Page 4 of The Swan Syndicate #1

Stella didn’t move, thrown off by AJ’s tone more than her words.

Beckworth pushed past her with the pies and placed the Marionberry in front of AJ and the strawberry by Maire.

Stella’s gaze snapped to Finn. He held his practiced poker face, which was no help in sensing the mood of the room.

Maire’s focus was on the pie—strawberries were her favorite—but she couldn’t stop a small grin.

Stella wasn’t sure if the smile was for the pie or a reaction to AJ’s outburst. Ethan’s expression was as stoic as Finn’s.

So, she glanced at Sebastian. He was a monk who normally had very little to say but wore his thoughts on his face or, more accurately, in his eyes. And they were currently shining with mirth, which eased her shoulders that had risen toward her ears.

AJ was bound to be irritated, and it wouldn’t be the first time it had been directed at Stella.

She would have her misgivings about their plan to go back, but it was obvious AJ was more hurt by the fact everyone else appeared to know before she did.

Her best friend should have been the first one Stella told.

“You think pie is a fair apology.” AJ eyed the pie as she said it, her gaze shifting toward the fork in the place settings that had been laid out for dinner. She might be pissed off, but she had a thing for Donna’s pies, and Marionberry was her favorite.

Stella would have words with Beckworth later, but it was obvious he’d planned ahead to butter up AJ with support from Maire.

One thing about him, he was as good at strategizing as Finn and Ethan were and knew how to mold a situation to his advantage.

In other words, a manipulator when it suited him.

And now was an excellent time to play off his thoughtfulness. He did all of this for her, after all.

“Some news is better when heard among friends.” Stella made her way to the coffee pot, poured the last remaining dregs into a cup, then started a new pot. She swallowed the remnants then turned to the table where all eyes were still on her.

“Oh, for god’s sake, let’s just get to it. Yes, Teddy asked if I was interested in going back to Waverly for a New Year’s celebration. We should make it in time to invite Hensley and Mary so they can stop on their way to London for the season. What’s wrong with that?”

“You make it sound like you’re just taking a drive down the coast to see friends.” AJ pushed the pie aside, though it was still within easy reach.

“Except for the trip through the fog,” Maire chimed in, “and the gut-wrenching pain, it’s really nothing more than that.”

AJ gave Maire a look that clearly stated she didn’t need that kind of help. “You’re betting everything on the fact you won’t have a problem with the stones. What if… I don’t know.” She searched around the room as if chasing her thoughts. “What if you lost both rings? You’d be stuck there forever.”

Everyone chuckled, and AJ had to smile at the absurdity.

“I’m not sure if it’s a good idea to use the stones as a constant doorway to the past.” Finn ran a finger over the table, following a wood grain.

“But I think we’ve proven that the travel has become more reliable.

And yes, there’s always a chance the two stones could be lost, but if they don’t come back within a reasonable allotted time, Ethan has a stone, and we have the Heart Stone, which gives us what we need to go find them. ”

Stella hadn’t been prepared for Finn’s support, but perhaps he liked the idea of being able to go back in time to see old friends.

She sat at the table, pulled over a stack of napkins, and began creating an origami swan.

She’d learned the art several years before during a self-improvement phase.

Of the dozen courses she’d taken, none of them stuck except for origami.

It had become a joke between her and Beckworth. Whether it had been while they were on the run from Gemini’s man or when the game changed to pursue Gemini and her gang, he always made sure she had paper to make her swans.

AJ turned to Sebastian, who’d been following along even as he turned pages in whatever ancient text he’d found at an estate sale.

Being a man of the nineteenth century, he had been fascinated by the idea of estate sales.

AJ was an antiques broker and liked to hit the sales early on the first day before all the good stuff was gone.

She always took Sebastian with her. Sometimes Maire went along, but she wasn’t as fond of the outings.

Stella thought it was more that she preferred to wait and see what Sebastian brought home for her.

“Sebastian,” AJ started with an even tone. “I know you gave the two stones to Stella and Beckworth in the hopes they’d find each other in one of their time periods, but you can’t be in favor of them going back just for a holiday gathering.”

