And if they were, what the actual hell?
“Dane, table for four. As I said when I made the reservation, we prefer a quieter area.” My dad slipped the hostess a bill that made the young woman’s eyes light up.
“We saved you the perfect table, sir,” she said. “Right this way.”
When she deposited us at a lone table in the far back, Dad’s shoulders loosened. I cocked my head. It seemed like he was anxious too. Did it have to do with the disappearing spies? Although the PIA was under heavy investigation, no one seemed to know anything about those who had vanished. But maybe my parents had discovered information?
Everything proceeded fairly normally as the waiter took our drink order, brought bread and beverages, and jotted down our orders with astonishing speed and attentiveness. I had a feeling that the hostess might have bragged about the fifty Dad slipped her, and the waiter was hoping to impress him even more.
Finally, we were left alone.
“So, did you kids enjoy the Yule Ball?” Mom asked. “I thought it was a marvelous affair. Too short to see everyone I wanted to catch up with, but it was last year too.”
“It was wonderful, Mrs. Dane,” Alex said with a charming smile. “Even better than last year’s ball.”
“Uh huh,” I agreed half-heartedly, squirming in my chair a little.
Despite the safe topic, the thought of what we really needed to talk about persisted in the back of my mind, and I felt my face warm.
Mom looked at me and her eyebrows furrowed. “You okay, honey? You’ve been acting a little strange today.”
A little? She was being kind. I’d acted like a total spaz all day and I knew it. As much as I didn’t want to have this discussion, I needed to get it over with so my heart could beat normally again.
“Err, I . . .” My eyes darted to Alex, begging him to take the lead.
He released a long exhale. “Actually, Mr. and Mrs. Dane, Odette and I have something to tell you. After we do, we’re hoping you can enlighten us on the matter.”
Dad leaned forward. “Is this about the disappearances? Because I’ve been thinking about that too. I wanted to wait until we got back to the hotel, but—”
My spine straightened.I knew it! And yippee for a distraction!
“Actually, it’s not about that,” I cut Dad off. “But I really want to hear about those spies, so why don’t you go first?”
Beneath the table, a foot slammed into mine, and Alex shook his head.
I ignored him, my gaze set on Dad.
“Well, it seems that you stumbled onto something big, pea,” Dad admitted as he tore a hunk of bread off of the loaf. “Things have been kept rather hush-hush at the agency, but we know the right people. Or at least, we did until recently. Before we received a call from Headmistress Wake informing us about Spymaster Chena’s desertion, and how other spies deserted after, we were in contact with old friends at the agency. Our old colleagues told us that ten active spies have gone missing since the start of the year.” Dad’s hazel eyes darted from side to side. “Two were very good and old friends of your mother and me.”
My stomach twisted. Ten spies? But where was the PIA, or whoever was responsible for their disappearances, taking them?
I stuffed a hunk of bread in my mouth, trying to shove down the well of emotions rising up.
“Of course, since the demon infiltration has become known, our sources have clammed up. Honestly, I don’t think they really know anything about it besides the fact that people are missing, and now they are scared to talk because of the interrogations. But we won’t just stand by idly,” Mom said, her lips pursed. “Your dad and I are personally looking into it, alongside a couple of other retirees from the service.”
“Be careful,” I whispered.
“Of course, pea,” Dad replied. “Apparently, there hasn’t been a single disappearance since Chena deserted, so we’re hoping that means he was involved and now people are safe. But either way, your mom and I know how to cover our tracks. We used to be damn good at it, in fact.”
“That’s an understatement.” Alex chuckled, and the sound was so welcome that for the first time since we sat down, a teensy bit of tension between my shoulder blades dissolved.
I leaned back in my chair.
Mom smiled, noticing that I’d relaxed a smidge. “We’re speaking to Headmistress Wake regularly about it too. If anything major happens while you’re at the academy, we’ll have her tell you.”
“She didn’t seem pleased that I knew about the disappearing spies when I asked about you guys before the last Spy Games.”
Mom shrugged. “She doesn’t like that you’re so involved, but Priscilla will have to deal. Especially after what’s been happening at the academy, I’d much rather my daughter know exactly what’s going on than be in the dark.” Mom took a sip of her white wine and sighed. “Speaking of being in the dark, why don’t you tell us why you’re so wound up, and what Alex is doing here? Judging by how you’re sweating, I’m pretty sure it’s not an engagement announcement, although Iamholding out hope.” She arched an eyebrow.
