Page 163 of Eternal Craving

If I could have willed Marcus to go faster, I would have done so. We flew over the rooftops, quickly arriving at Number 12, Petherton Road, nestled in the hamlet of Newington Green.

Marcus and Sunaria waited for me across the street, shielded in the shadows of an alley. Using darkness as my cover, I approached the townhouse and peered into the half-open window. Meager candlelight vacillated within the sparse room.

I’d found Jacob.

I bit into my hand, stifling a sob. I wanted to burst in and grab him. Jacob, now ten years old, appeared well. He sat at a wooden bench, pummeling into the base of a small basin. Close by sat a man in his fifties, studying the contents of several booksthat he’d balanced on his lap. He had a wise, kind face and a serene demeanor.

I turned back to see Sunaria staring at me, her eyes full of hope. When she saw my expression, her face lit up.

With pride, I studied Jacob, reassured that he’d found a safe haven. He appeared content. Jacob resembled his mother even more now, an uncanny reminder of Annabelle and a painful reminder of his elder brother. He’d grown in height, evidence of being well cared for, and his modest attire was smart. His warm clothes were perfect for another harsh English winter. I felt thankful to the gentleman for taking such good care of him.

Jacob jumped off his chair, approached his mentor, and topped up his cup. His reward was a warm smile. They both resumed their activities.

Fearful that I’d start sobbing with joy, I rejoined Marcus and Sunaria in the alleyway. With my hand on my chest, I tried to steady my nerves. The relief was immense. In a moment, I’d burst into that house and grab him, but first I had to think it through, work out how I’d explain myself to the fresh-faced boy who may have forgotten me. Didn’t want to frighten him and push him away.

“Jacob’s the physician’s assistant,” Marcus explained. “His name is Doctor Potts.”

“How did you find him?” I asked.

“The old man made a late-night call to a patient,” Marcus continued. “Jacob was with him.”

Sunaria looked harried. “Marcus doesn’t think you should remove him.”

“What? Why?” Disconcerted, I stared back up at the window. “We have servants that can watch over him when I can’t.”

“He’s settled here,” Marcus said.

“This is none of your business,” Sunaria snapped.

“I’ve been searching for him as well,” Marcus said, sulkily.

Sunaria folded her arms. “Then you know the best place for him is with his father.”

“Wait, wait,” I interrupted. “What’s brought this on?”

“What if the Creda come back?” Marcus asked.

“Get Jacob and let’s go,” Sunaria insisted.

“Jacob is getting an education,” Marcus said.

“He doesn’t need to work, we can take care of him,” Sunaria’s voice rose with her impatience.

I leaned against the wall. “Does the physician have a wife?”

“I haven’t seen anyone other than them,” Marcus said.

“We’ve waited this long,” Sunaria said. “We’re not leaving him here.”

My inability to watch over him before had put him in danger and I’d lost him. The thought of making the wrong decision again scared me. Running my fingers through my hair, trying to suppress the nagging doubt, I began pacing.

Enemies of ours, known or unknown, could threaten him. My inability to protect my son during the day would leave him exposed.

There was movement at the window. The curtain was drawn closed.

“He’s right.” I felt sadness as I spoke those words, finding truth in them.

“I don’t believe what I’m hearing,” Sunaria said, sucking in her breath. “You think that this place is safe? Being dragged to sick people’s homes? What if he catches something?”