Something Strange and Deadly (18 page)

Carriage after carriage rattled up and deposited the beautiful and the wealthy of Philadelphia. And, like me, they all examined everyone else. Yet, if they sought familiar faces or merely wished to critique their neighbors, I couldn't say. Either way, I was suddenly very grateful for my new gown. For the first time since leaving girlhood and frocks behind, I felt I was a match for my society.

“Eleanor!” A girl's voice shouted.

I twirled around to see Mercy nearby, her sister, Patience, still climbing down from a carriage. I waved.

Mercy daintily lifted her skirts to approach me, but then she paused. Her smile wavered and fell.

Fingers grasped my arm, and I flinched. But it was only Clarence. I gave him a tight grin—the Virtue Sisters would be delighted to know he was here!—and I glanced back to the street.

Patience had joined Mercy, and they glared at me. The hatred and envy was so thick, I staggered back.

Clarence steadied me. “Are you all right, Miss Fitt?”

“No—yes... yes. I'm fine. Let's go in.” My voice broke over a lump in my throat.

Here I was unwillingly on the arm of Clarence Wilcox, but all the Virtue Sisters would see was Eleanor Fitt of the fallen Philadelphia Fitts on the arm of the most eligible bachelor in the city.

Maybe these people would talk with me and play croquet, but they still lived by the judgmental rules of class and wealth. And for a very brief moment, I wished I could go back in time to when Mercy had smiled.

But then I set my jaw and pulled back my shoulders. If their friendships were based on such meaningless things as name, then did I truly want them in my life?

Clarence and I reached the top of the steps. The grooved columns towered up beside us, and cheerful light poured from the open theater doors.

I peered back at the street. The Virtue Sisters were nowhere in sight, but my gaze hit on a small figure lounging against a gas streetlamp. My breath hitched. It was Jie!
Jie!

What was she doing here? She nodded at me, and I nodded back. All my concerns over society vanished, for here was someone I knew I could call friend..

A fresh energy pumped through me. This evening wasn't ruined yet. There was still time to do what needed doing. Pinkertons, Clarence, Patience—none of them mattered. I still had a chance. A choice.

Porters bowed as we passed through the theater doors. Glistening crystal chandeliers greeted us, and for the first time I was able to fully inspect Clarence's newest bodyguards. They each wore ill-fitting black suits and well-fitting black scowls. They reminded me of those Russian dolls that all fit inside one another, for the three men could have been triplets if it weren't for their differences in size. Small, medium, large.

They looked dangerous and dependable, but I knew I could handle them.

Clarence guided me through the theater's entrance hall. Our feet clicked on ornate marble floors and up the main staircase. On the second floor, we walked silently down long, bloodred carpets until we reached a private balcony. Once inside, Clarence plopped into a seat and lounged back. Two men settled into seats, and one stationed himself at the balcony's entrance. A single vacant seat was at Clarence's right, but I avoided it. I was too excited to stay still.

My mind buzzed with curiosity over Jie's presence outside.

I hustled to the balcony's edge and gazed at the theater's ceiling, a painted dome that reflected the gas lights and bathed everyone in yellow warmth.

I felt good—not happy per se, but in control. No one and nothing could stand in my way. This was my life.

When the first strains of music began, I moved to my seat. I glowered at the small Pinkerton who sat at my right. He offered me a flimsy, paper program, and I snatched it from his fingers. I flipped through the pages, only pretending to read them.

I needed a plan.

“Have you the time?” I asked Clarence.

He eased out a pocket watch. “Five after nine.”

I peered in the program. The first intermission was in an hour. Would Jie still be standing there at ten? I had no way of knowing since I didn't know precisely why she was here in the first place. I tugged at my earring and forced my mind off the subject. I could do nothing at the moment.

The lights dimmed, and the opera began. Clarence quickly slumped over into a heavy sleep. None of his guards drifted into slumber, of course.

The first act passed at an excruciatingly slow speed. I constantly adjusted my train or massaged my scalp, and the performance did nothing to keep my mind from wandering.

