****
Trick, Dham and I finish eating. I divide my plate so Dham can at least get something to eat rather than have to go back to the argument. He’s been worn down by the events of the last few days and having Peter refuse to back him up must be adding to his burden. I’m debating about going back over to see why it has gotten so quiet, when Ryland gets up and walks over to the others.
“I’m happy to help each of you in any way that I can. Cat, if you want to return home, I’ll see you get there. Peter, if you still feel like New York is best, I’ll do everything I can to see you off.” His mouth turns down in a hard scowl. “But what has been discussed here does not leave this room. Amaranth and Dham are going to Rome and the fewer people who know that the better.”
I leave the table to join Ryland. Dham and Trick follow. Kevin looks at me as I come level with Ry. Peter and Cat avoid my gaze. I don't know what went on in here, but it doesn't look like it was particularly pleasant. Trick sniffs, like a dog scenting something especially tasty. I wait for someone to speak.
"I’ll go with you." Kevin jerks his head in Dham's direction. “Always wanted to get a look at Rome.”
No surprises there. Kevin was the one most likely to join us. I don’t know whether to be worried or grateful.
I turn to look at Cat. She's staring into space, a thoughtful look on her face. "What about you, Cat? You going back to your village?"
Her head rears up, almost like a serpent and I'm reminded momentarily of the Nag we ran into in the tunnels the night before. Her blue eyes are calm. She waits a beat, as if gathering her thoughts. "I'm going with you." Her fingers wind around each other as she talks, which makes me wonder how comfortable she is with her decision. "My village sent me out to do a job and I intend to finish it."
My eyebrows take root in my hairline. I hadn't expected that response. Dham is smiling and nodding. I guess he managed to convince her. "Glad to hear it." So we're up two Ringers, one demon, and two regular people. Odds are still not in our favor, but it’s more than we had before.
I face Peter. He's gotten up to pace and is now watching all of this quietly from the corner of the room. I study him carefully. I'm reminded of the feeling I got in Ryland’s office when I found him in there looking at maps. I know Dham trusts him but there is something just off about him for me. I don't want to admit it, but I would like it very much if he decided not to go with us.
“Peter?” Dham prompts.
Peter walks over to the table. His economy of movement is pretty impressive; I'd be interested to see him in a fight. The expression on his face is one of profound unhappiness and I begin to relax. He's probably just disappointed he couldn't change Dham's mind and doesn't want to tell us he's going to try to get back to New York with Ryland’s help.
I watch as his face goes smooth, all expression wiped away. My shoulders tense. "I'm coming too."
My eyes seek out Dham, who breaks into an even bigger smile. He goes over and hugs the older man, slapping him on the back. "You always come through."
Peter returns Dham's smile, but I notice it doesn't reach his eyes. My stomach clenches. I look over at Ryland who has a tight, closed look on his face. Something's not right, but it is just a dull feeling, an intuition. I have nothing else to go by. I make a vow though, to keep Peter in sight as much as I can.
The Iron Bells Page 41