Page 173 of Pervade London
“Haven’t heard that one,” admitted James.
Xavier brightened. “Apparently, the female of the species can devour an entire pizza on her own.”
“That’s not true,” I said, defending woman-kind.
“Let’s go get some and test the theory.” Xavier led us back the way we’d come.
Outside the museum, the weather had turned drizzly. We quickly shuffled toward the curb where the car was scheduled to pick us up.
I looked up at James. “Who is Ivor Mikhail?”
Sadness flashed across his face. “I need you to forget you ever heard that name.”
Xavier took my hand in his. “You’re going to have to trust us.”
James threw a wave to the driver as he approached the pavement.
“I know it’s hard.” Xavier patted him on the back. “But you have us now, James. We’re your family.”
James shrugged. “What hurt is you thinking I would use Emily to get access.”
“Maybe I had it wrong.” Xavier reached for the car’s passenger door handle and opened it.
James stepped back. “It’s that doubt that’s pissing me off.”
I climbed into the backseat and watched them matching off with each other, the tension rising.
“Go ahead,” James said. “I’ll see you at the house.”
“Where are you going?” asked Xavier.
“I’m going for a walk.” James shoved his hands in his pockets. “I need to think.”
“We’ll have food waiting when you get home,” I called out to him.
He gave a nod and strolled away. Within seconds he was lost in the meandering crowd.
Xavier climbed in beside me and our car navigated into heavy traffic.
I didn’t ask because I didn’t need to—Ivor Mikhail had something to do with James’ past. It was the tortured look I’d seen in his eyes.
I grabbed Xavier’s hand to get his attention. “Tell me what’s happening.”
He yawned. “Nothing for you to worry about.”
“Mikhail is an old enemy,” I whispered. “From the cold war.”
Xavier laughed hysterically. When he’d recovered, he said, “Ballad’s not that old, Em.”
Right… A Google search later would provide some answers.
As though reading my mind, Xavier snapped, “Don’t fucking Google anyone.”
“I’m out of the loop on everything.”
“Best place to be, trust me.” He took a deep breath. “I envy you.”
Primrose Hill was a welcome sight as we drove along the familiar roads. We made it home within the hour. Xavier had ordered dinner and we’d stopped off for a family-sized, deep-dish pan pizza from a restaurant on the way.
