“Yeah, it’s possible, but it hasn’t happened yet.”
I clutched at my belly and forced myself to swallow. It wasn’t Elijah—my brother was still all right. Certainly I would know if he was dead. I would sense it. The part of my heart that belonged to him would somehow know... wouldn’t it?
Daniel drew me closer. “Don’t worry. If your brother’s got even half the grit you’ve got, then he’ll be fine.”
I nodded, moving my head a fraction of an inch. Elijah was fine. I would save him.
“Yes,” I breathed. “Yes.”
Daniel’s eyes went distant, and his lips parted. With his free hand, he stroked the rough skin of his jaw, where new hair broke through. It made a scratching sound, like walking on dry sand.
Did his face smell like machines too? Or his neck? My gaze flicked to his white collar and exposed skin, then back to his face. For a moment, despite the stubble and the angles of his jaw, despite the mocking air and belligerence he always wore, Daniel looked vulnerable.
And there was something else in his eyes—a glint of interest I’d seen in other men’s stares (though never directed at me). Perhaps even... but no, he couldn’t possibly be attracted to me...
Could he?
Then he blinked, and the spell was broken. I squirmed away, instantly hot and unsettled. How had I fallen into such easy closeness with a boy I barely knew?
“Right. Well...” He cleared his throat and fidgeted with his cap. “Right.”
“Yes.” I shifted from foot to foot.
He flexed his arms and turned away. “Well, if you’re gonna stay here, you might as well help—especially seein’ as you owe me and all.” He pointed to a glass jar. “I need some more grave dirt.”
I choked. “Grave dirt? You can’t possibly be serious.”
“I’m always serious.” He swooped down and picked up the jar. “There’s a nice little spot near the river—that’s where I got my sample last time.”
“No.” I laughed hollowly. “No.”
“After all this,” he drawled, opening his arms wide, “you don’t wanna go into the cemetery?”
“No.” I bustled over to my parasol, still lying in the dusty path, and I bowed down to retrieve it. Then I brandished it at Daniel. “Going into Laurel Hill is certain death.”
“Why, Empress, that’s the first logical thing I’ve heard you say.” He grinned, baring all his teeth. “Maybe next time I won’t have to rescue you.”
“Rescue me?” I squawked. “Rescue me from what?”
“From yourself.” He drummed his fingers against the jar and then shoved it in his pocket. “If you interfere in my affairs again, I’ll personally feed you to the Dead.”
I scoffed. And if you ever get in my way, I’ll personally feed you to my mother.
I shoved my chin as high as it would go. “Good day, sir.”
Then I stalked past him and toward civilization. I might have to trust Daniel Sheridan, but I didn’t have to like him.
What had been a brief hackney trip along the Schuylkill was a much longer journey by foot. By the time I reached Girard Avenue Bridge, my feet were screaming for mercy and my petticoats were suffocating from the dust. To pile on the agony, my arm ached from holding my parasol aloft.
Well, at least I knew a bit more about the Spirit-Hunters. I wasn’t entirely convinced I could trust them, but I was willing to give them a chance.
When I finally reached the Exhibition, I barreled through the entrance. I was becoming quite adept at navigation by force, and soon I stood before the lab door.
It was open. Joseph was within, his back to me. His hat was on as if he’d just returned—or was about to leave. Words rushed from his mouth, and he spoke to Jie, who lounged on the windowsill.
“The Sutton family has been uncooperative on all levels. They refuse to print this in the papers.” He lifted his hat and ran a gloved hand over his scalp. “Not that I blame them, naturèlman. Losing a son, especially in such a horrifying manner...” He tapped his hat back on. “All the same, the public should know the danger they face. Listen: if Daniel has not returned by four, you must retrieve him. He must finish plans for the pulse bomb so I may propose it to the mayor.”
Jie’s dark eyes locked with mine, and he cleared his throat. He pointed to the door—to me—and Joseph whirled around.
“Miss Fitt.” Joseph glided toward me and swooped an elegant bow. “You are back so soon, yet I am on my way out once more.” Sweat glistened on his skin, and his face hung with exhaustion.
“It will only take a minute,” I said, stepping into the lab. “It’s about—”
“Your letter?” His eyebrows flicked up. “Speak with Miss Chen, then—she can help you. I really cannot stay. I have a meeting with the mayor and Exhibition board.”
“Speak to whom?” I tilted my head sideways.
“Miss Chen.” He pointed to Jie. “Did you not meet her the other morning?”