The Gadget: The Rondon Chronicles Book One by V. Timlin (speed reading book .TXT) 📕

sadness and… pity? The hair on Anouk’s neck stood up. “You’re Miss Herring, I presume.”

Anouk swallowed and nodded. Now it made sense why the madam wanted her so much.

“He told Madam Valeria about you, and that he could get more girls like you. I know the madam was already interested in recruiting you. She’s been praising your skills and beauty to Jasper.”

Anouk blinked. Jasper? Ah, Mr Sunshine.

Lila continued, “Madam Valeria accepted the deal without hesitation after he promised her protection or something. I don’t know exact details, but on the very same day, Stalo De Meriweth moved in with three of his men. One of them died the other night in some squabble in The Pits.”

Anouk frowned. She wouldn’t call it a squabble; more of an ambush and attempted murder.

Lila paused as if gathering herself. She wiped her eyes again and said with a thick voice, “Then last night, Shannah was entertaining Lord De Meriweth. I don’t know exactly how it happened, but she broke his world travel device. Both Madam Valeria and the lord were furious.” She sniffed. “It was an accident. Shannah didn’t do it on purpose, I’m sure of it.”

Nat put his hand on Lila’s shoulder. “We know this isn’t easy for you, but we need to know what happened next?”

“Lord De Meriweth dragged her out of the brothel. We didn’t see her after that. Later we learnt he had brought her here and killed her.” Lila drew a shaky breath. “I can still hear her screaming and begging for help, but Madam Valeria did nothing and made sure we didn’t either. This was to be a lesson to all of us not to interfere in her business, the madam said.”

Anouk shuddered at the brutality. What was wrong with that woman? To let Stalo kill her employee just for breaking that damn contraption? The girl had done the universe a favour, and for Anouk in particular, however inadvertently. Unfortunately, it had cost her her life. Now, though, it simplified their pursuit if Stalo couldn’t jump between worlds anymore.

Lila directed her tearful eyes at Anouk, who in turn winced and whispered, “I’m sorry.”

How inadequate the word was, but that was all she could think of saying. Nothing would bring Shannah back. Neither did she think Lila was there because Madam Valeria sent her. Or Lila was one damn good actress. Anouk glanced at Nat. Did he believe Lila?

Nat met her eyes. His expression was unreadable. Did Lila’s story bring back painful memories? Anouk wanted to ask, but Nat shifted his gaze back at Lila.

“I’m sorry for your loss,” he said softly. “But I need to ask you a few more questions.”

Lila sniffed again and nodded.

“I see what’s in it for Madam Valeria, but how does Stalo benefit? What has Madam Valeria promised him?”

“I don’t know. I only heard pieces of their conversation when I was taking them tea. He said something about wanting his title and land back. Somehow that’s supposed to benefit the madam, so in return she hides him for as long as is needed. Or that’s what I read between the lines.”

“Have you heard anything about placing an order for weapons? Maybe even to be delivered to the brothel?”

First Lila shook her head, but then paused. “I wonder…” She hesitated.

“Yes?”

Anouk admired Nat’s ability to sound calm. She was practically bouncing on her toes.

“This probably is nothing, but one of the girls mentioned him throwing a tantrum for something that didn’t come out the way he wanted.”

“The weapon order?” Anouk mouthed to Nat.

He shrugged before turning back to Lila. “Did anyone see you leaving?”

“No, I don’t think so. I faked having a migraine which I do suffer now and then. Madam Valeria knows this and usually leaves me alone. I need total quiet and darkness when I have one.” Lila gave them a faint smile.

“Clever.” Anouk smiled back. “Do you happen to know anything about a woman called Rose and her daughters, Valintina and Danja? Captain Biddulph is somehow involved with their disappearance.”

The captain’s name made Lila flinch as if she had received an electric shock. She wrapped her arms around herself, fear and wariness in her face. “That monster,” she spat.

Anouk’s eyebrows shot up. Did Madam Valeria also let the captain abuse her girls? Before Anouk could ask, Lila said, “I don’t know about Rose, but they brought two little girls, around five and six, just when I was about to leave. I had to wait to make sure no one saw me.”

Anouk’s stomach knotted. Had Rose got caught for sending them the warning? Was she still alive?

Nat opened his mouth to say something when hasty footsteps echoed from Roister Street. Anouk’s whole body went into a high alert. Her gut instinct told her their time was up.

“Wait here,” Nat whispered and vanished behind the corner.

Anouk glanced at Lila. Her eyes were wide, brimming with naked fear. If Anouk had any doubts about her sincerity, they vanished now. Lila was afraid. No, she was terrified.

“I can’t get caught,” she whimpered. “They’ll kill me.”

“Don’t worry, we’ll make sure that won’t happen.” Anouk’s heart hammered in her chest and all the moisture drained from her mouth, yet still, she managed to sound calm and assertive. As far as she knew, all three of them might end up dead.

Nat came back. “To the roof. We’re about to have company.”

Anouk and Lila didn’t need to be told twice; they ran towards the ladder.

“You go first,” Anouk said to Lila and pulled her gun. “Nat and I will keep them busy in the meanwhile.”

Lila dipped her head and climbed with the speed and agility of a squirrel. The steps echoed from the mouth of the alley; company was heading in their direction. Anouk started to climb, holding her Phines. Nat followed at her heels. When Anouk had almost reached the roof, the hasty steps stopped and a beam of light brushed past her.

“There they are,” a man shouted—Madam Valeria’s official rat-catcher. “Oi, come down, you thieving rats.”

“Thieving rats? We have