“T’is not bad enough I have Maggie to deal with; now I have her mother too!” Lucian complained and raised his hands to heaven. “Surely I deserve a reward, for I have two mischief-making women to handle!” When no answer came, Lucian excused himself with a bow and took himself off to dry his clothes.
“Mum,” Maggie muttered and began giggling. A warm sensation floated over Maggie as they shared their amusement.
???
“Hello in the inn, please put all weapons down and allow some weary travellers succour,” Henrietta yelled several hours later, entering the bar.
“Henrietta! Hey, I didn’t expect you today!” Maggie exclaimed, coming around the bar where she’d been cleaning yet again. Maggie noted Henrietta was wearing a dress from her own era and had to admit, Henrietta looked damn impressive.
“Hiya Maggie!” Henrietta called. Several of the workers had stopped and were watching, and Henrietta’s face lit in recognition.
“Fancy seeing you all here!” Henrietta teased. Two men blushed, and others chuckled and shouted out their greetings.
“Milady, where else should the ghost building team be?” a man asked. Henrietta made a noise and pointed her finger at him.
“Wonderful reply. I adore that, the ghost building team!” She smiled.
“Henrietta Courtenay,” St John exclaimed as he entered with the rest of the Rakehell Six behind him.
“Your lordships, your graces, miladys,” several of the men shouted out greetings. Daniel split from the pack and began talking to one man, a carpenter Maggie recognised.
“Welcome! I’m afraid we’re still not open, but I have lunch coming soon with drinks,” Maggie added as she pulled her phone out. She sent the sandwich shop a message asking for extras for twelve more people and received an affirmative back.
“Oh, don’t worry, we can find a restaurant later,” Melisandre said.
“Speak for yourself,” Nicolas retorted, rubbing his stomach.
“Already ordered extra!” Maggie smiled.
“So, what do we owe the pleasure of this happy visit?” Lucian complained, appearing.
“Lucifer,” St John muttered.
“Demon spawn,” Lucian replied.
“Lucian,” Harcourt and Jeremy expressed together.
“Harcourt, DeLacy,” Lucian responded.
“Morning,” Nicholas growled.
“Son of Satan,” Lucian greeted.
Maggie watched as Lucian’s gaze flipped to Daniel.
“Lucifer,” Daniel said with a frown.
“Devil’s low hanging right ball…” Lucian grinned as multiple voices overruled his last word. Maggie had her hand across her mouth and tried not to laugh as Daniel scowled.
“That was uncalled for, Lucifer,” Tristian chided. Lucian cocked his head.
“Cerberus,” Lucian retorted.
“That makes little sense. I don’t have three heads or wag my tail!” Tristian shot back.
“Your head is so fat it could split in two, and your tail is tiny!” Lucian flung the insult at Tristian. Tristian howled in outrage.
“My tail is not small! Abigail, tell him!”