Desmond Cusick's Diary

It seems Earl Demetrius Sharpe may prove a useful ally in some regard. Surprisingly enough, he brought up the subject of Jackson's purchase--which, certain channels inform me, is tomorrow--and expressed an interest in seeing the boy freed. He is not a man who believes in keeping slaves. This is a far cry from his cousin's sick practices, though he does not openly condemn Earl Alistair Sharpe's zoo, either. He views it not as bondage, but as a "stage".

In addition to having some exceptional whiskey, Demetrius seems to have more of a heart than I gave him credit for. He agreed to look in on Gretchen for me, and to give her a message: "Desmond sends his love." Just like the message she sent me the night I discovered her capture. I only hope that I can convince Demetrius to let me see her in the future, if she can't persuade him to release her--which he seemed more than willing to do, under the correct circumstances.

If all goes well, I will not need the information Vasili has offered me, but even so, I will get it. If I can discover the location of the earl's private zoo, more shifters can be freed.

I am on my way to the Flying Siren now. The papers had better be there tonight.