Page 73 of The Last Kingdom

“I don’t like people who ask a lot of questions,” she said. “And this one is extra nosey. Not to mention a little handsy.”

Stefan chuckled. “Who could blame him.”

“I don’t like handsy,” she said.

“Fair enough. But he’s in charge. It’s his job to ask questions.”

“You don’t seem surprised by the accusation,” Smith said.

“I’m not surprised. In fact, we wanted the Guglmänner to take the book.”

* * *

LUKE GLANCED AT TONI.

Who seemed as surprised as he was by the admission.

“This is a complicated matter,” the prince said. “The Guglmänner have been around a long time. They are perhaps the best source in Germany on Ludwig II.”

“What about your own family?” Luke asked.

“You would be surprised how little we know about our ancestors. It comes from a hundred years of indifference and complacency.”

“You sound bitter,” Toni said.

“I am. Which is why you are all here. The Guglmänner are not going to willingly disclose any information to me. I’ve tried before and failed to get them to open up. So Christophe became involved with the group months back, when I first began to plan this operation. A few hours ago he was welcomed fully as a member. He has led them to think that he is their spy among my ranks. So I had the book delivered here and Christophe informed them of the opportunity. To their credit, they came and stole it without delay.”

“To do what with?” Toni asked.

“We don’t know,” Christophe said. “Not yet, anyway.”

“We have not had a chance to see what they will do,” the prince said. “But I believe they know more about the book’s significance than I could ever learn. So what better way to become educated than through them.”

“Okay,” Luke said. “I get all that. And it’s really clever. But last night you were genuinely surprised with the tomb being empty.”

“I was hoping that the rumors were wrong.” The voice was low, but steady and sure. “Again, I think the black hoods can lead us straight to Ludwig.”

“Is what you’re after here?” Toni asked.

Good question.

“I believe so. It’s the only place it could be. Christophe’s job will be to keep us informed on the black hoods’ progress.”

“You sure they’ll go looking?” Luke asked.

Stefan smiled and faced Professor Ertl. “Tell them.”

The older woman smiled.

“That is the one thing we know for certain.”

Chapter 39

COTTON SEARCHED HIS MEMORY FOR DETAILS ON JASON RIFE, BUThe could not recall a thing. Which was a bit unusual for him. But he’d simply never come in contact with the man before, nor heard anything about him.

So he asked, “Tell me about Rife?”

Bryie shook his head. “You’re not even supposed to be here.”