“I’m trying to do that,” Lucian muttered. The doctor glanced at him for a few moments.
“I sense a good heart and the best of intentions. Here is my card. Should you need me in the future, please be assured of my confidentiality, and I shall come. There is much evil in the world, and it grows daily. We need some peace and dignity brought back.” He handed Lucian the card. “Maggie is awake.”
“Thank you. Charge the inn for your fees,” Lucian replied, impatient to get to Maggie.
“When a man does the best he can against an enemy, nobody can see… there shouldn’t be a price. He should be aided freely and honestly. It is my pleasure,” Dr Smythe said before walking to the stairs. Lucian watched him leave before shoving open the doors, finding Maggie awake in bed and giggling.
Katherine was clearly in her element, looking after her daughter. The quilt was being tucked around Maggie’s legs. Her pillows were being fluffed before Maggie was pushed gently back. A cup of tea appeared on the bedside table, and a wet cloth was placed over Maggie’s head. Lucian allowed himself one small smile of amusement before striding across the floor and seating himself next to Maggie.
“She didn’t get it,” Maggie said and pointed to the opal. Lucian promptly glowered at the stone.
“Damn the blasted thing!” Lucian growled before taking Maggie’s hand. He noted she was still pale but had a faint colour on her cheeks.
“How did she escape?” Maggie asked, and Lucian noticed there was no blame in her voice, just curiosity.
“That opal! Somehow, it allowed Margery to flee and find you. It called to her, and Margery could use it to break my boundaries,” Lucian said unamused.
“So, there is power in it,” Maggie mused.
“Yes, and now it will stay here. I’ll not allow Margery to come after you again,” Lucian swore. He felt a pat on his shoulder, and then a gentle kiss brushed his cheek. Katherine, giving her approval.
“Margery needs that opal. Is it safe to leave here?” Maggie asked. Lucian didn’t want to answer her. He suspected the orb made Margery more powerful and if, as Margery claimed, there’d been a spell on it which stopped her from using the power.
“Well, I’m not letting Margery chase you all over the country,” Lucian said firmly. Maggie shook her head and winced.
“Can you hold me? I am tired and don’t want to argue with you tonight. Please, Lucian, let me rest,” Maggie begged. Katherine slapped him around the back of his head as Lucian opened his mouth and then shut it again. He rose to his feet and collapsed in his bed next to Maggie. She curled into his side as he put an arm around her and pulled her in close. Maggie’s eyes closed, and slowly she fell to sleep.
Lucian sensed Nicholas and Melisandre entering the inn an hour later and reluctantly slid out from under Maggie. She murmured something in her sleep and hugged the pillow Lucian’s head had rested on. Lucian felt a smug smile cross his lips as he dissipated and appeared in front of Nicholas, who jumped. Lucian held back a second happy grin as he muttered an insincere apology.
“Is everything okay?” Melisandre asked, immediately reaching out to offer a brief hug to Lucian.
“Maggie’s bruised and battered, but she’ll be fine. Margery tracked her to the hotel and then chased Maggie’s car all the way here,” Lucian explained briefly as he beckoned them into the kitchen and put a kettle on. “I can’t work that machine Maggie has up front. Hope this will be acceptable.” Lucian spoke with a nod.
“Here, let me,” Melisandre said. “Nicholas still can’t make coffee.”
“That’s true,” Nicholas agreed. “I called Tristian. He’s staying home until we talk. The Rakehell Six’s powers lie in our houses, Lucian. I don’t honestly think we can help you against Margery. But I sense something different with the Jekyll and Hyde.”
Lucian sat down to explain everything while Melisandre busied herself with making coffee and a light breakfast. It was close to five in the morning, and while Nicolas and Melisandre looked tired, Lucian grasped they would rather be nowhere else. He appreciated the support they silently offered him and Maggie. They listened intently as Lucian explained Katherine and the events they’d missed since the last time they met.
“That’s a surprise. So, the Jekyll and Hyde is now sentient because Maggie’s mother has taken it over?” Nicholas asked, making sure he understood.
“Yes, and Katherine adores Maggie. It’s pretty obvious. Both times Margery attacked Maggie, Katherine blasted her into the netherworld.”
“That’s some power. I wonder what other defences Katherine can devise,” Melisandre mused as she placed three plates on the table. “I’m no Maggie, but I could make crumpets and toast.” Melisandre shrugged.
“I’ll update Tristian and see if he has any ideas,” Nicholas said, taking a bite of crumpet.
“He’s still your leader,” Lucian asked.
Melisandre tipped her head, clearly interested in the answer.
“Apart from Harcourt, Nicholas is the eldest. But Tristian had more responsibility. I think we still turn to him because he watched out for us when we were younger. It’s not Tristian being a duke; it’s his personality. Tristian Russell is a leader and somebody to respect. We don’t follow him blindly, but I would say Tristian leads us,” Nicholas answered honestly.
“Tristian always had my appreciation, but damn, the man was a sourpuss,” Lucian said with a grin.
“Amongst anyone but family, he remains so; it’s only with relatives that Tristian truly relaxes,” Nicholas concurred. “Tristian isn’t helping you because you’re known to us or a link to our history. He’s supporting you because he cares. Don’t abuse that kindness.”
“I would never dream of it, Nicholas. We were rivals but not enemies,” Lucian replied. His eyes flew to the door where Maggie stood listening.