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But when I get to the foyer, I see that I’ up on the hat stand by the door, and Seb and Isabel?

Are nowhere in sight

Chapter 20

I try Isabel’s phone, but there’s no answer And then I pull up

In fact, I al me, which is very much not okay and a sacred violation of our friendship, which I plan on infor find her

Which, I realize,warren of halls and rooms, smaller than Sherbourne Castle, plus there’s the added issue of parts of it being open to tourists and other parts private and for family only

I know I’ the halls of the palace, ducking in roo for Seb and ht be stripped if she doesn’t turn up soon

It’s actually kind of a relief when I run into Spiffy--or Dons (I still have trouble telling them apart)--on one of the staircases

"Heyyou!" I say, trying to seerinning at me, hands in his pockets He’s dressed like a banker in his forties--polo shirt, khakis, shiny shoes--rather than a teenage boy, and I wonder if Miles is the only one of thees to look sereat, apparently I have a nickna about around here? "Getting the lay of the land?"

"Kind of," I reply, resting my hand on the banister "You haven’t seen Seb, have you? Possibly with a girl?"

It’s the strangest thing, but I can actually see Spiffy-or-Dons shut down Like a door closing in his face or so

"Can’t say I have," he replies, and I know he’s lying

I press harder "It’s just ht With her parents"

That part is a lie--Isa’s parents are still in London, co parental authority will rattle hiives etic look I’ve ever seen "Maybe she went back to the hotel," he suggests

I srit my teeth, more likely "Maybe," I say, but I am pretty sure that’s not the case Where could Seb have taken her?

And then I realize who ht know

And ould have a vested interest in preventing any scandal involving Seb

"Is Miles around?" I ask

Spiffy-or-Dons grins "Thought soes me in the ribs with his elbow and winks

I shake my head "Ew, no"

Spiffy--it is Spiffy, I’ "Ew?" he echoes "Monters is really the least ew of all of us, I feel"