The Hanged Man

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

“You should have chosen the stage,” Teddy added. “Mother would have had seven kinds of fits, but that wouldn’t have bothered you.”

Alex felt ill and angry, but maintained her control. Showing her temper would blast what she’d so carefully built to flinders.

Hollifield was ready to explode, though. He’d gone red and rounded on young Pendlebury. “You dare?”

“Someone had to act. Allow me to explain and all will be forgiven.”

Hollifield’s glare could have scorched iron, but he’d not reached his place in the world without knowing when to listen. With visible effort he pulled himself in. “Explain, then,” he said after a moment.

Teddy’s gaze was steady. This man was a stranger to Alex. This was someone accustomed to walking in the corridors of power. He looked older and extremely self-assured. “It was all on Lord Richard Desmond. Using the Ætherics as a frivolous diversion was no longer working, and quite frankly, most of you are not as careful as you should be. A careless word dropped, a little postprandial chat over the port-the man’s no fool. You’ve seen more of him than all of us together, Hollifield. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’d taken some clue from you.”

“Have a care, boy.”

“I did precisely that. I expected him to send spies. They wouldn’t be hoodwinked by Ætheric table-tippers or shocked by those drunken hedonists. Desmond’s spies were removed.”

“You killed Englishmen?”

“Spies, Lord Daniel. Spies who would have ruined everything. But it didn’t put off Desmond. He approached my father in the Home Office about opening an inquiry, a series of inquiries, on most of you.”

The men had been restive but now went still.

“Caught your attention at last? You’re all damned lucky I happened to see a paper my dear old sire left on his desk. It was a list of names, every one of them in the Order. That was yesterday, gentlemen. Just yesterday. Father would have launched an investigation tomorrow. They would have brought in Readers just like my cousin here, and none of you would have evaded discovery.”

Alex disbelieved that; Uncle Leo was never careless with important papers, but it was a plausible lie. This wasn’t the time to point the flaw out to this lot, not with Teddy in full flow.

“Action was required. I gathered a few trusty lads to sort things out. With Lord Richard removed, the investigation would be delayed. We set a watch for the next time he went out. Soldiers of the Order executed Lord Richard Desmond early this morning.”

Alex listened with her internal senses wide. Their wave of shock was genuine.

“How could you?” someone demanded.

“Unavoidable. We’d have had to do it sooner or later.”

“Executed,” whispered Hollifield.

“You and all of us here know his dogged devotion to the crown. He’d have been an implacable enemy to our cause. Possibly the one man who could stop us.”

“He’d have come around,” said a man in the back.

“No.” Hollifield shook his head. “I knew him. He’d never…”

“Exactly,” said Teddy. “The next necessary evil was to take the teeth out of the Psychic Service. I anticipated his death would put them in disarray. They panicked and called in everyone. Every true psychical talent in London was together in one spot and we could have gotten rid of the lot, but their damned Seer somehow got wind of it and ruined things. I take responsibility for the attack, but not its defeat; that was out of my control.”

“You bloody fool!” Hollifield roared. “You’ve no idea the damage you’ve done. You’ve set us back-”

“I’ve pushed us forward! We are ready now! The game’s begun. There’s no point waiting. Give the word and by New Year’s Day the first of the foreign vermin will be on boats heading across the Channel.”

“It’s impossible. Our own Seer said it’s too soon.”

“What makes him so reliable? He’s so damned busy blocking theirs, you can’t get sense from him. He was half mad to start with, then he got pushed the rest of the way when you began the abyss experiments.”

“He volunteered. He was the one who discovered-” Hollifield stopped short. “Damn your eyes! You should be thrashed within an inch of your life for this.”

“Deal with me after the year turns, your lordship, if you still think it necessary. Every man here has his duty to perform, none with a greater will for it than myself.”

Hollifield snorted.

The masked man who’d spoken earlier stepped forward. “We’ve been ready for over a year. Time to grasp the nettle, have done with it. We know the cost. I’ve a brother who will never forgive me, but yours will come around, and through him the queen.”

Alex raised her voice and put a solid measure of contempt into it. “You know better than that, Lord Hollifield. My godmother’s temper is not easily roused, but it is legendary. Particularly where disloyalty is concerned. As of this moment there’s no solid proof of your treason. That changes if you and these honorable gentlemen listen to my fool of a cousin. You must be aware he’s manipulating you. He was a sneaking little tick as a boy and only got worse as a man. He’s not told you everything. Ask him what happened tonight at the air gun factory by the river to the men who worked there. They’re all dead.”

“Chess moves,” said Teddy. “A few pawns.”

