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Dang it, what did his “mark” entail? It wasn’t mentioned in the book.
I whimpered as the sun rose. Even after I stretched, Iwasn’t ready to rise, but there was so much to do today. Namely, sussing out the mole. I wouldn’t let myself worry about Callen, out there challenging a band of murdering wolf-shifters. He could handle himself. I refused to worry about Tavish, either, though he was (currently) my only ticket to Elizabeth Darcyville. I’d take this escape one step at a time.
On the plus side, I wasn’t nearly as out of sorts as yesterday. The shock must have worn off.
“There’s got to be a way to bring you with me,” I told Thora as I stroked her soft fur. “Of course, I’ll have to medicate so I won’t die of anaphylactic shock.”
For the first time, the fluff ball leaned into my touch, and I thrilled. Dogs were one of God’s greatest gifts to the world.
She yawned, which I was fairly confident was canine speak forYes, please and thank you. My gaze snagged on Callen’s pillow. A piece of paper rested there. A note? I jolted upright and snatched it up.
Treat Mirren well, and I will reward you in kind. We’ll talk when Ireturn. C
Ugh. I balled the paper. What a jerk! Now I didn’t miss him at all. As if I would ever leverage a child for personal gain. That he believed I could or would meant he knewnothingabout the real me.
“Good morn, Mrs. Bruce,” a cheery voice announced. An older woman I’d seen around swept into the room with a seemingly genuine smile. She opened the balcony drapes, allowing sunlight to flood inside. “I’m here to help ye prepare for the day. Ye’ll be pleased to know Mr. Cromwell’s gifts arrived safe and sound.”
I gaped as she entered the bathroom, humming cheerfully. My ears twitched. Cabinets and drawers opened andclosed. Rustling sounds joined the symphony. What thewhat?“Um. Hi? Where’s Mackenzie? And gifts?”
“Miss Mackenzie is running late today. And Mr. Cromwell sent wedding gifts to honor your position. They’ve been stored in the east ballroom.”
Seriously? I added ‘check out gifts’ to my To-Do list. Maybe there was something I could sell for quick cash, so I wouldn’t have to use any of Callen’s money, after all.
“Breakfast will be served in one hour,” she continued, emerging from the bathroom. Still smiling, she puttered here and there. “Our darling Mirren and Miss Gavina will meet you in the dining room. I hope you’re hungry. Cook has prepared a feast.”
Why was she being so nice? Because I’d supposedly kept Callen calm during his battle with Malachi? Had word spread? Or… Truth hit, and I gnashed my teeth. “I won’t seduce Callen for you guys.”
“Sure, sure.”
So agreeable. I wasn’t buying it. “I’d like to go into town later today.” See how far I could get before someone freaked out. “Do I need to reserve a car or something?”
She approached the door, saying, “My apologies, Mrs. Bruce, but Mr. Bruce left orders. No one is to leave the grounds for any reason.”
Well, of course he did. No matter. I would eat to fuel up before I began sleuthing out the mole, because yes, I was starved. I could get to know Callen’s daughter in the process.
“Now that you’re wed to Mr. Bruce, I’ll be seeing to your morning routine,” my guest told me, still so cheerful.
“I’ve been married to him for days, and this is the first time you’ve done this.”
“Mmm,” she uttered, totally noncommittal on her way out.
With a sigh, I threw my legs over the side of the bed, stood, and ambled to the bathroom. Oh wow. My visitor had laid out toiletries, selected an outfit from the closet and folded the garments on the vanity chair. She’d even picked good stuff. A white tank top, blue cardigan and the softest jeans of all time.
Confused all over again, I cleaned up and dressed, then checked my phone. Nothing else from Isobel. Good. I shoved her from my mind and drew in a deep breath. The three day countdown had begun.
Ready to conquer the day, I headed downstairs. Hmm. No sign of Buzz or Ponytail during this especially dangerous time. Why?
Gavina and Mirren already occupied the dining room. Mirren sat in her father’s seat, adorable in a pink dress and clutching her doll, which now sported a thick white bandage around her head. Her aunt sat on her left.
I claimed the chair on Mirren’s other side and smiled at both. “Morning, ladies. I hope you slept well.” So badly, I wanted to ask if they’d heard anything from Callen. Risk provoking the little girl’s tears, however? No way.
“Good mornin’. Elle,” Gavina replied with a tilt of her head. In a form-fitting white dress, she looked pretty and professional. And maybe a little miserable? She eyed my T-shirt with envy. “On a scale from one to ten, how comfortable are you? The answer is twelve, isn’t it?”
“Fifteen. And Gavina? You can toss any rules of decorum as long as I’m here. You are welcome to shop in my closet any time.”
“Truly?” She beamed at me. “Thank you.”
“Skye is dying.” Morose, Mirren motioned to the doll. “She probably won’t survive the day.”
