Homesick Book 2. The Secrets of Blackthorn Manor

A little Law Breaking

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Chapter Thirteen

A little Law Breaking

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'Oh, this is such a bad idea,' Lyndall whimpered for the fourth time as they piled into the car.

'It will be if you keep that up,' Daniel snapped. 'Everything will be fine. Just stick to the plan.'

Adrian grinned. 'Not even sure what you're both worried about. Worst-case scenario, Lyndall gets a slap on the wrist, Daniel gets a night in jail and then bails himself out. Meanwhile, I'll get thrown into a dark hole somewhere where the key gets eaten by a troll.'

'Don't be ridiculous,' Lyndall sighed. 'You still have Owethu's diplomatic immunity.'

Adrian gave her a flat look. 'That immunity is pretty much the only reason I'm not already in a mental asylum for practitioners.'

'You're both the ones who wanted to do this. We can still all go home if you like,' Lyndall replied primly.

'No!' both Adrian and Daniel yipped together.

'Well then. Let's get on with this. Now remember, I don't expect I'll be able to keep him riveted for more than forty-five minutes to an hour.'

'I still don't like that Owethu couldn't come with us,' Adrian muttered.

'Yes, true shame,' Daniel muttered sarcastically. Adrian gave his friend a hard jab in the ribs. 'Ouch! Come on man. We agreed it wasn't worth the risk.' It truly wasn't. Even if the estate's property barriers came down so the car could enter, most practitioners (especially the old, paranoid ones) had other protection magic regarding non-humans. Adrian and Daniel likely wouldn't set off any hidden alarms, but Owethu would. The small light at the end of the tunnel was that the soul bond he shared with Owethu was still open and strong. If Adrian got himself into trouble, Owethu would undoubtedly feel it.

'Did we have to bring them too?' Danial sighed, pointing an accusing finger at the two cats, who were currently trying to claw their way up the back of the driver's seat.

'Can't really go anywhere without them anymore, you know that,' Adrian sighed, prying Duchess off before she could go for the nervous driver. 'They'll behave,' he said. He glared at them both as the two cats wiggled their way onto his lap.

'If you say so,' Daniel muttered as the car moved off into traffic.

The drive took no time at all. Maybe that was for the best as Adrian's nerves were already buzzing. They were not on the right side of the law here and whilst he had talked about the consequences in a joking manner, they were true nonetheless. Tonight had to go well. His best friends had volunteered to follow him into danger. He would never forgive himself if something happened to Lyndall or Daniel because of this decision.

The car pulled up and Daniel, the cats and Adrian hustled out, slipping into the shrubbery as the doors closed and the vehicle continued the last little way up the drive to the massive house. It was an impressive old building. It was certainly not as large as Blackthorn Manor, but it was well maintained with a neat lawn and carefully trimmed hedging. White painted brick was splashed over in places by the occasional vine of ivy or planter box that hung over the ornate railing of the windows.

The boys moved closer to the main door, staying well out of the warm lights of the front awning. Lyndall got out of the car and after one last nervous look around, knocked on the door. Adrian half expected a valet to answer, but Rupert Maynard himself appeared. A boyish smile was visible under the short beard. His brown eyes were the colour of dirty pond water and his eyes were heavily lined from years of false smiling. Adrian glared at the man from his hiding spot.