Page 165 of Pervade London
I laid it on a nearby table and reached for the catches, flicking them open while thinking of different scenarios. No way would James allow any harm to come to me. He’d seemingly made every provision. I took a calming breath.
“Slowly, please.” The guard stepped forward to watch me open the case. “Take it out.”
I did as he ordered, gently easing the violin out, and then flashing a wary glance at Akmal.
“Protocol,” he reassured me.
I wondered who else this man was guarding in that room and a shudder of nervous excitement slithered up my spine. I couldn’t wait to see Xavier. Hopefully it was him.
“It’s fragile,” I told the guard as he took the violin from me.
He held it up to the light. “Looks old.”
“As in two centuries…”
“Whoa,” said Akmal. “Careful.”
With a nod I was handed my instrument back and I re-secured it in the case.
The guard opened the door for us and Akmal escorted me in.
James sat at a corner table. He was still in that waistcoat and jeans and his hair was playfully ruffled in an attempt to look less intimidating. It didn’t work. He still oozed a deadly suaveness.
He was accompanied by a sophisticated looking blonde in her forties. She looked familiar and I tried to recall where I’d seen her. My heart sank a little when I saw Xavier wasn’t with them.
The room was classically designed in a minimalist style, with hardwood floors and black and white prints of London’s landmarks. There was only one dining table. It was a discreet setting in the heart of Mayfair for private functions and meetings.
James stood and pulled out a chair for me, then took my violin case and placed it on the seat beside mine. “Ms. Kingston,” he said warmly. “How was your day?”
“Fine, thank you.”
We both sat and it felt reassuring to be close to him again.
James smiled. “Allow me to introduce Ms. Kingston.” He studied my face for a few moments and then gestured towards the woman. “The Right Honorable Agatha Parish.”
“Nice to meet you.” I reached over and shook her hand.
I recognized her now. Agatha was a senior member of the government, a woman who frequently held court with the press announcing her doom and gloom policies on behalf of the Prime Minister.
Her stare grew cold as she clutched my hand for the longest time, assessing me.
“It was good to see you again,” James told her.
She finally released me and leaned back in her chair.
“Home Secretary,” said Akmal, “I’ll see you out.”
She offered him a strained smile and then turned her attention back on me.
“Didn’t catch your first name?”
Ballad pushed to his feet. “Have a safe trip to Chequers Court.”
She’d be heading to the Prime Minister’s country estate, I knew that much. It was where he got to relax, and only the top members of the cabinet had the privilege of knowing what went on there. This included Ballad, apparently.
“Thank you, I’m quite looking forward to it.” She rose elegantly and reached for a large red case embossed with a royal crown and the initials E.R. beneath it. Her intense stare landed on my violin case. “You play?”
“Yes, ma’am,” I said respectfully.
