The Red Cape Society: The Complete Series by Karsak Melanie

Author:Karsak, Melanie
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Clockpunk Press
Published: 2024-10-15T00:00:00+00:00

12

TEA, LEMONADE, AND PETIT-FOURS

Quinn’s butler led us to the back of the house where Quinn and Jessica had a sunny garden patio.

Quinn, looking considerably relaxed but still too thin for my liking, rose to meet us. I couldn’t help but notice he was using a cane to support himself.

His eyes must have followed mine because he said, “Nothing to worry about, partner. Just a pinch when I move around. Helps take the weight off.”

“Ah, so that’s where the weight has gone.”

Quinn winked knowingly at me.

“Clemeny,” Jessica said, embracing me and greeting me with a kiss on both cheeks.

“This is Agent Edwin Hunter,” I said, turning to Edwin who was standing in such a stiff, formal posture, his hat under his arm, that he looked like he might be made of stone.

Quinn reached out to shake his hand. “Sir,” he said.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Agent Briarwood,” Edwin said with a polite bow. “I’ve heard many tales about your service to the realm.”

“You hear that, Clem? I’m a legend now,” Quinn told me.

“Of course you are,” I replied, rolling my eyes.

“And Mrs. Briarwood,” Edwin said, turning to Jessica.

She smiled at him. “A pleasure to meet you, Agent Hunter. Sit down. Both of you.”

The garden had high stone walls that enclosed the space. It was a sunny spring day. The warmth of the sunshine fought off the chill of spring. A cherry blossom tree in one corner of the garden was covered in pale pink blossoms. Daffodils, hyacinth, tulips, and other spring flowers were growing in the flowerbeds nearby.

“Well, Clem, they land you with anyone yet?” Quinn said as he slowly lowered himself back into his chair.

I suppressed a frown at the sight. After all these months, he was still hurting. I chewed the inside of my cheek. Alodie was the one who had turned on Quinn. Now, look at him. I swallowed the anger that wanted to boil up in me. If I ever got ahold of that werewolf, she was going to pay for what she’d done.

“No, but Harper worked a case with me awhile back,” I said.

“Harper,” Quinn mused. “That little redhead?”

I nodded. “She’s got some fire in her belly, just needs a bit of experience. She’s on rotation though.”

“Well, now that Agent Hunter has a personal interest in keeping you alive, I’m sure he’ll find you someone,” Quinn said then grinned at Edwin.

Edwin shifted in his seat. “Indeed. There have been some options, but I didn’t think they were the right fit for Clemeny.”

“Worked a case with Agent Rose this week. That was…messy.”

Quinn laughed. “No doubt, no doubt,” he said then looked at Jessica.

I followed his gaze. She was smiling wistfully at the cherry tree. Jessica never cared much for agent talk, and Quinn always tried to keep her out of it. I was not surprised when he then asked, “How is your grand-mère, Clem?”

“Remarkably quiet these days.”

“Well done,” Quinn told Edwin. “And you, Agent Hunter, what of your family?”

And so it begins. Moving deftly, Quinn turned the conversation into an interview.

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