Page 86 of Degradation
‘Yes.’ I double down. ‘She’s really settled into college life. Making friends and doing well in her classes. She’s like a totally different person since she got back. I thought me, Andy, Marguerite. Novelle united front.’
My father’s small hum might as well be a resounding yes.
‘Make sure she looks the part of the Novelle princess.’ He glances up from his book again. ‘But it’s on you if she’s anything less than perfect.’
I nod. ‘I understand, but she’ll be great.’
John Novelle waves a hand and that’s my cue to leave. I get up, relieved that this was all about a stupid gala. He could have just messaged me about this. Why drag me all the way here?
‘Oh, Jack. I did hear something. I ran into Dean Wallis on the golf course the other day. He seemed to think he saw Marguerite’s name come up.’
I hold my breath, waiting for the other shoe to drop.
‘Some fighting club. Dragon something.’
Jesus.
My stomach untwists and I’m afraid I might spew all over my father’s grand desk.
‘Dagorhir?’
‘That’s what I said.’
I let out a chuckle. ‘It’s a medieval enthusiast’s group who get together and pretend to fight wars. It’s where she’s made some friends. All above board. I checked them out.’
My father leans back in his chair. ‘Fine. She can continue with the little club.’
‘I’ll let her know.’
Like she’ll care.
I turn to leave, and I get to the threshold before he stops me again.
‘One last thing.’
I resist the urge to knock myself out on the ancient family crest, the one that’s carved into the center of the mahogany door and has nothing to do with the Novelles at all.
I turn around with the same expression of polite interest that Daisy wears so often, and I’m suddenly sure she’s rolling her eyes and mentally giving everyone the finger whenever she plasters it on her face.
‘I’m between business trips around the middle of the month. Come for dinner. Bring Marguerite. I’ll see if Andy can join us fromHarvardtoo. A little dry run before the Gala. Melissa will be in touch to set something up.’
I smile and nod as I internally roll my eyes. ‘Sure thing, Pop.’
This time I actually escape and practically run to the front door so quickly that Stevens can’t get there in time to open it for me.
‘Leave it, Stevens, I got it.’
‘Very well, sir. The box is in your car as requested.’
He hands me my jacket. I throw it on, nod my thanks, and get the hell out of there before my father materializes to stop me again.
I check my watch. Have only twenty minutes passed? It seemed like an eternity. Now I have to go to the Forrest’s fucking Christmas gala, and I have to bring Daisy to dinner. Here.
I glance at the house as I speed down the driveway and, instead of deciding to go to the lab, I head toward the club first. Sark will probably be lurking, so maybe I can get another shitty and uncomfortable meeting out of the way early. Then, I can spend some time going through data at the lab later when my head is clear.
The trip into Richmond proper is easy at this time of day. I park the Jag in the alley next to the club and enter via my usual way through the side door. Inside is dark and a little musty, but the janitors don’t come until the afternoon, so that’s why it still stinks of stale alcohol and sweat. I guess it’s a good thing. It means the club was busy last night despite it being a weekday.
Sandy is behind the bar, restocking alcohol. She waves at me when she sees me.
