Chapter 425

James Cross said, "Mr. Jefferson sent me." "Where is he?" Irene asked. "He just arrived in Franconia, so he won't be returning soon," James replied. "I'm your protection detail in the meantime." Irene frowned—by all accounts, Isaac should have arrived in Franconia already. "He just arrived? Are you sure?" James averted his eyes. Isaac certainly should have arrived at Franconia sooner, but he had delayed his flight after receiving Mrs. Watson's call. Now, he was going to need time to take another flight back to the country. In reality, Isaac had his people keep a constant watch on his estranged family, because he knew they would not give up so easily. He told them to inform him the instant they were on the move, and they just did. Worried that Irene would be in danger, Isaac sent James, who just happened to be staying in the country. It was certainly fortunate he did, or there would be real trouble. Still, to Irene, James's evasiveness made it clear that Isaac was refusing to