Page 49 of Skullduggery
Cumbubbling bollocks.
Chapter
Eighteen
My first impulse was to draw Gladys from her sheath and attack him; he wouldn’t be expecting it and I’d have as good a chance as any to bring him down for good. But it was obvious that neither Lord nor Lady Pemberville knew what he was; if I launched myself at Athair with the intention of killing him, they would likely get involved – and they would not be on my side. Two-year-old Hugo was upstairs and he was vulnerable, plus I didn’t know who else was in the castle – I could end up battling dozens.
I would never win, but if Athair made a move towards me I would defend myself to the death.
Athair shook hands with Hugo’s dad and then with his mum. As he turned towards the door, he finally spotted me and I held my breath. At first his eyes slid dismissively past me, but before I could relax, a frown marred his features and he looked at me again. I knew he didn’t recognise me because he didn’t yet know who I was, but he was definitely puzzled.
‘Forgive me,’ he said. ‘Have we met? You look incredibly familiar.’
The lie slipped out easily. ‘No, I don’t believe so.’
Something flashed in his eyes: he knew I was lying. Vargas had seemed to possess an affinity for the truth and it appeared that Athair had the same trait.
‘In fact, I’ve got a great memory for faces,’ I said hastily. ‘I’m sure we’ve never met before this day.’ That was the absolute truth – technically. ‘My name is Daisy.’ I gave what I hoped looked like a genuine smile. ‘Daisy Carter.’
Athair stared at me for another few seconds; it felt like an hour, and I prickled and itched the entire time. ‘It’s nice to meet you, Daisy Carter,’ he said finally. He nodded at Lord and Lady Pemberville, then thankfully he left.
Hugo’s parents were smiling at me with polite but confused expressions. I watched Athair’s departing figure as the housekeeper reappeared at the top of the stairs.
‘Lord and Lady Pemberville! You’re finished with the doctor.’ She hurried towards us. ‘This is Gertrude Van Winkle from the Royal Elvish Institute. She thought she had an appointment with you, but I think there’s been a mistake in the diary. Do you have time to speak to her now?’
Hugo’s mother tilted her head in an action wholly reminiscent of her son whenever he felt suspicious. ‘I thought you said your name was Daisy Carter?’
Five minutes inside Hugo’s home and I’d already fucked things up. Well done, Daisy, I thought sarcastically.
‘Gertrude is my real name,’ I said. ‘But, uh, the Royal Elvish Institute doesn’t like it when I reveal who I am to anyone who’s not an elf.’ I nodded towards the door through which Athair had departed. ‘I didn’t know who he was, so I thought it wise to use a nom de plume.’
It felt like the stupidest excuse in the world, but I folded my hands in front of me and smiled as if inventing names for myself was the most natural thing in the world.
Thankfully Lord Pemberville believed me. ‘The Royal ElvishInstitute strikes again.’ He rolled his eyes. ‘It is time they stopped treating everyone who is not a high elf as the enemy.’
I agreed wholeheartedly. ‘We should all put in a stern complaint,’ I said. ‘In writing.’
There was a loud snort from behind the suit of armour. ‘Okay, Karen,’ Hester muttered.
The Pembervilles frowned at me. ‘Your name is Karen now?’ Hugo’s mother asked.
I had to bite back the temptation to stuff Hester inside the shiny armour and leave her there. ‘That’s a nickname.’
Hug’s parents stared at me as I tried to look innocent.
‘Alright, then.’ Lady Pemberville’s brow remained creased. ‘Although you should remember that there’s nothing wrong with humans. And that particular human is Dr James Taggart.’
That isn’t his name.
‘We’ve known him for several months.’
You don’t know him at all.
Her expression was earnest. ‘He’s eminently trustworthy.’
No. He really isn’t.
‘He’s very dedicated to his work. Our neighbour, Rose Assigney, is one of his patients. He comes regularly to check on her.’
