Army of the Goddess: A Bona Dea Novel (Stormflies Book 2) Read Online Free PDF Page B

ashamed of your behavior.
    I will advise further the date and time to expect us.
    Your brother,
    Isaac
    +++
    Hopesday, 20 th Unimont
    300 People's Hall
    Undun city, EL
     
    Isaac,
    Be advised that a travel ban is going into effect in a few days due to the increased number of disappearances.
    STAY HOME!
    Q
    +++
    It was a lie, but he needed to do something. The last thing Quinn wanted right now was for his family to show up at his door and make waves. His wife, bless her soul, would try to be civil and welcoming, and she would probably attempt to reconcile the differences between him, his siblings, and his mother. Axandra wanted people to be kind to each other and understanding, and it was a flaw in her nature to believe that all members of society were capable to doing just that. In a few years' time, her accumulated experiences as the Protectress would teach her that such beliefs were misplaced.
    Until then, he was going to try to avoid his family. He did not want to see them. He did not want to communicate with them. He wanted to live at peace with his wife and not worry about them. He pushed at the pile of letters with his fingers, wondering how many more he would see in the coming days. He had five more siblings and their spouses who might take the opportunity to offer their input.
    Unfortunately, Holton's disappearance frayed the very edges of his nerves. As much as Quinn disliked his family, he did not wish them harm. He only wished for distance. He would have to have a chat with Commander Narone to alert the Elite to keep their eyes open for a man who looked a lot like the Protectress' fiancé. Hopefully, Holton had simply gotten sidetracked on his way home. Knowing his brother's penchant for punctuality, this was a very slim hope.
    He thought of one option, one person that might have some idea of Holton's whereabouts. He wasn't supposed to know about Jenny. Unfortunately for Holton, Quinn's facial similarities led the woman to mistake him in the Range End market one day last summer. She had sneaked up behind him and began laying sensuously groping hands across his chest from behind. When he spun to confront the perpetrator of the molestations, he found himself face-to-face with a handsome woman in her forties with an up-do of big curls and provocatively arranged overalls.
    “You're not Holton!” she exclaimed with sudden realization.
    “No, but he is my brother,” Quinn explained. “Who are you?”
    Jenny laughed off the embarrassing encounter, never allowing her chagrin to be seen; and over two pints, she explained that Holton enjoyed her company when he came south. She assured Quinn that the relationship was purely platonic, at the moment, and Holton was too strong-willed to break his vows with his wife.
    Holton's trip to Range End undoubtedly included Jenny's loving ministrations. She would never let him visit the village without a proper visit.
    +++
    Hopesday, 20 th Unimont
    300 People's Hall
    Undun city, EL
     
    Dear Jenny,
    I'm sure you'll be surprised to hear from me. I wouldn't bother you at all except that I'm on a search for my brother Holton. I understand he was recently a visitor to Range End, picking up seed samples for our mother and for the farm.
    If you would be so kind as to reply if you have seen him and the date and time of that last sighting, I'd appreciate a letter.
    I hope that you are well and that your Landing Day celebration was remarkable.
    Thank you.
    Sincerely,
    Quinn Elgar
    +++
    Unimont 22nd
    55 Lawrence Road
    Range End, SL
     
    Quinn,
    I must say it was a pleasant surprise to hear from you! You're just as darling as your brother, and I miss your sweet face. I do hope you'll be coming back to Range End sometime soon so I can mistake you for someone else again. Oh, I know you are about to get married and to the Protectress, no less! I wish you many blessings for your future together. I'd like to meet her one day. She looks absolutely charming.
    As for Holton, the last time I saw him here