“Then you should also be aware—assuming you’re a friend the Bonnivarde family—our goals are aligned. I’m here to ensure that the transition of power to the heirs goes as smoothly as possible, and that the portal is swiftly re-secured.”A stellar gent, that’s right! Nary an ulterior motive in sight!
“I am much more than a friend to the Bonnivardes, and have been since long beforeeitherof you were born, and I’d surely appreciate a bit of respect. Some gratitude, perhaps, for my enduring loyalty. Can you say the same, Mr… what did you say your name was?”
“Sutherland.DoctorMerrick Sutherland.”
“Doctor of what?” Helena asks.
“Of both Library Sciences and early English Literature, though my scholarly interest now extends well beyond the language arts of the human realm. In Hell, I serve as head archivist. I’m also an advanced educator well-versed in the occult.”
If my credentials impress her, she certainly doesn’t show it.
“I hope you speak the truth,DoctorSutherland. For your sake.”
“I could say the same of you.”
We square off, the tension thickening, until Miss Bonnivarde laughs that musical laugh and says, “It’s all right, Helena. Jeez. The professor is cool. Trust me. We’re all on the same side here.”
I force my stoic face to remain still, smothering the smug grin that so desperately wants to emerge.Cool. I’m finally cool!Not a goal to which I’ve ever aspired, yet her words make my heart soar nevertheless.
Helena gives me a last once-over. Then she smiles and says the magic words, eradicating all lingering traces of enmity. “Would anyone care for tea?”
“I did warn you.” Miss Bonnivarde keeps her voice low as the elder woman bumbles around in some back room, allegedly preparing the tea. “She’s super eccentric and very in your face about it.”
“Yes, well. She obviously cares a great deal for her books; her shop is well-curated. And she’s making us tea. She can’t be all bad then, can she?”
“That’s it? Books and tea? Those are your high standards?”
“In my experience, those who mean us the most harm are also the most small-minded and incurious. A bookstore proprietress is neither. Furthermore, seldom do pastries and a good cuppa inspire violence. So long as she follows through on her offer—and the tea is of a proper caliber, of course—then yes. I shall deem her a friend to the cause.”
Leaving her to ponder my wise words, I take a stroll round the shop, further admiring the offerings, even finding a few rare editions to enhance my own collection. The black cat follows close at my heels, purring contentedly.
Apparently, I’ve passed the test.
Guilt simmers, but I ignore it. It’s a skill, really. Also, a survival tactic.
“Over here, dears,” Helena calls, and I join her and Miss Bonnivarde at a table set up in the rear of the shop, a fire crackling beside it.
What an undiscovered gem, this little corner of Graves Hollow.
The table is set with tea service and a plate of golden lemon cream biscuits. Helena is smiling, gesturing for me to take a seat. Her animosity has entirely thawed. Perhaps my ability to make a grand impression hasn’t, in fact, evaporated.
Because I’m cool. Obviously.
“This is just lovely.” I settle in beside Miss Bonnivarde. The cat leaps into my lap, making herself at home. “There are few pleasures so perfect as sitting for tea by the fire on a rainy day, surrounded by books and cats. Thank you for your kindness, Helena.”
“Oh, sure,” the woman says, pouring three cups from a ceramic pot. “I just hope you know how royallyfuckedwe all are.”
twelve
MERRICK
Miss Bonnivarde and I exchange a quick glance over our teacups.
Eccentricandmelodramatic, then.
“Perhaps you’d care to expand on that assessment?” I ask.
“I may not have two doctorates, Dr. Sutherland, but I’ve lived here for centuries.Centuries. When I tell you the energy is erratic, that the boundary is weakening, that witches are summoning demons far above their pay grade, that certain members of certain councils are pressing their advantage?—”
