get over yourself and get in there,” Casper said and shoulder checked Reginald as he passed and waved at everyone on his way to the sideboard. Reginald scowled at him as he tugged at his sleeves then smiled at Toly before he waved at Ezra.

“I hope you all can forgive me,” he said and Lavender held his breath as Toly dragged his fork through the dregs of syrup and pancake crumbs on his plate.

“I understand why you did it and that none of this would have happened if the CIA and China hadn’t screwed up. I would just like to decide for myself in the future,” he said and tilted his chin back. “You’re still on probation and I’m going to be looking over your shoulder for a long time but I forgive you.”

“That sounds very reasonable,” Reginald said and ducked his head as he smoothed his tie then looked at Ezra. He sat back in his seat and crossed his arms over his chest and Ezra narrowed his eyes thoughtfully.

“I feel better knowing Toly’s keeping an eye on you and he said you were pretty badass during the Battle of Blackhurst...” He took a bite of his bacon and hummed as he chewed before waving it at Denver. “He’s still sleeping really well and we were able to gang up on him and get his knee fixed. I’m over it if he’s over it,” he decided and everyone looked to Denver. He snorted into his coffee.

“I’m definitely ready to get snowed in with Ezra at the cabin alone but I had a damn blast and the new knee’s been nice,” he stated with a shrug.

“I guess we’re good,” Ezra said and went back to his eggs.

“Excellent!” Reginald said. He nodded at Lavender and Cyril before he flashed a boyish grin at Paul.

“I don’t think that could have gone better,” Cyril murmured and Paul let out a loud breath as he sat forward and finally attacked his food.

“Better than I was expecting,” he admitted and laughed to himself as he chewed. Lavender and Cyril exchanged knowing looks and both schooled their features.

“I’m beginning to question your last psych eval, Agent Sloan,” Cyril said and set his elbow on the armrest of his chair so he could prop up his chin. Paul snorted as he