Machiavelli by Michael Scott

Author:Michael Scott [Scott, Michael]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Random House Children's Books
Published: 2020-10-06T00:00:00+00:00

7

“Follow me.”

Without a word, Vidocq led me up a series of increasingly narrow stairs and onto the roof. The building was a little taller than most nearby, allowing me to see across the Court of Miracles. The glow from the square was clearly visible, but as my eye moved farther away from it, lights became fewer and fewer and huge swaths of the slums were in darkness. Above the stink of rot and mold, the air was a little clearer, and I drew in a deep breath, filling my lungs.

I was standing at the edge of a low brick wall that enclosed the roof. Vidocq hopped up onto the bricks and started to balance his way along them, ignoring the six-story fall to the street. Perhaps he expected me to tell him to get down; if so, he was going to be disappointed. I have always believed that people should be free to make their own mistakes.

“You brought me to Madame Bougon for a reason,” I said, more a statement than a question.

“And what do you think the reason is?” he asked.

“Has to be the candy. I presume it links to the other missing children.”

“You’re smart. I can see why the fish-man likes you. I’ve talked to all the families who have lost children,” he said. He turned at the corner and started walking back toward me. “In four cases, there was some evidence that they had been given candy or cake.” He stopped before me. “Also, the sister of a missing girl had this in her pocket.” He produced what looked like an irregular orange stone, speckled with hair and threads. He carefully pulled the threads away before handing it to me, then automatically licked his fingers.

I recognized the half-melted lump as a piece of candy.

“These are street-smart children,” I said, bringing the candy to my nose and breathing in carefully. “They are not going to be lured by a piece of candy.” I held the nugget up to the night sky and squinted at it. “Maybe something has been added to the sugar….” I glanced at Vidocq. “Might be wise not to lick your fingers after you handle this.”

He hopped off the low wall and rubbed his hands on his dirty trousers. “A poison?”

“Unlikely, but perhaps something to draw the children back to the source.”

“Like a magical spell?”

“Perhaps.”

“And you believe in that stuff?” He was clearly trying to sound as if he didn’t, but I could hear the touch of fear and wonder in his voice.

“I believe that we don’t know everything about the world. There are wonders being discovered every day. In fact, I am of the opinion that we knew much more in the ancient past than we do now.” I brought the orange candy to my nose again and breathed deeply. The scent of citrus was strong, but there were other, less easily identifiable odors: mint certainly, licorice, and something else, something damp and earthy and vaguely foul. I’d certainly be able to recognize it again.

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