I used to love the opera. Much like I swooned over Shakespeare's exotic lands, I longed to see the magical worlds of Mozart's
Die Zauberflöte
or Wagner's
Die Walküre
. To see Germany and Austria—the lands that had inspired such beautiful music and tales.

But not tonight. Perhaps never again, in fact. How could I dream when I knew I could
act
instead? And with all the strange and deadly things in the world, what was there even worth dreaming about?

Elijah. No matter what Mama said, I knew that Elijah loved me. But sitting here watching a silly opera was not helping him. This was no way to repay his love. I had to leave. I had to talk to Daniel and get answers. I had to get away from here and put my mind and body to use.

Not soon, but now. Enough waiting.

“I must go to the necessary,” I murmured to Clarence, but he didn't budge. I shook him lightly, but the only response was a sputtering snore.

I turned to the squat Pinkerton. “I must go to the necessary.”

“I'll eth-cort you.”

I almost laughed at his squeaky lisp. It was so unexpected. Instead, I puffed out my chest and wrinkled my nose.

“You'll do no such thing. Have you no manners, sir?” I snorted and jumped up. “I am not the one in need of protection. You must stay with your employer.”

I scurried into the hall. Willis was there.

“My head pains me,” I told him, my chin held high. “I will hire a hackney home.”

He moved toward the balcony door, presumably to wake Clarence.

I caught his arm. “Leave him. He sleeps soundly, and he needs the rest.”

Willis narrowed his eyes, and my confidence wavered. I couldn't let him wake Clarence. I was so close to escape.

“I daresay this is as safe a place as any for him to slumber.” I pursed my lips and arched a single, prim eyebrow. “You may tell Mr. Wilcox to call on me in the morning. I expect him to inquire after my health. Thank you.”

I swiveled, my gait as imperial as I could make it, and I marched down the carpeted hall out of the footman's sight. When I reached the stairs, I ran. My blood pounded in my ears. For all my bravery, I was terrified of discovery. Clarence's outburst yesterday had been as unpredictable as a summer storm, and if I slowed to let my mind think, I'd be lost to cowardice.

I raced through the now-empty main hall. My footsteps echoed off the marble tiles. The porters at the front doors exchanged shocked glances. I could imagine the sight I must have presented—a flushed ball of purple silk and rustling skirts. No matter. I whisked past them and flew out into the Philadelphia night. My feet thudded on the theater's stone steps. Despite the stormy breeze that hit me, I sweated beneath my gown.

Jie lounged against the same streetlamp, and at the sight of me she straightened.

I jogged to her. “What're you doing here?” My ribs heaved against my corset as I strained to catch my breath.

“I was waiting for you. Your maid isn't so nice, yeah? I went to your house to find you, but she wouldn't tell me where you were.”

“What'd you do?”

“I said I'd rip out her eyes and knock her teeth loose if she didn't tell me.” She scowled, and the bruise on her cheek from the library attack made her look positively menacing.

I laughed a full, bubbling, stomach laugh. It was the first time I'd done that in weeks, and it felt good.

“I need your help,” Jie said when my chuckles subsided. “I don't think I can trust Daniel tonight.”

Fear flapped into my throat like clawing bats.
Daniel is a murderer.

“Wh-why?” I gulped. “Is there something wrong with him?”

Jie popped her knuckles. “Just something funny. I dunno. This factory makes him... makes him skittish. We need another hand in case things go wrong.”

“And you thought of me?” The fear in my throat eased back.

She shrugged. “Why not? You got legs and arms like the rest of us—you just need some trousers.”

I couldn't keep the smile off my face. “All right,” I said. “But let's get away from here before I'm caught.”

“The men you came with.” She pointed to the theater. “Where are they?”

“Occupied.”

She flexed her arms. “Perfect. Let's go.” She grabbed my hand and towed me into the street. “I'll hail a hackney. Since you're wearing that silly dress, we can't
walk
to the Exhibition.”

“No one wears silly gowns in China?”

“Oh yes,” she said. “We have silly clothes too.”

“You'll have to show me one day.”

