Homesick Book 2. The Secrets of Blackthorn Manor

Strange and Stranger

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Chapter Ten

Strange and Stranger

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'Adrian! It's wonderful to see you,' Simon said as he invited himself inside. Amy held the door open, though her lips were twisted tight as though she were sucking on a lemon. Like Adrian, she didn't much care for the man who was now flouncing into the entry hall.

'Please, make yourself at home,' Adrian said dryly as Simon waltzed in as though he owned the place. It was his personality. He seemed to act the same way whether he was in a mansion or a prison cell. Simon Davis came from old money and wealth. It was his life's ambition to rub elbows with as many rich and famous people that he could get his grubby aura near. He'd probably faint from bliss if he ever got an audience with creatures as illustrious as the Iliescu dragons. Adrian had silently vowed he would chew his own arms off before ever submitting them to Simon's presence.

Simon looked about like a happy toddler. Just having him here made Adrian feel as though his clothes were filled with biting lice. A flat mew made him look down. Duchess and Prince were twirling around his legs, their beady eyes fixed on the newcomer. Dan had volunteered to stay, but not to talk to Simon. The pyromancer was currently shut up in the mysterious hidden library with a large plate of biscuits and a hefty mug of coffee. He was looking for any reference materials on familiars. Adrian wished his best friend luck.

It did help raise Adrian's spirits to know Daniel was close by. It was likely for the best he was interacting with the new.... guest. Simon didn't need to be on fire. He might ruin the décor.

'So! To what do I owe this wonderful pleasure? Don't suppose we could grab some tea, dear?' Simon asked sweetly, batting his eyelashes at Amy. Amy's expression darkened.

Adrian sighed. 'When you have some time, Amy.'

She huffed but went willingly. Adrian knew she only left for Adrian's sake. He half expected her to only come back with one cup.

'No naga today?' Simon asked brightly.

'Owethu had matters to attend to at work,' Adrian explained without elaboration.

'Ah... Good. Good. So! What can we do for each other?' There it was. Not "What can I do for you" but rather "what can we do for each other?" Because there was no way Adrian was going to be able to get any information from this man without trading something in return. He headed into the lounge area, knowing the man would follow. He sat down, Prince and Duchess quickly scrambling up onto his lap.

'When we last spoke, you asked for something that I thought was rather peculiar. Do you remember what it was?' Adrian asked.

Simon hesitated for a moment. Adrian had a strong suspicion the man was debating whether or not to lie. He seemed to decide it was best to go with the truth. 'It was a series of journals that related to the construction of several key buildings in the city.'

'Let me ask you something. If you answer truthfully, I'll look at getting those journals to you,' Adrian said.

Simon's mouth dropped comically open. His eyes lit up like a starved man finding a feast. Adrian's stomach squirmed uncomfortably. 'Yes, of course! That's only reasonable. What would you like to know?' Simon asked.

'These journals, I assumed they were written by my family, but they weren't, were they? Who really owns those journals, Simon?'

Again, there was a nasty pause. For a man who spent so much time trying to rub elbows with the rich, rare and famous, he had a terrible poker face. Amy arrived and placed down a delicate pot of tea, and cups. She brought a few extra saucers for the cats, who set on them as soon as she poured a little warm milk into each. Simon waited until Amy left again before clearing his throat. 'The journals... were given to your family for safe protection, but I'm guessing you know this?' Simon asked tentatively.