doubts. There was still so much to learn about the impending attack. Which way would the troops be marching? How many men? How many cannons? There had to be maps, lists, names of regiments and their commanders. How could she simply walk away from such valuable information?
Tomorrow, she would send a message to Richard, informing him of what she’d learned, but she had nothing concrete. He’d ask her to probe deeper. Was she strong enough to take such a risk? Could she play her part without becoming emotionally involved?
Who was she kidding? She was already emotionally involved, and this was no longer a part she was playing. This was her life. She’d made her bed, and now she’d have to lie in it. The idea made her chuckle. Her thoughts had turned to lying in beds but not because she was tired. She was wide awake, her body thrumming with unfamiliar desires. She opened the window wider, hoping the breeze would chill her enough to cool the need pulsing deep in her belly, but the evening air was damp and warm, her skin radiating heat that had nothing to do with the August night.
Chapter 57
March 2018
London
Quinn stretched luxuriously and smiled, not in any hurry to get out of bed since it was Saturday. Sunlight was pouring through the window, and it looked to be a fine day outside. She felt more optimistic than she had in days. Now that the case had officially been reopened, a sense of rightness had settled on her shoulders. She’d done the right thing, and whatever she outcome, she would accept it and move forward. Craving a bit of company, she had invited Logan, Rafe, and Chrissy for dinner tonight. Chrissy was due in a few weeks, so it would be nice to celebrate Logan and Rafe’s impending parenthood and take this opportunity to spend some time with them before they went down the rabbit hole of first-time parenting.
“What’s your plan for the day?” Gabe asked as he pulled her closer.
“I have to order Mia’s birthday cake, shop for tonight’s dinner, and then prepare. What about you?”
“I thought I’d take the children to the Unicorn Theatre. Alex has been asking to go. And Emma might want to tag along too, if she doesn’t consider herself too mature for such childish pursuits,” Gabe added with a grin.
“I doubt it,” Quinn replied. “By the way, Jill asked if it’d be okay to take Alex and Mia for a sleepover tonight. She thought it’d be fun for Olivia to have her friends over. You don’t mind, do you?” Quinn asked.
“They’re a bit young to sleep away from home, but this is Jill, so I guess it’s all right,” Gabe said with a shrug. “I can collect them tomorrow after I meet Mum off the train. She can’t wait to see the children.”
“And they can’t wait to see her. Emma was hoping Buster would be coming along for the ride.”
“No, Mum’s leaving him with Cecily for a few days. Buster is getting a sleepover of his own, with Cecily’s Bertie. He’ll be in doggie heaven.”
“Well, looks like everyone is set for a fun weekend, then,” Quinn said.
“What are you making for tonight’s dinner?” Gabe asked.
“I thought I’d make salmon, since Rafe doesn’t eat red meat.”
“Okay. I’ll grab a few bottles of white wine on my way home.”
“Thanks,” Quinn said as she got out of bed. “I need a cup of tea. Want me to bring you one?”
“No, I’m coming down,” Gabe said. “I’ll help you make breakfast.”
Quinn went downstairs and examined the contents of the fridge, making a mental list of the items she needed to buy while the water boiled for tea. She popped two slices of bread into the toaster, then took out butter and marmalade, hoping against hope that she might enjoy a peaceful breakfast before the kids woke up. Her hopes were disappointed when she heard Mia calling for her. A few moments later, Gabe came down, Mia on his hip. Her dark hair curled away from her head like Medusa’s snakes, and she was rubbing her eyes with her fists.
“Madam here is joining us for breakfast. Alex and Emma are still asleep,” Gabe informed Quinn.
“All right, then. Would you like some toast?” she asked the little girl.
Mia nodded enthusiastically. “And juice,” she said.
“And juice,” Quinn agreed.
Just as they were about to sit down, Alex came down. “I want a boiled egg and soldiers,” he announced.
“Right,” Gabe said, springing to his feet. “I’ll make it,”