Buried In Blue

by L G Rollins

  Elise snatched the jar away from him. He turned to her, surprised, and found her brow creased and her eyes alight.

  “The silver’s reforming,” she said low. “But, that shouldn’t be happening.” Reaching into her cabinet, Elise pulled out another jar, similar to the one Melissa had brought them. “This is what silver nitrate looks like.”

  She swished the liquid around inside the jar.

  Melissa wrinkled her nose, clearly unimpressed. “It just looks like water.”

  “Exactly,” Elise nodded, her gaze jumping between the two jars. “The silver is dissolved into the water, like sugar in tea.”

  Melissa folded her arms atop the table and rested her chin in the center. “I don’t like tea, but Grandmama says I have to drink it.”

  Nathaniel tapped the contaminated jar with a finger. “So that’s silver coating the inside of the glass?”

  Elise nodded, reaching for a small knife. “And I know of only one thing that makes silver bind to itself and reform. Copper.” Running the knife around the wax seal, she prided the lid off. Together, they peered into the large-mouth jar. Nathaniel could see nothing but clear liquid in the middle and flakes of silver along the edges.

  Elise sat down hard in her chair. “There is copper in this jar. There has to be.” She looked up at him. “But how did it get there?”

  Nathaniel leaned back against the table. Elise’s eyes sparked something alluring when she was thinking. “Maybe a little copper got in during the ‘accident’, and it’s just still reforming because of that.”

  “I use copper vials to hold my BLU Elixir.” She shook her head. “But that wouldn’t do it. I removed the vial immediately afterward and sealed up this jar. The moment you remove copper from silver nitrate you’ve removed the catalyst and it stops reforming.”

  “So this jar contains nothing other than silver nitrate and the elixir itself.” Nathaniel glanced over at Melissa. Her eyes were dropping and her mouth was going slack. The little nymph was looking ready for bed. He’d better take her up soon.

  “Nothing else.” Elise ran a finger over her bottom lip as she thought. The action made it very hard for Nathaniel to focus on anything else.

  “There’s only one solution,” she said.

  Kiss her, his brainbox replied.

  Elise shrugged, unaware of his wayward thoughts. “There was copper in the elixir.” She reached for an empty vial, similar to the one she’d shown him so many weeks ago in his book room. “I use only the highest quality copper vials for my research. It shouldn’t have leeched any copper into the elixir it held.”

  She ran her fingers over the small vial in excitement. “But suppose it did. Suppose copper, like werewolves, changes in the full moon. Suppose it caused some of the copper to enter the liquid inside. That would mean”—she picked up the large jar once more, holding it alongside the vial—“when BLU Elixir was dumped into the silver nitrate, some copper went with it.”

  Nathaniel rounded the table and scooped Melissa into his arms. She perked up the moment he did. “I want to hear about the copper in the silver.” Alarm that she might have to leave was evident in her voice.

  “I know,” Nathaniel rubbed her back. “But you can rest your head on my shoulder while we talk.”

  Melissa nodded and did as he suggested. Nathaniel loved the feel of his girl’s head against him. In not too many more years, she would be too big for this. That would be a sad day indeed. Nathaniel turned back to Elise. “So, this could explain why not everyone is a werewolf. Changing requires more than a full moon.”

  Elise smiled up at Melissa and patted the girl on her arm. “It also requires copper.” Then her hand dropped back to the table and she sat back fully in her chair. “The hypothesis has a lot of holes in it. Firstly, if copper is already in their system, then why wouldn’t a BLU Elixir solution made without copper vials not cause them to shift? Secondly, if the BLU Elixir contains copper, why does it not cause a healthy individual to turn into a werewolf?”

  Melissa was growing heavy, and he needed to take her up before she fully fell asleep. It would be rather difficult to both carry her and climb up the ladders. “Then what is your next move?”

  “Blood samples. I’ve always believed there were important aspects to be found in a werewolve’s blood. As soon as I get back I’ll convince the committee to continue its support and I’ll turn our attention to copper. I’ll find answers to those questions and others.”

