“I wasn’t hurt, even though I can clearly recall his suffocating me with a sweet-smelling rag.When I awoke, I wasn’t in my bedroom but downstairs in my reading chair with Mum’s libretto spilled onto the floor.I searched, but there was no evidence anyone had been in the house.”
That couldn’t be right.“And you checked all the doors and windows?”
“Of course.There was one window not quite shut, but the lock was twisted.Even if it had been a point of entry or exit, I don’t understand why they would attack me in my bedroom, then carry me downstairs to my reading chair and make it look like nothing happened.”
Thatwasodd.What did they hope to achieve by such behavior?Either he was missing something or Nora really had imagined it.“Did you have any bruises or soreness that could prove it was real?”
“The bruises I have could have occurred during my earlier slip down the stairs.If that were the only incident, I’d dismiss it as a nightmare, but this morning Mrs.Reed stopped by.”
“Mrs.Reed?”Ezekiel stiffened.“How does she know where you live?”
“She moved into the house on the corner and was introducing herself to all the neighbors.”
The lying snake.
“While we talked, Winston appeared outside my window.Mrs.Reed said she didn’t see him, but he was there when I went outside.I touched him.Spoke with him.He said I was the only one who could.Even the couple at the horsecar stop didn’t seem to see him.Ezekiel,what if I’m going mad?”Desperation and panic clung to his name, begging him to contradict the question.
“You are not going mad.”He didn’t need the telegram from Miss Soldene to confirm Adler hadn’t left.Adler and his sister were in cahoots for whatever scheme they planned.“I believe Adam Adler from the Soldene Opera Company is your Winston, and Mrs.Reed is his sister, so very likely your Ursula.”
“What?Why would you think that?”
“Adler has a glass eye and was consumed by my mention of you and your ma.”
“You talked about us?”Her voice squeaked with fear and betrayal.
Ezekiel ran a hand through his hair.“I thought I was being sly in determining if your ma was really Constanza Brisbane.I had no idea the danger it would bring to your door.”
“Did you tell him Mum was in Longview?”
“No.I sensed he had too keen an interest and ended the conversation.I avoided any further talk with him.I didn’t know then that Mrs.Reed was his sister, so when she introduced herself, I didn’t give it a second thought.”He understood now that Mrs.Reed’s visit to the greenroom hadn’t been coincidental.Why else offer free lessons if one is supposedly making a living by training singers?Ezekiel’s stomach soured the more the pieces fell into place.Praise God Nora hadn’t been eager to take those lessons.
“But what about that couple who didn’t see Winston?Or Adler, or whatever his name is.”
“Are you certain they didn’t see him?”
“He was confident enough to suggest we go speak to them together.”
That was cocky.Either Adler expected her to decline or he was certain the couple would play along.He’d likely paid them prior toappearingat Nora’s window.“I think they’re toying with you.Trying to make you doubt your sanity.It’s the only explanation I can give.”
“That or I reallyamgoing mad.”
“I refuse to believe it.”
“But why would they do that instead of outright kill me?Adler was ready to carve out my eye when Ursula—Mrs.Reed—stopped him.”
“I don’t have all the answers, but Iwillfind them.I want someone with you at all times until Adler and Mrs.Reed are no longer a threat.If you are truly hallucinating, we’ll go from there.But we can’t move forward without bringing in the Guardians and”—God, help me—“your father.”It was the right thing to do, but the man may never forgive Ezekiel for placing his daughter in danger.
“We can’t tell Father.If he even thinks there is a chance Winston—Adler—has found me, he’ll force us to disappear again.We’d be gone before sunrise.”
“He’s your father, Nora.He needs to know.What if Adler doesn’t only go after you?Your ma is safe in the asylum, but your father isn’t aware he could be in danger.If we go to him together, then he’ll know he’s not alone in facing this threat or in keeping you safe.You have friends—one whose fiancé is a detective; a beau who will fight every real or imagined dragon to save you; and Graham, who for whatever reason, is protective as well.”
Nora gaped at him.“Why are you standing by me when I could be as mad as Mum?”
“Your ma isn’t mad, Nora.She’s afraid and in need of hope, just like my ma.Even if you were crazier than Nebuchadnezzar when he thought himself a wild animal, I would stand by your side.We have God’s spirit of power, love, and a sound mind.There is no room for fear.We’ll get through this together.”
She leaned forward and rested her head on his shoulder.The distance was awkward and uncomfortable, so he moved his chair next to hers and nestled her against his side.
“Thank you, Ezekiel.I don’t know what or if something is wrong with me, but I’m so glad I’m not facing it alone.”