She heaved open a hackney door and shot me a toothy grin. “That's a deal. But first we have to survive tonight.”

C
HAPTER
E
IGHTEEN

“I
fear you have wasted your time by coming,”
Joseph said a half hour after I'd fled the opera house. He pinched his lips together. “I don't know what Jie has told you, Miss Fitt, but we do not need you.”

I huddled under my cloak, wishing Joseph would turn his worried gaze elsewhere. He, Jie, and I stood in the lab. A lone lantern flickered from the worktable.

“She'll be a lookout,” Jie said. “We go in the factory, and she stays outside.”

“No.”

“We need her help.” She waved toward me. “What if Daniel loses his nerve?”

Joseph stood taller. “Daniel will be fine with only you. I trust him. And this is not Miss Fitt's job, but it is
our
job.” His gaze flicked to me. “You have been a great help to us before, but there is too much risk for you this time.”

“But—” I started.

“Please.” His lips twisted down with apology. “I appreciate the offer. Truly, I do, but you should leave.”

“No.” I felt like an idiot standing in the middle of the laboratory dressed in layers of silk with a trail of lies snaking behind me. “I can help. Besides, it's my brother who's missing. I have to do everything I can to save him. It's my duty.”

Joseph shook his head. “Miss Fitt, we are in a difficult place right now. The Dead grow strong, our help is limited to men who run and scream at the sight of a walking corpse, and we are about to break the law—something I have never done before.”

“Which is why I can help.”

His eyebrows drew tightly together. “No—do you not see? Ultimately, your presence here only complicates matters. You are a woman of... well, of high society.”

I inched toward him, winding my fingers in my skirts. “So? You're a gentleman, so you must understand that society has nothing to do with the Dead!”

His shoulders sagged. “You misunderstand. The
consequence
of injury to your person—it outweighs the need for your help. Daniel will be fine with only Jie.”

“No,” I pleaded, though I saw the logic of his argument. “No.”

“Miss Fitt, we do not need your help, and I think it best you go. And this is not a request now. It is an order.”

I dropped my eyes and swallowed. My breath shook as I tried to keep my exterior calm. I had thought—no, I had
hoped
Joseph would want me here just as Jie did.

Bricks of defeat hung over my shoulders, threatening to drop at any moment and crush me. I'd made a risky escape for nothing. Daniel wasn't even here for me to question. Joseph did not need me, and I would succumb to frustrated, useless tears if I did not keep breathing.

I turned and shuffled from the lab into the dark emptiness of Machinery Hall. I didn't even bother to lift my gown from the floor.

I would have to hire a hackney home and sort out my newest tales of deceit. Clarence would need to be dealt with. Mama too...

A figure formed in the shadows. My heart jolted, and I threw my hands up, ready to fight. But it was only Daniel.

“You scared me,” I said.

“I'm sorry.” His voice was so soft I could barely hear it.

His gaze roved over me. “You look...” His eyes stopped at the open expanse of my neck and chest, and he twisted his face away. “You look different.”

My heart bounced, and for the second time that evening I was pleased with my gown. “I was at the opera.” I smoothed at my bodice. “Evening attire, you know.”

“No, I reckon I don't.” He stepped toward me and slid his hands into his pockets. He inspected me again from top to bottom, and I inspected him right back. I searched for signs of wickedness. In the faint glow of moonlight that trickled through the hall's windows, all I could see was the lanky young man I'd grown accustomed to.

“What did you mean,” I asked, “when you told me you had a lot of making up to do?”

“When did I say that?”

“At Laurel Hill the other day.”

“And why're you asking me this now?” He sauntered two steps toward me. “If you've got something on your mind, Empress, then spit it out.”

I hesitated, but only for a moment. “Are you Sure Hands Danny?”

He stiffened. “Where'd you hear that?” He slipped his hands from his pockets and opened his arms wide. “Actually, it's of no consequence 'cause I can guess who told you. There's no sense in protesting what you can clearly see is true.”

He crossed one leg in front of the other and pivoted around, slinging off his cap on the way. Then he bowed low like a performer basking in applause. “Sure Hands Danny, at your service.”

