Lost Swan (Grimmwood Academy of Arts #1)

Prologue

S y l v e s t a S w a n

I sit back, gloved hands resting in my lap and my bag on the floor at my feet.

The grandfather clock on the wall ticks obnoxiously and once again informs me of his late arrival.

When he finally arrives, he doesn’t announce himself. He removes his hat first and places it on the empty chair beside him before sitting across from me. His coat is relatively new and ironed to perfection as he plucks it forward.

“You have something that doesn’t belong to you.” I say. “And you chose a public place to return it? That tells me you're scared or hiding something.”

I place my tea down with steady fingers. I know the game I’m playing could cost me my life, but I need information.

“Both.” He answers truthfully. “I’m not here to harm you but I need information.”

I study him before nodding.

“Men who come for information rarely walk away with what they ask for.”

His eyes narrow at my insinuation but he passes a tan threaded envelope my way.

“This is yours.” He begins and I open it before closing it briskly. “Now all I ask of you is, what are you after?”

My neck rolls and I toss around the idea of telling him.

“Truth is what I’m after.”

I place the address to P. Walker’s home into my bag and walk away, my heels clicking as I go.