Lady Heiler blinked. “What?”
“I wanted to know how serious you were, before I agreed to
this,” Sithe explained. “You might think that the rich and affluent would be
more than willing to pay a diamond-monger’s ransom to get what they want, but
you would be wrong. That you would so willingly offer up your newfound wealth
to enlist my help ... well. It’s more convincing than anything else you might have said.”
“You ... you don’t want
payment?”
“Have you forgotten who I am? I'm a Breckenridge. I have all the resources I could ever need. Perhaps we’ll talk later about a donation to the cause, once this
business is concluded. It’s important for us to remember the plights of the
young and helpless. If you wish to express your gratitude that your child is
safe and cared for, by doing your part to help those who are not ... I won’t
stop you. But let's make sure he's safe and cared for, before we talk about that.”
Lady Heiler smiled. It was a lovely smile, untouched by
bitterness or fear or cynicism. It transformed her face. “Thank you, Sithe
Breckenridge. You are a credit to your family’s legacy.”
Sithe winked. “So my sire tells me. My uncles are less
convinced.”
“They believe you fit for a ‘higher calling’ than what you
have chosen?” Lady Heiler guessed.
Sithe shrugged. “I suppose. I’ve never bothered to ask.”
No comments:
Post a Comment