My Bratty Wife

The name – Commander Thorne – struck Ryan with the force of a blow. All the relaxed peace of the sun-drenched picnic, the gentle comfort of Suzy’s presence, vanished in an instant, replaced by a jolt of urgency. He was on his feet immediately, his eyes, moments before were soft with affection as he gazed at his wife, now wide and sharp with a mixture of shock and intense anticipation.

"Thorne?" Ryan repeated, his voice incredulous. "He’s in Carleton? Where is he now, Davis? Did he come to the Castle? Is he here now?"

Davis, still slightly breathless from his search, shook his head. "I do not know his precise whereabouts, Your Grace. The message was... discreet. He sent a letter, delivered by a trusted but unnamed courier. It awaits you in your study. The courier departed immediately after handing it over, emphasizing Commander Thorne’s desire for utmost secrecy until he can speak with you directly."

A letter. Ryan’s mind raced. Thorne was cautious, and with good reason, given his last report of being hunted. He wouldn’t risk an open approach. The letter would contain instructions, a meeting point, perhaps.

He looked down at Suzy, who was now sitting up, her earlier peace replaced by a quiet understanding of the gravity of the news. The name ’Thorne’ was familiar to her; she knew how much Ryan had been relying on the investigator’s return. Her eyes, though still holding the softness of their recent tender moments, now also reflected a supportive resolve.

Ryan crouched down beside her on the blanket, taking her hands in his. His voice was gentle, but underscored by an undeniable urgency. "I’m so sorry, my love," he said, his gaze searching hers. "It seems duty calls, rather more abruptly than I anticipated." He leaned in and pressed a firm, loving kiss to her lips.

"Commander Thorne has arrived. I must go to the study immediately and see what his letter contains."

Suzy nodded, her fingers squeezing his reassuringly. "Of course, Ryan. Go. This is... this is what you’ve been waiting for."

There was no complaint, no hint of her earlier clinginess, only a quiet strength that he cherished. "Be careful," she added softly, her eyes filled with love and a silent prayer for his safety.

"Always," he promised, giving her hands one last squeeze before rising. He turned to Davis. "Let’s go. Quickly."

The two men strode rapidly away from the peaceful picnic spot, leaving Suzy under the shade of the old oak tree, the remnants of their peaceful interlude a contrast to the sudden tension that now filled the air. She watched them go, her heart gnawing with worry for her husband.