Page 165 of The Chase
He rose out of his chair. “I’ve been hearing good things about you, Zara.”
My gaze shot to Adley, and I wondered if he knew now that I’d visited the palace. He didn’t seem annoyed, shocked or any other manner of facial expressions I’d expect from discovering his employee had attended a bangfest.
Adley gestured to him. “This is—”
“Francis.” He frowned my way. “Have we met?”
“Don’t believe so.” I shook his firm hand and recalled all too starkly standing in front of the fireplace at the back of that ballroom. “I have one of those faces.”
Francis had ogled me from that small distance between us. That masked woman by his side. The one I’d asked for the direction to the loo.
You were wearing a mask, I reassured myself.
He tilted his head. “I’m glad I caught you.”
“I’m sorry?”
“This was all last-minute,” he added. “I was visiting the Reform Club and thought I’d pop in and see Adley.”
I looked apologetic. “If you’ll excuse me. Have to make a quick call. I’ll be right back. Ten seconds?” I glanced at Adley for permission.
With a nod he gave it.
I strolled out of there and then I rushed round the corner and pulled my phone out. And dialed Tobias.
“Wilder.” His voice sounded husky. “Zara? You caught me between meetings. Lucky me. Stay in Oxford with me tonight. I’ll send a car.”
“Thank you,” I said. “I’ll drive. It’ll help me decompress.”
“What happened?”
“Tobias,” I whispered. “You know that palace we went to? The one in Oxfordshire?”
“How’s your day going?”
“Not too good. Look, there’s a man here from the party. You know the orgy thing.”
“Where?”
“Adley’s office. I can’t tell if he recognizes me.”
The silence lingered on the other end. “Are you sure?”
I swallowed hard. “He has red hair. Same eyes. I’m sure of it. His name’s Francis.”
“Lord Francis Blandford?”
I swallowed hard. “It was his party?”
“It’s fine, Zara. We did nothing wrong. Take a deep breath and get on with your day.”
“But he wants to talk with me.”
“About?”
Adley appeared and gestured for me. “I have to go,” I said. “I’ll call you.”
“Zara,” Tobias’s voice sounded stern. “Don’t go back in.”
