A Curious Invasion by MARIE Andreas

Author:MARIE Andreas [Andreas, MARIE]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Steampunk, fiction, fantasy
ISBN: 9780999081129
Publisher: Marie Andreas
Published: 2018-05-02T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Nettie ran down into the dungeon. She desperately wanted to open the message, but it was addressed to Gaston and the agent who had dropped it off had said only he should open it. Actually, he had practically yelled it as he fled down the steps. Either Gaston had a more terrifying reputation than she thought, or the messenger had more errands to run.

“Something has happened to Lisselle,” she said as soon as she could get into the dungeon. “A boy at the door left this.” Nettie froze as she saw what Gaston had done in the few minutes she was away. Bits and pieces of the former Dr. Wilson were all over the room.

“Ah yes.” Gaston waved his gloved hands at her. “As you can see, we’ve had some adventures down here. It seems he wasn’t securely put together.” He looked at her expectantly. “Well? Do open the missive if you would. I can’t stop now, can I?” As he spoke, he placed one foot on a long coil of cable that rolled out of the mannequin’s chest.

With a shrug, she slit open the envelope and read aloud. “‘Gaston, if this comes to you, then I have missed my rendezvous. The Event did not go unnoticed. Couldn’t get into home base, but there are other eyes watching it. The seabird is alone.’” Nettie read it again under her breath, but it still made no sense to her. Nor did it contain anything that indicated it was from Lisselle.

“This is worrisome, yes. But not to fret, Lisselle and Homer have gotten out of worse, I assure you.” With a patriarchal smile he went back to his work.

“But how do you know what it means? It makes no sense, nor does it mention either agent.” Nettie waved the paper under his nose. “Besides, there is blood on it.”

“Hmm,” he said. Taking his wrist he pushed up under her hand to steady it and see the document better. “Gravy. Homer must have been carrying the paper before they separated and Lisselle wrote her note.”

“How do you—”

“Have I not told you when going into a dangerous area or situation to leave a last comment note? This was Lisselle’s. That is what she meant about missing her rendezvous. She didn’t use a more stress-filled wording, so she wasn’t too worried if she didn’t get back before the letter was delivered, but she did want us to know. You know what The Event is; others are aware of the queen’s change and are watching the palace. Even though she thought she had a way in, she was unable to do so. Which—” he raised one gory hand to accent his words, “—indicates that they are aware they are being watched as well. And the seabird flying alone means she and Homer were together, but have since separated. He most likely got the gravy on the paper as Lisselle is a fastidious eater.”

Nettie took another look at the note. It made sense now. What bothered her was that she wouldn’t have recognized it without his help.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.