“So it’s okay for me to ask Cass to take risks but not okay to join her?” asked Scarlett, unwilling to give in. “I might know something that could help. I’m not military-trained, but they’re breaking into a lord’s house. I could help distract the staff, or I can talk to Tyler while you’re busy, Cass.”
Cass’s expression was contemplative. “I could use you for that. It would free me up to oversee.”
Elestine sputtered, “That’s—that’s not what I meant. What if you’re recognized? Everyone knows your face.”
“I imagine the entire team will be wearing balaclavas or similar.”
“Masks on the lot of us,” said Cass.
“Would I be a liability to you?” Scarlett asked.
Cass shrugged. “A bit. It’s a shame we don’t have time to train you up.”
Scarlett looked down at the floor. “Yes, that’s a shame.” Then she looked up at Cass and smiled. “You did say you felt guilty about the National Theater. If you take me with you, we’d bemore than even.”
Cass smirked. “You don’t have to beg. If you want to come, boss, then come.”
“That settles it,” said Scarlett. “I’m coming.”
Elestine looked aghast. “At least let Beni stay with us.”
Scarlett gave her a grateful look. “That’d be great. Thanks. Cass, will Tyler be okay in our house? Charlie will be there too, so he won’t be alone.”
“Oh, for sure,” said Cass. “He’ll be online like any other night.” She locked gazes with Scarlett, probably thinking of the incriminating money trail Tyler was still searching for. “I’ll ask him to stay available in case we need any tech support.”
“All right, then. Elestine, thanks again for offering to host. I think we’re all set.”
Elestine’s features were tight. “Of course, dear. It’s the least I can do when you’re taking such a risk.”
Scarlett stood, and Cass and Elestine stood with her.
“I’m leaving early to try to visit Brayden,” said Scarlett. “I called the police yesterday, and again today, and they refused to let me speak to him. Isn’t that unusual? He’s only been allowed to see our lawyer.” The lack of contact with him was eating away at her. She’d been catastrophizing, imagining him regretting the day he set foot in Soleil.
At least she hoped she was catastrophizing.
Elestine winced. “I’m afraid I don’t know what’s typical in a case like this. Do you want me to call them?”
Some of the tension in Scarlett’s shoulders eased. “I’d appreciate it. I don’t want him to think I’ve abandoned him.”
Elestine came close enough to put her hand on Scarlett’s shoulder. “I’m sure he doesn’t think that. He’s lucky to have you, Scarlett.”
The kindness of her comment took Scarlett by surprise, but she shouldn’t have been surprised at all. Elestine was somany things: wife, mother, prime minister, and someone who’d known her for years.
“That’s very kind. I’m lucky to have him too,” said Scarlett.
Elestine gave her a small smile. “Wait here. I’ll step outside to call the police.”
A short while later she was back, setting her phone in front of Scarlett. “I spoke to the chief of the precinct, and he’s got an officer waiting to patch you through to Brayden. He apologized for the lack of flexibility and said as long as you’re comfortable with an officer listening in on Brayden’s end, they’ll let you speak to him.”
“Thank you so much.” Scarlett rose and squeezed her tightly. Being able to speak to Brayden meant everything to her.
“Let’s grab a coffee, eh, Cass?” asked Elestine once Scarlett had released her.
Scarlett picked up the phone with shaking hands as Cass and Elestine filed out of her office. “This is Lady Scarlett Heroux. I understand the call will be listened to. Can I speak to my husband?”
“Here he is, Lady Heroux,” said the officer.
“Scarlett?” Brayden asked, sounding surprised.
