I carried my blue dress to my room. Amelia cleaned and bound my broken nail, got me changed from Madame’s mourning garb into my nightgown, and said goodnight. Then I went into the left side of my closets, to the back.

The paneled wall appeared as any other, but if I pressed on one panel just right, it moved inward far enough for me to slide it up. They’d found all my hiding places except this one.

In the space behind lay an envelope with the money I’d made over the years as an investigator and Dame Anastasia’s book on stage makeup. I wrapped these inside my blue dress. If I found a way to escape, a bundle would be quicker to retrieve.

I slid the panel back down, returned to my bedroom, poured a glass of bourbon, drank it, then poured another. I loved the taste, the burning in my chest, the way I felt afterward.

I would never stop working. I couldn’t go out anymore, but Tony didn’t know my network of informants. And as far as I knew, my mail wasn’t being opened.

I could still learn who murdered Marja.

I rang for Amelia. Twenty minutes later, she appeared in her robe and nightgown, hair in disarray. “Yes, mum?”

“I wish to write some post.”

“At this hour?”

“I’ll post it tomorrow. Please bring paper, pen, and ink now.”

As Amelia went rummaging around the room for writing supplies (and, I imagined, my study when finally she left) I paged through the copies of the Golden Bridges I’d set aside.

There was little news other than what Tony and Mrs. Bryce had told me, yet much speculation as to the explosion.

I knew who bombed the zeppelin. What I needed to learn was who killed Marja.

Why did I care so much? While I loved my Ma, she was busy owning her brothel; Marja cared for us most of the time. In a way, Marja was more of a mother than Ma ever was.

When Amelia returned, I wrote to my contacts about the facility Marja sent the letter from. Who else worked there? I asked about Marja and who might want her killed. I asked about Josie’s uncle, who it seemed she barely knew. Did he have reason to want Marja dead? And I asked about this woman Birdie.

I stacked the letters on my tea-table, then sat in bed with another glass of bourbon. My options seemed more limited every day; each action had to count.

Tony arrived, smiling when he saw me. “I hope you’re well?”

“Indeed.” I felt luminous. “What intrigues did you concoct?”

He laughed. “Not much, alas.” Then he sobered. “I wanted to apologize. You should be able to choose your own dressmaker.”

“I’ll ask Madame and your mother for recommendations. Perhaps there’ll be someone on both lists who’ll suffice.”

Tony smiled. “Always considering the options.”

How might I help Mrs. Bryce? I sipped my bourbon, considering the matter.

I heard Tony’s door open, and his manservant Jacob Michaels’ voice. Soon Tony returned in his pajamas and slid into bed next to me. “What happened to your hand?”

I shrugged. It still throbbed. “A broken nail, nothing more.”

He gently kissed it, then my wedding ring, then the back of my hand.

“I want to help Mrs. Bryce. One of her sons has been murdered and another ruined on our account.”

“This Mrs. Bryce ... she’s a merchant then?”

“She owns Bryce Fabrics on 2nd Street, Spadros quadrant.”

“And you believe Master Jack Diamond is part of the group who took him?”

“Mrs. Bryce says a dark-skinned man with shaven head wearing white came to her door a week before the kidnapping. We saw him and a man who I believe to be Frank Pagliacci put the boy into a carriage.” I was too far away to identify either of them. I’d only seen Jack a few times, but ... “She could tell this was the same man by the way he moved.”

I compared this man to the man at the Grand Ball. Was this the impostor I saw in Jack’s factory? Or was it Jack himself?

“Tell me what happened that night.”

Tony’s words startled me. “What night?”

“The night which has you wake screaming since we’ve wed. I know Master Diamond’s manservant was murdered, but I must know everything if we’re to appear before The Commission.”

I felt astonished. “You mean to approach the Patriarchs?”

Tony seemed surprised. “Regina Clubb plans formal protest; I can make one in return. I have now six merchants who describe everything from blackmail to this kidnapping — in Spadros quadrant — by a man fitting Jack Diamond’s description. And today you tell me he threatened you here at my home.” He shook his head. “This is completely unacceptable. But I must know why he targets you, if I’m to help.” He glanced away. “This is much larger than you think, Jacqui. Please. Dr. Salmon believes speaking of it might help with the nightmares, too.”

It might help with the nightmares? “Very well.”

