London Calling

by Sorcha Mowbray

  “Yes. It was something he worked on for several years, but didn’t perfect until right around…” Her hand froze in mid-air. Her gaze locked onto his. “Until a few months before he disappeared.”

  Nathaniel leaned forward and took a harder look at the spider sitting not far from his own hand. “I would think that there would be no less than a dozen investors who would love to know how he did it.”

  Their gazes met. A piece of the puzzle clicked into place.

  She tucked the rabbit into her bag. “I believe it is getting late.”

  He scooped up the mechanical spider and handed it to her.

  “Thank you.” After adding the spider to her bag she paused. “I didn’t thank you for not turning me over to your security guard or having me arrested.”

  “Don’t thank me just yet.” He stood then her his hand. “I never said there wouldn’t be repercussions.”

  She eyed him warily. “What kind of repercussions?”

  He gestured for her hand. She finally set her fingers on his open palm and slid out of the booth. “I considered taking you over my knee for acting so rashly.”

  Her mouth fell open and her cheeks turned pink.

  “Instead, you’ll have to put up with my assistance in finding Peter.”

  “That’s not much of a punishment.”

  “You say that now, but after two days of me telling you that you are forbidden from breaking into any more offices or putting yourself in danger, you may change your mind.”

  Her barely audible “harrumph” did not reassure him that she was in line with his thinking.

  4

  They left the pub and strolled to the end of the block. There Nathaniel hailed a hackney and directed the driver to her home. She marveled at how the ride could be both comfortable and uncomfortably silent.

  As they drew closer to her front door he finally asked, “What are your plans for tomorrow?”

  “Peter and I used to split our time at Panhurst, but since he’s gone missing, I’ll need to be there each day.”

  “Fine. I’ll meet you there.”

  “For what?”

  “I’ll go by the RIO in the morning and pull any files we have on your father and his disappearance.”

  “Would you look for information on Peter also?”

  “Yes, although I’m reasonably certain we don’t have anything on him. His disappearance is so recent I would have heard about it if anyone had been assigned to investigate.” He tapped the side of his thigh. “Would you mind very much if I updated my superior on his disappearance?”

  “I don’t…” She chewed her lip. “Do you think that is wise?”

  “I can tell him in confidence.” He glanced out the window of the carriage. “He has far more contact with the inner workings of the government than the rest of us. He often makes connections before others can even process the information. He could be a powerful ally.”

  “But the note said—”

  “I understand your worry, but he isn’t the sort of person to let confidential information slip.”

  She took a deep breath. “Very well. If you think he could be helpful then I’ll trust your judgement.”

  “Thank you.” He took her hand and squeezed it. “May I ask one other thing of you tonight?”

  “What’s that?”

  “I know you’re anxious for information on your father, but will you promise me that you won’t go out again this evening?”

  Her lips twitched. “I promise to go in and straight to bed.”

  He raised a brow at her omission.

  “And to not go out again this evening.”

  “Thank you.”

  When they stopped in front of her home he got out then helped her down. “One moment,” he told the driver. With her hand still in his, he escorted her to the door.

  “I’m sorry we had to run into each other in the manner in which we did,” she told him. She gazed into his eyes. “But I am glad to see you again.”

  “I am, too.” He raised her hand to his lips and placed a kiss against her knuckles.

  Tingles ran down her arm and through her body at the touch.

  “I will see you tomorrow morning. It won’t be early, but I expect I can be there before lunch.”

  “All right,” she stuttered.

  He reached around her and opened the door for her to enter. “Sweet dreams.”

  “You too.”

  He gave her a wink and waited for her to close the door. As soon as the latch clicked into place, she slumped against the door.

  “Everything all right?” The housekeeper asked from the doorway to the kitchens.

  “Yes, Mrs. Ellison. Everything is well. Better than expected actually.”

  “Is there word of Peter then?”

  “No, I’m afraid not. But my evening was pleasantly unsuccessful.”

  “I, uh… I see.”

  Trixie waved her back to her room. “Not to worry. I’m in for the night. I threw the bolt on the door and I’ll just see myself up to bed.”

  “Will you be wanting breakfast in the morning?”

  “Just tea and toast.” She headed to the stairs.

  “Good night then.”

  “Good night.” Trixie floated up the stairs, still giddy from the renewal of her acquaintance with Nathaniel.

  Were they friends again? It felt as if they were. Hoping for more than friendship might be premature and even dangerous. Yet, it bubbled to life inside of her.

  As she readied herself for bed, she relived their conversation as well as every look and touch. The Nathaniel she’d dined with tonight was a more mature, more confident version of the young man she knew before. Not that he had been wild before. He’d always been dependable and loyal, but something had changed. Perhaps, like her, his experiences had curbed his youthful exuberance.

  By the time her head hit the pillows, she wore a sappy grin knowing she had something to look forward to for the next day.

  So much for a pleasant day.

  Trixie rubbed her head where it had begun to ache. Keeping the scowl off her face had become a taxing effort.

  “Miss Wadeworth, I’m afraid our investors would feel more comfortable finalizing this transaction with your brother.”

