Bearing the News- Joesph Cole
hellfireisnotinmyskillset
He took her hand, squeezing it reassuringly as he took them away from the villa. Heâd inform Lucia that other arrangements were being made. But for now the priority was keeping them safe.Â
And off the top of his head there was only one place Cole thought he could do that. In hardly a moment they were standing in the front hall of a small house. Modestly decorated, but it was clear that it had been mostly unused for some time. The smell of cinnamon lingered in the air and Cole took a deep breath as he released Claireâs hand.Â
"Weâre in Reading, in England. About thirty minutes west of London, but itâs best if you keep a low profile. Iâll inform her Majesty of your whereabouts, but otherwise we shouldnât say much." His eyes are lowered and he walks toward the stairs. "There are three guest rooms. We can set the twins up in one and then youâll have your choice of the other two. I hope this is⌠better."Â
His voice is a bit distant as he speaks, and his glance falls into the living room. To the mantle. A picture of him an Allison on their wedding day still sat there, but he tore his eyes away with a sigh.Â
She's listened to him explain, nodding, and followed his eyes as they fell on a picture. A pretty blond in a beautiful gown kissing Cole. Her gaze shifted back to his face, her mouth dropping open.
"Is this-?" she started to ask, but thought better of it. She of all people knew some wounds don't heal; scar tissue doesn't develop over them because they remain open and hurting. Instead, she put a hand on his wrist, fingers cool and almost shaking.Â
"Thank you." She told him."I'm- I feel safer already."