Page 50 of Unruly
“What do you think we should do now?” Borja asks as we stand on the sidewalk.
“Go back to your home and put together the items we have so far. Perhaps that will give us our next lead.”
“Sounds like a plan.”
By the time we arrive at Borja’s apartment, my mind is swirling with possible outcomes. This is a clever Horror, splintering parts of itself while in the Above to ensure its survival. I can only hope the objects are few and easily found. Otherwise, I may be here for much longer than I anticipated.
I should check in with work. How many souls are backlogged waiting for me? Granted, it’s been slow lately. The number ofappropriate souls has dwindled in recent years. Life spans are longer, medicine is better. Premature accidental deaths are far less common than they used to be.
“Okay—” Borja kicks off his shoes as he plops down on the couch. “—we have a book, a pocket watch, and a brooch. Any idea where to start with that?”
“I would assume the brooch is somehow connected to the Wolcott family, or at least I hope it is. That will give us an idea of where to go next.”
“So, we should research Lady Brent?”
“Exactly.” I sit beside him. “You did well at the hotel with the clerk. As Chasers, we often have to think on our feet and troubleshoot quickly to avoid arousing concerns or suspicions.”
“Thanks, Farnsworth. I told her we were with a private university doing a presentation on the brooch.” He shrugs. “I want to do my best.”
“You have to.” I smile to soften my words. “The alternative to success is rather unpleasant.”
“Right.” He digs his phone from his pocket. “Well, I can start researching Lady Brent on the internet.”
A flutter in my chest makes my breath hitch. “Would you be open to showing me how you do it? Perhaps learning to use some of this new technology will be useful for me.”
“Yeah, of course. I’d be happy to.”
Borja leans closer to me, and as he does, I get a whiff of his scent. It’s nice; masculine and earthy. It’s been so long since I’ve even flirted with attraction that it’s somewhat startling, but instead of fighting it, I let myself enjoy his closeness. It’ll be gone soon enough.
“Farnsworth?”
I blink. “Yes.”
“I asked what cologne you wear? It smells really nice.”
“Cologne?” I shake my head. “I don’t wear any fragrance.”
“That’s your natural scent? Lucky.”
I sniff the air, noticing nothing but him. “What does it smell like?”
“Something floral I can’t name, but it’s soft and comforting.”
“Ah. It’s narcissus.”
“Huh?”
“The flower of the underworld. I didn’t know it was detectable in the Above, but perhaps because you’re a Chaser now you can smell it.”
“Will I smell like that someday too?”
I shake my head. “You won’t spend enough time in the underworld.”
“That’s too bad. Guess I’ll just have to enjoy you, then.”
He winks and my stomach twists. Is that flirting? Why would he flirt with me? No, that’s just wishful thinking on my part.
“Thank you,” I murmur. “We should get back to work.”
