Page 65 of Betrayed in Blood
Devon leftCook with his last-minute instructions then met Letty in the solarium, where she was preparing a dining table for five. His mother’s favorite china and crystal set had been placed on the red table linen and sparkled in the light of the setting sun. His mother had served special meals in this room for her friends, usually after one of her successful garden parties. It was a way to thank everyone for their efforts.
“Oh, sir.” Letty scurried over. “I didn’t see you there. Everything has been arranged and the invitations delivered.”
“Thank you, Letty.” He walked to the table and noted the flower arrangement. The flowers were fresh, and while he typically didn’t take note of the embellishments Letty and Greta spread through the manor, this particular arrangement of hydrangea and cosmos brought back strong memories. Memories cut short by a ruthless House leader.
“I hope you don’t mind.” Letty stood next to him. “I think your mother would have approved.”
“They were her favorite flowers. I think that’s why she loved summer more than any other season. I remember when she had dozens of them trucked in from a greenhouse in San Diego. Father thought her eccentric, but I think that was what made her so endearing.”
“Your mother was a strong-willed female. If you don’t mind me saying, your sister is just like her. Kind yet with a backbone not to be trifled with.” She dabbed at the corner of her eyes with the edge of her apron. “It’s so good to have her back to her old self.”
He squeezed Letty’s shoulder. “It is indeed. You’ve outdone yourself. Our Family and guests will be touched by your efforts.”
“Oh, thank you, sir.” She ran a hand down her apron, setting it back in place. “Now, I must find those dessert dishes.”
He laughed. “You mean those little plates with fairies painted on them?”
“Of course. Your mother always used those for these occasions. And Cook will serve his famous custard in those special demitasse cups. They’ll look wonderful on the plates.”
“If you say so. I trust you and Cook have this well in hand.” He turned to leave as Letty called out.
“Please be safe on your travel.”
He stopped to smile over his shoulder. “All precautions will be in place. And if you need anything, Sergi and Lucas will be here.”
He left Letty to her work and climbed the steps to the third floor. Lyra typically served daily tea in her room, even on days when they had happy hour. He suspected today was no different with Colantha in residence. The dreamwalker had been quiet since her arrival, locking herself in her room with a computer, only allowing Lucas and Ginger to enter. He shook his head, understanding Cressa’s disbelief that Colantha would have a cell phone. It surprised him how tech-savvy she was when he’d seen the workstation she’d arranged in her room.
She’d given Lucas specific requirements for a computer, which he’d delivered the day after her arrival. When she wasn’t in Lucas’s office, reviewing and modifying minor points in theDe første dagetranslations, she was in her room, apparently on her computer. She said little to Devon, but she did make a point to tell him she was assisting Philipe and Fiona on the codex over an encrypted link. The plan was to complete the codex so Philipe and Fiona could attempt a translation of a secondary text written in a similar language. It would take several more days to finalize that work.
But one thing Colantha observed was her daily schedule of meals and that included late-afternoon tea in Lyra’s room.
He heard the voices through the door before he entered. He gave a light tap in deference to Lyra but didn’t wait for a response. Even with her vampiric hearing, he’d probably have to pound on the door to be heard above the women’s chatter.
When he entered, Lyra must have heard because she had turned in her seat, her gaze locked with his the moment he moved beyond the screened wall.
“Hello, brother.” Her tone was cheery, and she held one of the invitations, tapping it on her chin.
The room grew quiet as the women turned to look at him. He nodded at Frederick and Jamison, who nodded in return. Over their time at the manor, they’d grown more relaxed, now sitting in chairs by the window rather than standing, their faces expressionless, ever the diligent guards.
His eyes flicked to Cressa, who tilted her head, a question in her now-sober gaze, a light smile on her face. He couldn’t fathom what she was thinking. His actions over the last two days must have her head spinning. He gave her a warm smile then took in the rest of the group.
Colantha was on the couch with Lyra, and Ginger and Cressa sat on chairs across from them. They usually sat at the seating area near the hearth, but today they were close to the window that overlooked the ocean. The windows were open, and the fresh sea air ruffled the drapes.
When he drew closer, he noted the round silver tray with opened invitations spread across it.
“Thank you for the invitation.” Lyra nodded to another chair, but he shook his head.
“I have a car waiting, but I wanted to ensure you had everything you need for this evening.”
“Mother would be pleased by this. I told everyone about her planning parties and the special dinner she held for them afterward. And before you ask, Anna received hers. She’s still working on the library inventory for Oasis.”
He chuckled. “She is single-minded when she has a project.”
“Where are you going?” Cressa’s tone wasn’t quite accusatory, but there was a touch of worry.
He strode to her and, placing a hand on her shoulder, bent to give her a light kiss on her cheek. Her hand covered his as she glanced up at him. “I need to make a quick trip to Oasis.” He straightened and squeezed her hand before letting it go. “I need to review the security with Simone and go over some business matters that have been delayed with our other activities.”
“You’re not going alone, are you?” Cressa’s worry for him spread a delicious warmth through him.
