“Pretty sure.And those symbols must have something to do with it, so keep reading while I search.”
He shook his head and returned to the book.“I think it’s in the cellar.The two of you are the only ones who like it.”
“Well, there’s no accounting for taste.”
Connor was about to comment when his breath caught.The spread of pages he’d just turned to had the symbols he’d been drawing.“Hey, come look at this.”
“What did you find?”
“Here, these.I’m certain I’ve seen these pages before.”
“This is not coffee reading.It must mean something,” Ryan murmured, using the phrase his mother used to refer to light, entertainment reading.He pulled up a seat and spun the book around toward himself.
Connor stood, thinking to refill his tea while Ryan studied the page.A glance over at the now upside down to him book made his head fog.
Suddenly, the book was in the same position but on Alison’s desk in her study.A letter was open beside it, as well as a response she’d just finished writing.
“Connor!I didn’t know you were stopping by,” Alison said as she re-entered the room.
“Yeah, I had time after training and wanted to see if you were free for a meal.I used my key when you didn’t answer.Figured you were in here.”He knew that her den was very soundproof, especially if the door was closed.
“That’s what it’s for.You’re always welcome here.”Alison squeezed his shoulder affectionately—the equivalent of a hug from one of his sisters.
Connor gestured to the huge book on her desk.“I didn’t know you were interested in the old language.”
“I’m interested in history in general more than the old language specifically.We can learn a lot by studying it.”
“Father loved studying history.He always used to say the same thing.”
“Well, then I guess he and I would have agreed on one thing after all, because it is true.Usually I prefer military history, but sometimes, I like other types as well.”Alison closed the book and tapped the cover.“Had to borrow this one, as it’s not my usual cup of tea.”
“We can go out another time if you need to finish something.”
“Now is fine,” she assured him.
He glanced down at the envelope that lay on her desk and frowned.That wasn’t her seal on the envelope.He would have thought it was an unopened letter, but the wax was still shiny, not fully dry yet from when she’d pressed it.
“Hey Ali, whose seal is this?It’s not yours.”
Alison studied him for a moment before chuckling.“Fastest way to have your mail stolen is to use a prominent, official seal.Good eye, kid.We should put you into reconnaissance or something.”
Connor laughed and shook his head.“Yeah, or something.”
“Guess we landed you in the right place with me instead of following your mother into the rescue teams, huh?”
“Yeah, we did.”
He’d only been out on a few missions, but the placement seemed like a good fit, and he was enjoying the specialized training he was getting between missions.It was fascinating and kept his mind busy more than simply working with his weapons in a physical capacity.
“Come on, kid, let’s get that meal.”
With a last glance at the unfamiliar seal, he followed her out of her office.
“She had the book open while she was writing a letter,” Connor murmured, rubbing his temple.
Silence pushed him to open his eyes, about to ask if Ryan had heard him.His partner was nodding to himself, fingers tapping on the book.
“Ry?”
