Heart of Brass: A Novel of the Clockwork Agents by Cross Kate

Author:Cross, Kate [Cross, Kate]
Language: eng
Format: mobi
ISBN: 9781101585269
Publisher: Penguin Group
Published: 2012-05-01T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 12

He was going home.

The thought sat heavy in Luke’s stomach, as ominous and unsettling as a disturbed grave.

“You look as though you’re going to the gallows,” Alastair remarked as they drove through the bustling streets in his touring carriage. It was a slightly boxy vehicle, black lacquered, with brass pipes as big around as a man’s wrist coming up each side in sets of two, funneling the steam that made the beast capable of traveling at great speeds. It had a soft top that could fold down like an accordion, but was up today to protect Luke from view—of gossips and potential assassins.

“I’m going to a place where practically everyone knows more about me than I do. And I’m being taken there by a man who knows me better than any of them.”

Alastair smiled slightly. “I can see where that might be unsettling for someone accustomed to being in control and prepared for any eventuality.”

“Yes,” Luke replied drily. “I wager you can see it very clearly.”

His companion chuckled and silence fell between them for a few moments as Luke stared out at the city rolling by. It all looked familiar but strange at the same time—like images from a dream he couldn’t quite recall. It was annoying.

“Does she even know that I’m coming?”

“Not at all. Arden would have wanted to plan for your arrival, which means she would have alerted the servants. Even if she didn’t tell them what was going on, they’d talk. More important, they’d talk with other servants and tradesmen. Someone would have found out when you were expected. This way, there’s little chance of someone lying in wait for you.”

But of course there were no guarantees. “I’m not sure I like you calling my wife by her Christian name.”

Alastair kept his gaze on the street—a good thing given all the traffic. His face was devoid of expression. “She calls me by mine.”

“Don’t much care for that either.” He looked out again at the passing city.

“You had no problem with it seven years ago.”

Luke turned his head, maintaining his calm despite the emotions raging inside him. “Did I wonder if you were trying to shag her seven years ago?”

The carriage swerved to avoid hitting a dog barking in the street. Alastair’s knuckles were white on the steering bars. “Your wife’s fidelity has never been something you’ve had reason to question.”

There was no mistaking the affront in his tone. Luke didn’t care. “That wasn’t what I asked. Before I disappeared, was I aware of the fact that you, to put it politely, coveted my wife?”

A muscle in the other man’s jaw visibly clenched. “It wasn’t like that.”

Luke didn’t give him time to explain—it didn’t matter, did it? “Which begs the question, did you offer me up to the Company so I’d be one less obstacle between you and Arden?”

The vehicle swerved suddenly to the side, careening down a side street before jerking to a halt. Alastair whipped around to face him, and he brought his fist with him.

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