The Spy Master's Scheme by C.J. Archer

Author:C.J. Archer [Archer, C.J.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: C.J. Archer

We had just finished an early breakfast the following morning and were about to discuss what to do next in the search for Mr. Pyke when Bristow entered the library and announced the arrival of Fabian.

“Tell him to go away,” Willie said. “He ain’t welcome here.”

I’d calmed down overnight and although I didn’t like how vehement Fabian had been, I didn’t want to fall out over our disagreement. But perhaps I was being too generous. “Matt? What do you think?”

He closed the notebook in which he’d been making notes about the case. “I think it’s up to you. I won’t pretend I like how he spoke to you yesterday, but I won’t hold it against him if you want to give him a chance to apologize.”

I turned to Bristow. “Send him in.”

Willie and Duke shook their heads at my decision.

If Fabian had kept his hat instead of giving it to Bristow at the front door, I suspected he’d be worrying the brim with both hands as he entered the library. He could barely meet my eye as he stopped near the door.

He waited for Bristow to leave then finally lifted his gaze to mine. He swallowed hard, as if there were a lump in his throat, and stuttered through an apology. “It was terrible of me to speak to you that way, India. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me, although I do not expect it.”

“Good,” Willie muttered.

“I won’t pretend I wasn’t upset by yesterday’s encounter,” I said. “I thought you agreed with me that we should not create new spells.”

“I did agree.” He sighed. “I thought I agreed.”

“But when a new and exciting opportunity rose, you changed your mind.”

“I am not strong like you, India. I cannot resist the calling within me.” He tapped his fist against his chest. “I ache to perform magic.”

“Then perform it. No one is suggesting you stop manipulating iron, just as I have not stopped tinkering with timepieces.”

“It is not enough.”

“It has to be enough, because creating spells could bring danger to the world. I don’t want that on my conscience. Do you?”

He released a breath then finally shook his head. “Do I have your forgiveness?”

I gave him a tentative smile, not yet ready to welcome him into our home with open arms. “You do.”

He released a breath. “And yours, Glass?”

“You don’t need mine,” Matt said.

“But I do! As India’s husband, your opinion matters.”

“I told you yesterday, India is capable of making her own decisions.”

“Nevertheless, I would like your forgiveness too.” Fabian put out his hand.

For one long moment, I thought Matt would refuse to shake it, but he eventually took it. They didn’t exchange smiles or any other words and both stepped away when they released hands, like pugilists returning to their corner between rounds. Fabian didn’t offer his hand to either Duke or Willie, which was probably just as well as I suspected they might snub him, going by their scowls.

“Please take a seat, Fabian,” I said. “We were just discussing what we know so far about Mr.

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