“Murdered by your own knight. Lord Hollifield, Teddy sent that beast to kill me and my companion. Instead, it killed the men who were in the factory, cut them down in cold blood with an air gun. But the Psychic Service prevailed and is even now going through the records there, and those will lead us to-”

“Really, Alex, do you think that’s our only arms factory?”

That was interesting news. “Have you so many you can afford to lose one? And what of that beast? How many of those strange allies can you afford to lose? That one is dead. I blew its brains out myself.”

Teddy continued to show a confident front, but she knew him well enough to recognize her volley had struck square and struck hard. “You’re lying.”

“Explain how I’m still alive, then. Was it a special pet? You can’t have many like that. Eight foot tall, red eyes, useful with an air gun-sound familiar?” She fixed his drained face with a cold eye, then turned back to Hollifield. “The game is not begun, your lordship. The game is over. The traitor in your midst usurped the board. He’s lost.”

Alex was unsure of the hierarchy of the Order, whether decisions were made by a vote of equals or if it was set up like the military with generals at the top. Either way, she’d gotten them to pause and sown doubt. Above all, she was using up time. An hour must have passed by now. Even if James and Hamish hadn’t gotten clear, help would come. Any minute Lord Richard and his flying squad would burst in. The longer she kept this lot here, the better.

Hollifield seemed about to speak, but Teddy interrupted. “Your lordship? A private word first. If you please.”

Something in Teddy’s expression … There was a subtle change in him that made Alex’s flesh creep. Hollifield grumbled, but crossed to the door to confer. Their murmurings were beyond her hearing. When they returned, a very long minute later, Hollifield was dead white with a sheen of sweat on his brow. He stared at Teddy like murder personified but frozen in action.

He mastered himself and stood at the head of the table. “Gentlemen, we will proceed. Disregard our earlier session. We’ll go over what’s to be done now in the face of these changes. Let us indeed grasp the nettle. However much it stings, it is for the good of our land and the queen we all love and serve. Thank God we had everything in place. It won’t be as smooth, and some of you will be short-staffed because of the holiday, but I trust you will be able to compensate and fulfill your several tasks.”

Alex opened her mouth to interrupt again, but Teddy was suddenly next to her, a hand on her arm and pulling her up. “None of that, Cousin. Allow me to escort you elsewhere. These lads have work to do.”

A short man in a full mask and hooded cloak preceded them to the door and opened it. Two other, much larger, cloaked men followed them out, carrying lanterns.

“You dealt with that with exceptional acumen,” said Teddy, taking her down the hall, away from the main gathering room and its noise. He tried to pull her hand onto his arm in a friendly manner, but she savagely shook him off. The violence of her reaction surprised her, but it served to keep him at a distance.

Members of the waitstaff threaded to and fro around their party, paying them no mind. She glanced back the way they’d come, but there was no sign of intrusion from Lord Richard’s people. Their three guards paced behind like a living wall.

They passed the chamber with the opium and hemp smokers, and then the T-intersection with its ridiculous warning sign. Alex was relieved to see that tunnel was still dark, so their intrusion was undiscovered. Now where the devil was Lord Richard?

“I admit my surprise,” continued Teddy. “Some females are capable of overcoming the limits of their sex, and you’re one of them. You likely won’t do well under the coming changes.”

“You won’t let me live. You don’t dare.”

“Actually, I can. I’ve no wish to harm family, whatever the provocation. You’ll be kept under house arrest in a safe place. It will be comfortable enough, but your nature will chafe unless you come to accept it. I suggest you do so. For your own sake.”

“Is that where you’re taking me?”

“The first leg of it, a nice waiting room. I’ve arranged discreet transportation.”

She could imagine the rest. “What did you say to Hollifield to bring him to heel?”

“That was me being clever. I knew the old boy would kick. He’s been delaying things for months. I let him know that unless he cooperated his good lady would get a visit from one of our brutish allies tonight and that she would neither enjoy nor survive the experience. Likewise, his daughters would-”

Alex forced a stop and turned on him. “You sick bastard.”

“Oh! Finally, a show of passion from the cold queen of the wide world. Calm yourself. His lordship showed sense, nothing will happen.”

“Until the next time he balks.”

“Yes. He figured that out. He’s a canny fellow, good at hiding the brains under the bluff, cheerful bulldog front. Had you fooled, didn’t he? And you a Reader. But he misstepped on a few things. Our large allies are a dubious weapon. They’re good at some types of work for a few years, but once fully grown, they are not as submissive about taking orders, then they become a danger to all. Have to be put down. You did us a favor removing that particular one. He was beginning to show signs of independence.”

“What are they? Where do they come from?”

“No one’s entirely sure, but they will be the subjects of considerable study once things are reorganized. We can put the Ministry of Science on it. Come along now. You look dreadfully done in. Time you had a rest.”

“Not until you tell me why you killed Father.”

