“As Ombrage knew Gabe,” Zach said.
“Exactly.”
“And you believe some Russian double agent wants this information?” Nathan asked.
“What I know is there is a threat, and speculation—”
“Your speculation is always grounded in fact,” Michael added. “Where do we start looking?”
“Start with your informants,” Geraint said. “Where there are whispers, there will be information. We believe this man is not working alone.”
“Excellent, more than one double agent,” Gabe muttered.
“The king has assured me he keeps your identities secret, but there is a chance your names are written somewhere.”
“A chance?” Zach said.
“Somewhere?” Nathan said.
“He likes to record details,” Geraint stated, “so he will not forget anything.”
“Details like the names of those bound to protect him, which he then left lying about for someone to steal?” Zach’s tone had a bite to it.
“He assures me that is not the case, but I am not privy to his confidences, only in dealings with Alexius.”
Zach grumbled, sounding like Walter.
“There are also murmurings of unrest on the streets. Some say there will be riots.”
“There is always unrest on the streets. Many starve and struggle to feed their families, while others do not,” Gabe said.
“Very true. I just wanted you to be aware, as the speculation is that the insurgents are Russian.” Geraint bowed his head. “I serve bene tibi erit.”
And just like that they were dismissed, as they always were.
“Had I known everything would be secretive and underhanded while plunging us into mortal danger with only our wits to aid us, I would have said no to you,” Zach said when they were once again back in the carriage.
“No, you wouldn’t,” Nathan said. “Because you hate missing out, and as the rest of us were doing it, you would have come also when Gabe asked us to join Alexius.”
“And still I wear no ring.” Zach sighed.
Chapter Five
“Nathan!”
The shriek came as he prepared to cross the road and enter the street the Deville brothers lived on. He stopped and waited for the carriage holding his sister, who had her head out the window, to pull up before him.
“You’re coming with us,” Abby said. “Get in; there is not a moment to lose.”
“Good day, sister. Dimity and Walter.” He nodded to the other occupants of the carriage.
“Oh, very well,” Abby said. “Good day, Nathan. Now get in the carriage.”
“You were such a sweet little girl. Polite and well mannered.”
“What happened to your cheek?” She leaned farther out of the carriage. Nathan placed a hand on her shoulder and nudged her back in before she fell.
“I walked into a door.”
