Dark Moon by Jessica Marting

Author:Jessica Marting [Marting, Jessica]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi, pdf
Publisher: Evernight Publishing
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Three

Three days later

It was nearing twilight when Edgar strode through the nondescript front doors of the Searchers’ Brooklyn-based headquarters. He was there to pick up his much-needed pay, and then he was off to take an overnight shift at the Coney Island Airfield. He was used to staying up all night, and besides, night shift work paid a little better.

There was another reason for his trip to headquarters tonight: Molly was now gainfully employed by the vampire hunters as a telegraph operator, working the afternoon to evening shifts. She had stayed out of his way since his foolish declaration a few nights ago, and Beth was the one to tell him that she rented a flat with Violet Singer, another Searcher, with an advance on her wages.

He still wasn’t sure what he would say if he saw her. Part of him wanted to apologize, not for his feelings but for his terrible timing, and another wanted to ask if there was any chance at all for a future together. He was nearing thirty; it was past time to settle down and he wanted to do that with Molly. But he knew neither was likely to be a good idea.

He had another gift for her this time as well, only it was more practical than romantic. He checked his pocket again and was reassured to feel its smooth surface. He should have given that to her instead of the flowers the day he pulled her out of Agate’s hideaway.

The Searchers’ headquarters was dimly lit by a mishmash of gas lamps and flickering electric lights, the beginning of a much-needed modernization effort. It was slow-going, Edgar noted, given the pittance vampire hunting paid and the need for more modern communication methods rather than light fixtures. Installing a telegraph office on-site—in secrecy, no less—was a better investment.

Edgar picked up his wages and made his way to the communications room, heart pounding. What if Molly wasn’t there and he’d fretted for nothing? What if she was there? What if…

His thoughts ground to a screeching halt when he walked in. Hunched over a stack of telegraph slips at a scarred wooden desk, pencil in hand, was Molly, who paid no notice of him.

Edgar quietly cleared his throat. She started and looked up, green eyes wide.

Both seemed to be struck speechless. Edgar broke the silence. “Hello.”

It took a few more seconds for her to form a response. “I’d ask what you’re doing here, but…” She looked around the room.

“I work here,” he said, and immediately felt like an idiot.

She offered him a small smile. “I know. Are you working tonight?”

“At the airfield. Overnight pay is time and a half.” He summoned his courage and removed his gift from his pocket. “I brought you something.” Seeing her expression shift, he hastily continued. “It’s practical.”

“Books are practical.”

He relaxed a little at her words. “So is this.” He held out the small silver crucifix to her.

“More jewelry?” She raised her eyebrow, and only then did Edgar notice the small brass clockwork beetle pinned to her bodice.

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