“The disguises held?” Kyle asked.
“Completely. Nettie’s work was flawless.” Charlie glanced at Viv.
Kyle’s jaw tightened. “Which means someone tipped them off to your location.”
Charlie nodded. “Ben said as much. He heard them discuss how they expected us at the forge, right before we were spotted at the costume shop.”
The room went quiet for a beat.
“We need to identify the leak,” Kyle said as he looked at Viv. “Walk me through who knew you’d be at the Faire.”
“Everyone at this table,” Viv said quietly. “Plus Gina and Nettie. And of course Ben.”
Charlie’s chest tightened just thinking about it.Not Ben. He wouldn’t.
“Maddie?” Kyle asked. “Did you mention it to anyone?”
Maddie’s face went pale. “No! I swear, I didn’t tell anyone. I know better than that.” Her voice cracked slightly. She set her tablet down with trembling hands and pushed it toward Kyle. “You can check my phone, my emails, everything. I wouldn’t?—”
“Easy,” Kyle said, his tone gentler. “We’re just covering all bases.”
Maddie nodded but she looked like she might cry. Charlie wanted to reach across the table and squeeze her shoulder, but stayed still. This was procedure. Everyone got looked at after a security breach. Everyone.
Viv looked at Rowan. “How…well do you know Ben?”
Charlie’s stomach twisted at the implied accusation.
Ben, who’d moved without hesitation to help them. Who’d rallied his Ren Faire family to create cover. Who’d stood beside her with his hand warm against her back while they navigated the crowd. Who was ready to defend them all, even her.
“He was the one who helped us,” Charlie said in his defense. “When he heard them talking he was just as surprised as any of us.”
Kyle shot her a look and she knew she’d spoken out of turn. Even Viv was looking at her curiously. But dammit, Ben didn’t deserve this accusation.
“He wouldn’t tell anyone,” Rowan said. “The guy is steady as a rock.” He scrubbed a hand over his face. “It’s probably my fault.” He sighed heavily. “I told a few people on set that I was getting chain mail armor made. That I was picking it up in Colorado at the Ren Faire.” He looked at Viv. “I’m sorry. I wasn’t thinking.”
Viv reached over and squeezed his hand. “You couldn’t have known they’d come looking for us ahead of next week’s joust.”
“But I should have been more careful,” Rowan said bitterly. “After everything that’s happened, I should’ve kept my damn mouth shut.”
Kyle nodded slowly. “That could explain it. Someone on set passed it along, either deliberately or accidentally. The Caidansworn have been monitoring social media, fan forums, anywhere they might catch wind of Viv’s location.”
Ben was off the hook. Charlie felt relief flood through her, followed immediately by guilt.
“I’ll inform the home office that we might have a mole on set and Elissa can investigate on that end,” Kyle continued.
“I don’t think you’ll have to look far.” Rowan grimaced. “Duke was on set at the time.”
Viv sighed and closed her eyes. “I think we have our answer.”
Kyle frowned. “Something you want to tell me that didn’t come up the other day?”
Viv opened her eyes and shook her head.
“No—”
“I’m sorry,” Rowan said softly. He took Viv’s hand, raised it to his lips, and kissed her palm. “We don’t have to go public, but they need to know. I don’t want you in danger, especially if it’s my fault.”
Kyle crossed his arms and waited.