I sat up in bed and told him about the meeting between Roy Spadros and Peedro Sluff that cold winter night just after I turned twelve. Jack’s manservant Daniel rushed towards us, shouting what seemed a warning, yet Peedro shot him, claiming Daniel intended to kill Roy.

“This is incredible,” Tony said. “I heard the shots but ...”

“You were much too far away to have seen what happened.” I was sure Roy planned it that way.

“Such perfidy! Your father hired to kill mine, yet turns on his master to buy favor with a Family? I’ve heard of such things, but never thought men could be so dishonorable.”

I snorted. “You obviously aren’t acquainted with my father.”

“What happened then?”

“Jack rode up on one of his father’s white horses. He wore white even then, and knelt in the mud, weeping for his friend.” The anguish in his face haunted me. “Then Jack screamed vengeance on us all —” I faltered, picturing Jack’s rage and hate.

Tony took my hand. “I’m sorry you had to see that.”

It was my fault. I should never have been there.

Peedro’s grip on my arm. Air desperately trying to save me from being sold. Air’s body crumpling after Peedro shot him too. The blood.

“Oh, Jacqui.” Tony gathered me into his arms. “I’m sorry to cause you grief.”

If I told Tony that my father sold me to the Spadros Family then killed my best friend when he tried to stop it ... this would put everything into question, including our marriage.

And Roy would kill me.

I shook my head. Air was dead, and I was sold. None of it should ever have happened. No matter what Eleanora Bryce said, I cast the cards that night.

It was all because of me.

Tony gestured to the portrait of Acevedo Spadros II on the wall. “Ever since you asked about my grandfather, I’ve considered what he might do. I want to be like him, Jacqui, not like my father.” He kissed my hand. “I’ll let you help your merchant friend. This is clearly part of Jack Diamond’s need for vengeance, and it can’t be allowed to stand.”

* * *

That night, I pondered how to help Mrs. Bryce. Money was out of the question: too much, and they would become targets. Perhaps recommend her shop to others? Bring food? I tried to imagine what living in such poverty was like. In the Pot, if we had, we shared. The slums didn’t seem to abide by such rules.

At breakfast, Tony produced a letter. “We’re requested to attend the inquest as witnesses on the fourth of May.”

This seemed alarming. “Both of us?”

“Yes,” Tony said. “I appear at eleven, you at half past. But we’ll likely need to attend other days.” He paused, looking aside. “The attorneys say it’s best to attend when the other Families do, so as not to give the appearance of controversy.”

“This is most disturbing,” I said.

Morton, who sat across the round table from us, appeared quite disturbed, yet said nothing.

“My father says this thing must run its course,” Tony said. “To be seen interfering in any way would cause more harm than to let the inquest have its investigation.”

As usual, Morton wore brown — but the buttons on his jacket seemed familiar. “Where did you get that jacket?”

Morton shrugged. “Your husband’s men bought it after I was rescued from the river. Mine was ruined, and I don’t dare return for my clothing in case my house is being watched. Your husband has been kind enough to provide me with a new wardrobe, for which I’m grateful.”

I hurried round the table to him. “I’ve seen this button before. I found this exact button on the floorboards of a carriage stolen from Market Center by the two men who kidnapped David.”

Morton froze. At the time, he had been disguised, claiming to be a member of the Diamond portion of the Pot as he helped Frank Pagliacci lure me. Did he tell Tony that part? “As you can see, all of the buttons remain on this jacket.”

I turned to Tony. “I asked Madame Biltcliffe where the button came from. She said they were hand-carved. Only twenty were made, enough for two jackets. We must learn where your men got this jacket, so we can question the owner to see if he recalls who bought its twin.”

Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.

Tony nodded. “I’ll have them do that at once.”

* * *

Tony asked me not to appear at morning meeting. Perhaps he felt the servants might express their true thoughts about Tenni if I were absent.

In any case, I had ample time to walk in the gardens with Amelia’s son Pip. He tossed an old baseball to Rocket, our black pitbull terrier.

“How do you like rooming with the men?”

“It’s fine.” Pip threw the ball, and Rocket raced after it. Then the dog raced back, ears up. Pip threw the ball again. “They helped with the horses while Daddy was gone.”

Rocket dropped the ball in front of us. Pip grabbed the ball and threw it, hard. “I’m not going to tend the horses anymore.”

“Why?”

Misery crossed his face. “I heard what the men said. I don’t want to work for Daddy anymore.”

