Total pages in book: 155
Estimated words: 147891 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 739(@200wpm)___ 592(@250wpm)___ 493(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 147891 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 739(@200wpm)___ 592(@250wpm)___ 493(@300wpm)
“This is a great opportunity to have Whisper Grove help us in the mines,” Killian goes on, running a hand over the top of his head. “Sure, we’d have to mine for more to cover their asses down the line, seeing as they need rubies, but maybe Alora can help us with getting them some gold, and even give them horses and food and whatever else they need in exchange for their assistance in the mines. This way our men can work their regular hours and the Whisper Grove people can take shifts.”
I blink at Killian. “And you came up with this solution today?”
He nods, shifting on his feet. “I did.”
“Well, damn, Kill. Who would have thought you had brains behind that beefy head of yours?” Rowan teases.
“Shut up.” Killian jabs Rowan in the chest, but not without smirking.
“That’s very smart, Kill. Really smart. I’m proud of you for thinking this all up while I took time to myself,” I say.
His smile grows a bit wider, his head higher. He’s proud of himself too, as he should be. “Just wanted to lift some of your burdens.”
“I appreciate that. It helps a lot.”
Something clatters in the kitchen, along with shattering glass, and Maeve hisses a curse word that travels down the foyer. “That’s it!” Maeve stomps around the corner, her face red and her dark hair strewn all over her head. “I can have children and raise them, make a pot of tea, and make a simple dinner, but what I can’t do is be a house maiden. That’s not my place. We need to hire another one, Caz. I know it’s soon, and I apologize if the timing seems inappropriate, but this place will turn to shambles if we don’t get help.”
“Don’t stress yourself, Maeve. Everything will be fine,” I tell her. “See if you can find someone who’s willing to help. Run background checks, be thorough. You know how it goes.”
“Yes. Of course. Thank you.” She softens a bit, moving closer and placing a hand on the arm of my jacket. “How are you feeling?”
“Better today.”
“Good. Blackwater won’t survive without you, you know?”
I smile at her as she pats my arm then rises on her toes, kissing my cheek. Her kiss, of course, stings, and when she pulls way, my cheek feels like it’s on fire, but I endure it.
“Will you do me a favor?” I ask her.
“Anything.”
“Willow needs clothes. Can you see to it that she has something to wear for today, then take her to the village so she can pick out more clothes she’ll be comfortable in during her stay. Normally Della would—” I clamp my mouth shut, the mere mention of Della making my chest twist.
Maeve gives me a warm smile. “I’ll take care of it. Don’t you worry.”
She then kisses Rowan and Killian on the cheek and coos with a smile, “My boys. I remember when you stopped at my shoulders and would sneak all the chocolates from my purse. Whatever you do today, be safe, do you hear? Caz, I’ll be using your office to put together a list of house maidens. Contact my transmitter if you need me. Killian, take that bloody bowl to the kitchen sink and wash it while you’re at it. Rowan, you still have crust in your eyes. Why didn’t you wash your face? And where the hell is Juniper? She was supposed to be helping me this morning. Juniper!” Maeve marches up the stairs on a mission to find her daughter.
Killian takes his bowl and ambles toward the kitchen as Rowan stands by the door, digging into the corners of his eyes. I fight a laugh as I make way to my office and retrieve my transmitter. When we’ve all met again, I let them know we’re going to the tavern first before heading out the front door. I stop immediately when I spot a barrel at my doorstep. It’s charred at the bottom, soot clinging to it. I make my way down the steps, taking off the lid of the barrel and finding Trench tree weapons inside.
“What is that?” Killian asks, stepping to my side.
“A gift from Hassha,” I tell him, replacing the lid. “Right, let’s get these in the car, bring them with us.”
“What do you need us to do today?” Rowan asks as Killian hauls the barrel up and tucks it beneath his armpit as best as he can.
“First thing we need to do is get to Blackwater Tavern so I can sign off on papers. Second, we’ll contact Alora, see if she’s willing to help with this Whisper Grove situation if it holds true. She’s never had any animosity with Whisper Grove, so I’m sure she won’t mind. Third, we make a trip to Whisper Grove with a small fleet so I can speak to this Conan person face to face. Make sure his confessions are true and that his story holds up. After what went down with Decius, I don’t want any more surprises, so contact Veno and tell him to round up a few men from the Barix. Tell them to bring guns and to meet us at Blackwater Tavern, and to be subtle about it.”