“Names,” Cosmo cuts in, with a tone that is promising some highly unpleasant Cosmo Drakeward consequences. “I want names. Everyone involved.”
“Unfortunately, Amos’s mind was pretty addled,” Alexis sighs. “Years of being bound, plus guilt and mental distress, mean he’s a wreck. Mentally broken. At one point, he started speaking ina language I didn’t know, maybe his original tongue?” He sighs heavily. “But I have notes. I’ll go to the library tonight. The list of things I need to research is getting out of hand.”
“I’ll go too,” I tell him.
Maybe, just maybe, digging through the depths of the library will give us something to save Wes.
“I called my father earlier, asking for a meeting,” Cosmo says. “I thought I could find out what they did with that little girl.”
We all stare at him. “And?” Alexis asks.
“He said we’d talk at the All-Hallows ball tomorrow. Apparently, he’s going to be making a special announcement.”
“Hmm, a special announcement from the head of the Conclave is bound to be uplifting and positive,” Max groans. “Gods, I always hated those assholes, but now?” He turns his head away, fists clenched.
“Let's get to the library, Theo,” Alexis says, pushing back his chair.
“Sure. You’ll stay with Wes?” I ask Donovan
Donovan meets my eyes. “Won’t leave his side”
Max also stands. “I need an outlet; I’m going to Machete to smash some skulls.”
“No, you’re fucking not,” Alexis snaps, as his inner thoughts yell —kusipää!— “For once in your life, can you play it safe and just keep a fucking low profile? Probation, remember?”
“Fuck, fine.”
“Are we still going to Havengard City tomorrow?” I ask Donovan. “Dress shopping seems so trite given everything.”
“Yes, you are,” Alexis says, answering for him. “The ball will be an opportunity to get information.”
Donovan runs a hand through his hair, looking torn. "I can't go, Tee. I can't leave Wes. Not after what you just saw."
—I’ll watch him—Ludo steps forward.—The centaur needs to be with you for protection. I will guard the brother. No one gets in or out—
I repeat Ludo’s words, but Donovan looks at the massive janitor with hesitation. “If Wes tries to bolt or something, no offense, but I don't want you to…” he rubs the back of his neck. “...to hurt him.”
Ludo looks at Donovan calmly.
—Tell the centaur I know how to hold a bird without crushing its wings—
I gently relay the message.
Donovan studies Ludo’s face for a long moment, then lets out a heavy breath. “OK, thanks, big guy.”
Ludo gives an impassive nod.
“Right, with that sorted, let’s talk practicalities. Can we take the Range Rover, Cos?”
“Sure,” Cosmo nods, looking tired. “Jordan will want the Lotus anyway. I’m supposed to be accompanying her to a many-houred spa appointment.”
“Oh, bro. What the fuck?” Donovan asks, shaking his head. “You can’t get out of it?”
“Of course not.”
“Shit. Yeah, sorry, man.” My lovely man shoots a sympathetic look at Cosmo, then turns to me. “So while Cos is watching that cunt get her unibrow plucked, why don’t I pick you and Willow up at ten? If we’re getting off-the-peg clothes, they’ll need in-house alterations, so we can’t leave shopping until the last minute.”
“You’re talking rich-boy language,” I laugh. “I don’t think consignment stores have tailors on staff.”
