Page 68 of Her Majesty's Necromancer
"So what does he want with them?" I asked before they could exchange further snide remarks.
"If I had to guess, I'd say he's experimenting," Lincoln said. "The experiments have something to do with the liquid he's spooning into their mouths as they lie dying from malnutrition, exhaustion and too much opium. His experiments must continue after their deaths, hence the need for the bodies."
"You mean he's studying them?" I asked.
He nodded. "Specifically, the effects of the liquid on them."
"How awful."
Seth shrugged. "They're dead. What does it matter?"
"It matters because he might be trying to bring them back to life," Gus said before I could.
"How many times do I have to tell you? He's not Frankenstein!"
"Enough," Lincoln said with quiet malice that cut through the tension. "Bringing them back to life is a possibility. One among many."
I folded my arms too and rubbed them. "I wish I'd learned more about him."
"Did you speak to the spirit after he died?" Lincoln asked.
I gasped and sat up straight. "Yes! I believe I did. He was terribly rude. I didn't like him much. I have a feeling he said something important to me…" I dragged my hands through my hair and down my face. There was definitely something there, on the edges of my memory, but I couldn't catch it. It was so frustrating! "Why can't I remember?" I said, thumping the table.
"Opium," Gus said knowingly.
"Thackery might remember more," Lincoln said.
I nodded slowly. "He might, but I have a better idea. Let's ask the spirit himself. That way we're not relying on Gordon's memory either."
Lincoln stood abruptly, startling me. It would seem my nerves were somewhat jumpy this morning. "Are you recovered enough to go now?"
"I'll fetch my coat."
"Be sure to get your own!" Seth called after me.
***
Lincoln apologized for keeping us waiting when he joined Seth, Gus and me at the carriage house. "Deliver this message to the general," he said to Gus, passing him a piece of paper.
Gus pocketed the note and headed out of the carriage house. Lincoln finished helping Seth prepare the horse and carriage, then assisted me into the cabin. He climbed in after me, and Seth took the driver's seat. I wanted to ask Lincoln what the message for the general was about, but held my tongue. Well, only until we passed through the gate.
"Are you inquiring into his own investigation?"
He nodded. "I told him we're getting close to learning a name, but if we fail, the names he's managed to uncover so far will give us something to work on. Hopefully Gus will return with a list."
"Good idea. I like to have a plan of action." And I liked to be involved in that plan. I was rather surprised that Lincoln was allowing me to go back to Lee's with him. Perhaps he thought I'd stay out of trouble with him there, even if the opium affected me again.
The drive was a long one and the silence excruciating. It wasn't unpleasant, but it was awkward, and I didn't really know why. Something must have happened last night but my rotten memory was playing tricks on me. Eventually I could stand it no longer.
"Mr. Fitzroy…last night…did something happen?"
"Many things happened last night. Are you referring to something in particular?"
"You know I am."
His gaze flicked to mine then away. He opened his mouth, shut it, then opened it again. "Nothing happened, Charlie. I carried you to your room and put you to bed. I would hope you know that I would never take advantage of a woman in such a state."
My face flamed, even though I'd asked the question. In truth, I'd expected him to avoid answering. My embarrassment was amplified by the fact that he seemed so nonchalant about it. His face didn't redden.
