“It isn’t. Relevant.” Edward’s voice stayed level. The voice of an earl. A commander, with an estate to lead. “We’ll tell you if it becomes so. I give you my word. But until then, I’ll ask you to trust me.”
“Oh, Ned,” Harry said, with affection. “You can’t protect me forever.”
“Right now I can.” Wind yelped along old thick walls and dry tree branches for emphasis, outside.
Kit’s instincts didn’t even have to stand up and shout. A secret? Not so much a secret as a looming hand-painted sign. Look this way. Step right over. Play find-the-lady, constable, and no magical powers, now, that’s cheating; but mutual abilities acknowledged with a wink.
Of course he had cheat. He’d damned well listen in and do his job. His particular skill set.
A crime or disruption or difficulty of some magical
