Grave Consequences (Grand Tour Series #2) by Lisa T. Bergren

repeated.
    “And he wants assurances that we left the kidnappers behind in Paris.”
    Will considered that a moment. “There’s no way to know. You know as well as I that those two escaped.”
    “Chances are that they’ve gone underground, though. Without the element of surprise—now that we know what lengths they’d go to—we won’t be caught unawares again. They’ll likely move on to easier targets.”
    “You hope.” Will stamped out his cigar too and tossed it to the water, the taste no longer appealing to him.
    “I hope.”
    “Not many travelers on the road that could fetch the ransom that one of these would,” Will said, nodding over his shoulder at the chateau.
    “Indeed. Are you saying you wish to take the safe road and return home? Forego our extra pay? Let alone our complete fee for the tour…”
    Will studied the water, far below. “In my experience, the safe road rarely leads to growth, depth, edification.”
    Uncle Stuart clapped him on the shoulder. “Sleep on it. Let’s talk, before breakfast, before we put it to the others and make sure they’re all game to carry on. Kensington and Morgan are en route. They plan to rendezvous with us in Vienna to make certain all is well before we venture into Italy.”
    “Ahh.” So the fathers were willing to let the chicks stretch their wings, to a point. In Vienna, they would decide for themselves if the tour was to continue.
    “Think about it, Will. What assurances can we offer them when it comes time? We have to prepare our argument.”
    “Best to let the children persuade them. They’ve done all right so far.”
    “Perhaps,” Stuart said, looking as weary as Will felt. He turned to go, his shoulders stooped and every step a clear effort.
    “Sleep well, Uncle.”
    “You’re not turning in?” he asked, looking at Will over his shoulder.
    “Not yet. I think I should keep an eye out. Make sure that Felix and Hugh don’t get it in their heads that they should sneak out to that cabaret in town. I heard them mention it under their breath. If they do, I’ll wake Antonio and tag along.”
    “If we’re down by you four, be certain you alert the guards.”
    “I will. Good night.”
    “Good night, Will.”
    Alone at last, Will climbed on top of the short wall and let his legs dangle over the far side for a while. The moon climbed high enough to spread glittered light across the surface of the water, shimmering like diamonds. The warm breeze covered him, surrounded him, welcomed him. He breathed in, feeling that such a moment ought to bring him only deep contentment. And yet he felt nothing but the roiling of his mind, churning over the events of the day.

    ~Cora~
    I tiptoed out onto the portico and cocked my head, listening for the men above. It seemed they had all retired at last, leaving me alone to appreciate the river on my own. In the distance, across the river in Beaucaire, I could hear singing, and it made me smile. Lights from the medieval castle across from us streamed in wavy, golden reflections over the water, competing with the moonlight, silver and glittering.
    I took a deep breath, loving the moment. The perfection of the air—not too hot, not too cold—the feel of the breeze, carrying the scent of the water and reeds and loamy earth.
    I dropped my robe to the cool marble tiles beneath my feet and climbed to the edge of the balcony rail. I listened a moment longer, and, hearing nothing, decided that the night was mine alone. How could they all depart? Leave this magnificent hour with none but me to admire it? Thank You, Lord ,I breathed. For this opportunity. For the chance to be on this tour. To be in this castle, above this river… Regardless of what it costs me, thank You. Help me to embrace my new life. Lead me to embrace what I ought and ignore what I ought.
    My heart raced. I paused, wondering if it was the Lord, cautioning me. But my perch was twenty feet lower than the others’. What harm could come to me here? And if I