“I expect because he infiltrated the Ætherics more deeply than was good for him. He’d befriended a lady who had made herself useful to the cause by having a talent for numbers. At least that’s all the lady would admit before she went into hysterics. The mere sight of one of our allies was exceedingly distressing to her. With the meeting tonight I had no time for more questioning. You said Uncle Gerard was going by the name of Kemp? He should have come as himself. They’d have welcomed another Pendlebury, and he would not have died. One point: I didn’t order him killed. Family, y’know.”

She expected denial, but not for the denial to be grounded in truth. “Who did?”

“Haven’t the faintest. It’s not my section. Some chap protective of the cause must have seen to it. Rather elaborate, though. Hanging? Usually we arrange for an accident and a delay for finding the remains. Fewer questions, nothing for a Reader to grasp. I am truly sorry, Alex. You have my word that when I discover who was responsible they will be dealt with in an appropriate fashion. I liked Uncle Gerard. I really did. He was day to my father’s night. Believe what you will about me, but I draw the line at harming relatives. We’ll have disagreements, but in the end, family is all we’ve got in the world.”

God in heaven, he’s absolutely sincere.

Alex shifted her gaze to the short guard who stood quietly apart from the others. “Do you agree with him, Andrina?”

She removed her mask and pushed back the hood. “There are some relatives who should just disappear and the world would be much improved.”

Teddy was amused. “I told you that disguise wouldn’t deceive a Reader.”

“I’ll be happy to change as soon as possible. These shoes are impossible.”

“The price you must pay if you want to attend meetings.”

“There should be an exception for me.”

“I’ll see about it after the New Year, but you’ll still have to be in a mask. You don’t want them knowing who you are. The smarter ones will guess, but they’ll know it’s in their best interest to keep silent.”

“How can you be part of this vileness?” Alex demanded.

“How can I not?” Andrina snapped back. “Foreign revolutionaries spew poison on every corner. Instead of land owners of substance, every oaf of a certain age has a vote and they’re swilling the poison like gin. With the way things are going there will be no monarchy left in ten years. I’m doing all I can to protect the queen.”

Teddy misinterpreted Alex’s expression. “Oh, don’t worry, females will still have their vote, but only those who own land or are connected by marriage or family to land. It’s the only sensible compromise.”

Alex sensed the sincere righteousness from them both and it made her sick.

Family, bloody family.

Disgusted and abruptly tired, Alex swayed and stumbled, her long delayed weariness finally asserting itself. One of the guards reached for her. She weakly batted him away, but he grasped her arm and held her up.

Through the gloves he wore, through the fabric of her dress, through the impotent fury roiling in her, his emotions intruded like a clarion. She caught her breath and focused on him.

“It’s all right, miss,” said Brook through the mask. “Steady now.”

“That’s Lady Pendlebury to you,” Teddy lightly admonished. “Do you want him to carry you, Alex?”

She shook off Brook’s hand the same as she might for a real guard. New strength surged into her. “I’m fine. How much farther?”

“Not long now.”

They’d left the activity of the waiting staff far behind. This was no longer a hall branching to rooms, but a dank, silent tunnel with a much lower ceiling. The bricks were older, crumbling, with a path trodden through fallen debris on the floor. It led to an aged stairway, the wood gone black, the treads slippery and worn in the middle. She counted steps and worked out that they were back up to street level. That was a relief. The oppressive darkness had pressed on her heart more than she cared to admit.

The last landing was in good order with gas lighting. A single sconce burned steadily, the hiss a welcome sound of modern life after the century-old murk below. Teddy unlatched a plain door and they entered a well-appointed study. The door supported a bookcase on its other side and, when closed, it matched another such case a few feet away. Substantial furniture, masterly paintings of hunting scenes, trophies, sporting equipment, and weapons were on display, all jarringly familiar. Many an evening after a shooting competition she’d come here with the Hollifields for a sherry before dining. It was his lordship’s retreat from the rest of the vast house.

“We’re at Berkeley Square,” she said in astonishment, at the same time passing the information to Brook.

“Hollifield is rather proud of the tunnel system,” said Teddy, moving toward a drinks cabinet. “It’s been there for ages. They knew how to build during the Regency. Made things to last. You look in need of a refreshment. Whiskey?”

“Where is Lady Hollifield?”

“Probably still at Buck House with her royal in-laws. Holiday dinners do drag on.”

“And the beast you used as a threat against her?”

“There’s one in a closed coach with its keepers making slow circles of this area.”

“How many of those have you?”

“Enough.”

“There must be a timetable for this treason.”

“Not your concern.”

“You won’t remain in a subordinate position to any of those men.”

