And he was gone.
I sat in the carriage, staring at the opposite seat. Unable to tap the trap to tell the driver to move.
The carriage started moving without my signal. John had obviously not had such trouble. I allowed the motion to sway me back and forth. We rounded the corner. A distant shot rang out.
I didn’t need to look back. To see. I trusted my friend. I smiled grimly. And wasn’t that the crux?
Chapter 22
Vein Ripper dead! Shot by own hand at the scene of a previous crime! Murder weapon found in his pocket—letter opener used on all the victims…Servant from the Steelcrest estate gone mad, an Edward Smith…though physical identification was impossible…Arthur Dresden discovers murderer and claims the reward…whole story from his mouth on page four…High Lord First of Steelcrest testifies! Lord Kennen Winters found innocent and released! All charges dropped on both Winters! Monetary settlement given by the High Lord First of Steelcrest…Huge donation to Command Street...Statements on page six…Town rejoices! Safe once more…
MARIETTA
“Are you angry with me for not telling you before we left for the estate that John was guilty?”
I pushed the special edition papers aside and looked at Gabriel, who was holding a mug of tea to his chest, the steam swirling up and around his face, as beautiful now as it had been the first time I had seen him. Perhaps even more attractive now, if such a thing were possible.
“No. If you had told me about Alcroft after you made the discovery, I would never have been able to keep it a secret from him. I would have acted differently.”
He nodded, his eyes falling to his tea, as if searching for the answers inside. “Are you leaving tonight?”
I wet my lips, my heart unsteady. “I can. Ferris and Kennen are back in our house. The estate veins started glowing again. Kennen said neighbors have been pouring in with congratulatory gifts and goodwill. Invitations are overflowing our box—everyone wanting the first bit of gossip.”
“You are welcome to stay here until the fury dies down.”
No statement on the veins, or the magic. The familiar magic.Toofamiliar.
The same power I’d felt humming through his Ashfield house, and of course his house on Ember Square, now flowed into ours. The gilded depended on their estates—powerful, if they had it—and put less stock in the harder kind of cultivation, rewarded by discipline and connection.Sharing.
I touched my wrist, and the stars there. If the gilded knew what a magical prize he was, he would never find a moment’s peace.
“Thank you. I should probably be there, though. In case Kennen needs me.” The last was more of a question. If he asked me to stay...?
“Best for you not to be caught here. Everyone is probably wondering where you’ve been. You visited a friend in the country. No matter what your ratty cousin says.”
I smiled, a strained, forced smile. “Yes.”
“I know a nice couple in Windmark who will vouch for your whereabouts this past month, should you need it.”
“Thank you.”
“Don’t thank me. Please.”
Silence.
“I’ll help you pack.”
Packing took little time. Not nearly as much as it had taken a month past. It was as if time had sped ahead to hasten our separation. I dreaded the activity of packing as much now as I had then. The pain in my heart markedly different, but still present.
The next thing I knew, I was at the bottom of the stairs, case in hand.
“It would be best if you travel alone. I’ll have my driver stop a street or two over. You can catch a closed cab.” He pressed afew coins into my palm, his touch burning. “I’ll send your other things around later. In an unmarked carriage.”
“Thank—” I cut myself off before I could finish the sentiment. Silence pervaded the foyer. “Will you be—”
