Page 27 of Deposed

“It’s just a tip off. Charlotte Underwood is up to something nefarious. Did your interns notice her making any plans?”

After a muffled sound of coughing and hacking, Jackie replied. “We’ve been watching her. So far, she’s been promising people tickets to a party to rival the Valentine’s Day Massacre.”

My shoulders drooped. “Is that all?”

“I need you to find out the name of her benefactor,” said Jackie. “Someone’s paid over thirty-five thousand pounds to get her back into the academy and financed all the work she’s had done on her face.”

“Sorry,” I said.

“What?” replied Jackie.

“I told Rudolph I wouldn’t give him any stories and I meant it. But this thing with Charlotte is personal. If something falls on my lap, I’ll pass it on, but I won’t go to any efforts after Rudolph reneged on our deal.”

Jackie let out a long sigh. “He won’t be happy.”

I hung up and shook my head. Did Jackie and Rudolph really think I would go sneaking about on their behalf after his colossal betrayal? If they did, they were as crazy as they were corrupt. The lunch bell rang, and I turned off the burner phone, straightened myself up in the mirror, and headed downstairs.

As soon as I reached the dining room, I found Blake in one of the middle tables, glaring into a letter penned in calligraphy script. It was the kind of quality writing paper used in high-class correspondence, but from his expression, it wasn’t good news. A shiver of apprehension skittered down my spine. The last time one of the triumvirate received a nasty letter, it had been from the supposed kidnappers. My attempts to help Henry hadn’t ended well for any of us.

A hand landed on the small of my back, and Edward’s cedar and cypress scent filled my nostrils. “Is everything alright?”

I nodded at Blake. “Something’s bothering him.”

Edward guided me to what had become the triumvirate’s new table. “Let’s find out.”

“Anything wrong?” Edward pulled out my chair and gave me a warm smile.

Henry strolled in and took the seat opposite mine.

Up at the new head table, Charlotte glowered down at us. Coates sat at her left and murmured something into her ear, but she didn’t react. Most likely because she was still preoccupied with ensnaring Henry. I raised my chin and gave her a triumphant smile. All the machinations in the world couldn’t get her what she wanted.

Blake sighed and slipped the letter into his pocket. “Mother has told the press I’ll be at Narcotics Anonymous in Kensington Town Hall.”

Henry shook his head and reached for the crystal water jug. “Why wouldn’t you go to one nearer to the academy?”

“You’re missing the point,” Blake snapped. “Why should I go to one at all?”

He gave Blake’s shoulder a squeeze. “At least you’ll have company.”

Blake’s gaze flicked to me, and his lips pursed. “Right.”

Bristling, I snatched a bread roll from the middle of the table. “If you think it’s a huge imposition for me to come along, I’ll stay in the academy. It’s not like I wanted to be part of your path to redemption.”

“Emilia will be at your side,” said Edward.

I curled my lip. “Since when were you my social secretary?”

“Since we own you,” said Henry. “Be quiet and finish your lunch.”

I flashed my eyes at Henry and stabbed my bread roll. He hadn’t been this ballsy yesterday in the back of the limo. Perhaps this was his form of petty revenge for my rejection of his affections. Imagining the roll was his testicle, I tore off a piece with my teeth. Sometimes, he could be such an asshole.

* * *

On Sunday morning, I met Blake at the entrance hall. Only the smallest of flames burned in the fireplace because of the warmer weather. Blake stood at the pigeon holes and examined its contents. He wore a navy blazer with stone-colored pants in a fabric that looked like a blend of linen and silk. Only one of the gold buttons of his blazer was fastened, giving him an air of smart-casual chic. I pursed my lips. With his glossy, black hair curving around his high cheekbones, he looked utterly irresistible.

“Are you ready?” I tried to keep the belligerence out of my voice. It was my fault he had to go to Narcotics Anonymous.

“One moment.” Blake stuffed a letter in his pocket and placed the other items back into the pigeonhole.