Spyglass

Chapter 2

Mr. Not Fredrick opens the door for us and directs us to his dining room. The food is already prepared and I can see heat shimmering around the dishes. Good. I am chilled and I am hungry. As I sit, I watch Nick and Mr. Not Fred.

At the door, I thought Nick's eyes would fall out for a moment. Even now he keeps glancing at our host when he thinks no one is looking. These men must have met before. They may have gone by different names but they certainly know each other.

"Let us eat. Claire, if you will." His slave steps out of the shadows and starts serving the food.

Mr. Not Fred makes polite small talk through the first course: "How's business?"; "Are you enjoying yourselves?"; etc. But when Claire gives us the roast the man changes the topic. "Miss Lewis, you are a very smart young woman. The Continental Army could-"

"No! Stop it right now, Sackett! I know what you are going to say and no It's not happening. Pit it out of mind." Nick stands up suddenly; spilling wine all over the white table cloth.

"Nick, sit down. It's fine. Let's hear him out." I stand too. What the hell has gotten into him? And who in the bloody name of King George is Sackett? "Nick, sit down." He slowly lowers himself into the chair; still glaring at who I assume is Sackett.

We eat the roast in silence. With a warning glance at Nick, I turn to Sackett. "Mr. Sackett, please go on. Can you state the advantages and disadvantages of the life of a rebel spy?" as he speaks I drown out his words with my own thoughts. What has Nick been up to? Was he- no, no he would never do something that important and not tell me, the girl he has loved since we could talk. But what else could it be? I put that out of mind for now and try to think. Am I a patriot? That is really what it all comes down too. Do I want the rebels to win this cursed war or not? That thought continues to occupy my attention until I notice that the room has gone quiet. Nick and Sackett look at me expectantly.

"I'm sorry. What?" I ask feeling dumb.

"What do you think, do you except my proposal?" Sackett stares at my face; no doubt trying to figure out what I'm thinking.

"I'll need some time to think about it." I say careful not to promise anything.

"Katelyn and I really must be going. My father expects me to close up the shop. It was delightful. Thank you, Mr. Sackett." Nick says flatly. "Come, Katelyn." We rise, I thank Mr. Sackett and follow Nick out to the carriage. I have only seen him this angry a handful of times and none of those memories end well.