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Sebastian and Juliette glanced at one another. Franco leaned forward once more. “What kind of information? Historical maps? Old documents?”
Lancelot and Hugo both stared at the other man. Hugo had to fight back a smile. Franco would have fit right in with his fellow librarians. In fact, Franco was starting to remind him a little bit of Josephine O’Connor, a linguist with no filter.
“No, no, no. We are more concerned with simple things, such as the security protocols of our organization, member names, and similar.”
Sebastian crossed his arms, the pose one that told Hugo he was starting to close down.
Hugo smiled genially. “I hope you understand that there are limits to what I can share with you.”
“I hope you understand that you’re still asking for our permission to conduct this investigation,” Sebastian said coldly.
“I am well aware of this, and we would never dream of taking action on your continent without your permission.” That was a full lie. Hugo and Lancelot had to find Alicia, no matter what it took.
Sebastian looked like he would say more, but Juliette put her hand on his arm.
There was a moment of silence, and then the Grand Master spoke. “You have my permission.”
“Thank you, Grand Master.”
“With a few conditions,” she continued.
“Good, yes. Catacombs access.” Franco grinned.
“I told you not to bring him,” Sebastian murmured so low to Juliette that Hugo barely heard.
Juliette’s eye twitched. “First of all, you will not interfere with the Trinity Masters in any way, so I want a daily accounting of everyone you interview.”
She nodded at Sebastian, who handed Hugo a card with an email address.
“You are here to find this Alicia, not to gather information about my society or my members. This means that once you leave the Boston Public Library, you do not return to it. You do not approach or speak to any of our members.”
“Understood.” Hugo did understand. He simply couldn’t agree. While Alicia had no ties to the Trinity Masters personally, there was one contact Hugo had been sent to question who definitely crossed into the gray area as far as association with the secret society was concerned. With any luck, Hugo wouldn’t be forced to tug on that thread. “From our preliminary investigation, we will be going to Charleston, South Carolina. This will not be a problem?”
Juliette smiled. “No. As a matter of fact, we can provide you with accommodations in Charleston. There’s a property owned by one of our members that’s used for society business.”
“We would prefer to secure our own lodging.” It was the first time Lancelot had spoken, and Hugo was curious about why the offer of a safe house was a sticking point for the knight.
“Oh, but I insist,” Juliette said with a sharp smile.
“I think we can all agree the Grand Master has made a very generous offer,” Sebastian said, his tone proving he didn’t agree with Juliette’s decision to allow them to stay in the country and search for Alicia.
Hugo looked at Lancelot and subtly shook his head. “We are grateful for your hospitality.”
Lancelot was six foot five and built like a freight train, but when annoyed, he seemed even larger. It was clear the Grand Master intended to keep an eye on them while they were here. While staying in one of the Trinity Masters’ houses wasn’t ideal, it seemed like a minor inconvenience at best.
Hugo and Lancelot started to rise, but Juliette wasn’t finished.
“If we discover you’ve lied about your motives or reasons for being here, it will be considered an act of war.”
“War?” Hugo shook his head. “A very strong word. While I assure you we have a single task—”
“War,” Juliette repeated. “I want to trust you, but I don’t.” She rose, staring down at Hugo. “Do not give me a reason to regret my actions today, Dr. Marchand.”
With all the dignity and power of a French queen, she swept from the room, Sebastian at her side. Franco mouthed “catacombs” before following them out.
Hugo waited a moment to see if they’d return, then swiveled in his chair to look at Lancelot. “That went more smoothly than anticipated.”
It was hyperbole, meant to lighten the mood. The knight who’d entered the room, serving as a testament to the might and power of their organization, sighed, then gave him a ghost of a grin. “Nothing gets the blood pumping like threats of war. Always a good start.”
