Birds of Prophecy (The Dashkova Memoirs Book 3) by Carpenter Thomas K

Author:Carpenter, Thomas K [Carpenter, Thomas K]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Tags: historical fantasy, steampunk, witch, urban, fae, ben franklin, strong female lead
Publisher: Black Moon Books
Published: 2015-05-25T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fifteen

Time wields a cruel whip. The next day I was sore and contemplating a bath when the Warden arrived.

As soon as I heard the demanding knock, I knew there'd been another murder.

"No more lies, Katerina," he said when I flung open the door, ready to turn him away. "You know something's going on and you're not telling me."

"I don't know what you're talking about," I said, stepping outside and pulling the door shut.

Simon tried to see behind me, but I blocked sight of the printing press in my front room, or at least hoped I did.

"There's been another murder," he said accusingly.

"What? Are you blaming me?"

He was digging his thumb into his palm.

"No." He paused. Frowned. "I don't think so. But what the blazes is going on, Katerina?"

"How can I know if you won't tell me?"

"I think you know the victim. Mrs. Sully."

The name caught me by surprise. I placed a hand over my open mouth.

"You do know her," he said, jamming a finger in my direction.

"Someone saw me watching her?" I asked, knowing I shouldn't lie.

"You admit it?"

"I admit watching her. Nothing about her murder. She was alive when I saw her two days ago," I said.

"How long have you been spying? And why won't you tell me what's going on?" he said, pacing, then checking over his shoulder. "Can't we go inside? I don't like talking about this in the street. I'm beginning to suspect something larger lurks behind these murders."

He had a point. I didn't want our discussion to somehow trigger the prophecy.

"If I let you inside, you have to keep what you see a secret," I said, wagging my finger at him.

"I can't promise anything if you're breaking the law," he said.

"You came to me for help, remember."

His gaze narrowed at the implied threat. "I'll drag you to the courthouse and put you in stocks if you don't want to cooperate."

"Just promise me you'll keep this a secret," I said.

"I feel like you have me under the cat's paw, but I promise. Let us sort this unpleasant business out," he said, taking off his tricorn hat and hitting his leg with it.

Right as we entered, I remembered Aught. Seeing the Warden, the creature leapt onto the stairs and scurried to the second floor. He was only a flash of golden light though the clicking of his joints had been quite distinctive.

"What was that?" asked the Warden.

"I have taken a canine for companionship, though he is rather shy," I explained.

The Warden had his hands at his sides as he stared at my press.

"You're Humble Justice, aren't you?" he asked.

"Hard to deny it now."

He sighed. "I should report you to the Hall for violation of the Alien and Sedition Act. All newspapers are to be registered with the government."

"You promised," I reminded him.

"Don't worry, Katerina. I think the law is claptrap." He gave me a look. "I prefer to see the Federalists squirm a bit."

"They've read the pamphlets?" I asked, surprised.

"Indeed," he said. "Your pamphlets are the talk of the government.

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