Chapter 76: Rings and drama
Trevor finally lifted his hand toward the portfolio. "Can we begin? We need the rings by Thursday at noon. Cathedral Registry doesn’t wait."
There was a pause.
A long one.
Benjamin stared at him like he’d just been personally handed a live grenade.
"I’m sorry," he said, voice soft. Dangerous. "What did you just say?"
"Thursday," Trevor repeated, calmly. "At noon."
"Thursday," Benjamin echoed. "As in the day after tomorrow. As in forty-eight hours from now."
"Forty-four, technically," Windstone offered from the doorway.
Benjamin turned around so fast his coat flared. "Forty-four hours?"
Trevor didn’t blink. "Yes."
Benjamin clutched the edge of the velvet case like he was restraining the urge to fling it out the window.
"Do you understand what you’re asking me to do?" he said, voice rising. "This is not ordering stationery or monogrammed towels, Trevor. This is custom ringwork. Engraving. Casting. Certification. Sacred bless-your-union nonsense. You want all of that—and delivery—to one of the most watched religious institutions in the Empire? In forty-four hours?"