Teddy smiled, offering a short wide glass with a generous portion of whiskey. She accepted it but did not drink. He passed another to Andrina. “I’m sure they each think the same of themselves. The problem in dealing with such fellows is that they all want to be the king of the hill. That’s how they got into positions of power and influence in the first place. Their loyalty to the crown is an exploitable weakness, though. They’ll stop short of visiting harm on the royal family.”

“And you won’t?”

“No one is more concerned for their safety than I, especially that of our queen’s charming granddaughter Charlotte. The girl is of marriageable age, and she’s heard nothing but good things about me.” He smiled and tilted his glass toward his sister.

Andrina was pleased. “As a trusted lady-in-waiting I have had considerable influence.”

“And instrumental in achieving many helpful goals. Andrina would like nothing better than a tangible connection to the royal family. How happy to be sister-in-law to the heir to the throne. An encounter between myself and Princess Charlotte earlier this month at a ball went off very well. I cut an appealing figure. Nice of her grandmother to set a precedent by marrying a peer for love. Dear me, Cousin, you show disdain.”

“I know Charlotte. She’s no fool.”

“I know her better,” said Andrina, sinking into a chair. “Teddy struck just the right notes. She speaks of no one else.”

“Girls in love are always fools,” he said. “Show the right kind of attention and they fall in love in an instant. Be she a princess in a gilded tower or a violet seller in the street, let a female think she’s the center of a man’s life and she’ll gallop down the aisle like a derby favorite when the tapes go up. No use curling your lip, Alex, it’s how they’re made. You’re the exception, but then you’ve always been odd.”

“A fact I delight in.”

Teddy opened a window with a view of Berkeley Square, lighted a lamp, and put it on the sill. A freezing draught stirred the curtains.

“Why, that-that’s one of my gowns!” Andrina found her feet and stalked over.

Alex almost laughed. Of all the things to fix upon. “Thank you for the loan. It fit me perfectly.”

“You ruined it, you-you gutter drab! How dare you? What else did you steal?”

The petty rage was refreshing. “Your peace of mind.”

“W-what? What do you mean?”

“I went through every wardrobe in your rooms, every drawer, every box.”

Andrina’s face underwent a disturbing transformation, her skin going sickly green, then flushing red with fury, eyes wide, teeth bared. She lunged at Alex but Teddy got there first and half carried her back to the chair and dropped her in it. She abruptly subsided, glaring like Medusa.

Alex’s internal armor was solidly in place. A look like that might not kill, but the emotion behind it could knock her right over.

“You girls,” said Teddy, exasperated. “Nothing changes.”

Andrina continued to glare. Alex matched it. Her cousin’s reaction seemed out of proportion to the crime. Considering the emptiness of her life, the outer trappings she acquired to conceal it would be of greater importance to her than to another woman. To Alex, it was just a dress; to Andrina it was part of her soul.

Alex remembered the pity she’d felt for her cousin after picking up on the layers of emotions coating that old treasure box. It impossible to feel the same with Andrina just steps away looking ready to spit acid.

Teddy seemed to sense it. “Andrina, show a little control. You won’t ever see her again. That should give you some satisfaction. Your old feud is over. You’ve won.”

“I’ll have won when she’s dead.”

The venom in that statement made him look twice. “Don’t lower yourself to her level. She’s nothing. There are more important matters to think about. Did you cover your absence from the palace tonight?”

“Yes, it’s fine. No one questions a digestive upset. I’ll be back tomorrow right as rain. You should come. Wear your new morning suit.”

“Dazzling young Charlotte will have to wait. I must keep things moving as scheduled and make sure Hollifield behaves.”

“Then go. I can look after this baggage.”

He shook his head. “I should stay. If you two start up again it’ll raise the house. I’ve a bit of a free hand with the servants, but prefer not to press things. Oh, Alex, don’t take that as an invitation to scream and make a scene. I have a most convincing story prepared about dipsomania. Your disheveled appearance will add to its credibility.”

“Let’s leave, then. I’m sick of the sight of you.”

“No need to be rude. We’re waiting for transport. You’ll be in a coach with one of the beasts; you won’t like it, but I’ll be certain you’ll get there. Don’t bother thinking of escape. They don’t know their own strength and could hurt you without even trying. I wouldn’t mention you killed one of its own, either. They understand a good deal more than one would imagine.”

“How intelligent are they?”

“They’re very bright, able to carry out complex tasks better than some humans.”

“Why do they serve you?”

“Why does a dog serve its master? I suggest you avoid staring. They can take that as a challenge. Don’t meet its eye and you should get on splendidly. Just how did you manage to kill one?”

She shook her head. The less Teddy knew about airships, flying squads, and rakshasas, the better.

