London Calling

by Sorcha Mowbray

  “True.” He went to the door of his cell. “Samuel. Fletcher. Are you well?”

  “A few bumps but nothing to worry over,” Fletcher answered.

  The slam of door at the top of the stone stairway echoed through the room.

  “I’m guessing neither of you figured a way out of here?” Nathaniel asked.

  “Not yet,” Fletcher told him.

  Samuel added, “The locks are trickier than any I’ve seen. I’d need something to work with to even begin working it open.”

  Nathaniel inspected the door to his cell. “What about the hinges?”

  “Solid construction. We’d need something for leverage to budge them,” Samuel told him.

  “We might be stuck until Carrick comes for us,” Fletcher said.

  “Or we just need the right tool.” Trixie pulled Squeaks and Nid out of her pocket and set them on the ground next to the door. “See what you guys can do with those locks,” she told her pets.

  Squeaks ran up the bar to the lock on her cell and began to work the lock while Nid ran to Samuel’s cell across from her.

  Within seconds the tumblers in the lock lined up letting Trixie’s cell door swing free. “Well done, Squeaks!” Trixie gathered her mechanical friend and hurried to Nathaniel’s cell. “See what you can do with this one too.” She let Squeaks hop onto the bar.

  Behind her, Samuel mumbled, “I’ll be dammed.”

  “Take Nid to Fletcher’s door so he can work on that lock,” she said.

  “These little guys are rather handy,” Fletcher told her.

  “Yes, they are.” She smiled fondly.

  The lock of Nathaniel’s cell popped free. He swept Squeaks into the palm of his hand and yanked the door to his cell open. He went to Trixie and wrapped his arms around her. “Once again, your friends have served you well.” He kissed the top of her head then held his hand out so that Squeaks could run onto her palm.

  Fletcher’s cell opened. Samuel and Fletcher joined them. “What’s the plan?” Samuel asked.

  “Get out of the dungeon. Find out if Peter is here,” Nathaniel said.

  Fletcher grunted. “No problem.”

  “How about if we start with the first part?” Trixie suggested.

  “What did you two observe as you were brought in?” Nathaniel asked.

  “One of those metal guards posted at the entrance. None inside. Either they don’t have guards to spare or their over confident of the security of the dungeon.”

  “Were you brought in from the castle?”

  “No.” Samuel he pointed to a passage she hadn’t noticed when they came in. “We came directly from the gardens. You didn’t?”

  “No. The metal guards escorted us through the front door. When the Duke ordered us to the dungeons, the guards took us through the kitchens and the cellar to get here.”

  “Was it well guarded?” Samuel asked.

  “Not at all,” Nathaniel told them.

  “Then perhaps that would be the best way to return,” Fletcher suggested.

  “It’s the castle we need to search, so I agree,” Nathaniel said.

  “Won’t they miss us?” Trixie asked.

  Fletcher shrugged. “Eventually.”

  “Then we won’t have much time before they come looking for us,” Trixie guessed.

  “Maybe.” Nathaniel told Samuel and Fletcher, “We should stay together this time.” He gestured to Trixie. “She and I are the only ones who know what Peter looks like.”

  “Agreed,” Samuel said.

  Nathaniel led them to the passage that would take them to the cellars. When they reached the door he paused and listened. “The door is too thick to tell if there is anyone on the other side,” he whispered.

  “Can your spider thing tell us if the door is guarded?” Fletcher asked Trixie in a low voice.

  “I don’t see why not.” She pulled Nid from her pocket and held him up to her face. “Nid, can you find your way to the other side and let us know if it’s safe to pass?”

  “And if the door is locked, could he unlock it?” Samuel asked hopefully.

  “Yes. Unlock it too if you can,” Trixie told them.

  Nid shook one foot at her and bobbed its head. She set him on the ground next to the door. Nid attempted to pass under the door in several places along the bottom but didn’t fit. Finally he squeezed through a gap at the corner.

