He watched the detective’s smile turn to surprise as Fred bent, kissed her fingers, and then tapped them on the scar.
“That will make it better. Aunt Ivy did that for me when we first came to live with her,” she said.
Leo handed her his handkerchief as she sniffed. He’d also said he’d been shot. She felt a pain in her belly at the thought of him hurting.
“That was beautifully done, my darling,” Aunt Ivy said.
Teddy chose that moment to reappear, but as Ellen was still watching Gray, she saw the deep breath he inhaled. He wasn’t used to this. Being surrounded by all this love. Having people show an interest in him and ask questions.
In truth, she didn’t know the life he lived but believed it was a solitary, controlled one, as hers had been.
“Pass the book here, Teddy,” Uncle Bram said.
When he had, the young man went back to his seat, and his sister proceeded to tell him about Gray’s scar.
Uncle Bram opened the book and laid it before him on the table. He then flicked through pages, clearly searching for something. Finding it, he handed it to Ellen. “Look through these. They are the ones that are circles or triangles. All old Celtic symbols.”
She studied them with her brothers looking over her shoulder.
“That’s it.” Her finger jabbed at the page. “I’m sure that’s what he had on his forearm. She lifted it and showed it to Gray.
“Triquetra,” Gray said at the same time as Uncle Bram.
“What does it mean?” Alex asked.
“Unity, protecting an everlasting life, like many knots. Also, a symbol of strength,” Uncle Bram said.
“It can also be associated with being a warrior,” Gray added.
“Exactly,” Uncle Bram agreed.
“Mr. Greedy has called,” Mungo said, entering. He threw the detective a hard look. Gray ignored it.
“What does he want, Mungo?” Aunt Ivy asked.
“It seems an event has been called,” Mungo said. “I advised him you had company. He said to bring Detective Fletcher with you. Apparently it will do him good to loosen up a bit.” Mungo’s tone suggested that was not possible.
Teddy, Matilda, and Fred shrieked, which had everyone else wincing.
“Go get your coats,” Uncle Bram said. The children ran.
“Event?” Gray asked.
“Run now and don’t look back,” Alex answered him.
“Crabbett Close is a very social street.” Ellen had no idea how to explain what was about to happen outside their front door.
“It’s easier to just show him,” Uncle Bram said.
“Show me what?” Gray looked around at the adults.
“Come, all will be revealed,” Uncle Bram added.
“I need to leave. I have things to do, reports to write,” Gray said, pushing back his chair to rise.
Leo got out of his chair and started clucking.
“Why are you clucking like a chicken?” Gray glared at him. And then her because she was giggling.
