Page 91 of Betrayal from Beyond
“Very strategic.”
“Tell him about the trapdoor,” Gyda said.
“It’s an interesting idea.” Kara pointed to one of the sketches. “Do you recall when we first met Preston, he was repairing a winch? One that lifts supplies up to the upper levels above the sovereign’s entrance?”
“Vaguely.”
“Well, it turns out that it sits above an octagonal trapdoor in the roof of the entrance. Preston said it is going to stay. It’s meant to be used as a lookout, as someone posted up there can peer down into the space and will be able to note the exact moment the queen enters the palace—and they can send word to raise the royal standard, to signify her presence.” Kara shrugged. “At first, we thought to post Lord Palmerston up there, so he could observe from a safe distance, but now we are not sure how to make use of it.”
Niall straightened. “Oh, this is perfect,” he breathed. “I know just how we can use it.” Kara’s eyes widened as he reached into a pocket and pulled out a smaller, rounder version of one of Petra’s devices.
“Is that—?”
“Yes. It is.”
*
Gyda left first,heading to Westminster to sneak in through a little-used entrance that Preston described in detail and gave her a key for.
Niall and Kara followed a short time later, both dressed in black. They entered through the gate that Gyda left unlocked and made their careful way to the sovereign’s entrance in the tower. The area was dark and deserted, and Preston had successfully set it up as they had discussed. Niall saw Kara tucked behind a wheel of the bricklayer’s cart, then crossed over to duck inbehind the stacked bags of mortar. They settled down to wait. Niall drew up his knees, put his face down, and mentally ran through all the ways this meeting could go, trying to prepare for anything.
Eventually, Preston arrived, driving a small cart he had borrowed from the site. He left it standing a good distance away, then removed the tall box of percussion caps from the cushioning bed of straw in the back. He carried it carefully, as if it still contained the original, delicate caps. Setting it in the middle of the entry space, he stood behind it, waiting beneath the beautiful, vaulted stonework.
Nearly thirty minutes passed while they waited in the cold, dark silence. No one moved or made a sound.
At last there came the rattle of an approaching carriage. Niall rose into a crouch as it approached from the supply entrance that he and Kara had used before. It was a finely appointed vehicle. The craftsmanship and the coat of arms showed clear in the light of the lanterns it sported. He did not recognize the crest, though he got a good look as it passed. The carriage swept on, right into the spot that the queen’s carriage would eventually use.
How very like Petra Scot.
Niall peered into the entry. He’d chosen this position for the angle of the view. He could see everything.
Preston lifted his chin and maintained his position behind the box.
Petra stepped down from the carriage. She strode toward her childhood companion, smiling. She was dressed all in black, her skirts loose.
Kara was dressed similarly, Niall knew. Both women were expecting physical exertion tonight.
“Good evening, Robert,” Petra said with a nasty smile. “Have you brought me what I need?”
He merely indicated the box.
She gestured. “Show me how they work.”
Preston’s surprise showed in the flickering light of the carriage lanterns. “After all this effort, you would waste one?”
“It won’t be too much of a risk for one device to have eight pins instead of nine.” Her eyes narrowed. “Do it. Show me now.”
They had anticipated this. Preston had an original cap tucked into his sleeve. Kneeling to open the box, he made the switch. He stood and held up the original cap so that Petra could see it. With a swift motion, he tossed it to the side.
The cap struck the stone floor. Instantly, a bright flame flared up.
Petra’s face lit up as well. “Excellent.” She waved a hand. “Come and fetch it!”
The man standing at the back of the carriage climbed down and came to fetch the box.
Preston moved to block him. “No. Not yet. I want your promise first. After all these years, you have finally roped me into your scheming.” He nodded toward the box. “I know these are going to bring death and destruction. Now I will become a part of it.” His gaze hardened. “I want your word, Petra. You will stain my soul. In return, I want your guarantee that you will leave Tom alone. I don’t want you involving him in your dirty work. Don’t ask him for favors. Don’t contact him or talk to him. Don’t even look at him. Leave him alone. Forever.”
Petra’s mouth quirked into a twisted smile. “I’m afraid I can’t do that.” She spoke to her minion. “Take it. Start putting everything together, but for God’s sake, be careful.”