“What did the men say?”

“That it wasn’t right for Daddy to stay at the Country House with Mommy and my sisters and send me away. That it wasn’t my fault what Mr. Roy did to Mommy.”

Rocket dropped the ball at Pip’s feet, tail wagging.

Pip stood still, head drooping. “Mr. Roy did something real bad to Mommy, something too bad even for men to say.” He knelt to hug Rocket. “I think it’s why she hates me. But why does she think it’s my fault? Why did Daddy send me away?” He put his head on Rocket’s back. “I don’t know what I did to make them hate me.”

I crouched beside him. “You didn’t do anything wrong, sweetie. Look at me.”

Tears glistened in his pale blue eyes.

“You’re right; Mr. Roy did a very bad thing to your Ma.” I bit my lip, not knowing how much to say. “But the men are right too; it’s not your fault.”

Pip turned away. “Then Mommy and Daddy are bad to blame me. They’re bad to send me away.” He shook his head. “It’s not right. I don’t want to work for Daddy anymore. I feel hateful when I see him. Both of them.”

I lobbed the ball far into the meadow. Rocket raced away. “Come.” I held out my hand, and we walked in the garden under the watchful gaze of Roy’s men. “What will you do then, if not help with the horses?”

Pip’s face lit up, and he let go of my hand, jumping up and down. “Monsieur and Miss Anne are teaching me to cook! I helped roll the pastries, and they’re going to show me how to make sausage!”

I smiled. “Monsieur makes the best sausage.”

Pip beamed.

“But Monsieur sounds so fierce. Aren’t you afraid of him?”

“Oh, no, mum, not at all. Miss Anne says he sounds fierce, like Rocket when he smells gunpowder, but he’d never hurt anyone.” He patted Rocket’s head and threw the ball. “Monsieur likes me, him and Miss Anne both. They really like me.” Rocket dropped the ball, and Pip picked it up slowly, face pensive. “I don’t think Mommy and Daddy ever liked me much.”

This was heartbreaking.

A cat ran past. Rocket barked, chasing it around the corner.

I put my hand on Pip’s shoulder. “I think they love you as best they can, your Daddy especially. He didn’t want you to stay with the men. He even came in the house to ask me not to let you go. I could tell it scared him, but he did it anyway.” I peered at him, trying to decide what to say. “But sometimes other things make it so they don’t know how to love you very well.”

Pip nodded, his face serious and pale. “What happened to my Mommy?”

The exact question I didn’t want to answer. I let out a breath, shaking my head. “It’s her story, and not for me to tell. Maybe she’ll tell you someday.” I doubted it, but it might keep his questions at bay.

“But why? Everyone else knows. They look at me and whisper when they think I can’t see.”

“I’m sorry. I really am. You deserve to know. But ... maybe someday.”

He peered up at me, a young Roy. Was that man ever so innocent? “When I get grown up?”

I smiled. “Yes. When you get grown up, I’m sure they’ll tell you. If they don’t tell you, when you become a man I’ll tell you everything. I promise.”

He frowned, then kicked a rock. “It’s not fair.”

“Yes, dear, I know. Most things in life aren’t fair at all.”

* * *

Eventually, we went back to the house and Pip went off to his work. I returned to my room, but Amelia wasn’t there. So I went to my dresser to put my gloves away.

I normally placed a hair across the locked drawer, but inside, where it would only be disturbed by opening the drawer.

The hair was gone.

I opened the drawer. The five pages of information I wrote back in January with all I knew about Morton was gone. In its place lay a letter:

My dear Mrs. Spadros,

I apologize for the intrusion, but this was the place least likely to be discovered by others before you found it.

Please don’t trouble yourself about the events on the train. I understand your intention was only to create a certain distraction for our flight from the police. While it was a most pleasant diversion,

I laughed. I’m sure it was, Master Rainbow.

I expect nothing more from you and no one will ever learn of it from me.

That he took the time to write reassuring words touched me.

I have need to tell you more of this woman Birdie who worked with Frank Pagliacci. Yet I can never get a moment to speak with you in private. Perhaps your husband suspects more than a carriage ride to the train station with Miss Diamond occurred last month.

Here’s what I observed: she was young and lovely, perhaps your age, with light skin, blue eyes, and jet black hair. But she seemed quite definite in her bearing, as if used to commanding men. I’ve never seen such a demeanor in a woman before, and it made her rather imposing. She didn’t look like any of the Families. Her height, medium, with a fine form. She had long delicate fingers, I remember them well.