  If only Nathaniel could convince Elise to turn that “I” into a “we”. He picked up the contaminated jar once more, the inside of which was fully draped in reflective silver. “Copper, huh. Who would have guessed?”

  Elise’s voice was low, nearly a whisper. “Perhaps this is why silver bullets are deadlier for a werewolf than a regular bullet.”

  Nathaniel listed her head. He hadn’t thought about silver bullets. “It must create some sort of chemical reaction inside . . .”

  His voice trailed off as images skittered across his mind. Images of silver leeching into a wolf’s bloodstream after being shot, then reforming and erupting into shards throughout the body. It would rip the wolf apart from the inside. Nathaniel shook his head—it would be an excruciatingly painful death.

  Elise muttered softly, “Life is an adventure worth valuing.”

  He took hold of her hand, though what he really wanted to do was wrap his arm fully around her waist and hold her close. “I’ve heard you say that before.”

  She gave him a half smile, and her cheeks turned a becoming pink. “Well, I believe it.” Then her smile dropped away and a glint of hard determination entered her eyes. “When we return to England, I will make sure the committee believes it too.”

  lise picked up her scientific workbook, flipped to a clean page, and titled it.

  Puerto Rico Trench Experiment: Third Night of the Full Moon

  The din of lively conversation echoed down from the floors above. After last night, the second night of the full moon, proved to be a success everyone seemed to be riding on a never-ending high. Elise sat down in the chair beside her laboratory and eyed the empty cells of the cargo hold. One more night and this experiment could be deemed an unparalleled success.

  Elise held the journal close to her chest, smiling. Water was proving effective at absorbing and dissipating moonlight. The ocean was a glittering barrier, a blue-green cushion. Who would have imaged Lord Chauncey’s cockeyed scheme would prove sound?

  She let out a slow breath and placed the book back on the table. Perhaps she should climb up the ladder and join in the pre-celebrations. But she couldn’t bring herself to do it. She was elated as any of them that not a single werewolf had shifted the past two nights. However, just at the moment, she needed some space.

  It wasn’t that she disliked anyone aboard the submarine. Granted, William was still not speaking to her. Elise straightened a few of her vials, twisting them all so that the labels hung facing her. Other than him, she got along well enough with all. Though, not well enough that they ever asked her to play a hand at whist. Not well enough to stay up late into the night telling stories and laughing about childhood antics.

  Elise finished straightening the vials and moved on to the larger jars. She knew full well if she wanted to be included she only needed to walk up to a group and ask to join in. More often than not, though, by the time evening came and she had a moment to relax she only wanted some space.

  Away from the dull hum of conversation and away from those she had to always look professional around, she wanted space where she could let go and be as uncertain or grumpy as the case may be. Elise ran fingers underneath her coiffure wishing she could pull the pins out. She wanted to both figuratively and literally let her hair down.

  Footsteps sounded against the ladder. Her space and quiet time was at an end. Sitting up straight Elise calmed her features to appear professional and confident. She would relax another night. One after another, the men and Pearl filed down the ladder, chatting as they
marched into their cells. Without a comment, Elise shut and locked each barred door.

  Earlier, she’d checked on William, who had seemed to stay in his room all day. No one had seen him during meal time or any other time. Then again, she hadn’t asked many people about him, not wanting to draw attention to his sudden blue-devilment for fear that someone may learn the cause.

  At this point, he just needed time. So, though it left her feeling anxious and uneasy, Elise had silently shut his door, not a word having been exchanged between them, and locked it with the small magnet.

  It did not take long to secure all in their cells. Minutes, then hours, ticked by in a steady, confident rhythm. Elise asked the test subjects how they were feeling at regular intervals, just as she had both nights before.

  The cadence of asking and recording calmed Elise. More than that, she got a small thrill each time she was able to write the time and then the comment, “No signs of shifting”. Never in the history of science had anyone devised a way to prevent a werewolf from shifting, short of killing him. This was groundbreaking.

