The Charlotte Series: Book 3: The Pretender's Gold

35

Chapter 35

"Well." Stuart looked down at the boy and winked. "Beck is it?"

A nod.

"Are you hungry, Beck?"

Another nod.

"So am I." Stuart agreed amicably. "If I let go of your collar, will you take my hand and join my family and I for some lunch?"

Another nod.

In a deliberate display of trust, Stuart released Beck's collar and held out his hand. Summer held her breath and Autumn watched with undisguised interest. Beck stared at Stuart's hand as though it might bite him. A minute passed and then another before Stuart wiggled his fingers a bit. The gentle expression on his face seemed to ask: Well boy?

Finally, Beck reluctantly took Stuart's hand.

To Summer he looked like a frightened little rabbit. She could hardly fault him for his reluctance. Stuart was large as any bear she could imagine. Although it was a well-kept secret that Stuart's character more resembled the stuffed-child version of the creature-and not the four-legged variety that roared and snarled and ate little boys for breakfast.

It might have been the promise of food that made Beck stay with them but Summer suspected it was more as they turned toward the café. Stuart had a way of putting people at ease and earning their respect. As they neared the café the train whistle blew a warning. They didn't have time for the beans, but surely biscuits were in order.

Several minutes later as Summer and Autumn shared slices of an apple the proprietor produced-for a modest price-Beck stuffed a third biscuit into his mouth. His cheeks puffed out like a squirrel saving up for the winter and Summer had to concentrate to keep her lips from twitching into a smile. Autumn had no such reserve. She took one look and laughed out loud.

Summer was surprised when Beck smiled back as he reached for another biscuit. She was still watching the children when she noticed a rather distinguished gentleman walking in a fine gray suit. She spared him only the merest of glances before turning her full attention back to the children.

Recognition hit her with all the subtlety of a brick and she choked on her apple. Stuart thumped her back in alarm and Autumn thrust a mug of ale in her face. Beck watched with mild interest as Summer waved them all away and cleared her throat.

"Richard!" she croaked. Swallowing she tried again as everyone turned toward him. "I hardly recognized you."

Stuart saw his friend and arched an eyebrow.

"The ruse is up then?" Stuart frowned.

Summer's eyes darted from Richard to Stuart and back again.

"I'm afraid it has become rather necessary to reveal my true identity."

"True identity?" Summer echoed.

"Then I suppose I shall have to as well." Freddie stated simply.

Richard slapped Freddie on the back.

"The freedom of anonymity has been very fine indeed but to convince the committee, I must be honest."

"Will one of you please tell me what in the bloody hell you are talking about!" Summer snapped when it became clear they had no intention of doing so.

Her irritation was so great she scarcely felt embarrassed by her cursing. In fact, she may not have noticed at all, except that Autumn gasped and clamped a hand over her mount. Summer winced and shrugged her apology to Autumn before turning the full weight of her ire on her husband.