to a child, especially one with so much zest for life. Not only was he on a personal quest to uncover the identities of his saviors, but he also had a mission to complete. He had to verify Giles Clarke’s presence in Abbingale Home and then extract the boy.
What Somerton planned to do with the Clarke boy after extraction, Ethan didn’t know. With the mother dead and no other living relative to contact—at least, none they knew of—the boy would likely wind up in another home, but one of Somerton’s choosing.
First things first. Right now, he had to mentally prepare himself for one of the most important meetings of his life.
***
While Somerton closed the study door, Ethan moved to stand before the earl’s desk and did his best to settle his nerves. All his preparation and dedication to the Nexus—and to Somerton—had led him to this moment. He was ready, both in mind and body. Stepping into the chief’s position would validate all his hard work and sacrifices.
He would finally be a greater asset to the Nexus than a boudoir spy. Although he’d ventured outside that role in recent years, seducing information from women was the one that had defined his career and the one he had come to dread. In the early days, bedding beautiful women and coaxing away their secrets had been a young agent’s ideal mission. The assignments had brought him great physical pleasure without all the emotional aftermath. But, within a few short years, his expertise had felt more like a burden than a gift.
Somerton drew up a chair. “Have a seat, Danforth.”
“I hope I did not offend Catherine by my desire to make a hasty exit,” Ethan said. “She was kind enough to answer some questions, and the last thing I wanted to do was upset her.”
“You’ll find Cat’s skin to be thicker than most women’s. Besides, she’s fully aware of Sophie’s impact on others.”
“She’s a sweet girl, but I’ve no notion what to do with her.”
“You don’t have to do anything with her. Next time, bring up the subject of horses and she’ll take it from there.”
Ethan nodded, even though he thought there must be more to dealing with children than talking about four-legged animals with manes.
“What questions did you have for Catherine?”
“I took the opportunity to ask her about the unknown servant at Sophie’s birthday celebration.”
“Still trying to make the connection between Cat’s maid and your benevolent stranger?”
There were times, such as this, when Somerton’s questions made Ethan feel lacking in the intelligence arena. In this instance, the feeling trebled, because Ethan knew it was a stretch to connect a maid from the country to one in the city, especially one who moved about the docks with no care to her personal safety. He wondered what the spymaster would say if he knew Ethan’s thoughts had even wandered to Hunt Agency’s proprietress.
“Conducting my due diligence, sir. Even though my mind finds little logic connecting the two, my gut is guiding me at the moment.”
“Very well. Do not allow this issue to take priority over retrieving Giles Clarke, though.”
This wasn’t the first time Somerton felt the need to deliver an unnecessary warning or command. Ethan refused to believe that the one mistake he’d made a few weeks ago warranted such greenling treatment. Outside a handful of missions with his friend Helsford, he had operated alone and had done so quite successfully. If Ethan wasn’t determined to remain on his best behavior today, he would tell Somerton what he could do with his advice. “Of course. As I told you before, I learned my lesson well and won’t veer from protocol again.”
He studied Somerton, trying to gauge the man’s mood. But, as always, his mentor’s expression revealed nothing.
“I think you know why I’ve asked to meet with you today,” Somerton said.
“Yes, sir. I have an idea of the reason.”
“I don’t think I have to tell you what a good and valued
What Somerton planned to do with the Clarke boy after extraction, Ethan didn’t know. With the mother dead and no other living relative to contact—at least, none they knew of—the boy would likely wind up in another home, but one of Somerton’s choosing.
First things first. Right now, he had to mentally prepare himself for one of the most important meetings of his life.
***
While Somerton closed the study door, Ethan moved to stand before the earl’s desk and did his best to settle his nerves. All his preparation and dedication to the Nexus—and to Somerton—had led him to this moment. He was ready, both in mind and body. Stepping into the chief’s position would validate all his hard work and sacrifices.
He would finally be a greater asset to the Nexus than a boudoir spy. Although he’d ventured outside that role in recent years, seducing information from women was the one that had defined his career and the one he had come to dread. In the early days, bedding beautiful women and coaxing away their secrets had been a young agent’s ideal mission. The assignments had brought him great physical pleasure without all the emotional aftermath. But, within a few short years, his expertise had felt more like a burden than a gift.
Somerton drew up a chair. “Have a seat, Danforth.”
“I hope I did not offend Catherine by my desire to make a hasty exit,” Ethan said. “She was kind enough to answer some questions, and the last thing I wanted to do was upset her.”
“You’ll find Cat’s skin to be thicker than most women’s. Besides, she’s fully aware of Sophie’s impact on others.”
“She’s a sweet girl, but I’ve no notion what to do with her.”
“You don’t have to do anything with her. Next time, bring up the subject of horses and she’ll take it from there.”
Ethan nodded, even though he thought there must be more to dealing with children than talking about four-legged animals with manes.
“What questions did you have for Catherine?”
“I took the opportunity to ask her about the unknown servant at Sophie’s birthday celebration.”
“Still trying to make the connection between Cat’s maid and your benevolent stranger?”
There were times, such as this, when Somerton’s questions made Ethan feel lacking in the intelligence arena. In this instance, the feeling trebled, because Ethan knew it was a stretch to connect a maid from the country to one in the city, especially one who moved about the docks with no care to her personal safety. He wondered what the spymaster would say if he knew Ethan’s thoughts had even wandered to Hunt Agency’s proprietress.
“Conducting my due diligence, sir. Even though my mind finds little logic connecting the two, my gut is guiding me at the moment.”
“Very well. Do not allow this issue to take priority over retrieving Giles Clarke, though.”
This wasn’t the first time Somerton felt the need to deliver an unnecessary warning or command. Ethan refused to believe that the one mistake he’d made a few weeks ago warranted such greenling treatment. Outside a handful of missions with his friend Helsford, he had operated alone and had done so quite successfully. If Ethan wasn’t determined to remain on his best behavior today, he would tell Somerton what he could do with his advice. “Of course. As I told you before, I learned my lesson well and won’t veer from protocol again.”
He studied Somerton, trying to gauge the man’s mood. But, as always, his mentor’s expression revealed nothing.
“I think you know why I’ve asked to meet with you today,” Somerton said.
“Yes, sir. I have an idea of the reason.”
“I don’t think I have to tell you what a good and valued
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