‘I think you’re good, Buthy,’ Eloise said.
Arbuthnot looked at me. ‘There’s room for improvement,’ I told him. ‘But that’s the case with all of us.’
He smiled slightly then repeated his words. ‘I am not a good man.’ He lifted his chin. ‘But the evil that your father presents is on a completely different level. It is not something I can countenance.” Both his words and his tone were uncharacteristically formal, as if their weight deserved a greater level of propriety than Arbuthnot usually employed. “If there is any chance you can beat him, I will do anything I can to help you. We will not tell him we followed you here, or that you have been anywhere near Sutton Bridge and know of an object that could destroy him. It is not much, but we can at least offer you our silence.’
For the first time since I’d knelt by the side of the Fachan’s body my lips curved into a genuine smile. ‘I don’t want your silence,’ I said. ‘In fact, I want you to tell Daddy Dearest exactly where I’ve been.’
‘What?’ Hester spluttered.
I leaned forward and picked up my teacup, raised it towards her then took a sip. ‘You wanted a Plan B,’ I said. ‘Now I’ve got one.’
‘Where didyou get that damned knife from?’ I asked Amy as we waited for the others to join us in front of the hotel.
‘My mum’s kitchen.’ She shrugged insouciantly, as if wandering around with a dangerous weapon was the most natural thing in the world.
‘You can’t keep it.’
‘Why not? You’ve got a sword. I’ve got a knife.’
‘I’ve had training.’ Some, at least.
Amy raised an eyebrow. ‘So have I. Four years of Food Technology classes at Biggleswith Secondary. I’m the fastest onion chopper in the school’s history.’
I folded my arms.
‘I need to protect myself,’ she said. ‘You told me my life is at risk from your dad. That’syourfault, not mine. Really, this is all on you, Lady Daisy.’ She smiled pleasantly.
Cumbubbling bollocks. It was difficult to fault her logic but I wouldn’t be defeated. ‘A kitchen knife won’t do you any good against a fiend – or a bogle, for that matter. You’re more likely to end up hurting yourself.’
Gladys hummed loudly in agreement.
‘I made a leather pouch for it. I won’t stab myself by accident. I’m not completely stupid.’
‘Carrying that thing will cause far more problems that it could ever solve, Amy. Hand it over.’
There was a mutinous tilt to Amy’s chin. ‘No. If I’m going to hang around with you, I need some sort of protection of my own.’
‘No, you don’t.’ I said, ‘And you won’t be hanging around with me for much longer. There’s a change of plan.’
Her eyes narrowed. ‘I want to find King John’s treasure.’
‘You still can. But not right now.’ I managed a smile. ‘I’ve arranged for you to take a lovely holiday in the south of France. I’ve spoken to your parents and they’re sending over your passport. It’s all arranged. After everything you’ve been through lately, I think a holiday will do you the world of good. As you said yourself, you need some protection. Leaving the country is the best protection you can get.’
Amy didn’t look particularly impressed. ‘Oh yeah? And what will you be doing while I’m being forced out of England to sunbathe?’
My smile widened, but it was neither amused nor happy. ‘Embarking on a hunt of a different kind.’ I swallowed. ‘It’s only temporary, Amy. You’re in danger and it’s my fault. I need to know that you’ll be safe while I’m dealing with the situation.’
Her suspicion didn’t lessen. ‘You’re not just trying to get rid of me so you can keep King John’s crown jewels for yourself?’
‘I’m not. I promise.’
She gazed at me, but she must have seen something in my face that convinced her because she sniffed. ‘Fine,’ she muttered. ‘I’ll go to France – but not for long. I’ll come back here as soon as I can. I’m going to find this treasure.’
‘I’d expected nothing less.’ I exhaled. ‘Thank you, Amy. And, please, give me the knife. You can’t travel abroad with it.’ I held out my hand.
She sighed but thankfully she did as I asked. I examined the makeshift pouch, determined it was safe enough, and slid the knife into my pocket. Teenagers carrying sharp weapons was never a good idea.
Hugo came up behind me and slung an arm around my waist. I instantly felt a flood of tension leave my body as I leaned into him. ‘What’s going on?’ he asked as the rest of the Primes gathered around.
