The Inexplicables (The Clockwork Century 4)

Softly, the nurse said, “S

ap is a terrible thing, and the world is full of men who trade in terrible things. You said it yourself: There’s a war, Angeline. And wars feed on terrible things. The Union has plans to make this nasty powder into a weapon, and if they take too long at it, I’m sure the Confederates will try it for themselves. The notes I’m sending to help Captain Sally find a cure … they’re notes that could help make terrible things. And that’s exactly the opposite of what I want to do. But it cuts both ways. I can’t say the truth and promise who will hear it, or how they’ll use it. ”

They rested in companionable quiet, save the fizzle and pop of the electric light.

Finally Angeline tried, “You know, when the air dock’s finished up at Fort Decatur, things’ll be easier for your notes. First a dock, then some taps. Then you won’t have to rely on people like me, or Captain Cly, or anyone else to send your messages. You could just fire off a telegram and ask if everything arrived all right. ”

“I do look forward to that day, Miss Angeline. And I do wish for word from … someone, anyone who was with me on the Dreadnought. ”

Angeline’s pocket began to chime. She pulled out a watch and gave it a glare. “That’s my reminder, I need to head out if I want to catch the train to Tacoma. ”

“Then you’d best be going. ”

The princess winked, then climbed to her feet. “I see how it is. ”

Mercy gave her a friendly swat on the leg and said, “You know good and well you’re welcome here, you ol’ madwoman. I swear. ”

“I’m just joshing you,” she grinned. She made for the door, then stopped herself. “You know,” she said, “you should keep trying for that Texas Ranger. I bet he’s the one you’re most likely to reach. ”

“You think?”

“Sure. He’s not Union. He’s not Confederate. If there’s some awful conspiracy, you don’t think it covers both territories and Texas, too, do you? Texians don’t answer to either one, except when they feel like answering to the South. ”

“It’s a good thought, Angeline. Thank you, I’ll try him again—through the rangers office in Austin. ”

“Good girl. Don’t you give up on it yet. Too many people know about that train for everybody to vanish at once. You’ll find him,” she vowed, and she tipped her hat before leaving the nurse alone.

When Angeline was gone, Mercy sat back down at her desk.

She picked up a piece of paper and pencil, but her hand hovered over the blank sheet. She changed her mind and put down the pencil, pushing away the paper and worrying about the Texas Ranger who’d been her companion on the westward journey.

Where had he gone? Where had everybody gone?

She murmured, “And if I hadn’t disappeared into Seattle, would I have disappeared anyhow … just like everyone else?”