Page 180 of The Fifth Heir

Talia’s face closed.

Leander continued before she could respond. “My family petitioned for the demonstration. Someone within the delegation may have had access during setup. We cannot narrow this to Malcolm because we already distrust him.”

“Which is why I didn’t take the evidence to him,” I said.

Leander looked at me.

“That is the first reasonable thing you’ve said tonight.”

“I’ve said several. You were distracted by the burglary.”

“We need to give this to the headmaster,” Torren said.

“We need copies first,” Talia replied.

Sebastian nodded. “A full rune impression of the channel, a transcription of the note, and Rafe’s account of the ledger.”

“My account?” I asked. “You want me to write?”

“We need a record in your words.”

“That sounds cruel.”

“It will be brief.”

Leander took a seat. “Once the evidence is documented, we request a private meeting with the headmaster. Malcolm cannot be present.”

Torren looked around the table. “Agreed?”

Sebastian nodded.

Leander did the same.

Talia looked at me last.

“You could have told us before you went.”

“Yes.”

“Why didn’t you?”

“Because one of you would have stopped me.”

“All of us would have stopped you.”

“Exactly.”

The wall runes turned orange.

I waited for the lecture.

Instead, Talia touched the wrapped metal.

“You brought it to us.”

“Where else would I take it?”

“Malcolm.”