Throughout the day, Dom had sent down periodic updates.
At half past nine, Rachel knocked on Isabelle’s office door. She was breathless, clearly having run down from the top floor office.
‘Dom says to tell you they’re coming.’
When they walked out into the hallway a short time later, they were greeted by a group of fifteen guards, dressed in black. Allie saw Sylvain and Nicole among them.
Carter, still in his school uniform, stood a short distance away, just inside the door of the common room.
Relieved, Allie ran to his side. It was the first chance they’d had to talk all day.
He pulled her into his arms. ‘I wish I could go with you. Be careful,’ he whispered. ‘Promise?’
‘I promise,’ she said. ‘And don’t you dare get kidnapped.’
He grinned at her. ‘Like that would ever happen.’
Further down the hallway, the guards had formed a “v”, with Isabelle and Julian in the middle.
‘It’s time,’ Isabelle said, looking at Allie.
‘Good luck,’ Carter whispered.
Allie ran to join the headmistress.
The guards opened the front door, and they walked out into the night.
36
Nathaniel’s black BMW rolled up the drive. Two escort cars drove behind it.
‘Three cars?’ Julian tutted quietly. ‘Will he never think of the environment?’
The three of them stood amid a phalanx of Raj’s guards. He’d never made the security more obvious.
He was sending a message.
Nathaniel stepped out of the car with athletic lightness, and strolled towards them.
At the sight of him, Allie’s stomach twisted.
Behind him, two guards got out of each of the two escort cars. They formed a line behind Nathaniel, as he headed straight towards Julian.
‘Julian,’ he held out his hand. ‘Lovely to see you.’
‘Always a pleasure.’ Julian smiled.
Allie wondered how Julian managed to appear so relaxed.
She was so nervous she thought she might hurl at any moment.
‘Isabelle.’ Nathaniel nodded at her.
‘Nathaniel.’ Her reply was emotionless.
Then he turned towards Allie, and smiled. ‘Lady Allie. How lovely you’re looking.’
He said the title with a hint of sarcasm, and held out his hand.
Allie felt the guard next to her stiffen. But she couldn’t not shake his hand.
Tentatively, she reached out until their hands met. His grip was firm, his palm dry and smooth. He shook her hand just once, and then let her go.
She yanked her arm back.
His lips curved into a Cheshire Cat grin. She got the distinct impression he knew exactly how terrified she was. And he thought it was funny.
The guard next to her nudged her back, and she took an involuntary step away from Nathaniel.
‘Shall we get on with it, Isabelle?’ Nathaniel’s tone was impatient. ‘I’m in no mood to play games. There was a break-in at my house yesterday, you see. Something very… valuable was taken.’
‘Really?’ Julian looked concerned. ‘How ghastly. I trust no one was hurt?’
‘Nothing serious,’ Nathaniel said. ‘One of my men is missing, however. So it’s possible it was an inside job.’
‘Beastly business.’ Julian tutted. ‘Look, old man, we are sorry to drag you out, but this did seem to be a conversation we should have in person.’
‘What conversation is that?’ Nathaniel asked. ‘Precisely?’
Julian gestured towards Allie. ‘I believe Miss Sheridan has something she wants to say to you.’
Nathaniel turned his cool gaze towards her, and Allie forced herself not to recoil.
‘Is this true, Allie?’ Nathaniel’s voice was silky. ‘What could you have to say that requires the presence of fifteen guards and Julian Bell-Howard?’
Stay calm, she told herself. Don’t show fear.
‘I wanted to apologise,’ she said. ‘You came here some time ago and asked me to sign the agreement I’d made with you. I refused. And I was rude about it.’ She forced herself to hold his gaze. ‘I shouldn’t have done that.’
‘No,’ he agreed amiably. ‘You really shouldn’t have.’
‘I’m sorry, and I hope you’ll forgive me.’ She kept her voice low, humble, as she’d practised all day. ‘And I wanted to tell you that, if you’re still interested… I’m happy to agree now. I will do what you want. Leave Orion, and never challenge you for control of the group.’
‘How very interesting.’ Nathaniel studied her as if he’d never seen her species before. ‘Might I ask what brought about this change of heart?’
Allie bit her lip.
‘Julian and I discussed it, and we both felt I was… hasty. That I’d acted in anger.’ She held his gaze. ‘The truth is, I never wanted to be in Orion. I don’t want any part of it. And I don’t want anyone else to get hurt. This has to end. So I think I should just sign your paper. End this fight.’
She reached into her pocket and pulled out the papers he’d brought to the gate that night days ago. The papers had been repaired, and she’d already signed them.