Page 60 of Grave Expectations
"Jasper had a commission too."
"We never investigated that angle at the time because we didn't realize there was a link."
He nodded slowly, his gaze unfocused. "His benefactor was still current at the time of his death."
"Do you think that's because Jasper was using actual medicine and not magic to bring the deceased back to life?"
"It's likely, given what we know now."
It was thrilling to have discovered the link, and my heart soared to know that I'd had a key role in the discovery. But then it sank like a stone when I considered the implications. "Someone else has been involved all along, perhaps the same person who is now killing the supernaturals."
"Perhaps."
"But the killer is not the one who helped Mrs. Drinkwater kidnap me. She could have killed me but she didn't."
"She did not," he said, icy.
I waited for him to say something more, to perhaps thank me, or discuss what to do next, but he didn't speak. "You're still angry with me?" I asked. "Even after I learned all thatandavoided being abducted or killed?"
Perhaps treating it lightly was inconsiderate of me. Shadows banked in eyes the color of molasses.
"I'm sorry," I mumbled. "But I wouldn't have had to sneak out if you shared your discoveries with me and allowed me to discuss my thoughts with you. But instead you hared off after Merry Drinkwater."
He stood and approached, but did not drop to my level. "She kidnapped you."
I stood too, but he towered over me. "That is not a valid reason! Stop excluding me and start involving me more."
"Stop placing yourself in danger and I will."
I stamped my hands on my hips. "You promised me you would try to involve me more, to allow me to be part of your team."
"I am trying!"
"Forgive me for thinking it doesn't look like it."
He sucked in air between his teeth and looked to the ceiling. After a moment, the rigidity left his jaw and the veins in his throat no longer throbbed. He fixed his gaze on mine. Although he was calmer, the shadows hadn't vanished.
"Charlie, involving you would have put you in more danger. I believed that after we first learned of the murders, and I still believe it. Even more so, now that we know of a link between Frankenstein, Jasper and the victims. I am only trying to keep you safe."
"While that sounds logical, your plan isn't working. You tried to keep me safe and yet I was kidnapped anyway."
He flinched and stepped back from me as if my words had pushed him. With a rapid blink, he turned away and strode to the door.
Hell. My mouth had run away from me again. "Lincoln, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that." I caught his arm and forced him to look at me. He didn't quite meet my gaze, but at least he didn't try to walk off. "It's not your fault. Mrs. Drinkwater was too well organized and too knowledgeable about us to fail."
When he still didn't look at me, I clasped his face in both my hands. Finally, his gaze met mine. "I love you, Lincoln. You frustrate me at times, but I love you regardless."
He rested his hands on my waist and with a sigh, pressed his forehead against mine. "I'll do my best to keep you informed. But please, do not leave the house unless the danger is inside."
"Considering how Mrs. Drinkwater operated, that is a distinct possibility."
He stiffened. "I know. Wear the necklace at all times now. Please."
I smiled. "Since you asked so nicely." I pulled it out from beneath my dress.
He kissed me gently then we said our goodnights.
I slept restlessly, and the following morning, as I prepared to go down for breakfast and see him again, I discovered a note that had been slipped under my door. It was in Lincoln's hand and it said he'd gone out again, to follow more leads into his search for Mrs. Drinkwater. There was no mention of where, however. I sighed, unsure if that was a deliberate omission, or simply because he didn't yet know where he would end up.