  Trixie cast a glance at the pudgy man who struggled to keep pace with her. “I understand your concerns, Mr. Chamberlin, but Peter is still out of the country.”

  The Panhurst man in charge of shipments, Devadas, accompanied her as she led Mr. Chamberlin and three of Mr. Chamberlin’s associates through the crowded shipping docks. They paused long enough to observe the bustling crewmen removing shipments from newly arrived air vessels or loading out bound ships scheduled to depart. She had hoped to prove to the stuffy old men that her family’s company was still in good hands, despite her brother’s absence.

  “You said he had to leave unexpectedly?” Mr. Chamberlin asked.

  “I’m afraid so.” She turned her face away so none of the men could see the pain their question caused.

  “Are you sure he hasn’t been persuaded by Thackery & Company to enter into another deal and he is too cowardly to admit it?” the man with the thin moustache asked.

  Trixie stopped in her tracks and glared at the man who dared to ask such a question. “Certainly not. If we… er, I mean Peter, had decided to contract with a different company you would have been notified accordingly. To do otherwise would be underhanded and cowardly. Something neither of us would tolerate.” She looked each man in the eye to make sure they grasped her sincerity.

  “It’s just—”

  “It’s just what, Mr. Chamberlin?” She raised one brow in question. “You are unaccustomed to doing business with the fairer sex? Even though you know Panhurst Air is a family business?” She let out an exasperated sigh. “You’ve worked with us long enough to know that Peter and I both have been helping my father with every aspect of this company since we each learned to tally accounts.” She pointed her umbrella at the tall thin ma
n in the dark suit and added smugly, “I was only nine at the time.”

  “You may know enough to handle things while you brother takes a short break, but that doesn’t mean you are capable of making decisions such as this.”

  Trixie glared at the tall man with the top hat. His condescending attitude made her want to toss the contract in their faces.

  “Miss Wadeworth,” Mr. Chamberlin tried to pacify her. “We simply must have that contract signed by the end of the month.”

  “And your signature will not suffice,” one of the other men in the group added.

  “Fine. Leave the document with me. I will personally deliver it to Peter for his review.” She shrugged one shoulder. “I had planned to go and visit him on another matter anyway.”

  The men of the group exchanged glances. “Very well.” The man with the top hat unlatched his case and removed a packet of documents.” He looked down his nose at her. “I hope we don’t have to explain the confidential nature of this document. The information in it should not be shared with anyone outside of the principle owners of Panhurst Air.”

  She tipped her head at Devadas, letting him know she wanted him to take the document.

  Devadas reached in from behind the man and gently took the packet from his hand. The man’s discomfort from the sudden appearance such a large man made her smile.

  “Gentlemen, if that is all. I do have other business to attend to.” She waved one of the passing crewmen over. “Jeremy will show you out.”

  “But Miss Wade—”

  “Good day, gentlemen.” With that note of finality, she turned on her heel to return to the shipping office. Devadas fell in step behind her effectively blocking any further attempt to delay her departure.

  When they were well out of earshot Devadas came along side of her. “I don’t think you’ll be able to keep that group at bay much longer.”

  She grimaced. “I don’t either.”

  “It’s a shame they don’t know who really runs this business.”

  She snorted. “We’re all better off if they continue to think Peter in charge. You see how they reacted to my offer to sign the contract myself.”

  “I don’t understand why they are uncomfortable. You have legal provision to do so. Every bank in London knows it.”

  “Yes, but knowing it and allowing it are two different things. Women should be seen and not heard. And God forbid they engage in any form of business.”

  In a lower register of voice Devadas said, “We need to find Peter soon.”

  Her heart twisted. “I know.”

  “Miss. Wadeworth, there is a gentleman waiting in the office for you. A Mr. Dennison?” Mrs. Anderson, her office attendant, told her. “He said you were expecting him.”

  “Yes, thank you.” To Devadas she said. “That’s the friend I told you about that might be able to help find Peter.”

  “Shall I come with you?”

  “No, that won’t be necessary. I’d much rather you make sure that Jeremy herded those bankers out of the bay without incident. And then would you mind checking with Jerald on the Dublin flight? I think we may need to find a different ship if their cargo has increased as much as Mr. Robinson hinted.”

  “Yes, of course.” He cast a glance toward the office.

  “I will fill you in later. I promise.”

  She thought he might argue with her but he finally gave her a brisk nod then turned to do as she asked.

  Devadas had been a blessing in disguise for the last two years. Peter met him on one of his many trips abroad. When he saved Devadas’ life he had pledged his loyalty. Peter’s offer of a job in London only furthered his loyalty to Peter, and now, by extension, to her. He was one of a small handful she knew she could count on without hesitation.

  She found Nathaniel waiting for her in the front office. His broad shoulders encased in a well-tailored jacket looked out of place against the backdrop of dockworkers and pilots, yet he somehow managed to blend in. He’d always had a classically debonair look but now it balanced delicately with a quiet lethal confidence. A bubble of warmth burst inside of her when he caught her gaze from across the room.

  His lips lifted in a smug grin as if he could read her thoughts.

