Page 186 of Eternal Craving
I nodded.
“Perhaps.”
Doing my best to hide my disappointment, I leaned back against the bench and folded my arms.
Jacob turned to Marcus. “So, what can you tell me about my father?”
Marcus raised an eyebrow. “Oh, where to begin?”
I lifted my cup and pretended to sip.
“Your father searched for you relentlessly,” Marcus offered.
I found myself gripping the table, aware of the tension I was suddenly feeling.
“Every night, he scoured London for you,” Marcus continued. “He never gave up.”
I was relieved when the waitress interrupted, and yet disconcerted when she plopped down bowls of soup and the smell hit me. More food arrived, freshly baked rabbit and a full plate of vegetables.
Conscious of being watched, I seriously contemplated eating, but with the memory of Marcus vomiting on me, I decided against it.
“Tell me more about your business.” Jacob offered me some bread.
I accepted a piece and rested it on the side of my plate. “We buy land.”
Jacob offered the bread to Marcus.
Marcus declined with a wave. “We purchase old homes and tear them down.”
“And then we rebuild,” I said.
“How many homes around Belshazzar’s do you own?” Jacob asked.
“Almost all of them,” I answered.
“You mean the whole street?” Jacob joked.
“Yes.” Marcus gave up on pushing his food around his plate and put his fork down.
Jacob glanced at me and then at Marcus.
“Those reluctant to sell are offered double for their property,” Marcus said. “Within three years of moving into Belshazzar’s, we owned the majority of land surrounding the manor.”
“We rent out the properties.” I poked my food.
Jacob turned to Marcus. “Not hungry either?”
Marcus sighed. “That boat left me feeling a little queasy, too.”
Jacob dipped a chunk of bread into his soup. “I would like your permission to take Rachel to the park tomorrow.”
Marcus glanced at me. “My sister’s heading out of town.”
Jacob’s face fell.
Marcus coughed. “This trip has been planned for quite some time.”
“Where’s she going?” Jacob ate the moist bread.
