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a gated community within one of Aurora’s richest suburbs. The outside stone facade was
formal and imposing, and reminded Finch a bit of the British Museum with its massive Grecian
columns. The similarities ended there, however. The estate’s sprawling gardens and lush
greenery turned the space into its own oasis, and its pool-sized ornamental koi pond was much
more alluring than the urban jungle leading to the museum’s front steps. Finch marveled at the
magnificence of it all as he stepped out of the car and stooped to gather the children’s gifts.
Hugh was by his side in an instant and placed a firm hand on his arm. “No, Finch. Leave that
to the Attendants.”
“I am an Attendant, sir,” Finch reminded him.
Hugh colored, then firmed his lips and squared his jaw. “Nonsense. You’re my right hand. I’d
never manage without you. Now come, or there won’t be any cake left. Or snacks.”
“Sir?”
“Yes, Finch?” They arrived at the front door, where Hugh pressed the door chime.
“When you said that you ‘tested’ my, er, present… what exactly did you mean by that?”
“That I sampled it, of course.”
Finch’s eye twitched. “And when was that?”
“Oh, not all that long before we took to the road. I had to ensure it was at peak freshness when
you received it.”
Finch wondered what the effects of marijuana were on dragons. If anyone would know, it would
likely be Everard, but Finch couldn’t imagine asking the dragon even if he had a million years
to screw up his courage to do so. If they were lucky, Hugh would experience nothing more
than an increased appetite. Finch decided to hope for the best. “Thank you for your
consideration, sir.”
“Hmm. Well, yes. Of course. Can you imagine if it were spoiled and I gave it to you anyway? I
couldn’t have you falling ill. You’re a human and so fragile, and I couldn’t—”
Hugh was interrupted by the arrival of a Range Rover. It slowed, then stopped, and out jumped
three dark-haired boys. They were followed by a pretty, if frazzled, young man and one of the
Mr. Drakes. Alistair, by the looks of him, which made the young man trying to herd their three
hellions his mate, Ignatius. What were the boys’ names again? Something literary. Finch
pondered a bit then came up with Chaucer, Abelard, and Malory.
