Chapter 44

“That’s Mother.” I took my phone from my pocket. “Shall I come get you, Mother?”

“Yes, please. And Folana is waiting here for Bart.”

“We’ll be right there.” I said good-bye and put my phone away. “They’re waiting for us.” I took out my wallet for the tip, but Freeman put his hand on my wrist.

“I’ve got this, Mann.” Something was bothering him, but he simply placed a couple of bills under a plate. “The Duchess don’t like to be kept waiting.”

When we arrived at the tearoom, it was to find not only Mother and Folana Fournaise, but Lieutenant Colonel Abigail Francis, who was not in uniform.

“Good afternoon, Abby. It’s a pleasure to see you again so soon.”

“Hello, Quinton.” The strained sound of her voice wasn’t the only hint that something was off. As long as we weren’t in the same room as Major Drum, she usually addressed me as Quinn. “I wasn’t expecting to see you in London.”