Constantine Capers: The Pennington Perplexity by Natalie Brianne (new ebook reader TXT) 📕

right again.” He paced for a few more steps. “We’ll start by getting you settled somewhere else and get you some protection from the police, then we’ll work from there. Alright?” She nodded.

“I’m sure I can stay with my uncle for the time being.”

“Perfect.” He hugged her loosely for a moment, and she could hear his heart beating. The rhythm was somehow soothing and melodic, despite the situation. It was short lived, however, as he pulled away almost as soon as he had done it. His cheeks had a tinge of pink in them as he turned, looking about the room.

“Well. Shall we set you up with your uncle before going on with the rest of the plans for the day?”

She nodded again and found a suitcase that had been relatively saved from the destruction. She placed things that could be salvaged into it. He helped her, and once they had taken everything that they could, she picked up Nero and they went outside to call another cab.

“Swan Walk in Chelsea please,” she told the driver. Byron looked at her.

“Your uncle is that well off?”

“Yes, actually.”

“Anything I should know before I meet him?”

Mira bit her lip. “He is a bit overprotective. His name is Cyrus Griffon.”

“A nice name.”

“Yes. And we shouldn’t tell him that I’ve had death threats or notes or anything like that. He will have a conniption.”

“Alright. Then what should we tell him?”

“Um. That there was flood damage or something. While it is getting figured out, I need to have a place to stay.”

“And if he looks into it?”

“I don’t know. I’m not really good at these sorts of things.”

“Hm. Well what would happen if we told him the truth?”

“He would try everything in his power to stop me from continuing my acquaintance with you.”

“I’ll see what we can do. If we were to lie, how would you explain me?”

“Just that you are a friend.”

“Wouldn’t he get suspicious of that?”

“Possibly. Probably.” She groaned. “And he would probably ask you a lot of questions. Although that will happen either way.”

“Anything else I should know?”

“Under no circumstance tell him about the fact that I have flown in an airship.”

“That makes sense as well. After all, your parents were killed in an airship accident.”

“Yes. He hates airships in general.” She looked up at him.

“I’ll be sure to avoid that subject; however, we may want to consider telling him the truth, as it is usually more believable.”

“Perhaps he will just let me stay without questioning anything.”

“Perhaps.”

Nero slept peacefully on her lap, blissfully unaware of his owner’s anxiety. The hansom cab came to a stop in front of the house. She bit her lip in nervous apprehension. Byron paid the driver and then helped her out of the cab. She hesitated on the sidewalk. She started up the stairs, but the door opened before she could get to it.

“Miss Mira, what a pleasant surprise!”

“Landon!” She ran up the steps and gave the butler a hug. She hadn’t realized how much she had missed him. For the first time in the last few days, she felt entirely safe and protected. Landon returned the hug, surprised. Byron stood at the bottom of the steps a bit awkwardly. Landon stepped away from her and looked at Byron.

“Will you introduce me to your friend?”

“Of course. Landon, this is Byron Constantine. Byron this is Landon, our butler and one of my dearest friends.” She smiled at them both.

“And how did you two come to be acquainted?”

“Miss Blayse is my secretary, sir. Originally we kind of bumped into each other.”

“Well, I am astonished to hear you are a working girl now Mira! Now come in! I’m sure that your uncle would love to see you. Especially after you left so suddenly last Sunday. We’ve…” He cleared his throat. “Your uncle has been worried.” He went back up the stairs and opened the door.

“I’m so sorry about that. I simply lost track of time and had another engagement.” She followed him and looked back at Byron to ensure that he did the same.

She set Nero down on the floor, and he scampered off to find a mouse to watch. Landon glanced back at her suitcase.

“Are you going to be staying for long miss?”

“I was hoping to. Of course, I’ll have to ask Uncle Cyrus.”

Landon nodded and then knocked on the door to the study. After a moment, he opened the door and entered, closing it behind him. She could hear his voice slightly muffled through it.

“Your niece is here, sir, along with her employer.”

“Employer?”

“Yes sir. Shall I show them in?”

“Yes Landon. Do that.”

Landon returned to the hall and opened the door for them.

“Mira!” Her uncle stood and came over, arms outstretched for a hug. She placed her suitcase on the ground and embraced him. The feeling of protection remained, but her anxieties returned as she tried to think of an explanation. At the very least, he seemed to be in a good mood.

“How is my favorite niece?” He pulled back from the hug to get a better look at her.

“I’m your only niece, Uncle. And I’m well.”

“Well, since you’re my only niece, that makes you my favorite.” He smiled. Then the smile disappeared. His tone turned serious and almost threatening. “Where have you been? Last Sunday you left without saying goodbye! I’ve been worried.”

“I’ve been working. And last week I simply had forgotten about another engagement.”

Her uncle looked past her to Byron. “This must be your employer?”

She nodded. Byron moved forward and offered a hand. Her uncle ignored it, but Byron introduced himself, nonetheless.

“Byron Constantine, at your service, sir.”

Cyrus looked back at Mira. “I didn’t realize you were looking for a job, Mira. Don’t I give you enough allowance?”

“You have given me more than enough. I simply need something to occupy my time. With an allowance comes quite a bit of room for boredom, and I’d like to make more out of my life, so to speak.”

Her uncle gave her half a nod and frowned turning back to Byron.

“And what