“I’m not sure I believe you; it’s difficult to picture. They seem to set off some people. Is that what happened to you? Lose control, did you? Wish I’d been there to see. Your warders will need to know. Can’t have you surprising them.” He peered through the curtains when the sound of wheels and clopping hooves drifted in on the quiet air. “Here we are.”

She stood next to him and slumped at the sight of the closed coach. “Damn you, Teddy.…”

He looked down. “There, now, it won’t be too awful-”

She threw the whiskey into his eyes and slammed an elbow strike just under his breastbone with all the force she could muster. He gasped and grunted, lashing blindly out, the back of his hand whipping past just short of her head as she dodged.

Brook instantly engaged the other guard, and they proceeded to make a deal of noise and cause breakage.

Alex kicked sideways to break Teddy’s knee, but caught only his shin with her heel, and the blow lacked strength. Her dress was too cumbersome for wide moves. He was much taller with a longer reach and twice her weight. She didn’t dare risk getting struck, and fought defensively, backing when he lunged, slamming sharp, fast deflecting blows when he tried to grab. A cricket bat on a wall display proved to be a temporary deterrent, but when he wrenched it from her hands she seized a golf club from a bag by the door.

Andrina kept her distance, but flung a vase. She yipped and dove behind a chair when Alex started for her. It was a feint; Alex reversed and swung hard at Teddy.

He went low, grasped a handful of her skirts, and pulled hard, hanging on even when she brought the driver down on his near shoulder with a bone-bruising thump. He grunted, but kept pulling. Her instinct was to resist and back away, but she turned his ploy against him. She let herself be drawn, pushing off as though diving into water. He turned his head aside, but got a palm slap square in his ear, then a fist in his throat. He gagged and fell over backward, with Alex on top.

She didn’t let up, drilling her knuckles into the nerve points of his arms and elbows. Master Shan taught that fighting fairly in the English way was not fighting to win and live. Another strike under the rib cage, and a knee driven into a very vulnerable spot indeed put Teddy past movement. He lay curled in agony, wheezing and moaning.

A thrown book pelted Alex, catching her in the midsection. It was a light volume, causing more surprise than damage. Andrina wasn’t strong enough to shift anything heavy.

She bolted for the study door and escape, but did not reach it. Dress and all, Alex got in between and tackled her like a rugby player, lifting her from the floor, then down they went. Andrina clawed and slapped but with no more effect now than ten years earlier when they’d fought. Two swift knuckle jabs and she went limp.

Alex pushed off her, catching her own ragged breath and vowing never to wear anything but trousers and the most minimal of corsets ever again.

Mr. Brook had achieved equal success with his opponent, though not without acquiring permanent damage to his habiliments and wrecking half the room. With two grown men thrashing for their lives in a limited space, it was only to be expected. Their masks were gone, flung away in the first seconds so they could better see. His nose was bloodied, but his head unbowed.

“You are unhurt, Miss Pendlebury?”

“Yourself, Mr. Brook?”

He wiped blood from his upper lip, further ruining a once-white evening glove. “I may have another black eye.”

The Hollifield butler, with two footmen and some frightened maids to lend support, opened the door that was not disguised as a bookcase. Shocked gaping ensued until the man found his voice.

“Lady Pendlebury? May I inquire as to what is going on here?”

“Sebbings, thank God! His lordship asked me to do an errand for his royal sister-in-law and these bounders”-she indicated the human debris on the floor-“attacked us. My colleague and I were forced to defend ourselves.”

“But, your ladyship, how did you get inside?”

“How do you think?” She had a sharp watch on his reaction. His gaze did not go to the bookcase, but the open window, his eyes widening. He must not know of the secret entry. “The front door, of course. Lord Hollifield gave me a key, but heaven knows where it is now. These three must have come in by the window and were waiting for us.”

“Why did you not ring the bell?”

“Lord Hollifield wanted discretion and still does. Please send a man to summon the police. These criminals must be taken into custody before worse happens.”

The mention of the police reassured him. A moment later a footman was outside, blowing a whistle and making the devil’s own racket with a police rattle. The sinister coach with its covered windows began moving. She caught no sight of any bestial occupant within.

“They’re getting away,” murmured Brook.

“For now. I’ve a feeling we’ve been exceedingly lucky in our encounters with those things, and it’s better to err on the side of caution and let this one depart.”

“Lady Pendlebury,” said the horrified Sebbings, “this is a fearful mess.”

“I’ll apologize to his lordship when next I see him. If you want to clear things up, please do so, but keep away from those three. Have you any rope in the house?”

“Rope? Some twine, perhaps. Perhaps in the mews…”

“Never mind. I require a knife.”

“Indeed?” he said, a touch alarmed.

“Nothing desperate, I assure you.”

“There should be one in the desk.”

