“Your attitude leaves much to be desired. How many of you have been ordered to spy on us?” Sage said.
Bryson’s mouth twisted a little before he shook his head. “I came by for a chat and to check up on you lot.”
“You mean you came to spy.”
Bryson shrugged expansively, the smile on his face brittle. “Are you surprised? You left an impression.”
“We could leave another one,” Patrick said, one hand in a fist.
Bryson didn’t snap back with an insult this time, and Jono wondered if it was because he knew what Patrick was now. Jono caught Sage’s eye and jerked his head in the direction of the restaurant where breakfast was being served.
“Think they’ll up our table from four to five?” Jono asked.
Sage nodded. “They’ll do whatever I ask.”
“Then let’s eat.”
“Yes,” Wade said feelingly, already walking away. “Because I’m starving and I wanna try a full English breakfast.”
Sage followed after him, but Patrick didn’t move, staring Bryson down. Jono nudged him in the side to get Patrick walking before gesturing at Bryson. “Come on. Breakfast is on us.”
“He can pay his own way,” Patrick muttered.
“Be nice, Pat.”
“Blow me.”
“Later, if you’re good.”
Humor laced through Patrick’s scent for a second or two before fading. The three of them caught up with Sage and Wade, the hostess listening attentively to Sage’s request. Changing a table from four to five was a simple matter, and they were led to the central courtyard dining area rather than the long tables inside.
The weather was cool, the sky above overcast, which meant they were only one of two groups eating in the area. A server had already pushed three of the small marble tables together. Sage and Wade opted for the bench, while Jono, Patrick, and Bryson claimed the chairs. Jono made sure to take the seat between the two men as a precaution against Patrick stabbing Bryson over his morning coffee.
The small garden beyond the long bench was in high summer bloom, and the greenery was a nice touch. Their server returned before they even had a chance to look at the menu, appearing far too awake and perky for the early hour.
“Tea for the table?” she asked brightly.
“Coffee for me,” Patrick corrected.
“I want both,” Wade said.
Sage gave the young woman an easy smile. “Tea for the rest of us, thank you.”
The server left, and Patrick slipped his hand beneath the table. The static of a silence ward washed over them, and Jono’s ears popped as the bubble of magic surrounded them. Bryson’s head jerked up.
“What the fuck?” he said.
“In case you brought any friends, I don’t want them listening in,” Patrick said coldly.
Bryson smelled uneasy to Jono’s nose, even if he didn’t look it. He rallied well enough though, plastering on a smile when the server came back with their drinks and to take their orders. Between the five of them, they ordered enough to feed ten.
Patrick reached for his coffee and glared around Jono at Bryson after the server left. “Start talking. I want to know what you’re here for.”
“We all do,” Jono agreed.
Sage poured a tiny bit of milk into her mug. “If it requires further negotiations between dires, Devin has my number.”
Bryson grimaced. “Devin is dead. Cressida killed him.”
