Chapter 20 #2
Jasper beams like the proud cat father he is. “That’s Havoc. She’s traveled across the sea and land to see her favorite uncle Leon.”
“A cat—there’s two,” I reassure Mum, rolling my eyes. “I think I mentioned them on one of our phone calls.”
Mum nods robotically, clearly struggling to take in our current situation. “Well, come on in. Let’s get you settled.”
Everyone squeezes into the sitting room, dropping bags and the cat carriers into whatever free floor space they can find.
The girls take the couch, Damon flops into the armchair, and Jasper and I hover near the hallway.
The space feels so much smaller and warmer than before already.
Jasper has to duck his head under a low beam and his arm almost knocks over Nana’s lamp.
“Cozy,” Falin says as she eyes Mum’s porcelain figures on the mantel.
“Aww, is that baby Leon?” Blake coos, pointing at a framed photo of me. “Look at those chubby cheeks.”
Mum rushes over to pick it up, her smile wide. “That’s my baby boy. Such a handsome lad, wasn’t he?”
“So handsome,” Damon says, smirking at me. “What happened?”
I narrow my eyes at him which makes him bust out a laugh. “Dick.”
“So I’ll just...” Mum starts, gesturing to the kitchen. “Tea. Yes, I’ll make tea. Lots of tea. Do you all drink tea? Of course you don’t, you’re American. Coffee? I think I have some instant somewhere...”
“Mum,” I say gently. “Tea’s fine. Whatever you have.”
“Yeah, Mrs. Colter—” Blake starts, but I cut her off.
“Actually, it’s Ms. Parsons.”
Blake’s cheeks flush. “So sorry! I knew that… Must be the jet lag.”
“No problem, love,” Mum says. “Make yourselves at home.” I catch her muttering under her breath, something about not having enough proper cups.
I fold my arms across my chest. “She may as well be serving the Queen. I haven’t seen her this flustered in years.”
“She’s adorable,” Blake says. “I just want to sit with her and drink tea and knit.”
Falin laughs. “Is this some new alter ego you’re exploring?”
“You know I love to be cozy! This is English me… I’m embracing the culture!”
“Cheerio,” Jasper says but it ends in an “oof” as I elbow him in the ribs.
That’s when one of the cat carriers starts rattling violently. The entire thing slides across the hardwood floor with an ear bleeding, scraping sound. “How?” I ask.
“Should we...” Blake starts.
“Let them out,” Jasper says, already reaching for the latches. “They’ve been cooped up for hours.”
“Maybe we should—” I begin, but it’s too late.
Havoc explodes from her carrier like a furry missile, ears back, tail puffed, immediately launching herself onto the mantel. Three porcelain angels crash to the floor in a wreckage of ceramic shards.
From the kitchen comes the unmistakable sound of Mum dropping something heavy.
“Fuck,” I breathe.
Mayhem trots out of her carrier with dignity and grace, meowing, and taking one look at the chaos before hiding under the couch.
“Havoc, you get over here!” Jasper scolds but it sounds more like he’s holding back laughter.
“I’m so sorry,” Blake says, jumping up to pick up the scattered pieces. “We should have warned you about the cats.”
“Or about showing up early,” I tease. Despite the shock, I can’t help but smile, even if it makes my lip hurt like a bitch.
Mum appears in the doorway, her scarf slipped halfway down her hair. “Well, that’s jus—that’s fine. They’re just things.”
Yeah, things I was forbidden from laying a finger on as a kid. But Mum’s taking it better than I thought.
After more proper introductions where she practically falls over when Damon calls her ma’am and Jasper thanks her in that flirtatious tone he can’t help but use and several cups of tea, we manage to corral both cats upstairs to my bedroom with their carriers, food, and their travel litter box.
I hope I’ll still have a room to come back to later and not a disaster zone.
“Right,” I say, closing my bedroom door firmly behind me. “We should get out of here for a bit. Lunch?”
And a pint… It’s not too early.