She rummaged in the center drawer and found a more suitable tool: some very sharp scissors. Alex attacked the hampering skirts of her gown, cutting the heavy silk from waist to hem into a strip half a foot wide. She tossed it to Brook.

“Twist that a bit and secure that one first, would you?” She indicated Teddy, who was sweating from pain but trying to get up.

“That will be my very great pleasure, Miss Pendlebury.”

The maids left to fetch brooms and dustpans. Sebbings made a cautious circuit, righting tables and chairs and tch-tching at the damage.

Alex cut two more strips, which served as a blindfold and gag. It would not do to have Sebbings recognize one of Lord Hollifield’s cronies. She quietly asked, “Lieutenant, why did you leave us without a word?”

Brook grimaced. “It’s hard to explain. I just knew I had to not be there. It was important that I be someplace else; I was overwhelmed by the feeling.”

She paused. “Your precognitive ability?”

“It’s never taken me like that before. Other times I’ve not been aware, only after the fact, but this was so strong I hardly knew what I was doing. The next thing I knew I was outside that meeting room. It occurred to me that someone in a mask might emerge sooner or later. I could cosh him and take his place with no one the wiser. Which I did. I was mistaken about the meeting being boring. I learned a great deal of interesting information while standing in the background.”

“You couldn’t have left me a note?”

“The feeling was overwhelming, as I said. If I’m unable to control the ability, I’m not fit for duty in the field.”

“Lieutenant, you avoided capture and saved me no end of bother and danger by being in the right place at the right time, however awkward things were initially. Have you any idea whether James and Dr. Hamish got out?”

“No. But they would be hampered by those crowds and all the stairs.”

“Unless they were captured, too. We must get back. Fingate and Benedict are prisoners.”

He finished the last knot. Their captives were trussed hand and foot in mauve silk, blind, gagged, and unable to move. Little was left of Alex’s skirt but the lining, which was rather shredded due to her haste with the scissors. The petticoat beneath showed through in spots. She felt extraordinarily proud of the damage.

When a policeman arrived he was not overawed by Brook’s Service credentials, and looked ready to arrest everyone and let a judge sort things in the morning. Sebbings vouched for Lady Pendlebury, and Alex dropped the names of several detectives she’d worked with on cases, including Inspector Lennon.

“You know ’im?” asked the representative of the law, fixing her with a suspicious glare. “So do I. Peaky lad with a moustache.”

“No, he’s a great bear of a man with a voice and temper like the wrath of God. He’d as soon throw you through a wall as buy you a pint.”

“Huh. You do know ’im,” he stated with certainty, then began considering the removal of the prisoners.

“Does your station have a telegraph with a line to Psychic Service headquarters?” she inquired.

“You know we do.”

“I should say, have you an operator on duty?”

“Always.”

“Then I’ve an urgent message about these three that must be sent immediately-”

“That will wait, Alex.”

She whipped around.

Lord Hollifield stood before the open bookcase door. He had a pistol in hand, not one of the air gun models, but no less deadly.

“Lord ’ollifield,” said the policeman, straightening to attention, goggling along with the servants at the trick door.

“Yes. These intruders have taken liberties with my hospitality. I must ask you to place them under arrest for trespassing.”

“But those two are with the Psychic Service, your lordship.”

“They are imposters with forged identification. You need not be troubled; they took me in, as well.”

Sebbings, startled at this unexpected appearance of his master along with the untrue statements, opened his mouth but snapped it shut again. Contradicting a peer as well as his employer was not the done thing. He glanced at Alex, but her attention was on Hollifield.

“You’re mistaken, Lord Daniel,” she said steadily. “If you look closely, you’ll see the man who was so unforgivably boorish toward you and Lady Lindsey has been dealt with. He poses no further menace to you-or to her.”

Hollifield looked closely. “I see,” he said at length. “I stand corrected, but this is a … complicated situation.”

“Not at all. It’s as simple as the divide between black and white and which side you choose to stand upon.”

“You oversimplify.”

“As have you. You are in place to make history, sir. What kind remains to be determined. You can induce a change, but you know in your heart it’s not right, else you would have acted sooner. This evening your control was usurped by a lesser man. There will always more where he came from.”

“It’s begun. It’s too late to stop.”

“I do not believe that. Inform your order of the threat held over your head. If they truly are honorable men, they will understand.”

“You’re a witch with words, girl, but it’s out of my hands. They’ve left to do what must be done. You removed a viper from our midst, and I am deeply grateful, but things must and will proceed.”

“What does her ladyship think of this? Does she approve? Does she know people have died and that more will follow? That families will be torn from their homes and cast into the cold to starve? That’s what happens in revolutions.”

He shook his head. “It’s the price that must be paid.”

