Page 89 of Of Fate and Phantoms
Lincoln himself wandered in, wet from head to toe from the rain. He paused in the doorway. "You're having a meeting without me."
"Not exactly a meeting," I said. "More like a midnight party."
"It's well after midnight, and parties should be amusing. No one looks amused."
Cook handed him a cup of chocolate. "You look like you be needing this."
"I'mneedingan explanation." He stood with his back to the range and arched his brow at me.
"Alice's nightmare came to life," I said.
He'd been about to sip but lowered the cup. "Is everyone all right?"
"We're all fine. The household woke when I screamed." I put up a hand when he stepped toward me. "I'm fine, as you can see. I fell asleep in the parlor after you left and awoke with a white rabbit looking in on me. He asked after Alice and insisted they had a pressing appointment. There were no armies, guards or weapons involved."
"Unless you count the fire iron you threatened him with," Gus said with a wink at me.
Lincoln didn't speak for a moment, something for which I was glad. I suspected his first thought had been to admonish Alice or perhaps send her away. Neither of which would be helpful to our situation, or for Alice's peace of mind.
"We've assured her that you're taking care of the situation with her parents. They won't come for her or accuse you of anything."
"Charlie's right," he said. "If a letter doesn't suffice, a personal visit will."
Cook looked pleased. "Told you."
"They will be made to understand that you're better off here," Lincoln went on.
"How?" she asked.
Cook, Gus and Seth studied their cups. I tried to think of something to say that would reassure her but not alarm her. She knew Lincoln was a dangerous man to cross, but I suspected she didn't know how dangerous. Not that he would kill innocent people, but it was best not to frighten her.
Lincoln caught my gaze. His mouth flicked up on one side before flattening again. "I'll tell them about the ministry. I'll assure them the ministry protects people like you. Charlie can vouch for it, and me. Won't you, Charlie?"
"Oh, yes." I smiled at Alice. "It's an excellent idea." And unexpected.
"If you say so," Alice said.
"Did you find King?" Gus asked Lincoln.
Lincoln's clothes had begun to steam. He removed his jacket and placed it over a stool near the range. "He has rooms in Rugby Street."
"That's quite a change from Whitechapel."
"Where'd he get the money from?" Gus asked.
"A good question," Lincoln said. "One I cannot answer yet."
"Did you speak to him?" I asked.
He shook his head.
Seth leaned forward, elbows on the table. "You need more evidence before you confront him."
"I got the evidence I need tonight, but I didn't want to confront him alone."
Seth and Gus exchanged frowns.
"If he's anything like Lady Gillingham, his senses are finely tuned and will warn him of my presence. According to her, he is probably also much stronger and faster than me. Forgive me for getting soft as I age, but I want you two there when I confront him."
