The young man looked terrified. He couldn’t leave his post to check with his superiors, and he didn’t want to cause a scandal.

“Oh dear. If you could wait a moment, miss, my lady? They should be surfacing soon.”

No doubt he meant it literally. Werewolf attachments were often housed underground, for everyone’s safety.

“At ease, private,” came a calm soft voice, and Uncle Lyall materialised out of the shadows behind the relieved guard. “The lady is not unexpected.”

Rue batted her lashes. “La, sir!” she simpered.

The guard eagerly ceded all responsibility to Lyall’s authority. He resumed his post while the werewolf guided them inside and out of sight around the corner of a munitions building. “Herself is in a temper. I wouldn’t bother her if I were you. Can I help?” He didn’t even flinch at Rue’s attire.

Rue smiled hopefully. “Actually it was you I wanted to see. It’s Mrs Featherstonehaugh – I think she may be more important than anyone realised. I’d like to know more about her. Anything you can tell me would be useful.”

Uncle Lyall shrugged. “We didn’t socialise, I’m afraid. The brigadier is happy to have a werewolf attachment but unhappy to have a Scottish one. The pack was never invited to his private functions. Mrs Featherstonehaugh seemed nice enough, rather young. Bookish.”

Rue perked up. “What did she like to read?”

“I never had the opportunity to ask. Do you think it important?”

“I’ve been charged with investigating,” Rue replied cautiously. Was this estranged former member of Paw’s pack trustworthy?

Uncle Lyall didn’t seem to take this amiss. “Have you indeed? Well, my offer stands.”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean the brigadier’s quarters are there, second storey window. You could borrow my form and take a look for yourself if you like. He’s out of town. Guards on the first floor.”

Rue considered. “If I’m seen, Kingair would be blamed.”

Uncle Lyall shrugged. “We’re already in the soup for losing the chit in the first place.”

Quesnel looked suspicious. “That’s right. It was pack acting escort. You’re certain you didn’t socialise with Mrs Featherstonehaugh at that time? It’s a long journey back from the hills.”

Uncle Lyall didn’t resent his honesty being questioned. “I wasn’t with them. Left behind to act as pack anchor.” His tone spoke volumes. Clearly he felt that if he had been with them, they wouldn’t have lost the girl, and he blamed himself for not having kept a closer eye on things.

Rue thought for a moment. “Then I accept your offer. Have I ever stolen your form before, uncle?” She had been a holy terror in her childhood on this matter.

Uncle Lyall chose not to answer.

Quesnel said, “Mon petit chou, shouldn’t you consider your nice dress?”

Rue snorted at him.