Westmarch gathered the edge of the papers into a neat stack. “From this point on, all findings get reported to me. We still do not know who we can trust. That means no anonymous meetings alone. No private investigations. No reckless heroics because one of you decides speed matters more than sense.”
“That felt directed,” Nicholas said.
Kate lifted a brow. “At only one person?”
Westmarch ignored the exchange. “You will each have a method of reaching me and one another. Kate will be our primary codebreaker, but each of you should learn some basics from her in case a message cannot reach her in time.”
“Then Raven is not retiring?” William asked.
Kate’s chin lifted. “Certainly not.”
James’s thumb brushed over her hand. “No. She is not.”
Kate had not expected how much the certainty and pride in his voice would matter.
Westmarch addressed Hugh next. “It is not clear yet whether we can blame the Circle for you being shot at. The timing is suspicious, but we have more than one enemy.”
Kate went still. “Someone shot at you?”
Hugh gave a sheepish shrug. “My accident with Clover. I had hoped to spare you that detail.”
Westmarch did not allow the conversation to linger. “The informant you were supposed to meet that day wrote again. She offered an apology for not keeping the first appointment and insists her information is vital.”
Hugh’s eyebrows shot up. “She?”
“The handwriting was decidedly feminine, and the paper was scented. Does that trouble you?”
“No,” Hugh said slowly. “It’s only unexpected. Send me the particulars when they are arranged.”
Westmarch turned to Nicholas. “You and I will need to speak later.”
Nicholas’s mouth curved. “I look forward to it.”
“The Circle has lost its Sentinel,” Westmarch said. “When they discover it, they may retreat or lash out. Until we know their next move, assume every trail is dangerous. Share nothing with anyone outside this room or Thomas without my approval. Is that understood?”
They answered with sober nods. Even Nicholas’s sigh sounded more resigned than resistant.
Westmarch gathered his papers. “I will send instructions as soon as they are arranged. Until then, try not to do anything rash in my absence.”
“Only if provoked,” Nicholas said.
Westmarch let out a weary sigh. “I do not find that reassuring. Now, if you will excuse me, I am going home to my wife and children, whom I have not seen in two days.” Thedoor closed softly behind him, and Westmarch’s footsteps faded down the hall.
Silence held until Nicholas leaned back against the desk. “You know,” he said, “since we acquitted ourselves quite heroically last night and are apparently committed to bringing down a treasonous organization and saving king and country, I believe we require a name.”
William blinked. “A name?”
“Yes. A proper one. Something memorable.”
“Absolutely not,” Alex said firmly. “We arenotcalling ourselves The Defenders of the Realm.”
“I didn’t suggest that,” Nicholas said, pretending to be offended.
“Well, you were about to.”
Hugh cleared his throat. “What about The Vigilant Brotherhood? It sounds respectable enough.”
“That sounds like we patrol dark alleyways with lanterns,” said William.
