"This demonology book," Blunt went on. He stroked his beard and paused for several beats. Eventually he sighed and shook his head. "I'd better tell you. It might be important."
"Yes?" I prompted when he hesitated again. He had my full attention, and Jacob's too. My ghost had finally stopped glaring daggers at the schoolmaster.
"A gentleman from the school's board mentioned demons to me quite recently."
"How does one casually slip demonology into a conversation?" Jacob said.
"In what context?" I asked Blunt.
Blunt waved a hand, dismissive. "We were simply discussing our private interests, away from work you understand, and he said he belongs to the Society for Supernatural Activity and has a particular interest in demons." The organization's name sounded familiar. "Indeed, he mentioned your friend Culvert as also being a member with the same interest."
Of course! George belonged to the same society. So this board member probably knew about George's extensive library on the subject. The coincidence was too close for my liking. "When were you talking to him?" I asked. "Could Maree have possibly overheard the conversation?" Or was there some other tie-in with her brother? Or were neither of them involved at all?
More beard-stroking from Blunt. "I can't recall. It was some weeks ago I think. Whether she heard or not..." He shrugged mountainous shoulders.
"What's his name?"
"Leviticus Price. He's a generous benefactor to the school and takes an active interest in our operations. He has some excellent suggestions for improvement, which I naturally try to instigate where possible. Perhaps your friend Culvert can ask him the questions you just asked me when next he sees him at a Society meeting. I'm sorry I can't help you further." "I bet he is," Jacob muttered.
Mrs. White and George joined us then. Both looked concerned to see me but probably for different reasons.
"Emily?" George came to my side and gently took my elbow. "You must have been looking for me." I think he said that for everyone's benefit, or perhaps to guide me into an answer. Little did he know I'd already successfully navigated my way through a series of lies.
"Has your headache gone?" Mrs. White asked, her gentle eyes searching my face.
"It's worse," I said, pressing my fingers to my temples. "I was looking for George to ask him to take me home but I encountered Mr. Blunt."
George gently rubbed his thumb on my sleeve. The motion was soothing, his smile even more so. "I'll take you home now."
Jacob folded his arms over his chest. "He does know the headache isn't real, doesn't he?"
I allowed George to lead me down the corridor behind Mrs. White. Blunt didn't join us. Jacob, oddly, disappeared. I thought he'd walk with us but apparently he had better things to do. I tried not to let my disappointment show. I had wanted him to walk me home, not George.