  Trixie held her breath and listened. Finally she heard faint scratching on the wood and a heavy thud. Then Nid wiggled his way back through the gap. She reached to pick him up. He sat up on his back legs and waved his front legs, gesturing to her and the door.

  “It’s safe to open the door now?” she asked.

  Nid waved his legs then moved as if to run toward the door.

  “What is he saying?” Nathaniel asked.

  “I think it’s safe.”

  “I’ll try it,” Samuel offered.

  “Stay back, just in case.” Nathaniel gestured for her to back away from the door.

  She clutched Nid against her chest and pressed her back against the wall. Her heartbeat sped up as she waited for Samuel to open the door.

  He stuck his head through the opening then gestured for them to follow.

  She let out the breath she didn’t realize she had been holding and followed Nathaniel and Fletcher. Nathaniel took her hand and pulled her along behind him. “This way,” he told Samuel and Fletcher.

  They moved swiftly and quietly through the kitchen storage. Only stopping long enough to hide when someone passed through an adjacent archway.

  Nathaniel led them to a large open hallway. Since they found no one in that wing they made their way down the hall, checking each doorway as they passed.

  “Did everyone leave?” she asked.

  “I doubt it,” Nathaniel said. “It’s more likely that there aren’t many people here.” He took her hand again. “We’ll keep looking.”

  Once again Samuel led the way and attempted to open the massive door at the end. “It’s locked.”

  “Where do you suppose it leads?” Fletcher asked.

  “Based on its proximity to the kitchens and the front entrance my guess would be a ballroom,” Nathaniel told them.

  “Why would they need a ballroom?” Trixie asked.

  “I can’t even begin to guess.” Nathaniel pointed to the kitchens. “If this is the ballroom it likely takes up the rest of this wing. We should be able to make our way to the next wing without going outside.”

  “Works for me,” Samuel said.

  “Trixie, would you ask one of your pets to handle the lock?” Nathaniel asked.

  “Of course.” She reached into her pocket and pulled out Squeaks. “Should I have Nid see if it’s safe to open the door?”

  “Certainly can’t hurt.”

  She set her pets down next to the door. Nid squeezed under while Squeaks went to work on the lock. Once again Squeaks opened the lock with ease.

  “Nid hasn’t returned. Should we go ahead do you think?” Trixie asked the men.

  “We can’t stay here. I say we keep moving,” Samuel said.

  “Agreed. Someone’s bound to come along eventually,” Fletcher added.

  Nathaniel nodded. “I’ll take the lead this time. You two cover the rear.”

  “Got it,” Fletcher said.

  “Trixie, get behind me.”

  She pocketed Squeaks then moved in behind Nathaniel.

  Nathaniel eased the door open a fraction then peeked through the narrow gap. “What the devil?” he murmured.

  “What do you see?” she whispered.

  “It appears to be some kind of workroom.” He opened the door wider.

  Nid scurried across her boot. She scooped him up then peeked around Nathaniel’s shoulder. Sunlight streamed in through the large curtain-less windows that lined the walls to their left and straight ahead. She had expected to find an empty ballroom. Possibly a couple of guards stationed at adjoining doors. Instead the room was full of parts
, worktables, and metal stands.

  Nathaniel moved farther into the space, letting her, Samuel and Fletcher enter behind him.

  “What do you suppose…” Trixie’s question died on her lips when she spotted rows of the metal guards in various states of completion grouped in one corner.

  “So they make those things here?” Samuel asked softly.

  “Apparently so.” Nathaniel pulled the door closed behind them.

  Trixie searched the room for signs of life. “But who is making them?”

  One of the doors to their right opened.

  Nathaniel grabbed her hand and pulled her down beside him as he squatted behind a barrel. Samuel and Fletcher dove for cover behind nearby tables.

  Whoever came in went to one of the tables and began moving things around.

  Nathaniel looked over at Samuel and Fletcher. Samuel gestured to him. Trixie took his hand motions to mean that they would move in and knock out whoever had come in. She grimaced and peered around the barrel to see how far way their victim was.