  Thus, like the click of a metronome, her night followed an easy, structured pulse.

  Elise pulled out the watch Nathaniel gave her and checked the time yet again—2:00 a.m. And not a single symptom of shape-shifting. They all slept, declaring a couple hours previous that they wouldn’t miss this divine opportunity to do so during a full moon. But it was undeniable, they slept as humans.

  Elise pocketed the watch once more. Hopefully, Nathaniel would have a few minutes sometime tonight to come down and visit with her. He’d mentioned at supper that he was planning to stay awake all night, both to see to the submarine’s safety and to know the final outcome of her experiment. It was just like him to care as much for what she was doing as she did.

  Truth was, he was probably the first person Elise had ever known who she didn’t need frequent breaks from. Her brothers, friends at the University, William, Lord Chauncey, even her own mother—she’d needed breaks from them all if ever she was required to remain in the same house as them for more than a few days.

  She used to hide in her father’s library as a young child whenever she grew overwhelmed with people and conversations and the need to keep up appearances. What would it be like to hid in there once more, with Nathaniel?

  Gracious. Elise shook her head hoping to quench the heat which coursed through her. She was in the middle of the biggest experiment of her life thus far. She couldn’t be distracted by daydreams.

  Another five hours and the second night of the full moon could be deemed an unparalleled success. She could stay focused for that long.

  Elise picked up her journal once more. “How are you feeling?” she asked Mr. Lenton, who’s cell was once more directly next to her table.

  “Fantastic, Doctor.” His enthusiasm seemed to fill the entire room. “Absolutely fantastic.” Around her, several of the subjects chuckled good-naturedly. “How about you, Mr. Antsy,” Lenton continued. “How are you feeling this fine evening?”

  Mr. Antsy’s voice was loud and mockingly formal, as though he addressed the entirety of Her Majesty’s court. “I’ve never felt better, Mr. Lenton. Thank you for asking.” More chuckles.

  Elise made note of both men’s answers, even as Lenton continued to ask each subject, for Elise, how they were. Without exception the men were in high spirits. Lastly, Lenton asked Pearl, his voice softening. Apparently, Lenton’s tendress for Pearl was as strong as ever.

  Pearl’s response was as cheerful as the others. “Smashingly well,” she said, her eyes sparkling as she looked back at Lenton. So, the attachment ran both ways, then. Elise was glad.

  Unlike herself and a certain brooding man, Lenton and Pearl seem to bring out the best in each other. The men clapped at Pearl’s response—they frequently displayed signs of being extra protective of the thin, young woman—and soon the room was full of their upbeat conversation.

  Elise sat back down and recorded Pearl’s answer verbatim. Once finished, her gaze wandered back to Pearl. Had she ever seen Pearl smile—truly smile?

  Then again, Elise knew from preliminary questioning that Pearl had shifted for the first time only four months prior. Perhaps the woman’s defensive mannerisms were simply due to her still adjusting to the dramatic change in her future. Then again, Pearl may have always been an overly serious individual.

  Whatever the cause of Pearl’s constant surliness, Elise was glad she was smiling now. It seemed that both of them, herself and Pearl, had broken through the need to hide their pleasure. Elise had found the experience a strange mix of apprehension and anticipation, tension and relief.

  Though Elise knew she wasn’t as fully sincere as she wished to someday be, she was pleased with her own progress and was determined to continue to work on it even after returning home to England. Hopefully, Pearl was feeling the same gentle excitement Elise was over her new found openness.

  “I don’t think I’ve ever seen her smile before.” It wasn’t until she heard her own voice that Elise realized she’d thought out loud.

  Lenton, once more resting his arms against the bars, nodded. “That’s because she hardly ever does.” He looked over his shoulder, toward Pearl, whose cell was in the back corner. “But, we’re her family now. So, she doesn’t need to worry.” His voice was firm and absolute.

  Apparently the obvious attraction between Lenton and Pearl had grown stronger than she’d first believed. He called her family. “Dare I ask if there is an understanding between you two?” If he was going to be overly familiar, then she could be as well.

