Any Other Name (The Split Worlds) - By Emma Newman Page 0,130
say the word. If you need time to think, I can give that to you, but I do want to deal with Neugent sooner rather than later. If you’d rather take the time to grieve and leave him to me, I can return in a few months’ time. It’s all up to you.”
“And what would happen if I said yes?”
“I would invite you to come with me to my home. It’s safer there and more relaxed. We’ll discuss a salary, any needs you have and I’ll answer your questions. Should you wish to accept my offer you’d be welcome to stay there as a guest, have company accommodation or funding to purchase a new house.”
“I already have a house.”
“Bath isn’t a convenient location. I’d give you a generous relocation package.”
Sam looked around the room. He’d already decided he wanted to sell the house. He had no job, no prospects and all he knew he wanted was to ruin Neugent’s life. The man sitting in front of him was offering the chance to do that and whilst a part of him was worried about what that would entail, he mostly didn’t care what happened after Neugent had been dealt with. There was very little else in his life now.
“All right,” Sam said. “I’ll come with you, just to talk about how this could work. I’m not promising anything. And I’m not agreeing to anything until we’ve had a serious conversation. OK?”
“Fine by me.” Lord Iron smiled. “I think this could be the beginning of a most mutually beneficial relationship.”
We’ll see about that, Sam thought, but still shook his hand and managed a noncommittal smile.
27
“Mr Ekstrand, you’ll be late!” Petra was at the doorway to the sitting room and smiled at Max when she noticed him.
“I’m not going to the Moot,” Ekstrand said, arms folded.
“It looks like the Sorcerer of Essex made a deal with Lady Rose,” Max said.
“You got that from Thorn?” Petra asked
“Thorn was angry with the Prince for not protecting them, so he was remarkably cooperative,” Ekstrand said.
“I made sure he was telling the truth,” Max added.
“Is that why the gargoyle is hiding in the cupboard under the stairs?” Petra asked. “I heard whimpering. Shouldn’t you check on it?”
“There are more important things to deal with.”
“It’s all an infernal mess.” Ekstrand left his spot by the fireplace to pace the room. “The Prince is involved in all of the business with the Master of Ceremonies, and Thorn said Rose made a deal with the Sorcerer of Essex. If Dante truly has made a deal with her, it could explain the stone hearts. I don’t know how, exactly, but that’s what my instincts are telling me. If Dante has created a foul hybrid sorcery my personal wards may not protect me at the Moot. The castle’s wards only keep every living thing that’s not one of the seven outside, which is useless when one of them may try to kill me. So I’m not going.”
“But you called everyone together, Mr Ekstrand. If they convene and nothing happens, they’ll be very angry with you.”
“Petra, I would rather have a heart heavy with the need to write a few apology letters than one made of stone, wouldn’t you?”
She nodded. “Well, I have something new to bring to the table. Whoever or whatever killed the people in the cloister damaged the building. I found hairline cracks in the four towers. I’m assuming they weren’t there before.”
“They weren’t,” Max replied. “What made you look for them?”
“I wasn’t looking, to be honest. I needed a break, I went for a walk around the perimeter and noticed them then.”
Ekstrand nodded. “Everyone was killed at the same time… cracks in the building they were inside… Max, meet me here in three hours. We’ll go to the Moot then.”
“When it’s over?”
“Yes. And not a moment before.” Ekstrand left the room.
Petra looked at Max. “Could Dante have really made a deal with a Fae?”
“According to Thorn he did. We don’t know why or what the details are, but it explains why the Rosas were ignored by the Arbiters in North London – that’s in Essex territory. Dante probably offered immunity for the Rosas in return for knowledge of Rose Charms.”
“But why would a Sorcerer ever want to truck with the Fae?”
“I’m sure Mr Ekstrand is asking the same question,” Max said, struggling to his feet. “I’m going to get some sleep whilst I can.”
She touched his arm as he hobbled past. “You’ll check on the gargoyle, won’t you?”