Page 78 of The Bone Season

‘Just keep it to yourself. A gift from a fellow jumper.’ He gave me a calm look. ‘I’ll give you one more question. If I can answer it, I will.’

I thought about it. ‘Out of curiosity, why are they called Bone Seasons?’

‘Ah.’ He leaned against the wall. ‘Well, one meaning is obvious, but the wordboneused to be thieves’ slang for something good or prosperous – from the French,bonne. For the Rephs, it’s the Good Season, the Season of Prospect. Of course, we see it the other way.’

‘And you learned all this in a few days.’ I raised my eyebrows. ‘You’re good.’

‘I know.’ He gave me a brief smile. ‘I should get back to Merton.’

A strange instinct was rising in me. I watched him start to walk away.

David clearly knew the value of a secret, just as I did. I had pocketed my fair share this week, but nothing like what this man had up his sleeve. He had shared them with a stranger, apparently for nothing.

And secrets were like coin. They could be counterfeited, laundered. Debts could be claimed later, when you had no way to pay.

‘You could have lied to me about all this,’ I said. He stopped. ‘How do I know you haven’t?’

‘I have no reason to lie to you,’ David said. ‘You’ll just have to trust me.’

‘I’m not sure I do.’ I sauntered up to him. ‘Less than a week, and you’ve uncovered a secret not even my contact knew. You clearly got it from Duckett, an eyewitness – but he gives nothing away for nothing. What favours are you doing him in return?’

‘Let’s just say I’m good at finding things. And getting people talking.’

‘Yes, like your new friend Beltrame. If he likes us both the same, he has a funny way of showing it,’ I said. ‘He invited me to dance, to debase myself. But you got a fancy dinner in Kettell Hall.’

‘Drop it, Paige,’ David said quietly. ‘Just take the knowledge.’

‘In exchange for what?’

‘I told you. It’s a gift.’

His face and voice were getting stiffer. I was on to something.

‘You must have agreed to do something big for Duckett. You wouldn’t just share a secret like that,’ I said. ‘Not unless it served you.’

‘Paige, I don’t blame you for being cynical, but I’m just trying to help.’

‘Duckett is interested in my keeper. Maybe he asked you to get him some inside knowledge.’ I moved closer. ‘I could inform the Warden that I think you’re trying to spy on him. I’m sure he’d be very grateful. Or you could just tell me why you’ve taken such an interest, David.’

David clenched his jaw. His throat worked, and he took a deep breath.

‘You’re overthinking this,’ he said. ‘I wanted to build trust, but not because I want to spy on you.’

‘What, then?’

In answer, he took a step forward and cupped my elbow. His aura washed against mine.

‘I would have liked to be subtler,’ he said. ‘This place is going to grind us down, Paige. I’m here if you ever want company.’

His eyes were so close, I could see my reflection in them. I looked exactly as nonplussed as I felt. When I realised what he meant, I pursed my lips.

‘Did you just tell me all that,’ I said coolly, ‘on the off-chance that I might want to meet up for a ride at some point, David?’

‘I wouldn’t have brought it up like this.’

‘Thank you, but I’m fine.’ I folded my arms, brushing off his hand. ‘If that’s something you want, you should ask someone else.’

‘I will. See you around, Paige.’

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