Mum overhears us making plans and protests that she’ll make sandwiches, but Blake intervenes with that sweet tone of hers. “We’d love to explore the neighborhood, it’s our first time here! Maybe find a proper English pub?”
Thank you, Blake.
“The Rose and Crown is lovely,” Mum says after a thought, clearly pleased they want to experience local culture. “Just down the road. Tell Cindy that Ada sent you. And Leon, bring an umbrella. I don’t trust those clouds.”
Twenty minutes later, we’re squeezed into a corner booth, pints and fish and chips spread across the polished wooden table. Blake has a glass of wine and an allergy-friendly lunch… Damon made sure of that.
The crowd is light this time of day, mostly retired locals nursing their ales and reading newspapers. The perfect environment to catch up without anyone caring to listen in.
“So,” Damon says quietly, leaning forward, “your father’s working with Orlov. Tell us more.”
“All sources point to that,” I say, keeping my voice low.
“Not sure if Alfred’s using his influence for false passports, or keeping their transport of victims undercover or any other number of fucked up things.
My father’s position gives him a lot of power and influence, especially when it comes to international matters.
There must be loads of money in this for him.
” I take a long drink of ale, thinking. “I’m wondering though, since Orlov is technically in financial ruin, if my father’s still involved. ”
“Your finest work,” Jasper says, with a grin.
Blake frowns, picking at her baked potato. “If they’re working together maybe your father’s helping him recover his finances?”
Falin finishes chewing and adds, “Whatever it is, I haven’t been able to find any traces of the two of their names together. No records, nothing in the media.”
“Which makes me so much more suspicious,” I say.
“Exactly. What are they hiding?” Falin says, stuffing another chip in her mouth. “These are so good for bar food. We may need another order.” She slides out to go tell the bartender.
I lean back against the booth, processing everything we’ve discussed.
“I’ve been running searches on all of Alfred’s properties since I left that charity office.
It’s not something I ever had the need to do before but now…
There’s a few properties, including his main London home, but I found the address to a countryside estate.
My half brother mentioned Alfred’s been spending most of his time there lately.
” I pause, that familiar gut feeling taking hold. “I think that’s where we need to look.”
Damon nods, and I can see him shifting into serious mode. “What do we know about the security situation?”
“Not much. It’s isolated though, miles from anywhere. If they’re holding people, it would be the perfect location.”
“Alright,” Jasper says, leaning forward. “I’m fucking ready.”
Blake takes the pint from his hand. “Maybe ease up on the ale then, big guy.” He protests weakly, but eventually slumps back in defeat. “I think I’ll sit this one out. Fal and I can check into the rental, get the cats settled.”
“I heard my name,” Falin says as she slides back into the booth.
“I was just saying, we’ll sit out tonight. Get settled into the rental instead,” Blake repeats.
“As much as it pains me, I agree. I want to set up my equipment too. Brought as much as I could.”
“So it’s settled,” Damon says. “We’ll check out the estate tonight. That was too easy. I’m waiting for the argument.”
“No argument,” Blake says, leaning into him. “Unless you have a reason for me to be pissed.”
“No,” he quickly replies. “Not at all.”
If I had more time, I’d sketch the look of smug satisfaction she’s giving him right now. I missed these weirdos.
Jasper’s expression grows serious. “You really think it’s your father we need to focus on and not Orlov?”
All four sets of eyes zero in on me. “I know it seems like a far-fetched plan, but my gut is telling me Alfred will lead to Orlov… Maybe even Bailey herself, who knows?”
Blake’s hand reaches for mine. “We trust you. Whatever you think, we’re here for it. Right?” She glances around the booth and they each nod, murmuring in agreement.
We finish and file out of the pub into the gray afternoon. I catch Jasper looking through the window with longing.
“Missing it already?” I ask.
“Best fish and chips I’ve ever had.”
I shake my head and pat his back. “Don’t worry buddy, you’ll be sick of pub food by the time we find Bailey.”
He grins and I realize that’s the first time in a while where I’m not second-guessing myself. Not one bit.