He set his book aside and glanced at the group, taking a moment to study each person before moving to the next.

His odd behavior used to make Stella fidget until she remembered he was a monk.

He didn’t read expressions; he looked deep inside and read a person’s soul.

That was creepy as hell, but at the same time, it was peaceful.

“I haven’t been in this time period for very long, but there seems to be risks just crossing one of your city streets.

” Sebastian chuckled. “Though I must say, having been in London several times in my life, the risk is greater getting hit by a wagon or carriage in the narrow streets of the city by drivers with little regard to another’s life.

I suppose that’s not the best analogy for sending someone back in time, but Maire and I have had many discussions about the stones and the latest set of incantations.

If Stella and Beckworth use the correct incantations, I don’t see a problem.

” His fingers played at the edges of an envelope he’d been using as a bookmark.

“I must admit, I’m curious to know what’s happening back home and hoped they’d take a letter back with them.

Hensley said he’d stay in touch with the monastery. ”

“And before you ask,” Ethan piped in as the only one who hadn’t provided his opinion.

“I do side with AJ on it being an unnecessary risk. At the same time, I haven’t left anything behind except good friends, which was difficult enough.

If the earl were still alive, I would want to go back.

Beckworth has left more behind than Finn, Maire, or I.

” He took Maire’s hand. “We’re making a fine life here.

But I understand Beckworth’s need to spend time at Waverly.

I doubt this will be their only trip. Once he finds his calling here, he won’t have as much need to return to Waverly.

” He glanced at Beckworth. “Just my opinion, mate.”

Beckworth shrugged. “We could debate all evening as to my motives for returning to Waverly. But that isn’t the point of the conversation. Stella and I discussed it thoroughly, and we’re in agreement.” He smiled at Stella. “Unless she’s changed her mind.”

Stella focused on the swan, doing her best to ignore the entire discussion.

She knew the conversation would devolve into the whys and why-nots.

It was her own fault. She should have told AJ days ago, but the discomfort she sensed in the room lessened.

Beckworth’s solution was working. And she was such a chicken shit.

“I haven’t changed my mind.” Stella set down the swan. “We did agree. And we’ve spoken with Sebastian and Maire several times regarding the risks. They’re minimal. Safer than air travel.”

Finn barked out a laugh, and AJ snickered.

“Fine.” AJ pulled the pie back. “I should know better than argue the merits of time travel with Maire or Sebastian. If you want to jump back, feel like your guts are being ripped out, and then toss your cookies, by all means, have a wonderful time.” She turned her attention to Finn. “Get the plates. I need pie.”

A J strolled around Stella’s bedroom, picking up a knickknack, dusting it off, and then setting it back down. She folded a scarf that had been tossed over the back of a small armchair and placed it in a drawer.

“Why didn’t you tell me you were going back?”

AJ’s question was said loud enough for Stella to hear from the closet, where she was reviewing last-minute options. Stella’s shoulders tensed as she considered the question. After that dinner a couple of days before, everything seemed back to normal between her and her best friend.

They’d gone shopping twice, searching for the best pants and shirt for her to wear through the fog.

She still had the set she’d worn when traveling home from Waverly, but AJ thought something that fit Stella’s curves would be more comfortable.

After realizing she’d lost the battle on Stella going back, AJ seemed eager to ensure she was well-equipped.

Not once during the thrift stores, lunches, and coffee breaks had AJ’s question come up. Not once was there any weird vibe coming from her that she was unsettled by Stella’s unwillingness to share her plans with her. Now that they were a day away from travel, she popped the question.

After one last review of her closet, she ran her fingers over the moss robe she’d brought with her from Waverly.

She refused to take it with her—it was Beckworth’s favorite.

She smiled at all the times he’d taken it off her.

With a last sigh and not seeing anything else to pack, she straightened her shoulders and strode into the bedroom.

Her first stop was the table by the armchair, where an almost empty bottle of wine and two glasses sat.

She refilled the glasses and handed one to AJ.

She sat cross-legged on the bed without spilling a drop and patted the bed. “Come sit.”

AJ smirked and joined her, preferring to lean against the headboard as she rested the glass on her belly.