London was the same concrete jungle she left behind last summer. Just with a much lower temperature and a more festive atmosphere.
She walked hand-in-hand with Carter, off to retrieve Sadie from the clutches of their maternal grandparents. Dad stood a few paces away, engaged in a heated conversation with a mysterious man in a trench coat.
" Who's that?" She peered up at her brother, hoping for answers.
Carter shrugged, turning back for another look at him. "No clue. Though I'm pretty sure I've seen him before. "
Unsatisfied, she opened her mouth, another question on the tip of her tongue. Effectively extinguished by the sight of her mother's maiden home.
Located on the East of the Thames, the gloomy estate stood, the host of numerous painful memories, doors never open for Dad, Carter or her for some reason. Unlike the rest of London, it didn't change with the seasons, maintaining its grim countenance all year round. The duo moved up the path quickly, fully intending to grab Sadie and depart without any unnecessary interaction with the owners.
"You're late," Sadie flung the door open before either of them could knock. Her blue eyes flickered to hers for an explanation.
"Our flight was delayed," she answered, somewhat sheepish.
"For the third time in a row!" Her sister complained, tossing her cat into the house. "You need to upgrade your excuses, Allie. "
Althea winced at the use of the annoying nickname, praying that it wouldn't be used in public.
Sadie's gaze shifted to Carter, popping a bubble expertly. "So, you're here too."
She sounded a little disappointed.
He nodded curtly, obviously expecting the 'greeting' to be nothing but disdainful.
"Let's get on with it, then. " Sadie lunged for her free arm, dragging her out of Carter's hands and towards Dad, forcing him to dash after them.
Sharp as a needle, she noticed the stranger immediately, carefully watching Dad gesticulate agitatedly as the conversation progressed. "Who's that?"
Surprisingly, Carter replied, panting. "Dunno. He was there when we pulled up."
A frown creased her brow. "He's familiar. Let's go take a look. "
"Sadie, no!"
Carter's eye twitched in aggravation. The effect of his sister'a utter disregard for his wishes already sprouting grey hairs.
Althea sighed dramatically, stalking after her sister.
"C'mon, we'd better follow her."
"This is madness, Julius! The Per Ankh have their eye on you, especially after..."
"I know the risks...this is key...sacrifice..."
"How...children? One...connection to..."
"Are you looking for a duel? You never could beat me, Amos."
Thankfully, Sadie chose that particular moment to make her grand entrance.
"Hey, Dad!" She yelled at the top of her lungs, barreling into his arms, nearly knocking him off his feet.
'Amos' stumbled backwards, startled by her sudden appearance. He recovered quickly, clearing his throat uncomfortably. "I-I must get going."
Dad stared at his retreating figure, one arm holding Sadie in a protective embrace, the other on the strap of his work bag. When he was out of sight, Dad turned to Sadie, an affectionate smile lighting up his face like a Christmas tree. "Hello, sweetheart!"
She scowled, crossing her arms sternly. "So now it's 'sweetheart'? Visiting Day's almost over! Oh and who was that guy?"
The smile didn't waver for a second. "Forget about him. We've got a great night ahead of us at the British Museum!"
Althea's eyes widened. The British Museum. The disaster area of her dreams. And they were driving straight towards it.