Chapter Six: Leytonstone

Lachlan escorts a nervous Sloane into a small seaside ceremony at Leytonstone Inn, reassuring her before she meets a tearful Rowan at the arch. Lark performs the processional, and the couple exchanges vows as friends and a few family watch. The party moves to a local tavern for an unfussy reception and first dance.

Fionn needles Lachlan about his glowering attention toward Lark. When Sloane threatens to unleash whiskey unless he complies, Lark taps Lachlan’s shoulder and forces the promised dance. Their small talk sours as Lark challenges his hostility, then pivots to a proposal tied to his stalled retirement and damaged reputation.

Lark reveals associates of her mother and stepfather are being methodically killed, with no evidence left behind, and her extended family is exposed. She argues Lachlan’s investigative skills can help identify the murderer and stop police scrutiny. In return, she will win back Leander’s Covaci contract and add a new Montague protection/cleaning contract, noting their growing “muffin” empire occasionally fronts darker logistics.

Crucially, Lark warns her family views Lachlan as a prime suspect and will eliminate risks, potentially extending harm to Rowan. She insists only marriage—a vow her stepfather respects—will convincingly remove Lachlan from their sights. Lachlan balks, but Lark states flatly that without her protection he will die, then leaves him to decide as Rowan drunkenly begins to sing.