Copper Cove by Robert Dahlen

Author:Robert Dahlen [Dahlen, Robert]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: steampunk
Publisher: Robert Dahlen
Published: 2017-09-21T05:00:00+00:00

The Spud and Anchor knows me quite well; they started my order of fish and chips the moment they heard me at the door. I had them prepare a large order, as I hadn’t had my usual lunch, and this was going to last into the next morning if all went well. They had it ready without too much delay.

As I set off for my flat, I noticed that the shop had used pages from the Courant to wrap my food. I smiled when I saw Sophie’s name. I wonder if this will make her chuckle when I tell her, I thought. I hope I get a chance to.

My attention was adrift. Part of me was focusing on the commission and the long night’s work ahead, and the rest was thinking of Sophie and her smile. This is why I was startled when I walked past the entrance to Avalanche Alley and heard the voice. “Tabitha Miles?” it said.

I spun and glanced down the alley, suddenly aware that my tools were in my workshop and all I had to defend myself with were fish and chips with a generous helping of vinegar. “Yes?” I said cautiously.

The alley was dark, but I could make out a tall figure in the shadows. When it spoke again, I could hear that the voice was muffled and disguised. “What happened to Genevieve Stanbury was not an accident,” it said.

“Your pardon?”

“Abandon your commission. Walk away. Do not complete it.”

I clenched my fist. “Are you threatening me?” I snapped.

The speaker ignored me. “If you do not do this, your safety is not guaranteed. And neither is that of your friend.”

“Which friend?” I shouted. “Who the devil are you?” I started down the alley, but the afternoon winds started up, blowing dust into my eye. I stopped and blinked, and I saw the alley was empty. In the distance, I thought I heard wings flapping away.

The wind faded. I wiped the dust from my eyes as I pondered what I had heard. Who was the speaker? How did they know about my commission? I wondered if I should report it to the police, but I was worried about how they’d react to an uncertified crafter’s concerns.

In the end, I knew that I had already committed time and money to my commission, and I wasn’t about to let some mysterious interloper order me around. I resumed my walk home, more determined than ever to finish, and ready to demand answers from my client when I saw him on Friday.

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