“She will pay, too. Your name is her name. It is not you alone. This is also Lady Lindsey and your children. They share in all you do. The blame and shame will haunt them and their children down through history.”

“There is no shame in this!” he bellowed.

“Sir…” she answered firmly, “you know better. I saw your face when Teddy threatened her. You are her protector, first and foremost. You are the center of her world. Will you rip that from her? Is this what a loving husband and father does to his family?”

“It will turn out all right in the end.”

“Not for you. Not for her. She’s a woman of honor, too. Will she ever look on your face again with loving eyes? With eyes that see her husband rather than a traitor to all she holds dear? She will see the man who betrayed and shamed her children and grandchildren. This will kill her and you know it.”

He dropped his gaze, shaking his head, but kept the pistol aimed toward Alex and Brook. “You don’t understand.”

“But I do. Most clearly. One of your order murdered my father without a second’s thought. It was not a necessity of war, but a foul and vicious act. Those are the people you are aligned with: murderers and traitors. If Lady Lindsey got in their way, they’d serve her the same.”

“That won’t happen.”

“You can’t know that. You are an honest man, sir. You expect people to be as honest as you are. That makes it hard to determine when they lie to you. As a Reader I always know when someone lies. I always know their true feelings. You should know what I learned from just a few minutes in that room. There was fear, envy, and greed for more power. They claim loyalty to England, but the rot is just under the surface. No mask can hide that from me.”

“They can be controlled.”

“That is exactly what they believe about you.” Alex held her breath. Popular myth held that Readers could pick up thoughts. She would have given much to have that ability right now.

He raised his head, eyes kindling with anger. “They wouldn’t dare.”

“You know they would. England won’t be defended by the British lion, but torn apart by carrion crows. It is the way of such men. England deserves better. So does your wife, your family.”

“I do this for them!”

“They won’t thank you for it. Given a choice between you and England, they will always pick you first. What is your choice, sir?”

He kept the internal agony from his features, but she felt it cutting him like sharp knife. “I have no choice. It’s over. It’s done.”

“Would you undo it if you could?”

“Yes.” His voice cracked. “A thousand times yes.” He lowered the pistol.

Sebbings and the policeman, though they couldn’t have much of an idea of what was going on, each relaxed and breathed again as did Alex and Brook. On the floor, Teddy gave a disgusted groan.

A tall masked form burst from the shadows of the bookcase door. Head to toe in black, topped by a hooded cloak, he was as alarming a sight as any Alex had beheld that evening, including the beast in the mirror room.

Hollifield gave a start and turned, raising the gun toward the intruder, but the man moved incredibly fast. His lordship’s pistol was plucked away in a blink.

The man swept toward Alex, who stumbled backward, bumping into something. His hand shot out, keeping her from falling. As he steadied her, she felt emotions not her own: anger, relief, and an odd, swift spark of amusement, then her barriers came up and halted the flood.

She glimpsed ice blue eyes behind the mask. One of them winked at her.

She began to speak, but he raised one finger for silence. Lord Richard was apparently not ready to return from the dead just yet.

He turned the pistol over to a startled Alex, strode to the bookcase, and gave a whistle. Two flying squad men clattered in, followed by James, Fingate, and Benedict. They were battered, covered in grime and dust, and smelled of black powder. There was no shortage of weapons among them.

Nonplussed and outraged, Hollifield began to bluster as any man might toward strangers invading his home. Lord Richard towered over him and again raised one finger.

Hollifield stuttered to a halt, then demanded, “Who are you?”

James put himself forward. “Doesn’t matter. You made the correct choice in the end. You owe your life to our Alex.”

“W-what?”

“That is to say, our friend here has had a bead on the back of your head at point-blank range for the last five minutes. We’re delighted he didn’t have to shoot you.”

Benedict was paper pale and with help from Fingate sought out the nearest chair, folding into it without a word and closing his eyes.

“Those stairs were a trial for him, Lady Drina,” explained Fingate. “We should have a doctor in.”

“I say there.” James was peeved. “I am a doctor.”

“Sorry, sir, I forgot.”

“I’m going to have to grow a great hooting moustache and carry a large black bag with ‘doctor’ printed on it in gold before anyone takes me seriously.”

At that point the policeman blew his whistle, catching everyone on the hop. It had the effect of making him the focus of attention.

“The lot of you settle in one spot and inform me wot is goin’ on ’ere,” he ordered. He pointed the whistle at the squad men. “You-put those pistols down this instant or I’ll ’ave you in irons.”

They looked at Lord Richard, who gave one nod, then obeyed, slotting the weapons into their shoulder harness holsters. He gestured and the men went to stand behind Hollifield.

“You! In the fancy togs! I wants that mask orf an’ an explanation-”

Lord Richard produced a heavy folded paper and extended it toward the policeman, who accepted and read it with suspicion. His eyes widened. “Is this…? Truth an’ all?”

