The Apothecary's Poison (Glass and Steele #3)(95)

Finally Chronos's gaze settled on me. He didn't even blink as Matt and I headed downstairs, side by side. It unnerved me.

The closer we got, the clearer the lines on the man's face became. He was certainly old, the pattern of wrinkles telling a long and convoluted story. His snowy beard was full but the hair on his head light and wispy. He had clear eyes, however. Clear and clever.

Matt extended his hand. "My name is Matthew Glass," he said. "You saved my life in Broken Creek, New Mexico, five years ago. I've been looking for you."

Chronos hesitated then shook his hand. "You've found me." He once again looked at me. I wanted to shrink into Matt's side, but stood my ground. Chronos—DuPont—had an unnerving stare. He also had no French accent. It was utterly English.

"This is Miss Steele," Matt said. "Miss India Steele, daughter of Elliot Steele."

Chronos nodded, unsurprised. "So your friend told me on the way here." He extended his hand to me. I took it. He did not wear gloves and his hand was cool and rough; a working man's hands. "The last time I saw you, India, you were a babe in your mother's arms."

I blinked back at him. My eyes felt huge in my head and my hand small in his. "You're my grandfather."

It felt so right that I knew it must be true, even before he said, "Yes, I am."



THE END