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“Shall I see to it that she’s detailed before your excursion today?” inquired Pritchard, their live-in mechanic and automotive overseer, as Perry studied the van’s backside. Perry turned his head to look at her, unaware that she’d noticed him enter, but glad to have her on hand. There was no one better suited to do what he needed done.
“Pritchard,” he said with a smile. “You look positively radiant. Have things been going well with Hastings?”
Pritchard’s cheeks colored, “Quite well, sir. Thank you.”
“I’m glad to hear it.” Perry dimpled. “Both of you work so hard, and I couldn’t be happier that you’ve found each other. The more love these walls keep safe, the better.”
Pritchard, seemingly flattered, swept a loose lock of hair behind her ear, which was quite charming, but slightly less so when she dropped her hand to reveal she’d accidentally streaked grease across her forehead. Perry stole a look at her hands, which were black from dirty things he couldn’t name, then lifted his chin to look her in the eyes and smiled more brightly than ever. “In answer to your earlier question, detailing isn’t quite what I had in mind. Close to the opposite, in fact.”
“The opposite, sir?”
“Yes. But before I tell you what it is I mean, let me refresh my memory with a look at the vehicle’s interior. So much hinges on the space available, you see.” Perry took a small step forward and pressed the button on the handle of the van’s sliding back door. It disengaged from its setting and slid open all on its own. It was, in Perry’s opinion, a marvel of the modern age that defied explanation and, much like when he’d first seen a light bulb flicker to life, convinced him that man was more magical than he let on.
The interior of the van was quite large indeed. It was filled with rows of seats with scorch marks on their backs—an unfortunate rite of passage for any vehicle in which children who could summon flame were ferried for any amount of time. Perry stuck his head inside to get a good look, then stepped back. “It is quite large in there, isn’t it?”
“Quite, sir. She’s the largest vehicle in the fleet.”
“Excellent.” Perry pressed the button and delighted in watching the door slide shut. Would technology never cease to be thrilling? He sincerely hoped not. “Tell me, Pritchard… would it be possible to make some modifications to the van’s interior?”
“Modifications, sir?”
“Small ones. Nothing permanent.” Perry folded his hands politely behind his back and looked up at the Attendant. She was quite beautiful. Silver streamed through her long brown hair, which she kept pinned in a messy bun stuck through with a ballpoint pen. Age and exposure had leathered her skin somewhat, but if anything, it added to her charm. She reminded Perry quite a lot of Lus, who had worked hard all his life, fallen in love with a sweet young thing who’d made him happy, and raised a family any good man would be proud of. “Would you be willing to discuss the specifics with me over a coffee break?” He laid a hand delicately on his stomach. “I won’t be drinking, of course, but I am a little peckish. Do you enjoy fruit tarts? I do, and I am craving one in the worst way.”
Pritchard’s gaze dipped to his belly and stayed there for a thoughtful second. “Of course, sir. I’d be happy to indulge you.”
“Oh, darling, you mustn’t let Sebastian hear you say that.” Perry twittered with laughter. “He is ever so possessive these days, which I suppose is the way it ought to be, considering the circumstances. Now, come. The sitting room isn’t all that far. On the way I’ll speak with a member of the staff and have our refreshments delivered. Do you need to stop to freshen up before we sit?”
Pritchard tugged free a grease-streaked rag previously tucked into her belt and held it up in demonstration. “No, sir, but thank you. That’s awfully kind, but I already have all I need.”
Perry nodded. “Well, I’ll have moist towelettes brought in as well, just in case.”
* * *
The fruit tarts were delicious, and the company even more so. While their conversation was disappointingly brief, it wasn’t for lack of things to talk about—Pritchard was absolutely charming, and if it weren’t for the pressing nature of that morning’s activities, Perry would have loved to talk with her for hours. Perhaps one day, once the lair was safe and the children were otherwise occupied, he’d do so, but for now it was of utmost importance that he and Sebastian leave before the construction crews arrived later this morning.
In any case, once her coffee was drained, Pritchard excused herself to see to Perry’s requests. There would be just enough time, she assured him, to make sure everything was done before Sebastian arrived. Perry saw her as far as the sitting room door, thanked her sweetly, and let her go on her way. There were other matters he needed to tend to and a cold-blooded ball he needed to get in the air. It was a blessing, he thought as he returned to his near-empty plate, that Cook had been so thoughtful as to garnish his breakfast with fresh fruit. The strawberries would make his next chore much easier to accomplish, for Perry had long ago learned that the best way to convince a reptile to do anything was through his stomach.
So, plate of fruit in hand, off Perry went. There was one last thing he needed to pack, and it would require a little finagling and a fair amount of bribery to get it stowed away.
* * *
“Must we take this vehicle?” Sebastian eyed the van with distaste, arms crossed over his chest. He’d dressed in simple clothing today—a white button-down tucked into belted black slacks, the sleeves of the shirt rolled to his elbows. Perry thought he looked quite fetching this way, but then again, he found Sebastian to be fetching no matter how much or how little clothing he saw fit to wear. “It’s excessive.”
“It’s not excessive in the least,” Perry countered. “In fact, I’d call it just right.”
“The children are gone. We have no one to ferry.”
“You are only partially correct.” Perry stepped forward and pushed the button on the door handle. The door slid open slowly, revealing an inch at a time what waited inside.
“You see,” Perry explained as the door came to the end of its track, “we do have someone to ferry.”
“Peregrine.”
“Please, Sebastian?” Perry clasped his hands together. “The children are gone and you are to uproot me from all the familiar comforts of my lair. Will you have me stay wherever it is we’re going without a friend?”
Sebastian sighed heavily and dropped his arms from his chest. “You will have me for company.”
“And what of the times when you must step away to tend to business?”