The masked apparition pointed authoritatively at Alex. He took the paper, passed it to her, and then turned on his heel, departing the way he’d come, pulling the bookcase door shut with a snick.

“They should have him in Parliament,” said James. “They’d get more work done with less noise. What is that?”

Alex recognized the seals and her godmother’s signature under the brief and neatly written statement. The onus it placed on her inspired equal parts of satisfaction and exasperation.

“It means,” she said wearily, “that until and unless a senior agent arrives-and I think it unlikely-I’m in charge.”

James barked a single laugh. “You should love that, little cousin.”

To be entrusted with the responsibility for the state of affairs in Lord Hollifield’s study was the last thing Alex wanted, but it had its benefits. She immediately ordered tea.

Sebbings looked to his master for a cue. Hollifield nodded and gave a weary wave, then retired to the chair at his desk. His crisis of conscience over, he seemed uninterested in further participation.

While the squad men stood over the prisoners, Alex wrote a brief telegraph message for Mrs. Woodwake. Owing to the need for secrecy, it had to be vague, but she’d know Alex was returning with prisoners. The policeman was dispatched to the station with mysterious instructions to avoid contact with any closed coaches that might put themselves in his way.

Tea arrived, along with biscuits and other edibles from that day’s reception. Fingate helped distribute the refreshment. Benedict roused enough accept a cup, which he had to hold in both hands. After the first bracing gulp he looked around uneasily.

“Are there mirrors here?” he asked in a sharp tone.

“No, sir,” said Fingate. “It’s quite safe.”

“No place is safe. Besides, he’s here.” He glared at Lord Hollifield.

His lordship looked away. “I’m sorry, lad. Truly I am.”

Benedict scowled. “A bit late for that. What you’ve opened and unleashed-”

“You volunteered!”

“And when things went wrong you left me to rot in the dark with those damned nightmares!”

“I did no such-”

“Oi!” Alex’s loud interjection cut short the exchange. Instructive as it might be, she was certain it would lead to things the Hollifield servants did not need to hear. “Fingate, how did you two escape?”

“We didn’t. They locked us up. Not sure for how long, but things got noisy. Whistles blowing, people shouting, screaming, and thumping around…”

“That would be the forces of law and order making a vigorous inquiry about the odd goings-on at number twenty-five,” said James. “The guests lost all sense of proper deportment, in fact, most went into a bit of a blind panic, which was not in the least helpful. Then those masked johnnies tried to leg it out by way of the tunnels.”

Hollifield lifted his head. “What happened?”

“They were sorely disappointed to find the exits blocked. The tall fellow who left? He knew all about those. Most of the johnnies didn’t make it.”

“Dead?” he choked out, going gray.

James’s normally cheerful expression turned somber. “Some fools began shooting. Couldn’t hear their guns, but by God they heard ours. It was over in seconds. A narrow tunnel is a poor place to stage a battle. The men in front fall first, you can’t advance, more bodies pile up, and then you can’t breathe or see for the powder smoke choking the air.” He looked at Alex. “That’s where Hamish is, seeing to the wounded. I should be there, but I wanted to make sure you weren’t in a bad spot.”

“Thank you,” she said. “I take it you got the lady out.”

“We were met halfway by a rescue party led by that tall fellow. We presented our credentials, mentioned your name, and she was passed to safe and caring hands. Then Hamish and I led them to the secret doings. I won’t be shocked if my hair’s turned white from some of what I saw in the private rooms. We did have a jolly time breaking through doors and terrifying people. That’s how we found Fingate and that poor devil.” He cast a look at Benedict, who was now eagerly demolishing a plate of biscuits.

“Our large companion was looking for you. Determined fellow. He loped off into that infernal maze with a couple of men, and I loped after them with Fingate in tow. From some of what was muttered in passing I had the idea we were also tracking the general in charge of the works and had to be cautious. Didn’t know for sure it would lead to you, but I should have guessed you’d turn up. You have a talent for ticking off people at the top.”

“Really, James-”

“You’re right, let me correct that. You’ve a talent for ticking off people everywhere. I hope you won’t stop, as it’s no end entertaining for me. I’d be obliged if you’d explain those unfortunates on the rug. One of ’em seems familiar.”

“You met him at the swimming race today.”

“You’re joking.”

“Sadly, not.”

James bent for a closer scrutiny of Teddy. “What the devil is-”

“Let’s keep names out of it for the present. We’re all going to Service headquarters and statements will be taken there.”

“How boring. Might I be excused? Oh, well. Nothing for it but to do my duty and all that, however inconvenient. Good heavens, is that a woman you’ve got tied up?”