“You're a murderer.” I skittered back several steps. “You blew up the factory.”

He shot up. “So you've heard the whole tale then, have you?”

“No.” I forced myself to meet his eyes. “No. I haven't heard
any
of the story. I was hoping you would contradict me. That you'd tell me it was a lie.”

“I can't contradict the truth.”

My throat tightened. “So you're a murderer? You ruined my father's company?”

“Now hold up. I don't know nothing about your father.” He slapped his cap back on. “But I did kill a man six years ago. I'm an escaped convict, Empress.” He said it so simply, as if he were declaring himself a carpenter or locksmith.

“Does Mr. Boyer know?” I asked.

“Joseph knows parts.”

“A-and is that why Peger wants to find you? Is that why you're hiding from Clarence Wilcox? Because you killed someone?”

“Something like that, but it doesn't matter. It's a long story, and the end goes like this: I got a lot of making up to do, and one of my duties is to go back into that same damned factory tonight.” He scuffed past me.

“Wait.” My lips and mouth had gone dry, and despite his confession, I couldn't accept it. I didn't want to. I still had so many unanswered questions. “Can't you tell me the whole story, Mr. Sheridan? Maybe it was—”

“A justified murder? Does it matter?”

“Yes.” I wet my lips. “It does matter. To me.”

He opened his mouth, but whatever he was about to say was lost. At that instant the Dead alarm went off, a distant bass clang that echoed from some other Exhibition hall.

Daniel snatched my hand and hauled me to the lab. We barreled in to find Jie and Joseph already dragging the glass-wheel influence machine from beneath the worktable.

Joseph started when he saw me. Likely he thought I had left by now.

Daniel bolted to the telegraph. “It's the alarm in the U.S. Government Building.”

My knees wobbled and I grabbed at the door frame. “Have you destroyed the grimoire yet?”

“No,” Joseph said. “It is not easy to destroy a book of magical power. It takes time. I have hidden it.” He knelt to heft the electricity device onto the table.

Daniel moved to help him, but Joseph shook his head violently. “No. You must go to the factory.”

Daniel recoiled, his eyes widening. “What? Now? You can't be serious. We can go another night.”

“Your job is at the factory.”

“But you can't fight the Dead alone.” Daniel flung his hand in the direction of the U.S. Government Building. “What if the necromancer has come for the book? It could be the whole cemetery out there.”

“Yes, and if you stay, will that improve our chances?” Joseph straightened, his eyes glowing in the dim light. “Without that dynamite, we are lost.”

“No.” Daniel swung his head. “I can't abandon you to the Dead.”

“You won't be.” Joseph spun to Jie. “You will stay here, Jie. You are our best fighter, and I will need you to lead the guards in defensive maneuvers... if any of the guards are able to help, that is. We will do what we can until Daniel's return.” He paused, and his eyes flew to me. For several long moments he watched me. Then he nodded once, as if settling a debate in his mind.

“Miss Fitt,” he said. “You must go to the factory.”

“What?” Daniel threw himself between Joseph and me. “Are you crazy? She can't come! She doesn't stand a chance, and she's not one of us—”

Joseph slid Daniel aside with a single, cool hand. He stared at me. “She has proven her worth on more than one occasion. It is our turn to trust her. Will you go, Miss Fitt?”

I nodded. “Yes.”

“No.” Daniel's hands flew to his forehead. “Please, no.”

“Listen to me.” Joseph's tone was firm and final. “We will fail without dynamite.”

“But the risk to her—”

“Daniel, if you do not succeed in your task, then at least she will be left to alert us. She need not be put in danger, but she must be there in case you fail. She knows the risk, and we must rely on her.” Joseph pivoted to me, his chin raised high. “You were right, Miss Fitt. It is your duty, and you must do everything that you can. We all must. Now hurry.”

Jie dropped to the floor and flung clothes from a trunk. She shoved a pile in my arms. “These are Daniel's smallest clothes, and here's a wrapping for your chest, yeah?” She set a piece of white linen on top of the clothes. “You'll have to wear my boots, though they'll probably pinch.” She gave me a tight smile and added, “Good luck.” Then she moved to help Joseph with the electricity machine.

