Page 86 of The Curse of Indy Moore
“We have a theory, which is better than what we’ve had. I will go to the archives,” Mr. Hawthorne said between clenched teeth.
“We will.” Professor Kumir grabbed her cane and rose. “The more eyes we have the better. You’ll come, too, girl. We’ve been cooped up in this house for days. It would do us all good to get out of here.”
24
Where Indy Is In the Middle
ThankstoProfessorKumir,we didn’t spend over an hour at the transit hall trapped by Mr. Hawthorne’s adoring fans. She put a stop to that by declaring that we had places to be. Otis and I shared in our laughter, even more so when Professor Kumir looped their arms under the guise of needing good support. We knew she was making sure Mr. Hawthorne kept on track. At the street, Otis offered to call for a carriage, but it was such a pleasant day out, we opted to walk.
We were halfway to the archives when Mr. Hawthorne came to an abrupt stop. Otis and I nearly ran into his back. He stared ahead at something, so I peeked over his shoulder. Colt stood at the end of the street. A woman looped their arms together, her black hair pulled into a tight bun, where streaks of gray peppered her hair.
“Rooke!” The woman released Colt. Professor Kumir stepped aside to let the woman throw her arms around Rooke’s abdomen. She would have to stand on her tiptoes to even think of reaching his neck.
Mr. Hawthorne responded in kind, holding her tight and pressing a kiss to her temple. “Hello, Mother.”
She stepped away to put her hands on her hips. “Colt told me you were coming to town. Why didn’t you tell us?”
“I’ve been busy with work.” He cast a glance over his shoulder toward me.
“Ah, yes, Colt told me about her, too.”
Before she could say more, Colt joined us. He gave a polite bow of his head. “Indy, it is nice to see you again. Please, let me introduce our mother, Thea.”
Both sons had the shape of her eyes, but Mr. Hawthorne had the color, albeit far darker in tone. Thea wore a breezy dress, even if the skirt was layered, perfect for the sunny days at the capital. Large pearl earrings dangled from her ears that matched her necklace.
“A pleasure,” I said with a low curtsy. I wasn’t sure what I expected of Mr. Hawthorne’s mother, but I guess I thought she would be a little more gaudy. The pearls were pretty, but she didn’t wear further luxury. Even her wedding ring was a plain gold band.
“Colt told me about the work Rooke has been doing for you. I hope he has been of help,” Thea said with a proud look toward her youngest son.
“I have given her more sleepless nights than she is owed,” Mr. Hawthorne said.
Thea and I shared red expressions. Colt and Otis had the decency to keep their mouths shut, even if their jaws trembled with a need to chuckle. Professor Kumir grinned without hindrance.
“The lot of us have been doing our research. That’s why we are here. We’re visiting the archives today, so I’m afraid I cannot join you for lunch, Mother,” Mr. Hawthorne continued as if he were unbothered.
My stomach sank a little at that, as well as him setting her aside so swiftly. I’d give anything to be with my family. All I had were letters that could be easily lied in. In truth, I had no idea what they went through. We were writing regularly, even if we didn’t have much to share. Mr. Hawthorne had every opportunity to be with a loving family, but he turned his nose at it.
“You should go,” I said through clenched teeth. “It is rude to turn down your mother so flippantly. Spending time with family is important.”
Mr. Hawthorne bristled at my comments.
Professor Kumir raised a hand, her voice stern and unyielding. “Thea, please take these two off our hands. Otis and I are more than capable of conducting our studies. They may meet us at the archives after a nice meal.”
She pivoted, ending any arguments before they could begin.
“Have a nice day, Mrs. Hawthorne,” Otis said and wandered after the professor.
“Wonderful!” Thea took Mr. Hawthorne’s arm, her smile wide as can be. “I hope you don’t mind coming along, Indy. As a warning, our house can get a little chaotic.”
“I have lived with three younger cousins most of my life; chaos is expected,” I replied eagerly.
Thea walked ahead, asking about Miss Beamy’s whereabouts and his work of late. That had me wondering about Slate’s whereabouts, too. He hadn’t joined us in town. In fact, I hadn’t seen him much recently.
Colt took to walking beside me. He gently nudged my arm with his elbow. “I am glad we ran into you. Rooke may not have come home otherwise.”
I glared at his back. “It is silly that he doesn’t. He is lucky to have you and luckier to be able to visit.”
“I am sure it is of little consultation, but I am sorry.”
