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Alexia was not clear on what to inal topic "If it is a weapon, I one Lyall said it was headed north, and we believe it to be going by coach The question is, where, and who is carrying it?"

"And what exactly is it?" added the va the tea Lady Maccon took hers with ar He took his with a dash of blood and a squeeze of le northward, then northward it is Your husband’s Beta is never wrong" There was an odd tone in Lord Akeldama’s voice Alexia looked at him sharply He added only, "When?"

"Just before I cain to move northward?" He passed a s the comestibles himself

Lady Maccon did some quick calculations "Seems like it would have had to depart London late yesterday evening or early this "

"Just as the humanization in London stopped?"

"Precisely"

"So e need to knohat regiments, or packs, or individuals ca"

Lady Maccon had a sinking feeling all fingers were about to point in one particular direction "I place great confidence in the fact that Professor Lyall is already hunting down just that inforood idea of who the perpetrators ht be, don’t you,back into the love seat and tilted forward to peer at her through his hed "Call it instinct"

The valy lethal "Ah, yes, your preternatural ancestors were hunters for generations, sugardrop" Delicacy did not permit him to remind her that they hunted vampires

"Oh no, not that kind of instinct"

"Oh?"

"Perhaps instead I should say ‘wifely intuition’ "

"Ah" Lord Akeldama’s smile widened "You believe your oversized husband to be connected to the weapon?"

Lady Maccon frowned and nibbled a biscuit "No, not exactly, but where oes…" She trailed off

"You think this whole thingScotland?"

Alexia sipped her tea and re to do with the Kingair Pack losing their Alpha?"

Alexia started She did not realize that little fact was coe How did Lord Akeldama come by his information so quickly? It was really remarkable If only the Crown could be so efficient Or BUR for that matter

"A pack without an Alpha can behave badly, but on this kind of scale? You think--"

Lady Maccon interrupted her friend "I think Lady Maccon may suddenly feel quite oppressed by the dirty London air I think Lady Maccon may have need of a vacation Perhaps to the north? I hear Scotland is lovely this time of year"

"Are you barmy? Scotland is wholly abysmal this time of year"

"Indeed, ould one wish to travel there, especially with the trains down?" This was a new voice, tinged with a very faint French accent

Madah she had for her colorful cravat for one of white lawn and her brown top hat for a black one

"Lady Maccon fancies herself in need of air," replied Lord Akeldauest "Mada jumped in to make proper introductions, but the other two seemed to have matters well in hand

"How do you do? Lord Akeldama? A pleasure to make your acquaintance at last I have heard ave the va jacket an intent look

"And I yours," replied the va an equally critical eye to the inventor’s stylish arb

Alexia noted a certain undercurrent of wariness, as though they were two vultures circling the sa for taste," said the Frenchwoman softly Lord Akelda slightly to the side, "Scotland, Lady Maccon, are you certain?"

A flash of wary approval crossed the vampire’s face at that "Do sit," he offered "You smell divine by the way Vanilla? A lovely scent And so very feminine"

Was that a return jibe? wondered Alexia

Madame Lefoux accepted a cup of tea and sat on another little settee, next to the relocated calico cat The cat clearly believed Madame Lefoux was there to provide chin scratches Madame Lefoux provided