“Hooligans?” The man sounded affronted. “Nothing of the sort. My friends and I are out searching for my sister. She went missing from our home the other night during the storm. We're worried she may have gotten lost, or worse... she's a beautiful, young woman, and I'd hate to think what would happen should she run into the wrong sort.”
“Your sister, eh? Can't say as I've seen anyone out on the roads. What does the girl look like?”
“Long, chestnut colored hair, average height with a lovely figure. Green eyes. Are you sure you haven't seen anyone meeting that description? We're desperate to have her back safe, you know.”
“Like I said, I haven't seen anyone out on the road these last few days, but I'd be happy to keep an eye out for her. Now, if that's all, I really need to be on my way. Appointments to keep.”
“Of course, of course. Like I said, it's not my intention to put you out. I must ask, however, if might I take a look in the back, just to reassure myself, of course. You seem like a good and honest man, but she's my beloved sister. I'm sure you understand the need to be thorough.”
Hiram made a noise of displeasure. “My family's in the back, and I'd rather you didn't worry them. My mother is quite fragile in her old age.”
“I understand your concern, certainly. I'll just pop my head in for a moment so that I might ask after my sister. They may have seen something you missed, after all. My men will stay out here, so they aren't overly frightened. Alan, would you be so kind as to hold this gentleman's horses for him?”
“Yes, sir,” responded a low, rough sounding voice. There was a shuffling of horses then a hand reached in, pulling aside the canvas flap. A man climbed into the back of the wagon, looking around at the group huddled there with sharp eyes that belied the casual grin he presented them. He appeared to be in his late thirties, with just a hint of salt creeping into his otherwise golden hair. His eyes moved from face to face, taking in every detail. He can probably hear my heart pounding from there, Josselyn thought, fighting the urge to fidget as the man's gaze moved to settle on her painted face.
His eyes narrowed.
“As I imagine you overheard already, I'm looking for my sister.” He paused, his eyes still focused on Josselyn. “I don't suppose any of you have seen anything... suspicious?”
“You're the first person we've encountered in the last few days, sir. We're due to perform in Tallis tomorrow evening and have been hurrying to make it there in time. We had a bit of trouble with one of our wheels a ways back, and now we're rather behind schedule, I'm afraid.” Dahlia gave the man a sympathetic smile. “I'm sorry we can't be of more help. I don't know what I'd do if anything were to happen to any of my sisters.” She motioned toward the other girls with a sweeping motion.
The man's mouth tilted up in a smile that didn't reach his eyes, Dahlia's words pulling his attention away from studying Josselyn.
“With such lovely sisters, I can only imagine your father has his hands full.” His gaze moved to Alex, who was crouched on the balls of his feet, tension rolling off his frame in waves. The man raised his eyebrows. “Ah, but I see you have a worthy protector with you. Excellent. Well, if you are sure you haven't seen anything that could help me in my search, then my men and I shall continue on our way. Thank you for accommodating me.”
He gave a slight bow before turning and exiting the wagon. Everyone seemed to hold their breath as they listened to the men take their leave of Hiram, hooves pounding loudly on the dirt road as they passed them, heading east.
“Well, that was unsettling,” Violet commented, licking her lips in agitation.
Rosemary fell back against one of the chests. “Those eyes... I thought for sure he'd see right through to my very thoughts.”
Josselyn shivered. Those eyes had lingered far too long on her own face. She'd been certain he'd see through the disguise, despite Dahlia's proficiency. “Well, they've moved on for now, anyway,” she said, attempting to sound more positive than she felt. “Let's hope that's the only group scouting the road.”
“It seems the Antoski are trying to keep their presence here quiet, sending men in plain clothes with a fake story about a lost sister.” Dahlia looked from Alex to Josselyn, her brow furrowed in thought. “Perhaps they wish to retain the element of surprise. We will have to warn the city's officials as soon as we reach Tallis, so they can be on the alert for any attacks.”
Rosemary snorted. “The most official person in Tallis being Mr. Jonathan Banri, the city's magistrate, I suppose?”
Dahlia pursed her lips, looking down her nose at her sister. “Mr. Banri would indeed be a wise choice, seeing as how he's responsible for the city's defenses.”
Lily giggled, then quickly covered her mouth with her hand. Violet grinned from behind her book, which she'd pulled out as soon as the men had left. Josselyn looked at Alex in confusion, but he just lifted his good shoulder in a shrug.
“Informing the magistrate would certainly be a wise idea,” she said slowly, wondering why the idea of involving the man was making Rosemary's sides shake with repressed laughter. The only one who didn't seem to find the situation funny was Dahlia, who folded her hands in front of herself with a resigned sigh.
“I apologize for my sister's inappropriate behavior, Your Highness, especially during such a precarious time as this. Mr. Banri is an old and trusted friend of our father's. He'll know just what to do, I assure you.”
Rosemary let out another snort, rolling her eyes in Josselyn's direction. “What my eldest sister has failed to mention is that Mr. Banri's son, one David Banri, is completely besotted with her, and she with him.”
Dahlia huffed. “David and I are friends, that's all. He's a talented musician and