  This time, Lenton’s usual smile brought a blush to his cheeks. “Not yet. But I hope there will be soon.”

  “Then allow me to congratulate you in advance.” Elise felt nothing but excitement over the idea of them making a match of it. “I feel very fortunate that William was able to find her and convince her to join our research.” Lenton must certainly feel even more so.

  But, instead of the ready agreement she anticipated, Lenton’s smile dropped away and his brow drew into a deep crease. His gaze jumped around the room, and Elise followed, unsure what he was suddenly so concerned about. No one stood close to them. Even Lord Chauncey was several paces away, trading jokes with a couple of test subjects.

  When Lenton spoke, his voice was low enough no one else would be able to hear. “Do you have anyone you care deeply for, Doctor?”

  The question rocked Elise back, deeper into her seat. Was this about William? Had Lenton also assumed . . . Her cheeks flushed. Then again, why wouldn’t he? Apparently, everyone else believed she would marry William someday. But they were all wrong. William wasn’t who she wanted.

  Nathaniel came to mind next, bringing with it a heat that tingled across her chest.

  She could feel Lenton’s gaze resting on her. He was still waiting for her to answer. It was quite the personal question, bordering improper. She and Lenton had become something close to friends the past few weeks, but they still were scientist and willing test subject, and some level of separation was necessary. Elise opened her mouth and forced a couple words out. “Well, yes, there is my mother and I have two older brothers.”

  Lenton raised an eyebrow; Elise knew her family wasn’t what he had in mind. Slightly uncomfortable with this direction of questions, Elise glanced over her jars of chemicals. “I have several close friends; Lord Chauncey, Adaleigh Dubois. Moreover, I have several colleagues that I am in constant correspondence with.”

  When he didn’t respond, she glanced his way. His eyes seemed to be studying something quite far off. A memory he was reliving? Or a dream he wished would be?

  Slowly, he turned back toward her. “Since you obviously have had limited experience caring for others—”

  Elise opened her mouth to object; just because she wasn’t married was no reason to assume she was inexperienced in tender emotions such as devotion and love.

  But Lenton kept talking without allowing her interruption “—I’m not su
re you’ll understand just how fortunate Pearl is that William found her. Or”—he corrected himself—“that Pearl’s family heard of your willingness to pay for her.”

  “Mr. Lenton, I do not buy test subjects as one would a horse.” The objection came out instinctively, though she didn’t actually believe he was accusing her of such.

  “I know,” he ran a thumb over a cell bar. “Have you worked it out yet? Why there are no female werewolves?”

  Curiosity pricked at her fingertips. “You mean to say, there is a specific reason why I haven’t been able to track down other female werewolves?”

  Lenton nodded, then drew in a deep breath. “Among those of my station . . . the lower class . . . strong men are vital.” He looked down, then toward the wall, back at his shoes. Anywhere but her. “So long as someone like me is cautious, those close to me are willing to turn a blind eye during a full moon. There is always an empty barn to shut oneself up in, or forest trees to hide among. So long as I work hard, pull a little more than my fair share of the weight, I can make myself too valuable to dispose of just because I’m a werewolf.”

  Elise knew werewolves were stronger than other men—not enough so that it drew frequent attention to them, not generally enough to give them away so long as they were careful. But enough that she could understand them being valuable among a class where life was made up of hard labor.

  “But women . . .” his voice was softer still, and the sunken look in Lenton’s face sent a chill down her spine. In the time it took to drop her hands into her lap, Elise understood. What Lenton hadn’t yet said. What had been happening for generations to women suffering from a disease which labeled them dangerous.

  “Women aren’t too valuable to dispose of.” Lenton’s tone was tight as he forced the words out.

  Why hadn’t she seen it before now? Not many generations ago, all women were viewed as less-than when compared to their male counterparts. It wasn’t difficult to see how that would still be prevalent in the lower class’ view of werewolves. Her stomach churned, sour and sickened.