“It’s all connected,” Monty added.
“So, if Silverton was into sacrificing innocent women, did the Brothers of Faith find another Diablo who is leading them now, and they have continued on with his nefarious ways?” Michael said. “And was Ackland part of it?”
“Yes,” Mary said. “It all ties together. We need to find this group before they take more innocent women, and if we find them, we may find Monty’s parents’ killer.”
The pies and ale arrived. Monty took a large bite; it seemed his appetite had indeed returned.
“Where have you been for the last six days, Monty? You did not enter society,” Michael asked.
“Looking for answers.”
“And hiding,” Gabe said. “And not just from us is my guess.”
“I want justice for Marion too now. She is sure there was something very wrong with her husband’s death.”
“Marion?” Mary asked.
“Lady Lionel. She is very nice. We took tea together.”
“You took tea with Lady Lionel when you always keep your distance from everyone for fear of them realizing you’re not the foolish fop Lord Plunge?” Nathan asked.
“I wanted to know if there was anything that could connect Mr. Lionel’s death to my parents’.”
“Monty, I understand how your life has always been. Your parents were murdered, and a relative cared for you, then put you in Eton. We have slowly been filling in the missing pieces of your life story—”
“Must you?” Monty sighed.
“It’s likely whoever became your guardian had the empathy of a week-old piece of fruit bun,” Zach continued. “Am I correct?”
Monty bit into the pie that was placed before him. The filling was exquisite.
“We will simply wait you out,” Zach added.
“You cannot remain isolated forever, Monty,” Mary said, wiping the back of her mouth on her hand. “It is not healthy for your mind to close yourself off from everyone.”
“My wife.” Zach smiled. “Isn’t she wonderful?”
Everyone rolled their eyes.
“She’s right,” Forrest said. “I’ve tried that. It is extremely unhealthy.”
“I live my life how I feel it needs to be lived. Added to that was the necessity to keep to myself as I was living a lie,” Monty defended himself.
“But it is time for change, and I think we have already started changing people’s perception of you,” Gabe said.
“Oh goody,” Monty muttered with his mouth full.
“But right now, our focus is to ensure you and Iris are safe. To do that, we need to get to the bottom of who is part of this Brothers of Faith.”
“I am not in danger. Iris is. I need to see her,” Monty said, picking up his ale and taking a sip.
“Do you love her?”
Michael’s words had him choking and only just managing to keep the mouthful from spraying those seated opposite.
“By that reaction, my guess is yes,” Michael said.
“What? You can’t know that,” Monty spluttered.
