“Not yet, sir.”
“Well, I’ll pay you to drop it from the top of the stairs.”
Fairfax smiled. “Lord Raine is in the breakfast parlor.”
“I shall head up then,” Zach said with a final glare at the offensive painting.
Wandering the halls of the home he’d lived in for years brought back many memories. He and his brothers had resided here alone for a long time before they wed.
Entering the parlor, he found Gabe reading a newspaper at the table. He lowered it to look at Zach in surprise.
“What in God’s name are you doing here at such an hour? Did the town house burn down?”
“I couldn’t sleep, so I went walking and met Bobby and Bessie, who gave me sage advice.” Zach pulled out a chair and fell into it.
“And they are?”
“Vendors. One sells pies, the other pea soup.”
“Of course they are.” Gabe folded his newspaper precisely and lowered it to the table. “Did you bring me a pie?”
“I ate it, but the thought was there.”
“Are you absolutely sure about this, Zach?” Gabe asked him.
He didn’t ask what he was supposed to be sure about because Zach knew. “I know what I saw, Gabe. It was Mary.”
“Can I bring you tea, sir?” Fairfax said, entering the room.
Zach eyed the coffee pot that Gabe favored. “I’m going to take coffee today. I fear I may need it.”
Fairfax poured him a cup of the black sludge, and Zach took a sip. It was dark and pungent and had him shuddering, but it held just the right amount of bitterness he needed this morning.
A loud woof from the door had Walter trotting in. He came to Zach, and sat. The large shaggy grey head then settled on his thigh.
“There was something familiar about her from the start, Gabe. And Plunge spoke differently and knew how to fight. I’ve gone over and over last night hoping I was wrong. I’m not.” His voice was hard and clipped as he battled the anger that rose inside him again. “Everything fell into place when I saw the lower half of her face last night and her hair.”
“Mary Blake does not seem the sort to deal in subterfuge, speak French, and frequent brothels. Christ, Zach. She’s been part of our lives for years. You spar with her, we look out for her, but this…” Gabe exhaled loudly. “It makes no sense.”
“I know, but I also know what I believe. I understand if you and the others don’t agree—”
“Why would we doubt you?”
“It does seem far-fetched, Gabe.”
“It does, but I trust your instincts.”
“Thank you for that.”
“Why do you believe I would not back you in this? In fact, that comment you made the other day about not having substance. What was that about too?”
“Nothing.” Zach waved his brother’s words away, feeling uncomfortable.
“Let me make this clear in case you have doubts,” Gabe said slowly. “We, your family, respect and admire the man you have become hugely. You are an important part of the whole that is who we are. Your dealings with Alexius speak to your intelligence and courage, and the love you have for all of us to the size of your heart. Never doubt how important you are to us, Zachariel. I’m just sorry you did not realize what we have always known.”
Zach looked away from his brother’s gaze. Felt the burn of tears sting in his throat. To hear the truth in Gabe’s words, spoken with such sincerity, made that small dark place inside him glow with warmth and light.
“Thank you. It means a great deal to me to hear you speak that way, Gabe.” Zach’s words came out gruff and thick with emotion.
