“I had to see for myself. I was unfortunately too late to be of any assistance, but I didn’t doubt you would find and eliminate the problem. Have you fed?”
“Aye, we’re fine. In need of a shower and clean clothes, but all good.” Sorley glanced up at Gethin. “Some of us better than others.”
“I heard,” Dalziel said somberly. “It appears Cormack was fast and strong. I am much relieved you are well, Gethin.” He hesitated, then ploughed on. “I brought Isher with me, as my driver.” More quietly, he added, “I don’t know him well enough yet to leave him behind.”
“Bring him in then,” Sorley groused, now thoroughly annoyed. Was it really too much to ask for even a day alone with his mate? Apparently so.
Inside, Marlowe greeted them with open relief, then looked anxious again when Dalziel appeared behind Gethin. James took one look at the new people and bolted back down to the basement. Marlowe went after him.
Luckily, Edwin was back soon after. He embraced Dalziel briefly then he too disappeared downstairs. He returned shortly with James in tow, and introduced him to Dalziel and Isher.
“We’re heading to James’s place,” he stated bluntly. “He needs to go home. If you need him, you can go through me.” He was polite, but there was a definite challenge in his tone. Dalziel appraised them both for a moment, then nodded.
“So be it. James, I understand you wish to remain with Edwin, in his service. I will have someone check in with you shortly, to be sure you have not been coerced in any way.” He held up a hand to stem Edwin’s protest. “I think it unlikely, but I take additions to my family very seriously. If you are Edwin’s, by default you are mine. So, you understand?”
James’s eyes blew wide, but he nodded, then found his voice. “I won’t change my mind.”
Dalziel gifted him with a rare smile. “All right then. Edwin, look after your charge. I will be in touch.”
Sorley showered in the basement, leaving his bathroom to Gethin. Everyone except Alec, who wasn’t back yet, congregated in the kitchen where Marlowe was showing Isher where to find the basics to make a simple meal.
Dalziel, toying with an unopened bottle of Sorley’s best single malt, sighed deeply. He addressed Marlowe.
“How confident are we that Cormack was working alone? Do we need to pull in every mage we know of to question them? We will, if we need to, but I know your lot are generally tightlipped. I hope they would cooperate for the greater good…” He left the sentence hanging, not quite a question.
Marlowe considered. “I think he was working alone,” he said finally. “And I think Kippen will be innocent of everything except having gone missing. He’s not social at the best of times, but he is devoted to Dameon. They’re twins. I don’t think he’ll stay away too long.” He looked uncomfortable. “We tend to prefer working alone. I really do think it’s no more than bad timing that Kippen’s off the radar.”
Gethin looked thoughtful. “I suppose we’ll be able to confirm that once he’s finally found.”
“Which had better be soon.” Dalziel sighed again. “Some days I wonder if the Council is more bother than it’s worth.”
“It’s absolutely not,” Isher piped up, looking shocked he’d spoken out loud. With everyone’s eyes on him, he continued, “You’re making changes that should have happened decades, if not centuries ago. It matters.”
“Thank you, Isher.” Dalziel managed a tight smile. Then he regarded his newest employee. “You drove over half the way tonight. You probably need some sleep. Sorley?”
“There’s room in the basement with me, if you don’t mind?” Marlowe’s offer was gratefully accepted, and Marlowe too retired to bed, citing exhaustion. The other three moved to the living room to talk and to await Alec. Sorley, desperate to be alone and naked with Gethin, settled for making idle chat while the dawn crept nearer. Eventually Alec returned, even more reserved than usual. He hugged Sorley, then Gethin, and greeted Dalziel calmly but with a slight bite to his tone.
“Did you not think we would cope without you?”
Dalziel quickly disabused him of that, repeating his desire to check up on his offspring. Alec went to freshen up. Gethin sagged against the back of the chair he was on.
“Sorry, I’m done in. I can feel the approaching daylight doing a number on me. I need to sleep.” He gave Sorley an apologetic smile. “See you in a bit?”
Sorley watched him go, then asked Dalziel outright if he was staying. “Because Gethin needs to sleep on a bed, and—”
“Whoa, slow down. I can rest here.”
“But Alec’s been using the sofa.”
“It’s a big sofa. I can share a room with Alec. What’s he going to do, stake me in my sleep? I don’t think so.”
“You’re right there. I couldn’t deal with the headaches that would bring me, let alone the Council.” Alec appeared, still damp-haired from his shower and looking amused. “I am delighted you have taken my statement at the last meeting as verbatim, Dalziel. I will never wish you any harm—”
“As long as I never pose a threat to Sorley, right?” Dalziel finished.
“Well, yes, that, I suppose.”
Sorley rolled his eyes. “I’ll leave you to it. You both know where everything is. Don’t wake me unless it’s essential.”
