He pointed to the clock. Mina had established a strict schedule, with an eight thirty start time every morning.
I grabbed a piece of toast, ready to head to the stables to see for myself. Then I peeked out the window, remembering the intruders.
“No sign of trouble?” I asked.
Bene shook his head. “Nothing. We took turns patrolling last night, but there was no sign of them or anyone else.”
My mouth fell open. “You…what?”
“We took turns patrolling. Standard procedure,” he explained.
I’d never felt more ashamed.
“I’m so sorry. Here I am, complaining about sleep when you guys were up all night.”
“No worries. Happy to help.”
A sweet sentiment, but I still felt terrible. “I owe you. All of you.”
He shook his head. “Not an issue, Gen.”
It was, and I resolved to make up for it as soon as I could.
With a last, inadequateThank you, I left and did my best to walk, not run, to the stables. I did dash across the lawn, but that was because it was freezing, and because I was still creeped out from last night…and maybe also in a rush to check on someone.
Roux looked up, alarmed, when I burst through the double doors.
“Everything all right?”
“Sorry. Yes. Just checking on my patient.”
A tiny smile formed on his lips, and he nodded. “Much better. Thank you.”
“Even that?” I pointed to one shoulder, then the other one, trying to get my bearings. But heck. The guy had been a tiger last night. I could be excused for being a little confused.
The eyes were the same, though — the richest, most vibrant amber.
He rolled his shoulders slowly. “Just a bit sore.” Then he frowned, looking at me. “You sure everything is all right?”
I looked down at myself. Oops. I was in my pajamas, a robe, and the mud boots I’d yanked on over bare feet. Was my hair a disaster too?
“I guess I’m a little…distracted. Last night was kind of scary.” I swallowed hard. “Thank you. For everything. Bene said you were patrolling all night.”
He shook his head. “He and Henrik patrolled. I took the early morning shift. Everything looks okay.”
“Well, thank you. Again. Truly.” I said, still ashamed. Still, he seemed uncomfortable with praise, so I motioned toward the 1936 Jaguar, changing the subject. “How’s it coming?”
“You mean, will it be ready for Lily’s wedding?” he challenged.
I touched the perfectly polished hood of the car. “No, I mean, will you get to enjoy it sometime soon? You deserve it.”
The corners of his mouth curled up. “Depends on you hunting down those parts.”
I grinned. “That’s the first thing on my agenda.” Then I groaned. “Make that, the second thing. I have to call Jacques to ask if he can tow the car to the shop with his tractor.” When I thought that through, I groaned again.
“What?” Roux tilted his head.
“That means I have to walk out to meet him there.” I hesitated, then came out with it. “You wouldn’t want to walk with me, would you?”
