“I remember him well,” Gabe said. “Serious fellow, but fair.”
Monty nodded. “He told me about Alexius, and that my father had been a member.” He recalled the conversation as if it was yesterday because it was the second pivotal moment that changed the direction of his life.
“We talked for hours that day,” Monty said. “He was the first man after my father that I truly respected.”
“Yes, he was someone who talked, and you listened,” Gabe said.
“Walters told me to travel for a while,” Monty continued, “and when I returned to London, he wanted me to enter society as the persona we would create for Plunge. I was to go undercover in plain sight. The decision was mine alone to make, he put no pressure on me.”
Zach whistled softly.
“It was an excellent disguise because no one takes you seriously, and therefore will speak in front of you?” Forrest said.
“Exactly. I had nothing to lose. The years at Eton had not gained me friends, and I had little but revenge to motivate me. Walters told me that if I did this then between us, we would find who had killed my parents. Unfortunately, that did not happen.”
“And nobody found a clue or lead that would direct you to their murder… until now?” Nathan asked.
Monty nodded.
“You have our deepest sympathies,” Gabe said, getting out of his seat to walk to Monty. “What you did was a selfless act that has saved many. On behalf of our country, I thank you.”
“It was my choice. There is no need to thank me.” Monty felt uncomfortable with the words.
“You have lived a lie for many years,” Gabe added. “You made the choice to do so as a young man, and that is selfless. But know that we stand with you now. We will also aid you in finding who is responsible for your parents’ deaths. We will do whatever it takes to help you achieve justice and peace, Monty.”
Gabe extended his hand to Monty. He took it, humbled by Gabe’s words.
“Now we need to ask our networks to follow these men who were friends of the late Lord Challoner. Find anything that could lead us to what Challoner was involved in,” Nathan added.
“When I first joined Alexius, many years ago, there was a rumor about a group of noblemen who were involved in a secret society,”Gabe said. “Names were thrown about, but nothing stuck, and then the rumors died. I’d forgotten about it until now.”
“I’m so sorry, Monty.” Mary hugged him hard next.
“It’s all right.” He patted her back.
“No, it’s far from all right,” Zach said, next to hug him.
“I’m not really someone who likes to be hugged,” Monty said.
“Well now, to my way of thinking, it’s well past time you were,” Nathan said, moving in next.
“These.” Michael held the carvings up. “Did you tell anyone about the one you found in your father’s hand?”
“No.”
“Completely understandable,” he added. “As a child, your fear would have been that someone thought your father a devil worshipper.”
Monty nodded; his throat felt tight, and there was a burning sensation behind his eyes.
“Right, so now that is all out in the open, I’ll tell you that there will be no storming off into the night alone without first notifying us as to where you go,” Gabe said. “Even if you get word of something that needs immediate investigation.”
“I may not have time to—”
“I’ll stop you right there,” Zach interrupted him. “You will not deal with this solo. It is too dangerous, and you may need backup. That backup will come in the form of us.”
“Understood?” Nathan asked.
Monty muttered something that he hoped was yes.
