“Depends on the old man. We’re keeping him engaged until needed. There is one problem, though.”
The elation Oren felt after hearing about the car suddenly faded at the tone of Colton’s voice. “What problem?”
“The people from California that I told you about? Sam and Remi Fargo? They were at the car show with the Paytons when the theft went down. The two decided to investigate the area, and we thought to follow them, take them out right there. Unfortunately, the Fargo woman got ahold of her husband’s gun. Frank was lucky she’s not a good shot. Barely a graze. Still, the Fargos got away.”
“You said they were a minor problem.”
“More resourceful than we expected. Don’t worry, we’ll be better prepared next time.”
“Let’s hope so. And the next phase? You’re sure there’ll be no issues?”
“As I said, everything’s ready. Once we get the old man back to Manchester, we’ll implement it.”
“What about the Fargos? If they were brash enough to investigate at the convention center, they might try to intervene in Manchester.”
“We’ll make sure it’s not an issue.”
Oren looked at the closed file folder containing his new family coat of arms. “Make sure it’s not. Next time, bring bigger guns. I’m counting on you.”
14
After several hours, with no word on Albert’s whereabouts, or the location of the Gray Ghost, Sam, Remi, and Oliver took the train back to Manchester, Oliver constantly checking his phone for missed calls or messages.
“They’ll find him,” Remi said. “I’m sure he’s fine.”
Oliver nodded. “I hope so. I’ll never forgive myself if anything happens to him. Allegra was against showing the car. I should have listened.”
“Allegra?” Sam asked.
“My younger sister. I should call her.” He stared at his phone a few seconds, as though composing himself. “I’m not even sure what to tell her.”
Sam stood. “Remi and I will give you some privacy.”
He smiled, gave a slight nod, then pressed her number, put the phone to his ear.
Sam and Remi stood at the opposite end of the car while he talked. Unlike their train trip to London, this time they weren’t being followed. Not that he expected to see anyone now that the Ghost had been stolen.
They waited until he finished speaking before returning.
“Did you get in touch with her?” Remi asked, sitting across from him.
He stared out the window, his expression vacant. “She blames me. Saying it’s my fault for losing him at the show.”
Remi reached over, clasping her hand around his. “We’ll find him.”
* * *
—
“I CAN’T IMAGINE how he must feel,” Remi said, as she and Sam readied for bed that night. “Having his uncle go missing on top of all this?”
“At least the police are working on it.” Sam walked over to the window, looking out at the full moon. He pulled the curtains closed before getting into bed. “Hopefully, we’ll learn more in the morning.”
Remi climbed in next to him, fluffing the down pillow behind her head. “I hope so.”
She snuggled up next to him and he put his arm around her, smiling as he recalled the way she’d flung that trash onto the ground, tripping up those three thugs, then recovered his gun. The next thing he knew, he was waking to the sound of a rooster crowing, the sun up, Remi already in the shower.
The scent of cooked bacon greeted them as they joined Oliver at the breakfast table in the Conservatory. “No word on my uncle, unfortunately. But Mrs. Beckett insists that we eat. I hope you slept well?” he asked, his smile looking strained. “Sometimes the farm noises can be distracting.”