She wore red. Her accent was of Bridges; I’m sure she’s not an outsider. But there was something about her which spoke of a difference between her and most quadrant-folk.

This was a cursory observation; perhaps others may give you more detail.

I wish you luck in your ultimate goal to leave the city and be free of the Families altogether. Try not to appear so eager.

If I can get into this drawer, others can too.

Your servant, BR

This is a farewell note.

Morton must have been more disturbed by talk of the inquest than I thought. I closed the drawer, locked it, and tossed the letter into the fire.

A few minutes later, Amelia returned. “Mum, I didn’t know you were here. You should have rung for me!” She got me changed and was in the midst of doing my hair when a knock came at the door. “Bother these interruptions!” Amelia snapped. “Who is it?”

Tony’s head came round the door. “Pardon my appearance in my wife’s chambers, Amelia, but I have words for her.”

Amelia turned crimson and curtsied low. “My apologies, sir! I thought you were the footman.” She rushed past Tony.

I chuckled. “Come in.”

Tony closed the door behind him. “Master Rainbow is gone.”

“Could someone have taken him?”

Tony pulled up a chair from my tea-table, sat beside me, and held up a paper. “He left a letter.”

“Well, that’s a relief. With all that’s happened ...”

Tony peered at me, then nodded.

“Did he say why?”

“He can’t risk being called before the court or photographed: it would put his life in danger.” Tony paused. “In that, I agree. He wishes us only to refer to him as Mr. Graham Morton.”

“Surely the staff knows him as Master Blaze Rainbow.”

“I’ve warned the staff that they must not reveal Master Rainbow was here, not even to other members of the Family.”

Roy surely knew of Morton’s presence and considered him no threat, or he’d be dead by now. “He’s been a loyal friend. But I understand his predicament.”

“One more item to speak with our attorneys with.”

“So we’ll meet with them before they appear on our behalf?”

“They’ve been there from the beginning. They aren’t allowed to present evidence, but they ensure Spadros Family interests are protected.” He took a deep breath, let it out. “To answer your question, we’ll meet with them before we’re to appear. I hope you’ve told me everything. I don’t relish being surprised in front of those men.”

* * *

After Amelia finished my hair, I took care of my mail. As I suspected, there was no one in the city registered with the name Birdie, or anything similar. A nickname?

None of my contacts knew much about Marja. This didn’t surprise me. Until a few years ago, she lived in the Pot.

As I pondered my next play, I realized: Pearson would be the best person to ask about the facility. He told me about it in the first place. So I directed him to learn what he could.

Then I went to the veranda to smoke; Amelia followed me. “Mum! Come upstairs, I’ll get you into a walking dress.”

I spoke more sharply than I intended. “I’ve worn this dress an hour! I don’t need special clothes to walk in my own garden!”

Amelia flushed red and curtsied. “Yes, mum.”

I lit a cigarette. To hell with Roy and his constant meddling! At this point I hoped he would try to hit me again.

The sun was high in the overcast sky when Mary Pearson came to tell me that Master Jonathan Diamond was here to call.

“Excellent!” I was going to have him seated outside, but I remembered his health. “How did he look? Is he well?”

“He looks quite fine, mum.” An instant later, she blushed.

I smiled at her, amused. “Show him out to the veranda then, and bring tea. Master Diamond prefers his with milk.”

I stepped on my cigarette then went to the veranda.

Jon, a tall man of twenty and six with skin so dark as to almost be black, emerged from the house and kissed my hand. He glanced around, the ever-present brown velvet bag of vials at his left hip clinking. “Is Mr. Spadros not home?”

I glanced over his shoulder. “Mary, tell Mr. Spadros that Master Jonathan Diamond has come to call.”

Jon pulled out my favorite chair in the corner. Then he sat to my right. “I’m so glad to see you well. I’ve worried for you.”

He was such a dear man. “Likewise.”

Mary arrived with the tea-tray. “Mr. Anthony says he’ll be down momentarily.” She poured for us then curtsied and left.

I blew on my tea to cool it then took a sip. “To what do we owe the honor of your company?”

Jon smiled, turned towards me. “I wished to see you.”

I thought I’d ask before Tony emerged. “Is Gardena well?”

“She’s visiting friends in the country today.”

