James waited almost twenty seconds before he asked again, which was impressive.
"What did it say?"
I kept the note folded in my hand. "Words."
"I gathered that."
"Then we're making progress."
He leaned closer, and I moved the note away. James looked offended. "I'm not going to steal it."
"You considered it."
"I did not."
Daphne looked at him, and James sighed. "Briefly."
The carriage started moving again. Renn had spoken to the two riders, checked whatever identification they carried, and then sent one of them back toward Merrow's estate while the other joined the rear escort. Nobody had attacked us, and nothing had exploded. For once, stopping had only produced a letter. I should have appreciated that more. Instead, I opened the note again.
I have the thirteen. Get to Halden. All of you, this time.
The words hadn't changed.
Elizabeth had stopped holding out her hand, which was good. She was still looking at me, which was less good.
