Theo cocked an eyebrow. ‘Interesting.’
Pippa was just about to suggest they go for a second viewing, to see which part of the old workbench had been removed, when she sensed someone standing behind her. Theo’s eyes darted upwards and his smile dropped.
‘We don’t want any trouble,’ Theo stated in a firm voice as Pippa looked over her shoulder.
Sebastian stood there, slightly off-balance, eyes glassy. He dragged a chair out with an ugly scrape against the floor and lowered himself into it without waiting to be asked, his wine glass clutched in his hand.
The shift in atmosphere was instant. The cosy pub, the warm fish-and-chips glow, the quiet thrill of what she’d just done… all of it seemed to just evaporate.
Pippa slid slowly back into her seat. Under the table, Theo’s leg brushed against hers, then he pressed it close. They exchanged a quick look as they braced themselves.
ChapterTwenty-Five
Pippa was suddenly aware of other people in the pub looking in their direction, as all around them the hum of conversation hushed. Sebastian’s breath was thick with the unmistakable aroma of wine. His eyes were slightly unfocused, but the anger behind them was lodged deep.
He sat back in his chair, staring between them before his gaze settled on Theo.
‘Horace Vale,’ he began slowly, ‘is a liar and a thief, and your grandfather isn’t much better.’ The words came out sharp and unpleasant.
Theo didn’t rise to it. He looked at Sebastian with an expression that was almost calm, but Pippa saw the flicker of something beneath it.
‘You’re drunk,’ Theo said, not unkindly. ‘I’d suggest you go and sleep it off, and if you still want this conversation tomorrow, then we can try again.’
Sebastian let out a low, humourless laugh. ‘I’m not going anywhere and you don’t get to shut me up.’
Theo shook his head. ‘Sebastian…’
‘No.’ Sebastian jabbed a finger at him, the gesture clumsy but full of force. ‘You don’t get to sit there looking so bloody reasonable. Not when you’ve kept things from me. Things about our families.’
Theo’s brow creased. ‘Sebastian, we only just?—’
‘Oh, don’t pretend you’re innocent.’ Sebastian leaned forward, eyes narrowed. ‘You know exactly what you’ve been sitting on and it’s about time you answered for it.’
Theo moved his wine glass to the side. ‘I’ve no clue what you’re talking about.’ He kept his voice steady. ‘But I will share with you that we discoveredonly this weekthat your grandfather was Andrew Wetherby.’
Sebastian’s expression shifted slightly, but the look of anger remained on his face.
‘Why didn’t you say anything at university?’ Theo asked.
‘Why would I? I’d have been more of an outcast than I already was. Horace and your grandfather ruined my grandfather’s life.’ He stared hard at Theo, eyes burning.
‘How?’ Theo asked.
‘They set him up.’
‘What are you talking about?’ Pippa cut in.
‘What am I…?’ Sebastian let out a sharp huff of breath. ‘Arthur Blake and Horace Vale accused my grandfather of stealing something they were working on. Said he’d taken it. Said he’d betrayed them, and everyone believed it.Everyone.By doing that, they destroyed my family.’
‘Whatever has gone on, it’s nothing to do with me. And there’s no denying that things that were stolen from the Vale workshop were found in his home.’
Sebastian briefly closed his eyes. ‘Yes, they were. He’d worked with Horace for years, and it was Horace who’d given him mementos along the way, especially the little bit of gold, which was left over from the secret commission.’
Pippa felt Theo’s leg stiffen against hers as he briefly caught her eye. They still had no clue what it even was.
‘He was… so happy working for the Vales.’ Sebastian’s voice cracked slightly. ‘And yes, he might have taken the odd souvenir from the office there. Small things. Tokens. He shouldn’t have, I know that, but it wasn’t the way the newspapers made it out. He was hardworking,’ Sebastian went on. ‘Creative. Intelligent. My grandmother always said that, and she never believed he stole…’
‘The secret commission?’ Theo pressed.
