“Beneath Eliza’s bed.”
Claudia's eyes widened as her jaw dropped and then she burst out laughing.
“The newer students idolize Eliza, and believe all the nonsense that they’ve heard,” Cait explained. “When they find the cloak there, they will realize that none of it was true, no longer trust Eliza who mentioned the selkies in the first place, and maybe the school will have some peace and be free of another terrible trio.”
“And Eliza gets back a little of what she put us through,” Claudia concluded.
“Do you think it will work?” Norbright asked.
“It may,” Cait shrugged.
“The worst possible outcome is that nothing changes,” Julian offered.
“Do you have a grey cloak,” Claudia asked.
Cait blew out a sigh. “No. And we may need two.”
“Why?” Norbright asked.
“Because Eve is my sister, so would she not be a selkie as well?”
“The students would likely assume that Kilsyth is in possession of it.”
“Which means we should hide two so that they do not disturb him, though he is leaving soon.”
“Two cloaks!” Norbright decided. “Shall the home of operations be Harrington Manor?”
“If it is not an inconvenience,” Cait offered.
“Not at all, but my sisters do visit, so we will need to be careful so they don’t learn anything, or the game will be ruined.”
“Now that it is settled, shall we leave the conservatory?” Claudia asked.
“That depends,” Julian said and looked to Norbright. “Will everything you saw and heard tonight remain a secret?”
Cait’s face heated. Julian had been kissing her deeply and holding her close. Her arms had been about his shoulders, fingers through his hair. She could very well be ruined. At the very least, she feared that she had lost the respect of Norbright and Claudia.
“He will say nothing.” Claudia elbowed her husband. “Nor shall I.”
Cait blew out a sigh of relief.
“Though I suggest you stay out of closets,” Claudia laughed.
Julian wokeup with a heavy heart. His first thought was of his brother, and the loss. It did not matter that they were not close, nor did they often get along; Grayson had been his only sibling.
Yesterday he had kept the news to himself except for sharing with Cait. She truly helped him navigate the remainder of the day. She had been the distraction that he needed, except she was so much more than simply that. And he hoped that there would be more between them than a few shared kisses and caresses in a closet.
He couldn’t believe he had taken liberties after knowing her for such a short time.
Except he had met her a few months ago and they had had several conversations. However, it was not like he was courting her. Yesterday had been the first day that he had spent so much time with her. First on the beach and then after they returned to the lawn, and he injured his knee. They sat in the gazebo… In fact, they spent the rest of the afternoon and the evening together until they were discovered in the closet.
Julian couldn't recall the last time he had spent hours with one woman. Not even mistresses in the past had he spent above a few hours with. Further, he had not wanted to leave Cait. When they reached the outside of the conservatory, Norbright and his wife had returned to Harrington Manor while Cait retreated to the school. Julian had wanted her to come with him, but that would not do.
Was he using Cait as an excuse not to think about his brother?
No, he answered for himself. Had his brother still lived, Julian would have still wanted to pursue her, as he had when they first met. His position with the Alien Office is what had made it impossible.
That was no longer an impediment, and he would resign his position after he returned home to speak with his father. In the meantime, it was only right to inform his friends that he could no longer be considered one of the Devils of Dalston.
