“Maybe. But possibly fairy tales first. Machiavelli might be a tad much for a babe.”
“I’ve never read it.”
And that’s a lie, because I remember her and Blair reading it one holiday as set work for their literature class.
Elise’s hair has blonde streaks going through it and her make-up looks less than normal. More like Blair.
I step back, closer to where two bookcases meet. The fact I’m at the place where the political history books are isn’t lost on me.
“I’m not sure how interesting you’d find it.” He gives her a smile that makes me want to introduce my right fist to his face.
“You could explain it.”
He laughs and nods. “You’re right. I could. How about we talk about something more interesting though?”
“Like what?”
“You.”
I should laugh or at least wretch, but I’ll save that for later, if I can muster up the energy. The show they’re putting on pauses as Goldsmith pays, Elise hanging back to allow the illusion of privacy.
This is a transaction. They both have something the other needs.
Goldsmith pays and accepts a bag for the book. They disappear outside into the London day and I move out of the shadows.
The man at the till says nothing as he accepts the cash for the book. He doesn’t even acknowledge the title or look me in the eye. I doubt it’s his business and this is just his part-time job to earn some beer money or weed money.
I make a point of telling him thank you before heading outside towards a pub down a back alley, hidden away so that you’d never find it unless someone took you there.
London is drenched in tourists, swarming towards the Thames and its attractions. The small side streets are clear of them, the footfall negligible. The pub is set in a row of other buildings, all used as offices or meeting rooms but few have signs outside.
It isn’t that sort of area.
Majken is waiting for me, occupying herself with a crossword from a broadsheet. Her blonde hair shields her face and for a moment I stare at her and remember that she’s my sister and how we grew up together.
“Ben.”
She looks up as I draw closer.
“Majjie.”
I sit down opposite her and drop my jacket on the back of the chair. I don’t bother to order a drink.
“How are you?”
She sounds almost genuine, but I know that Majken’s only genuine when she wants something from you, just as she was when we lived with our aunt.
“Good. Yourself?”
She nods. “Under some pressure. They know who you are and I need to go back with something. Blair – is she continuing what her brother started?”
“Cut to the chase why don’t you?”
Majken laughs. “You want me to ask how the horses are doing at the castle or how your love life is?”
“The horses are fine and my sex life is very satisfying. How’s yours?”
She plasters a grin across her face. “Riveting information. I need you to help me.”