“And your brothers?”

Jon chuckled. “They’re well also.”

“What’s so funny?”

“You’ve never asked after them before.”

“Well, I’ve never met them before.” I considered the matter. “But I don’t believe we were ever formally introduced.” I laughed. “The whole matter was strange. Mr. Cesare had nothing but insult, and the rest stood round looking embarrassed.”

“That’s usually how things occur when with my brother.”

I chuckled. “He spoke sharply, yes, but only the truth.” I thought about this for a minute. “I think that’s why I like you so; you only speak truth to me.”

Jon turned away then, and I would swear he looked sad.

Tony appeared. “Jon! How are you?” We all rose, and the men shook hands, then we sat, Tony to my left. “You look well,” he said to Jon. “The country suits you.”

Jon chuckled. “I hadn’t been to see my nephew in some time. He loves trains, so we went to the river for a few days to visit the station. He loved the puppet show there.”

Tony leaned forward. “What else did you do?”

“He showed me his animals — pigs, cows.” Jon laughed as if taken by some amusing thought. “He tried to ride a pig and got spilled in the mud!”

I didn’t know this nephew Jon spoke of, so the conversation didn’t interest me. But Tony hung on Jon’s every word.

For an instant, I wished for brothers, sisters, cousins, nephews. Those in Ma’s cathedral were my family, but now even they were lost to me. Would I ever see them again?

Jon glanced at me. “How did you like the country?”

A mix of emotions crossed Tony’s face ... disappointment and shock, yet a sudden relief?

I smiled at Jon, hoping he might enlighten me. “Please don’t stop talking about your nephew's exploits on my account.”

“I forgot you didn’t know who I meant.” Jon leaned back. “The boy you saw on Market Center. Remember?”

“Oh!” I said. “Yes!” I pictured him falling off a pig and chuckled. “That does sound amusing. I hope he wasn’t hurt?”

“Oh, no,” Jon said. “He’s past the age of crying with every spill. He’s a sturdy lad with a sunny disposition. One of the happiest boys I’ve ever seen.”

Out of the corner of my eye Tony turned away. “Excuse me.” He went into the house.

I turned to Jon. “Is anything wrong?”

Jon gave a one-shoulder shrug, not looking at me. He rested his elbow on the table, his head leaning on his hand. “What have you heard about the inquest?”

Tony was upset about something — but I didn’t understand what. “We’re supposed to meet with the lawyers soon. Tony seems to be dreading it.” I glanced at the open doorway; Tony was nowhere in sight. “He made me speak of my business.”

Jon’s jaw dropped. “What happened?”

“He and his men caught me coming back from a case —”

Jon gave me a quick startled glance, and I realized I hadn’t told him about anything that had happened since the New Year.

“— wearing Madame’s clothes. He threatened to send Madame and her shop girl to his father.”

Jon put his hand to his forehead. “I’m sorry, Jacqui.” He took a deep breath, let it out. “How much did you tell him?”

“About the business, but I mentioned no names. He specifically asked about the night Daniel was killed. I told him what happened, and my father’s part in it.”

Jon nodded. “But not about Air.”

I laughed in spite of myself. “Pandora’s deck will never be dealt if I have anything to say about it.”

“Jacqui, sooner or later he’s going to find out. He deserves to hear it from you. It’ll be difficult —” He stopped, then let out a breath, “— very difficult, but so far as I can tell, he’s broken off with his father. Things are changing, Jacqui. If you stand with him, the two of you can get through this.” Jon turned away. “Would it help if I were there when you told him?”

“Joe says he loves me, Jon. He wants to take me and leave Bridges.” I hesitated, not wanting to cause Jon any grief. “I want to go with him.”

Jon turned towards me, concern on his face. “Jacqui —”

Tony approached the doors from inside the dining room. I called out to him. “Are you well?”

Tony nodded. “I forgot to tell Pearson something important.” He gave a fake smile, sat. “How’s your tea?”

Jon said, “Cold, most likely. I completely forgot about it.”

Pearson came outside. “Will Master Diamond be joining us for luncheon?”

Tony turned to Jon. “I’d be honored to have you.”

So we had luncheon on the veranda, a much more pleasant affair than when we hosted Josie three months before.

Tony seemed to have forgotten whatever it was that upset him so. But evidently he knew the little boy from Market Center. Why did he not say so when I mentioned him before?