Page 40 of The Unseen
“I think she finally began to see the sense of being prepared. Alexei frightened her enough to reconsider.”
“But her parents wouldn’t listen?”
“No, of course not. When do people ever listen? They wanted to believe life would return to normal if they waited long enough, and clung to their way of doing things.”
“Did Valentina not chafe against an arranged marriage?” Gabe asked. “Seems rather archaic.”
“I don’t think their future was ever set in stone. There was no formal contract, more a hope that the children’s friendship would grow into love. Had either one of them wished to marry someone else, they would have been permitted to do so. But they did love each other fiercely.”
“How do you know there was no formal arrangement?”
“It was never mentioned, and there didn’t seem to be one in place for Valentina’s sister Tatiana, or for her little brother.”
“So, if Alexei instructed Valentina to go to France, how did she end up here in London? And who was the man found in the tub? Could it have been Alexei?” Gabe asked. Alex grew quiet, his cheek pressed against Gabe’s shoulder. Gabe tenderly kissed the baby’s head but didn’t attempt to put him down just yet.
“I’ve no idea. I believe Valentina was connected to him somehow, but I have no way of finding out who he was or why he died. At least not yet. I will need to provide Rhys with some sort of feasible story for the episode. He needs enough near-facts to be able to weave them into a narrative.”
“Perhaps you should speak to Monty.”
“Monty Ashworth?”
“Imperial Russia is a passion of his. He’s written several books on the subject. I doubt he’s sold more than a hundred copies, but he is very knowledgeable. He might be able to help put things in perspective.”
“Hmm, that’s not a bad idea. What days is he at the institute?”
“He lectures on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.”
“I’ll ring him tomorrow, if Alex is feeling better. I think he has a tummy ache.”
“He’s asleep,” Gabe whispered as he lowered the baby from his shoulder and cradled him in his arms. Alex put his hand on Gabe’s chest, his little fingers splayed like a starfish. “Poor mite, he’s exhausted himself.”
“I’ll take him to the clinic tomorrow if he’s still fussing. Can he be teething already?” Quinn asked.
“Isn’t it too early? He’s not even three months old yet.”
“My mum said I had two teeth by the time I was four months,” Quinn said proudly.
“You always were an overachiever,” Gabe joked.
“I wonder if Quentin’s teeth came in early as well.”
“And I can guess what else you wonder,” Gabe replied. “You wonder if she is able to see into the past, like you and Brett.”
“Yes, I do. Would the fact that we are twins not practically guarantee psychic ability?”
“You’re not identical.”
“No, but Brett is only my half-brother and he’s possessed of the same gift. And she was mad for history, Jesse Holt said,” Quinn said wistfully.
“That doesn’t mean she can see it.”
“No, I don’t suppose it does. Oh, Gabe, what I wouldn’t give to meet her. It’s been months since I found out about Quentin and we are no closer to finding out where she is,” Quinn lamented.
“That’s not strictly true. Several months ago, all you knew was that you had a twin sister. As of this week, you know you are fraternal twins and you can account for her whereabouts up to the age of twenty-one. I’d say that’s progress.”
“But there are no new leads.”
“Leave it to Drew Camden; he’s the detective.”
