Zaria knew the name. Charles Fox was one of the engineers who’d assisted Joseph Paxton in designing and constructing the Crystal Palace. “I’m assuming he believes that because you told him as much.”
“Correct.”
“That’s not whatconvenientmeans.”
“Well, it’s certainly been convenient for me,” Kane pointed out. “You’re here to assist, not to question my methods. Anyway, Theo just got engaged, poor bastard, so it’s lucky you arrived when you did. Taylor’s a big family man,” he added, seeing Zaria’s less-than-impressed expression. “Besides, I think we make a striking couple.”
She didn’t deign to respond to that. She still wasn’t clear what they were doing here, and she itched to ask Kane whether he had any news of Cecile. But she couldn’t broach the topic in front of Jules, so she held her silence.
Jules said, “Don’t you think it’s a bit foolish to meet outside the building you plan to steal from?”
Kane’s mouth twisted in what might have been amusement, but it could have been distaste. Instead of answering, he said, “I don’t recall inviting you.”
“Iinvited him,” Zaria snarled, wishing she could point out that it was Kane who had told her not to go anywhere alone. She tensed,wondering if he would bring up the previous night, but he only clicked his tongue.
“Yes, and I don’t recall inviting you to invite him.”
“Then I suppose it’s a good thing you’re not really my fiancé. Jules goes where I go.”
“Can he be trusted?”
“Of course I can,” Jules said acerbically.
“Kane,” Fletcher intoned. He said it in the way of someone who was accustomed to telling Kane off, and Zaria wondered if perhaps Fletcher Collins was not so bad.
Kane gave a long-suffering sigh. “Fine. We’re meeting here, Master Zhao, because there’s a private viewing of the exhibits taking place today. I managed to get Fletcher onto the force, thanks to one of Ward’s contacts, and Ambrose Taylor has kindly given us two tickets to said private viewing.” Indeed, he brandished two slips of paper with a flourish. “It’s invite only, for organizers and those who’ve contributed to the anticipated success of the event. Hence my alter ego, Theodore Wright.” His smile was self-satisfied. “The real Theo Wright has no plans to attend the Exhibition just yet.”
Zaria grimaced. “Did youdosomething to him?”
“Absolutely not,” Kane said, as if such a thing contravened his high standard of moral integrity. “Merely a fortunate happenstance. Anyway, because of the limited guest list, the palace will be less crowded, which means we can move around more easily. We’ll be able to get a decent look at the necklace and the layout of the building. Think of it as a reconnaissance of sorts.”
Fletcher inclined his head toward the unoccupied turnstiles at the Exhibition’s entrance. “It looks as though we won’t have to worry much about exterior security.”
“Not yet,” Kane agreed.
It was interesting, watching the way the two navigated each other. Kane was undoubtedly the leader, but Fletcher’s confidence was obvious. As if Kane’s presence bolstered him, bringing him into focus rather than overshadowing him.
Jules turned to Zaria. When he spoke, it was as if Kane and Fletcher weren’t present at all. “You can’t seriously want to do this.”
Zaria hesitated—she didn’t particularly want to have this conversation in front of the others. As it turned out, she didn’t have to, because Kane addressed Jules first.
“If you’ve come along solely to try to dissuade her while shooting me dirty looks, consider yourself unwelcome here.”
“Stop it.” Zaria turned her glare on Kane as Jules’s teeth came together with an audibleclick.“You can’t blame him for being concerned, given… everything about you.”
“And yet,” Kane said, “I suspect our agreement benefits him as well.” His gaze slid to Jules. “Am I wrong?”
Something icy coalesced at Zaria’s core. Did heknow? It would only make sense that the kingpin’s crew knew what their associates were doing. Was that why Kane had come to her when he did? Did he know she would be easy to convince because of what was at stake?
Jules, to her relief, didn’t so much as blink. “I haven’t decided whether or not it’s worth it.”
“You live in Devil’s Acre.”
“Yes. And every day we’re one visit fromyourcrew away from homelessness.” There was a slight quaver in Jules’s voice, but he didn’t back down as he met Kane’s eyes. “Can you really blame me for not liking you?”
Zaria watched Fletcher’s hand migrate to Kane’s shoulder, as if he feared his friend might do something rash, but the precaution wasunnecessary. Kane merely tilted his head, expression icing over into something cool and thoughtful.
“You know what, Zhao?” he said. “You’ve got a set of morals on you. I don’t like it, but I respect it.”
