The Key to Deceit--An Electra McDonnell Novel by Ashley Weaver

Author:Ashley Weaver
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: St. Martin's Publishing Group

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

“Oh,” I said. “Hello, Felix.”

“Hello, Ellie,” he said, his eyes flicking to my companion. “Major.”

“Lacey,” the major replied.

There was a moment of uncomfortable silence. Well, it was uncomfortable for me. I don’t think either of the gentlemen felt uneasy. Neither of them had been built for that particular emotion.

“We’ve been out doing a bit of work,” I said.

“I see,” Felix said. “Well, I hope it was a success.”

“Oh, Ellie. I’m glad you’ve arrived home. You ought to have told us where you were,” Nacy said from behind him as she came toward the door. She stopped when she caught sight of the major. “Oh, Major Ramsey. I didn’t know Ellie was with you.”

“Yes,” he said. “I’m sorry I’ve kept her so late, but we had some important matters to attend to.”

I realized, as he said this, that my clothes were rumpled, and my hair was a mess. I was thoroughly tousled from climbing garden walls and crashing through foliage. Major Ramsey, meanwhile, was far from his usual pristine self and had never found the time to put on his necktie. I did hope my family and Felix would not make the wrong assumptions.

“Will you come in, Major?” Nacy asked. “I can put the kettle back on.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Dean, but no. I’d better be going.”

He turned to me. “Thank you for your assistance tonight, Miss McDonnell. I’ll be in touch with you tomorrow.”

I nodded.

The major turned back to the door, encompassing Nacy and Felix in his farewell. “Good evening.”

“Good evening,” Nacy replied. Felix gave a barely civil nod.

The major turned and left, and I bustled Nacy and Felix back into the house. “I’m sorry you were worried,” I said. “I just ended up working a bit later than I thought.”

Uncle Mick looked up as I came into the parlor. He hadn’t joined the welcoming party at the door, so at least that had been one less speculative gaze.

“So you made it home, Ellie girl,” he said lightly. “I’m glad you’re safe and sound.”

“Yes, I’m fine. You didn’t have to hold a vigil for me.”

“I stopped by to see you about something, and when you weren’t at your flat, I came over here,” Felix said. “Then, when I found out Nacy and Mick didn’t know where you were, I decided to wait.”

A part of me was touched by their collective concern, but a part of me was also slightly irritated. I was a grown woman, and they didn’t need to act as though a baby had gone toddling off alone in the London streets.

“Well, I’m home now,” I said, wanting to be done with the conversation. “What did you come to see me about, Felix?”

“It’s a bit of a long story,” he said. “I think maybe we should go back to your flat and let Nacy and Mick get some rest.”

“I’m not so old that I have to be put to bed,” Uncle Mick said jovially.

“Speak for yourself,” Nacy said. “I’m all in.”

“I’m sorry I kept you up,” I said, brushing a kiss on her cheek.

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