Page 15 of The Thief
“Please excuse me. The letter. You were saying?” he asked, coming to sit down across from her.
“A man named Everett Dormhnall sent me a letter telling me that he is looking into my cousin’s disappearance. He said he had a few leads but he wouldn’t know anything until he investigated them.”
Alastair saw the cold unfamiliar Scarlett slip away as she spoke.
“Is he reliable? Can I trust him to find Catriona and not hurt her?” she asked him.
Alastair smiled at her. “Yes, you can. I don’t know Everett personally, but I know of him. He was in the Keepers of the White for a long time, but was removed from active public service a few years ago for the private sector. They say he is now part of a secret branch and that he is the one to call should anything need to be fixed. I and all the other island leaders know about him. We try however to keep him a secret, but people are not stupid. Stories are told and secrets get out, so Everett is known and feared by many. It helps his reputation, but I am told that is a contradiction, as he is actually quite nice.”
Scarlett smiled and Alastair felt relief fill his heart as they slipped back into how they were before this morning.
“That is wonderful. As long as you trust him, I will too.”
“I appreciate that. Would you like to write him something back? Perhaps ask him to come here and speak with you? Ronald and Ragan are still here and waiting if you want them to take anything for you,” he said, leaning forward and resting his hands on his knees.
Scarlett stared at his beautiful green eyes for a brief moment and then quickly stood.
“I think a meeting is a wonderful idea. I will go upstairs right now and ready my request.”
Alastair stood and bowed slightly as she curtsied.
“Will I see you at dinner?” he asked.
“You will. I will bring the response down with me so Ronald and Ragan can be on their way.”
“I will see you at dinner then.”
She smiled once more and left the room, Alastair coming to the parlor door and watching her go.
