Manny’s eyes doubled as horror spread across his face. “Devil’s rosy dick!” he shouted. “It was so obvious this whole time!”
“Manny!” Killian chastened him, then shot a pointed look at Georgie, who was smiling impishly back at him.
“That’s a bad word,” Georgie said, giggling to himself.
“Don’t ever repeat that,” Killian told him sternly, then turned his attention back to Manny. “Shit, this is bad.”
“It is bad,” Manny agreed. “But also good. Now we know where to find him.”
Killian pressed his lips into a firm line. His head was swimming. What did Lazarus plan to do at the Games? And how would they keep him from hurting anyone? His stomach twisted with the thought of all the civilians.
“We need to form a plan,” he said. “Now.”
“I’ll get Sera,” Manny said, and he turned and bounded for the stairs.
That left Killian alone with Georgie, who had a mouthful of cookies. He plastered on a fake smile and strode toward the boy.
“It was great catching up with you, but Manny and I have some important work to do for the Guard,” he said. He gave Georgie a pat on the back as he herded him toward the door.
“I thought you weren’t in the Guard anymore,” Georgie said, and stuffed another cookie in his mouth.
“It’s complicated,” Killian dismissed.
“It’s always complicated with you,” Georgie grumbled.
Killian pulled Georgie to a stop and spun the boy to face him. He stooped down so they were eye level, and forced warmth into his expression.
“I’m sorry I’m so busy all the time,” Killian said, hoping the truth of his words would be received. “In a few weeks, how about you and I hang out? Just the two of us. We can go fishing or, I don’t know…” He trailed off, unsure what brothers so far apart in age were supposed to do together. “What would you want to do?”
“Teach me how to use a sword!” Georgie pleaded.
Killian laughed through his nose. “I can do that,” he agreed. “A wooden sword, though. For now.”
Georgie nodded, his excitement shaking his whole body. “I’ll see you then!” he squealed, and hurried for the door.
As he reached for the handle, the door swung open to admit Elyse.
“Bye, Ms. Elyse!” Georgie hollered as he scurried past her.
Elyse frowned as she watched him dart away. “Don’t you want your cream puff?”
Georgie must have been too engulfed in fantasies of swordplay, because he didn’t stop or turn around. Elyse pivoted back to Killian, confusion plain on her face.
“He had plenty of cookies,” Killian assured her as he moved to close the door. “Come to the table. I have to tell you something.”
He ushered Elyse into the kitchen as Manny and Sera came down the stairs. They joined them at the table, and Killian tried hard not to stare at Sera. She looked like she hadn’t gotten any sleep the night before.
“What did I miss?” Elyse asked, glancing between the two men. Sera looked equally perplexed.
Killian quickly explained their conversation with Georgie and the resulting revelation.
“Devil’s rosy dick,” Elyse murmured. Her face had gone pale, and she was agitated, tapping her fingers on the table. “Are we idiots for not realizing it sooner?”
“Probably,” Killian sighed. “But what are we going to do? We need to start forming a plan.”
Everyone was quiet for a moment. Sera fidgeted with the tablecloth, not meeting anyone’s eyes. Manny looked as though he might vomit. Elyse stared straight ahead until she looked up at Killian and broke the silence.
“We’ll need help,” she stated. “I know who to ask.”
