if his family was in on it, and if House James was in league with House Rockhurst. And if we had more leaks.
“We have to tell Father,” I said. “He needs to know, and he’s going to be furious with me, so giving him something else to focus on is a win. We need to see what else we can dig up on who was manipulating Pierre.”
“Are you going to tell him I was in a Rockhurst mine?”
“Not if I can avoid it. I don’t want to give him a reason to accelerate the conflict. I’m going to blame Silva and the Syndicate, with a hearty dash of MineCorp blame thrown in for good measure.”
Ferdinand nodded. He looked grim and determined. The short hair made him look harder somehow, a stark contrast to the expensive suit.
“How do I look?” I asked.
“Fierce,” Cat said.
I’d take fierce any day. Now it was time to live up to the description.
Chapter 30
The soldiers had disappeared, but Ian was deep in conversation with a beautiful, statuesque woman. She had inky black hair and deep brown skin. I hadn’t dealt with Deputy Director Marta Stevens much, but I got the impression that she was smart and driven.
Ian turned as we approached. “Did Lady Catarina bring you up to speed?” he asked.
I nodded and smiled in greeting at Marta. “It’s nice to see you again, Deputy Director Stevens. Thank you for helping my sister.”
She inclined her head. “I am glad you have safely returned, Lady Bianca. It was my pleasure to assist Lady Catarina.” Her serious facade cracked into a grin. “You better keep an eye on her, though. She’s too smart for her own good.”
“She’s too smart for all of our goods,” I said and nudged Cat’s shoulder. “I was hoping she wouldn’t find out.”
“Too late,” Cat said. “That’s what happens when you all run off on adventures and leave me behind to pick up the pieces.”
Her tone was light, but there was a thread of seriousness underlying it. Marta’s teasing comment could also be taken as a warning. I met the other woman’s eyes and she nodded, very slightly.
I knew Catarina felt stifled on Earth. We’d tried to shelter her as much as possible from House business, which meant she hadn’t had as many opportunities to get out and see the universe. I would need to change that or she would take matters into her own hands, for better or worse.
I turned my attention back to the upcoming meeting with my father. “Ferdinand and I are going to see Albrecht. I plan to recommend that we keep Pierre in custody and keep digging. Someone is manipulating him.”
“I agree,” Ian said. “I will go with you. He’s demanded my presence as well. He’s waiting in his study.”
Of course he was. Very little got past Albrecht von Hasenberg. He hadn’t ruled a High House for nearly twenty years by luck alone. He wasn’t a figurehead; he was House von Hasenberg.
“Good luck,” Cat said. “I’m definitely not going with you. But I’ll find you later if you survive it.” She kissed the air next to my cheek then disappeared with Marta.
Ferdinand, Ian, and I made the trek to Father’s study. By now he must know that Ferdinand had returned, but still he let us come to him. I sank deeply into my public persona. Father wouldn’t be won by emotion. Logic and facts would win the day.
The study door slid open as we approached. He was expecting us.
The room was ornately decorated with real wood paneling and heavy, carved furniture. It smelled faintly of cigar smoke and expensive alcohol. Father sat behind a massive wooden desk, watching us with a blank expression. Ian and Ferdinand bowed. I curtsied.
“Father,” Ferdinand murmured.
At the sound of Ferdinand’s voice, Albrecht’s eyes narrowed. “Explain.”
“The Syndicate removed my tongue.”
“Can it be fixed?” Ferdinand didn’t flinch at Father’s cold tone, but I did.
“I don’t know,” Ferdinand said.
“Go see what the doctors can do for you,” Albrecht said. “I will speak to you later.”
Ferdinand bowed and left the room. Lucky man.
Albrecht moved his glare to Ian. “How did the Syndicate snatch my heir out from under your nose?”
“Ferdinand had three bodyguards with him. All three died defending him. The Syndicate had an inside spy. Pierre von Hasenberg fed them information. He seems to be working on behalf of House James. We have him in custody and he’s confessed. We believe he is being manipulated, possibly by House James, possibly by someone else. We are still looking