Ultimate Nyssa Glass by H. Burke (best value ebook reader .txt) 📕

all. Seems convenient. You take in a thief, report a threatening uncle no one actually sees, then without so much as waking the master in the next room, this uncle gets in and takes everything? You forget to lock the doors or something?”

Nyssa bit her tongue. Her reputation was already shot to ribbons. Shouting at police officers wouldn’t improve anyone’s opinion of her. “Excuse me. I need a breath of fresh air.” She stomped into the workshop and sank to the floor behind the counter.

She stuck her hand into her pocket and pulled out the watch. Flipping it open, she watched the whirring hands as the cat and mouse circled the face. Like in her dream. Was that what she had missed? That Theo was in league with her uncle? Or could the officers be right? Had he done it on his own? It wouldn’t have been hard to get the combination. Ellis used 3.14 for everything. The boy had helped her install the alarm … No, it had to have been Uncle Al, but why would Theo help him?

The creaking of Ellis’s wheelchair alerted her to his approach, but she didn’t look up, just slipped the watch into her pocket.

“Are you all right?” His voice was quiet, subdued.

“No. I feel stupid. It’s not a great sensation.”

His hand rested on top of her head. “You feel stupid? I’m the idiot who brought the kid into our home … it had to be a setup. From the moment I tossed him a coin on the boardwalk, I was pegged for an easy mark.”

Nyssa pulled up a stool and sat even with him. “You were just being decent, and that’s what makes me so mad.” She let out a hot breath. “When I was in Uncle Al’s grasp as a kid, I would’ve given anything for what we gave that boy. A chance to go straight? A home where no one hit me? Food, shelter … love?” Her voice cracked. “Blast me, Ellis, he made me love him. Do you know how many people I’ve actually loved since my parents died? Three. Only three, and this is why.” Tears welled up in her eyes, blurring her vision. “People are stupid. People would rather steal from each other than care for each other. People hurt people.” Her voice broke.

Ellis’s arms wrapped around her, pulling her onto his lap. She buried her face against his shoulder and sobbed.

“I’m so sorry, Nyss. I’m so, so sorry.” His lips caressed her forehead and tear-streaked cheeks. “I shouldn’t have forced the kid on you. It was stupid. I just thought …”

“It’s not your fault.” Nyssa sniffled.

He offered her a handkerchief, and she dabbed at her eyes.

“They aren’t taking our case too seriously.” Ellis scowled.

“I’m pretty sure they think we’re pulling a scam somehow. They’ve been watching us, just waiting for me to commit a crime, since my uncle sent that ‘anonymous tip.’” She traced his chin with her fingertips, taking comfort in his familiar features. “Maybe we should sell the shop and use the funds to leave San Azula. Start over again?”

“The value of this house won’t get us far.” He closed his eyes. “It might be time for Ellis Dalhart to reclaim his rightful fortune. I think I can prove who I am, step back into my old life, or what’s left of it. If I did, we’d never have to worry about money again.”

“Could Ellis Dalhart be with a wanted criminal like Nyssa Glass, though?” She frowned. “Dalhart Industries was based in New Taured. I can’t go back there until I’ve cleared my name—which by now is probably a lost cause. Consorting with me might be illegal, even. Could they arrest you for harboring me?”

“With my father’s fortune behind me, I could hire a crack team of lawyers.” He laughed.

“I guess.”

Someone cleared their throat. Nyssa scrambled out of Ellis’s arms and found Detective Simon in the doorway to the shop.

“We’ve gathered everything we’re going to find here. If anything comes of the investigation, we’ll follow up with you.”

Nyssa nodded. “All right.” The two detectives filed out.

“Anyone up for some breakfast?” Mrs. H called.

“She won’t give up until you’ve eaten something.” Ellis smiled.

“I guess a few bites of toast won’t kill me.” Nyssa sighed.

The salty tang of bacon greeted them when they entered the kitchen.

Mrs H stood at the griddle, flipping golden pancakes. “Did the officers leave already? I made enough to feed them too.”

“I think you made enough for the whole station.” Ellis picked up a steaming muffin from a basket on the table.

“Cooking helps me keep my mind off …” Mrs. H flushed. Her bottom lip quivered. “I just can’t believe that poor, dear boy robbed us. The police must be mistaken. Perhaps the real thieves kidnapped him. He’s so small and … they must be looking for him.”

“They said they’d keep an eye out for him,” Nyssa soothed.

Chances are, he’s already on a steamer headed for the Continent with Uncle Al.

“Are you going to keep your appointment with Amara?” Ellis asked between mouthfuls of muffins.

She shrugged. “She may be able to at least get the police off my back. I imagine a word from Lady Azores, or whatever she’s called now, would go a long way with local law enforcement. Also, I don’t like the idea of Uncle Al getting away with this. Maybe she can do something.” She sneaked her hand into her pocket. Theo’s watch felt cold against her fingers.

***

As Nyssa rode the trolley towards the town center, she went over everything Theo had ever said or done. He’d been frightened of Al not because of some sixth sense but because he knew him. When he disappeared after they returned from the clothing shop, had he possibly been meeting with Al? Did he even allow himself to get caught by the police so he could see Ellis again and get into the home? What would he have done if that failed?

The trolley stopped outside the massive square. Palm trees and