CHAPTER SEVEN #4
‘You’re replaceable, Tanner.’
Lachlan’s eyes move between Fenwick’s.
‘So was your predecessor.’
?
Lachlan is brought into Penhalyx’s office for a video call.
Fenwick oversees at first with his two assistants, also male, also military.
Alistair is giving a more detailed rundown of the party, attendees, wait staff, all of which indicate an enormous bump in necessary security.
Lachlan doesn’t like any part of it because he knows he’ll need to hire new people and there won’t be time for Carrigan to weed out loyalty, among other things.
It puts their bubble under stress.
It’s a security nightmare and Lachlan knows it instantly.
The Estate is too high-value, too exposed, too important for this many people, but Penhalyx dismisses the concern outright, reminding him they threw a similar party for Jules’ seventeenth last year without issue.
Fenwick and Lachlan give a thoroughly tactical rundown of necessary arrangement and security needs.
Alistair refuses Lachlan’s request to cut off general access to the East Wing, says he might like to show his friends around.
It makes Lachlan’s skin crawl even while he mentally plans to accommodate the safety of all.
When given the opportunity, Lachlan is quick to ask, ‘May I request clarification about the children’s performance, sir?’
‘You may,’ Penhalyx grants, ‘although performance is perhaps not the word. Simply… engagement. I want to show off my beautiful children, especially Julian.’
Yes, Lachlan had already gathered that, but Mimi’s attendance makes him uncomfortable in ways he wouldn’t dare speak aloud, especially not in front of Fenwick. ‘Anticipating their safety as always, sir, I wanted to ask how long you would like them to attend?’
‘I’ll let you know when they may retire.’
Lachlan wants further clarification, but Fenwick steps in quickly. ‘Sir, in the event of a situational crisis, I need to know—’
‘Let’s soften the tone of that request, shall we?’ the old man intones pleasantly, but Fenwick falls quickly silent. ‘Try again.’
‘Apologies, sir. I would very much like to know who has authority when it comes to the children.’
‘In what terms?’
‘Overall.’
‘Lachlan has authority in every circumstance unless he breaks any of his contractual obligations or agreements.’
Fenwick’s frown deepens. ‘So in an emergency, I’m to defer to him?’
‘About matters regarding the children, absolutely.’
‘If he disagrees with a specific tactic—’
‘Fenwick, I was assured that weak judgment was not among your deficiencies, so if you find yourself unable to defer appropriately within a hierarchy already made explicit, that places your suitability in great doubt. Understand that while the Estate and its governance are obviously important, the management of my children is paramount, and any failure to operate in seamless accord with this paradigm will constitute failure to comply.’
Fenwick straightens. ‘Understood, sir.’
‘I expect both of you to coordinate flawlessly.’
‘Yes, sir,’ they say in perfect sync.
‘Good. I would speak with Lachlan alone. Thank you, everyone.’
When the door is closed behind Fenwick, Alistair cocks his head at Lachlan through the screen. ‘What do you make of him?’
Lachlan has been preparing for this. ‘He’s sharp, pragmatic and intelligent. He’s doing a good job at running the household.’
‘But?’
‘But…’ Lachlan forces himself to say what’s necessary, ‘nothing, sir. He’s genuinely a good fit.’
‘He questioned your authority.’
‘As would I in his situation. He’s prioritising security and safety. That always requires a clear understanding of command.’
‘I am told you have become close with Jessamine.’
‘As you asked, sir.’
It’s make or break.
Penhalyx will either correct him and outline distance going forward or, as Lachlan suspects, he’ll be pleased. The older man gives a mild smile that speaks of approval. Lachlan is learning his expressions as time goes on.
‘Indeed, which is why I am confident that Jessamine can attend the party. You will escort her, Julian too.’
‘Yes, sir.’
‘And how is my son? Did he enjoy his taste of rebellion on his eighteenth?’
‘I retrieved him safely, sir,’ Lachlan points out, focusing on the positives.
‘But not quickly.’
‘Your son is very smart, sir.’
‘He is, isn’t he? No luck in persuading him out into the muddy fields for fresh air and stimulation?’ Amusement drips from each word, emphasis subtle. Lachlan stays neutral like always.
‘Not yet, sir.’
‘Well, best of luck to you with that, but there are other ways you might exhaust and stimulate him,’ he says and this time there is no mistaking the emphasis, the cruel amusement, nor the look of expectation that Lachlan is starting to think won’t ever go away.
He plays dumb. ‘Yes, sir.’
‘Julian will be expected to socialise. I want him gracious and charming. Are you capable of inspiring this behaviour in him?’
Penhalyx has never asked for this before.
‘Yes, sir,’ he answers, all while a new dread builds inside him.
‘Then dress sharply. I like my toy soldiers to shine.’