He moved past as though he hadn’t noticed Brooke or me standing next to the railing. He was clutching the silk-wrapped packages Gabriel had sold. Was he the acquaintance Sir Montmorency had spoken about? The one attending in person this evening to collect the crystals on behalf of a silent partner? If that were the case, then clearly the silent partner had no intention of exchanging any form of currency for them. A chill coursed through me and I wasn’t sure if it was at the thought of who that silent partner actually was, or the fact that Gabriel had sensed something sinister was afoot but parted with the crystals anyway to ensure our future was nothing short of a wealthy one. Brooke followed my line of sight and looked to me in confusion. “Is that—?” “Go and get Gabriel, right now!” I told Brooke as I left to trail my father. My bare feet stuck in the wet blades of grass as I followed him outside. If he knew I was behind him, he didn’t let on. It was only as we reached the lamps bordering the opposite side of the common that he stopped.
