Contents
CHAPTER 8: ROHAN
Overview
At Severin Thorp’s bayou shack, the group confirms Brady has been there. While Knox and Gigi track him, Rohan and Savannah search Brady’s bag and uncover a concealed fleur-de-lis necklace engraved in French, hinting at a promised heir or queen. Their uneasy alliance hardens with ground rules and strategic probing.
Summary
Under bright bayou moonlight, Rohan ascends to Severin Thorp’s stilted shack, noting from the sounds that Brady isn’t inside. He offers Knox condolences on Severin’s death, provoking Knox’s anger until Gigi intercedes and pushes Knox to focus on finding Brady. Knox storms out, and Gigi follows to track Brady.
Savannah challenges Rohan’s decision to let Knox and Gigi hunt while he stays behind. Rohan provokes and probes, angling for leverage in Brady’s abandoned bag. Savannah asserts boundaries and motives: this is business; she needs a path to the duchess, while Rohan wants Brady present for that meeting.
As they analyze the broader “board,” Rohan outlines Thorp family power in St. Adelaide Parish and repeats press lore about the duchess’s Oxford romance. Savannah maintains emotional distance and imposes ground rules: no touching, no endearments, business only.
Rohan searches the backpack thoroughly and finds French poetry and, hidden in a sewn compartment, a silver-and-gold fleur-de-lis pendant. He reveals an inscription: “For the one to whom it was promised. For the girl who would be queen.” Savannah takes the necklace, suspecting a tie to Calla Thorp, reframing Brady’s intentions and the stakes of reaching the duchess.
Who Appears
- RohanCalculating operator; searches Brady’s bag, finds a hidden fleur-de-lis necklace with a royal-tinged inscription.
- SavannahSets strict boundaries with Rohan; analyzes the power board; examines the necklace and suspects a Calla Thorp link.
- Knox LandryGrieving and angry over Severin; leaves to track Brady, urged by Gigi.
- GigiMediator; redirects Knox’s rage toward finding Brady and follows him.
- Brady DanielsAbsent target; left a bag containing French poetry and a hidden fleur-de-lis necklace.
- Severin ThorpDeceased mentor to Knox; owner of the bayou shack they search.
- Calla ThorpVanished scion; potential connection to the fleur-de-lis necklace’s inscription.
- The DuchessPowerful figure Rohan aims to reach; background discussed as leverage context.