“I could have, but then I would have had to endure your company,” Simone said, a teasing lilt gracing her tone.
Caleb offered his arm. “We shouldn’t keep Kendrick waiting for much longer.”
He was pleased when Simone took his arm without complaint. Perhaps he was making more progress than he thought.
As they walked through the main hall, the other agents didn’t pay them much heed as they reviewed documents at their desks.
They arrived at Kendrick’s door and he knocked.
“Enter,” came the spymaster’s gruff reply.
Caleb opened the door and indicated that Simone should go first. He followed her into the room and was mindful to close the door behind him.
Sitting behind his desk, the spymaster, a tall figure with silver hair, studied them with a solemn expression. His eyes, while sharp and alert, also carried a weariness that hinted at the burdens he bore. Kendrick skipped the pleasantries, just as he usually did, by asking, “What have you discovered?”
Simone cast a glance at Caleb, finding encouragement in his nod to speak up. In a resolute voice, she reported, “We made contact with the French spies that we were searching for and we do believe their mission is to assassinate General Merrell.”
“You believe?” Kendrick questioned with a furrowed brow. “But you aren’t certain? Am I missing something, Agent? Do we not deal in facts here?”
Simone pressed forward, her voice not wavering. “They asked us to secure invitations to Lord Pendley’s ball, where General Merrell is to be the guest of honor.”
Kendrick leaned back in his seat and let out a sigh. “There could be many reasons why they want to attend that ball. It will be well attended by dignitaries, lords, and all members of high Society. Why do you suppose General Merrell is the target?”
“We just thought—” Simone started.
Kendrick spoke over her. “You are wasting my time here,” he declared. “Come back when you know what they are planning.”
“Should we not at least warn General Merrell?” Simone asked.
“What would we even say to him?” Kendrick demanded. “Wethinkthere might be an attack on your life, but we have no proof?”
Caleb was used to Kendrick’s abrupt demeanor, but he didn’t like it when it was directed at Simone. Before he thought through the repercussions of his actions, he said, “I do not think you are being fair to Simone.”
Kendrick’s brow shot up. “I beg your pardon?”
Now he had done it. He had stoked Kendrick’s anger, and there was no coming back from that. “We located the French spies and we at least know their next move,” Caleb attempted.
Kendrick started clapping his hands together. “Do you want me to congratulate you on a job well done when you are missing key components?”
Simone shot Caleb a look of annoyance. No doubt she had figured out that he was trying to defend her and it failed spectacularly.
With a steely look, Kendrick waved his hand over his desk. “These two French spies you have been tracking are not the only ones on English soil. We can’t seem to go a moment without a new threat to the Crown popping up. So please excuse me if I don’t pat your backs for you doing your job.”
Caleb bobbed his head in understanding. “We will report back once we have more proof on what the French spies are planning, but until then, can you assign agents to watch over them?”
“I think that is the first intelligent thing you have said in here. I shall see to it,” Kendrick said. “Now off with you two.”
Simone barely spared Caleb a glance as she departed from the office. As he went to follow her, Kendrick’s voice stopped him.
“Simone doesn’t need a caretaker. She needs a partner,” Kendrick advised. “She can fight her own battles.”
“Yes, sir,” Caleb replied.
“She wouldn’t be an agent if I didn’t think she could handle it,” Kendrick said.
Caleb tipped his head in acknowledgement before he went to catch up with Simone. He found her in the entry hall, and noticed the firm set of her jaw. She was angry. At him. And he knew precisely why that was.
“Simone,” he started, “I’m sorry.”