  The man stood with his back to them. He wore a dirty, white shirt and dark trousers. His head was bent over whatever he worked on making it hard to tell how old he was. Based on the size and shape of his shoulders she guessed he was about the same age as Nathaniel.

  When the man turned to grab something from a nearby table she got a look at the profile of his face. She gasped and jumped to her feet. “Peter!”

  25

  Nathaniel tried to grab Trixie’s hand when she jumped, but hesitated because of her exclamation. He scrambled to his feet to follow.

  “Trixie.” Peter dropped whatever he had been holding. It landed with a resounding clang. “What the devil are you doing here?” He rushed toward Trixie.

  Nathaniel quelled his impulse to pull her back.

  “Peter, are you all right?” Trixie threw her arms around Peter, oblivious to the dirt and grime that coated his clothes and apron. “I’ve been so worried about you.”

  “I’m fine. How did you get here?” He looked in Nathaniel’s direction. “Nathaniel.” Peter grinned then frowned. “You guys can’t be here. It’s not safe.”

  “We’re here to rescue you,” Trixie told him.

  Peter shook his head. “You can’t. There’s no way off this island that the Duke doesn’t control.” He glanced at Nathaniel with a grimace. “Believe me, I’ve tried.”

  Nathaniel drew up beside Trixie. “What’s going on here?”

  Peter shook his head. “Nothing you want to know about. There’s no time. I don’t know how you got here but you have to get her out of here. If he finds out she’s here—”

  “Who?” she demanded.

  “The Duke. He owns this island and everything on it. If he finds her, he’ll use her, too.”

  Nathaniel scowled. “Use her for what?”

  “For leverage.” Peter hurried to one of the windows and looked out.

  “Leverage for what?” she asked.

  Peter went to one of the windows on the other wall. “To make us do what we don’t want to do.”

  She chased after him. “Such as?”

  The last piece of the puzzle fell into place. “He’s making you build his metal men, isn’t he?” Nathaniel asked.

  Peter’s expression was grim. “Yes.”

  “Whatever for?” Trixie asked.

  “Doesn’t matter. You need to go. Now,” Peter told her.

  “No!” She jerked her arm from Peter’s grip. “I’m not going anywhere without you.”

  “You have to.” Peter swiped one hand across his face. “You don’t know what he’s like.” He pleaded with Nathaniel. “Please. Get her out of here.”

  Nathaniel pulled Trixie back. She fought his grip. “I will. But tell me what we’re dealing with first. I can’t protect her if I don’t know what we’re up against.”

  Peter gestured to the metal men. “He’s building an army. We’re all trying to stop him, but he is holding something over each of us.”

  “Who is us?” Nathaniel pressed.

  Peter’s frustration came through in his words and gestures. “I’m not sure who everyone is. For the most part he keeps us separated. I’ve worked with Dr. Brewer and Carlin James a time or two since I’ve been here. And I’ve managed to exchange notes with Henry Hayward.”

  “The missing scientists,” Nathaniel said.

  “Someone finally realized they were missing?” Peter asked with a touch of attitude.

  “The RIO has been investigating disappearances for months.” Nathaniel told him. “We simply had nothing to go on. No witnesses or evidence to support kidnapping, murder, or abandonment.” He shook his head. “Nothing.” He pointed at Peter. “Until you.”

  Peter frowned. “What did they leave behind when they took me?”

  “Her.” Nathaniel gestured to Trixie. “She knew something had happened to you and she wasn’t about to give up until she found you.”

  Peter shook his head. “Dammit Trixie.” His expression of worry turned into one of fondness. “I should have known you’d come looking for me. I just wish you hadn’t.”

  Trixie’s eyes filled with tears. “Peter.”

  Her pain-filled voice made Nathaniel’s chest ache. “How do we get back to the dock?”

  Peter switched his attention back to Nathaniel. “I’m not certain. I have only made the trip once but I don’t recall it being hidden.” He picked up a pencil and rummaged around on the desk until he found a piece of paper. “Getting to the dock isn’t the biggest issue. Once you get there, you’ll need some kind of boat or ship to get back to London.”

