—@StefwithanF on Instagram
Chapter Twenty-two
John
The white feather on his bedroom mantel caught his eye as he readied for work Monday morning.
He reached for it and turned it in his hands. Why did Holland lie about the necklace? Did she know what was going on with Reingard? Did she send the feather the day of her funeral or was he believing in fairy tales again?
Peering up as if he might see or hear some celestial reply, John ran his fingers along the edge of the large plume. The feather was both firm and soft.
John returned the feather to its home on the mantel. In a week he’d place her bronze wreath on her tomb and say his final goodbye. But he had so many questions.
Leaving his apartment for his office, he rounded the corner and ran smack into Gemma.
“Good morning.” He was pleased to see her. Very pleased. They’d had a lovely time at Clemency Pub the other night. The lads ended up joining them, all rather last minute, and Gemma was the queen, holding her own court with Larrabee, Lute, and Turner.
“You caught me. Snooping.”
“You don’t have to apologize. Have a look-see. I’d show you myself if I had time. Tell you what, I’ll have Briggs ring the palace historian. He’ll give you a much better tour than I.”
“Really? Thank you. Scottie’s gone to be with your mama. She left me money to go shopping. She’s crazy. Like I’m going to take her money.”
“She’s grateful.”
“I enjoyed last night with your friends.”
“I think they enjoyed you.” John glanced at his watch. “Blast, I must run. Though I’d rather chat with you, Gemstone. With this upcoming summit—”
“Go. Don’t worry about me. I can get around on my own.”
“And I will arrange a tour with the historian, I promise.” They’d just bid one another goodbye when John called back to her. “I’m to attend a dreadful dinner tonight but will you be available around nine? I’ll sneak away. I want to show you something.”
“Can’t you tell me what?”
“Surprise.”
“See you at nine.”
Gemma had just rounded the corridor when John turned back to his office. A glint of light caught his attention and he looked back to see a large white feather, identical to the one in his apartment, resting on the royal blue carpet where he’d talked to Gemma minutes ago.
Breaking News: The Justice Ministry arrested Lord Cletus Cunningham this morning at his home in Antaver Square. He is being charged with corruption, malfeasance, and insider trading in the Reingard-Midlands scandal. The House of Lords created a special council to establish High Crimes and Misdemeanors. Cunningham is the father-in-law of His Royal Highness Prince John.”
— the News Leader
“The Justice Ministry was clear. There are no links between Cunningham’s crimes and the royal Family other than the now-deceased Princess Holland.”
— Perry Copperfield, Cable News PF
Chapter Twenty-three
John
“Where are we going?” Gemma walked with him down Perrigwynn’s foyer staircase and under the row of royal portraits.
“You’ll see.” This journey wasn’t a big deal, but he was having fun, making the three-block trek down Clemency Avenue a mystery.
Gunner was off tonight so Otis stirred from his position at the bottom of the stairs and joined them as they headed around to the back exit toward the street.
