No Time Like the Present by Ellison Blackburn

Author:Ellison Blackburn [Blackburn, Ellison]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: suspense, female sleuth, women’s fiction, science fiction, contemporary fiction, thriller, historical fiction, speculative fiction, steampunk, mystery, time travel
ISBN: 9781948336123
Publisher: Goldbrier
Published: 2019-09-23T18:30:00+00:00

CHAPTER ELEVEN

AFTER OUR MEANDERING tour of the revived rooms, followed by story time—during which we learn of our previously absent hero’s adventures—I take a seat at the very end of the elegant, ten-foot long, Parisian sofa situated smack-dab in the middle of our not-quite-but-almost brand spanking new library.

I trace a light touch over a velveteen ivory leaf on a backdrop of palest gray-blue satin while silently praying Archer sits beside me and Vale next to him, so I don’t have to look at either of them. I’ll think of an excuse and make my escape in a few minutes. I need to think away from here.

When Quinn moves to sit beside me instead, and Allen steps back a few paces toward the shellback chair against the wall nearer the door, Archer says, “Quinn, Allen, if you wouldn’t mind, we need to speak with River.”

Fudge.

Archer lowers himself into the armchair across from me, and Vale takes the seat next to him.

“Right,” Allen says, turning on a heel. “Dinner’s in an hour.”

“Th-thank you, Allen.”

The always-neat handsome blond turns in the doorway and folds his hands behind his back.

Casting an appreciative glance over the book-shelved walls filled with colorful leather-bound volumes, I manage, “It’s wonderful. Truly.” I feel a little apprehensive about being alone with Archer and Vale, wishing I could find the gumption to excuse myself. I’d prefer they let me ruminate over everything I’ve learned, which amounts to the fact that Archer, Marlowe, and Vale lied to us. And Archer and Vale had held back the truth for a really long time. I cannot let myself dwell on that last detail though; I might blow up into bits like a piñata right here all over the beautiful new Aubusson carpet.

“Honestly, I wasn’t looking forward to the project at first, but once everything started to come together, I realized I was enjoying myself. It was fun unpacking something every day, you know?”

“Maybe you wouldn’t mind managing the renovation of the south rooms, then?” I stall.

“We can talk about it later,” Allen says when Archer clears his throat. Allen casts me a lingering glance, frowning slightly in concern. Then he bobs his head in farewell at Archer, Quinn, and lastly Vale. Soon his footsteps are receding down the hall.

“It was good to see you, Vale. I’m relieved you turned out not to be the villain we thought you were. Perhaps we’ll be seeing more of you,” Quinn says, the hint of a question in his tone. “And River, I failed to mention earlier that we found the old weathervane in the shrub you led us to investigate. I believe it to be a significant find. Allen—”

“Quinn.” Archer interrupts tersely. “Another time.”

“Yes.” My second older brother gives me a semi-sympathetic look too before quitting the room.

I resume gazing out through the sheer curtain of the window a few feet to the right of Archer’s chair. Smooth velvet drapes the color of today’s earlier sky surrounds the windows. They seem to frame the tranquil scene beyond perfectly.

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