  “We have one coming,” Nathaniel assured him.

  “Good.” Peter tipped his head toward Trixie. “Then get her out of here.”

  Trixie reached for Peter. “You’re coming with us, right?”

  Peter took a step back. “I can’t.”

  Trixie took another step. “Why not?”

  “Because,” Peter said, then glanced at Nathaniel before swinging his attention back to Trixie. “There are things you don’t know.”

  “Seems there are many things we do not know.” Samuel said as he and Fletcher advanced on Peter. “Perhaps you should enlighten us.”

  “I can’t.” Peter took a step back then stopped and lifted his chin. He looked directly at Trixie. “I can’t.”

  “No. He really can’t.” A man said from somewhere above them.

  Everyone turned to see who had spoken. The Duke stood on the dais, overlooking the ballroom. Two metal men flanked him on each side and one of the guards who had escorted them to the dungeon lingered behind.

  The doors of the ballroom burst open. Metal men filled the openings, blocking their escape.

  Nathaniel’s gut filled with dread. They were surrounded.

  “Who is that?” Trixie whispered.

  “That is the man you have to worry about,” Peter told her.

  “I’m afraid that Peter’s services are required for a bit longer my dear,” the Duke said.

  “For what?” she asked.

  The Duke gestured to the whole ballroom. “For this of course.”

  “What? This mess?” she asked, almost mocking him.

  “No, child. My creations,” the Duke said with obvious pride.

  “Your creations?” she challenged him. “You mean these chunks of walking metal?”

  “Trixie,” Nathaniel cautioned her.

  The Duke scowled at her.

  “Why do I have a feeling that you had very little to do with the actual creation of anything here? You’re probably just another one of those old men with little skill and even less morals who want to be remembered for something great so you leverage the only thing you have, your money. Then you ride on the back of those you see as your lesser by buying a few supplies and take credit for all of their hard work.”

  As she spoke she moved toward the Duke. Peter moved to another workbench and slipped something into his pocket.

  “You have a sha
rp tongue my dear. You should take care with whom you choose to wield it upon.”

  “Truth hurts doesn’t it?” she pressed.

  “So, too, does a blade.” The Duke gestured to someone outside the dais. “As I was saying, Peter is going nowhere. He has work to complete.”

  “And what if he doesn’t want to stay?” she asked.

  “He and I have an understanding.”

  “You and I do not however,” Nathaniel said, drawing the Duke’s attention. “I assume we are free to leave.”

  “You, sir, trespassed on my land.”

  “Unknowingly,” Nathaniel countered.

  “Trespassers, nonetheless, must be dealt with accordingly.”

  “You realize, of course, that people know where we were heading and why,” Nathaniel reminded the Duke. “We will be missed if we’re gone for long.”

  “Perhaps.” He pointed at Trixie. “I have use for her, but you and your friends, I do not.”

  “I am a useful sort, what about you, Fletcher?” Samuel said.

  “Me mum always did say I could be useful when I put my mind to it,” Fletcher said.

  “I thought you were both quite helpful the last few days,” Nathaniel added.

  “Silence!” the Duke roared. “Quincy, take her to the tower and lock her away. Return the others to the dungeons until I can decide what to do with them.”

  The guard who had been hovering near the door of the dais left, presumably to come and fetch her.

  “No!” Trixie ran to Nathaniel and during a dramatic display of affection slipped Squeaks into his pocket. “I’m not going anywhere without him.”

  “Your concern for this man does not move me in the least. I can assure you that your accommodations in the tower will be much more comfortable than those of the dungeon.”

  “I thought your dungeon was by far the nicest I have ever been in,” Samuel said.

  Fletcher nodded. “I agree.”

  “Much better than those at Grendola,” Samuel added.

  “Oh, definitely,” Fletcher said. “Probably because it doesn’t have a river of trash running through it.”

  If he hadn’t been so worried about Trixie, Nathaniel might have laughed at their antics. He just prayed that they had been able to hold enough of the Duke’s attention away from Peter. He strongly suspected Peter was up to something.