I clutched the clothes to my chest. “Should we ring the fire alarm—would it bring more help?”

“Perhaps,” Joseph answered. “And the Exhibition guards may be of some use.”

“And what about the police?”

“Stop talking,” Daniel snarled. He advanced on me, his face lined with anger. “Get changed.”

I stumbled back. “Yes.”

He pushed me toward the door. “And one more thing. You will do
exactly
as I say, do you understand?”

“Yes.”

“Then stop standin' there with that dumb look on your face. Get dressed. We have work to do.”

We went north for several miles until the sounds and lights of the city were long gone. The Schuylkill River at our right was barely visible in the clouded moonlight, but I could smell its aroma. A jumble of mud and river water laced with the spice of impending rain.

The trousers were both strange and liberating, as was the replacement of my corset with a linen wrap. I didn't feel bare as I'd first feared. Instead I was keenly aware of the strength and flexibility in my legs, the ease with which I could breathe. I could run, jump, kick,
fly
. The thousands of opportunities that erupted with the unlacing of my corset were now stretched before me. But I stuck with the path that needed me most. One foot in front of the other with Daniel's back ahead.

“Listen,” Daniel whispered. He had two empty burlap sacks slung on his back. “When we get there, I'll need to scout a bit before I head in. There's a fence around the property, and the factory sits right on the river's shore. It's constantly under guard, and if it's like it used to be, then there'll also be guards outside the fence. They circle every thirty minutes, so I don't wanna try to jimmy the lock until I know their locations.”

“You said, ‘before
I
head in.'” I patted my chest. “What about me?”

“You're going to stay outside.”

“Why can't I come?”

“You're backup, remember?”

I clenched my mouth shut.

“That's what I thought.” He stopped walking, though he still bounced from foot to foot. Something flashed from his pocket, and he placed a warm piece of metal in my palm.

I looked down at a knife, glinting in the dim moonlight.

“Now if anything happens,” Daniel continued, “you run—like if I ain't back in an hour or you hear a commotion. Find a patrolman or go into a saloon if you have to. Offer money. Just get help for Joseph.” He knelt, rolled up my trouser leg, and slipped the knife in my boot. “And don't mention he's a Negro or that you're a girl.”

I licked my lips. “Yes.”

He rose, and we resumed our trek. I was careful with my steps—Jie's tiny boots were tight and had rubbed blisters along the sides of my toes. Plus, Daniel's constant fidgeting made me nervous.

“If it works out right,” Daniel said, “then I'll be in and out in an hour.” He pressed his palms to his eyes as if he was trying to hold something in. Whatever that something was, he looked miserable.

“Tarnation,” he swore. “What was Joseph thinkin' by sending you with me? I can't do this again.”

“Do what again? Please, Mr. Sheridan. Tell me.”

“Daniel. You can call me Daniel.” He slipped off his cap and ran his fingers through his hair. Then he flopped the cap on my head. “Here, you ought to wear this. It'll cover all those lovely blond curls.”

I stuffed my hair beneath the gray wool. The cap smelled like him. “Tell me. Please, Daniel. There are so many mysteries that I can't solve, and for once I'd like to know the truth about someone.”

He inhaled a long, hissing breath. Then he blew it out in a single puff. “I'm from Chicago, Empress. I had me a real nice setup over there. I was a darn good safe blower.”

“A what?”

“Safes. I've got a way with mechanics, and no lock stands a chance against me.” He grinned and wiggled his fingers at me. “I used to say, ‘If there's a special lock that needs picking, I'm the special picker to unlock it.' They called me Sure Hands Danny, and since I was still a kid—tiny and thin—I was perfect for jimmying my way into banks and hotels and houses.”

He shoved his hands in his pockets. “
Used
to. I don't do that low-life stuff anymore. It ain't... well, it's not who I wanted to be. Something I realized pretty quick after a few weeks in Eastern State Penitentiary.”