  “Good morning, Mr. Dennison. Thank you for coming this morning,” she said when he drew closer.

  “My pleasure.” He tucked his cane between his arm and his chest and reached for her hand. Once again the kiss he placed on her knuckles sent a ripple of awareness through her. “I trust you slept well?” He asked with just a hint of a grin.

  “I did. And you?” Despite the butterflies in her belly she managed to sound calm.

  “I did, thank you.” He presented her a box sitting atop a small stack of files, loosely tied with string. “I brought you something.”

  “Oh?” She took the package from him. “May I open it?”

  “Perhaps in your office?” he suggested.

  “Right this way.” She gestured to the door she had come through then led the way to the stairs. She and Peter had taken over the offices that faced the docks so they could keep an eye on the operation. It also gave them a degree of privacy from the hustle and bustle of the front office yet kept them within easy reach should a problem arise that they needed to handle.

  She had barely set the box on the desk when Mrs. Anderson appeared in the doorway. “Shall I bring tea?”

  Trixie looked to Nathaniel, who nodded his agreement. “Yes, please,” she told the older woman.

  After Mrs. Anderson left, Trixie gestured to the box. “May I?”

  “Go right ahead.” He took a seat in one of the chairs near the window.

  Giddy to be getting something when it wasn’t even Christmas, she reached for the box. It was too small and light to be files from Nathaniel’s office. What else might he be bringing her? She pulled the string and opened the lid. Inside was an assortment of pastries. The smell of butter and chocolate wafted up and made her mouth water. “Are those what I think they are?”

  “Mr. Henderson’s specialty. I remembered you used to be quite fond of them.”

  “Oh, it’s been ages since I’ve had one.” She shot him a questioning look. “The bakery closed after he retired.”

  “He did but my butler and he are cousins. We are often treated with surprise batches. Fortunately, this was one of those days.”

  “And you were willing to share with me?”

  “Of course.”

  She clasped her hands together in delight. “Oh, you are a gem.” She reached for one of the flaky delights then closed her eyes as she breathed in the scent then took a bite. “Oh my. May I assume you’ve already had your fill this morning?”

  “Of course.”

  “So you won’t think ill of me if I don’t share?”

  He chuckled. “Not at all.”

  5

  Watching her enjoy the pastry ended up being more of an erotic display than he’d expected. He’d forgotten how she tended to immerse herself into experiences. Now he was sitting across from her with an uncomfortable bulge in his pants.

  He got to his feet. “Why don’t you show me around? I’ve never had the opportunity to explore the inner workings of an airship company.”

  “All right.” She pointed to the files sitting on the corner of the desk. “Let me lock those up. I don’t think either of us want them laying around for just anyone to find.”

  “Agreed.”

  She unlocked one of the desk drawers, set the files inside, relocked the drawer then dropped the key fob back into her skirt pocket. She gestured to the door. “Shall we?”

  “After you.”

  She tipped her head and led the way out of the office and out onto the main part of the docks. There were three ships in various states of readiness. Her in-depth knowledge of not only the ships themselves, but of their cargo and shipping schedules impressed him. More so, her ability to interact comfortably with so many people of varying backgrounds —mostly men— impressed him more.
She seemed perfectly at ease, almost energized, in a world where most women would not only be lost but possibly fearful.

  Everyone they passed acknowledged her in some way, either with a greeting or a simple tipping of the hat. Some of the saltiest dock personnel treated her with respect and genuine fondness. He, however, received more than one questioning glance and even a couple of scowls probably meant as warnings.

  They ended their tour at a sizeable storage building not far from the main office building. “This is Father’s laboratory,” Trixie explained.

  “Ah.” Nathaniel examined the building, assessing it for how quickly someone could escape without detection. There were only two doors —one of which had a heavy metal cage over it— and all of the windows were close to the roofline, nearly two stories above street level. Despite it being a shipping area, none of the crates or storage containers were stacked near the building.

  “Did you find anything of interest?” she asked when he returned to her side.

  “It’s a relatively open space. Nowhere to hide.” He pointed his cane in the direction of the outer fence. “However, it isn’t far to the street. A carriage could easily wait on the other side for a fast exit.”

  Her brow furrowed. “True.”

  “Let take a look inside.”

  She nodded then pulled the key from her pocket to unlock the door.

  The door had been made of heavy oak and had no windows and the locks were of sturdy construction. There were obvious signs of weathering and use, but no marks to make him think the door had been attacked in any way. Once inside Trixie sent two of her automata to trigger the lamps. The windows provided some light but most of the perimeter remained in shadows without lamps.

  The first part of the building appeared to be mostly a dressing room. A couple of jackets hung from hooks on one wall. A pair of mud coated boots sat on the floor below them alongside a pair of men’s shoes. On a nearby shelf lay a few neatly folded pants and shirts.

  “Are these Peter’s clothes?” Nathaniel asked.

  “Mostly. He and father both kept extra clothing here in case they soiled their own.” She smiled sadly. “Mother used to complain about father tracking grease and oil home. I think he kept old things here to wear while working.”