Page 185 of Eternal Craving

As I did now, causing him to look away.

Our boat rocked in the wake of larger vessels that passed by and smaller boats that nudged past. We were not the only ones taking advantage of the warmer temperatures.

With all my will, I tried to resist the urge to trespass on Jacob’s thoughts. Now and again, I caught a wisp of his ponderings. Leaning back against the side of the boat, I tried to avert my gaze.

“How did you two meet each other?” Jacob asked.

I felt Marcus’ silent insistence that I should answer.

“We were introduced,” I said.

“Where?” Jacob asked.

“Here in London,” I replied.

Jacob gave me an incredulous look. “Why do I always feel you’re avoiding my questions?”

“We met at Belshazzar’s,” Marcus added. “Just before your father bought the property. Of course it wasn’t called that when we met there.”

“What was it called?” Jacob asked.

“Blackfriars.” I was unsure whether the chill that ran down my spine came from the river breeze.

The oarsman’s gaze locked on mine. It dawned on me that anything we discussed could very well wind up circulating around the city. The oarsman visibly shivered. Perhaps rumors had spread about that place and those who only left the property at night.

Jacob caught our interaction and changed the subject. “Where’s Rachel tonight?” he asked. “I’m sure she would have enjoyed this.”

Marcus shrugged.

“Rachel is such a talented violinist,” Jacob said.

Marcus grinned. “You should have been around for rehearsals in the early days.” He laughed. “That takes brotherly love to a whole new level.”

“Is anyone else getting seasick or is it just me?” I pressed my hand over my mouth.

“On the Thames?” Jacob asked.

“Take us in,” I ordered the oarsman.

“Already?” Jacob looked at Marcus and then back at me.

I’d dropped many a body into these waters and my imagination ran wild as I envisioned that one of the corpses might spring out of the dark depths and scream at me.

Jacob looked up at Marcus. “Is he like this with you?”

Marcus smiled and shrugged.

Jacob studied me. “You need to get more sun.” He looked at Marcus. “In fact, you both do.”

The oarsman glanced our way nervously.

Jacob insisted that we visit an old inn he favored. With his enthusiasm so great, it had been impossible to refuse him.

All three of us sat on the hard, wooden benches, right in the middle of the rowdy pub, awaiting our order of drinks. I already regretted agreeing to dinner. The tavern was small, dark and atmospheric. Marcus’ ability to make light conversation softened what could have been an uncomfortable evening.

“So, Jacob, have you made a decision yet?” I asked.

“About moving into Belshazzar’s?”