The Moonstone and Miss Jones (29 page)
The countdown was up.
A low humming noise swelled into a drone that reached ear deafening levels. There was a sudden shift—or sucking noise, then a clunk—then silence.
“What just happened?” she asked.
Lovecraft’s son looked up. “He’s gone.”
America searched faces—from Oakley to Tim. Tim looked to Oakley.
She ran across the factory floor and up the ramp to the platform. Furious fingers unknotted and unwrapped Tim. “But we can find him, right? We can go after him. Tell me we can find him.” Panicked, and out of breath, America panted, “Please Tim.”
He looked at her for a long time, so long it made her whimper. She waited for him to nod or say yes—something that might deliver a ray of hope, and could stop her heart from aching inside her chest.
Tim cleared his throat. “It’s kind of a complicated answer. You sure you want to hear it?”
She sniffed as she nodded.
“I’d like to hear this big guy,” Oakley goaded his twin.
Tim sucked in a deep breath. “There are approximately one hundred billion to one trillion galaxies in the universe, maybe more. And each one has, on average, one hundred billion to one trillion stars. So if you multiply those numbers together, you get between ten sextillion and one septillion stars in the universe . . . times . . . nineteen different dimensions—give or take.” Tim’s eyes rolled upward. “Divided by the number of possible planets with civilizations . . .”
Oakley snorted. “I doubt whether that hulking contraption reaches half the galaxy.”
Tim glared at the grainy image.
“Call me when you wheedle the odds down to a needle in a haystack, bro.”
She had felt this kind of desolation before in her life. When her mother left her with her father, a stranger at the time. When her father died last year. And this moment—this moment that embodied the possibility of a lifetime without Phaeton.
Ping approached them with his hands behind his back. “Please remember we have more than science, we have the power to influence the course of events by the use of mysterious, supernatural forces.” He took America’s hands in his and blew a ball of ethereal silver blue light into her palm. “It’s called magic.”
Epilogue
D
OCTOR
E
XETER AWOKE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT
in a cold sweat. Nothing unusual about it. A good night’s sleep had evaded him for weeks now. He was getting used to feeling a bit ragged during the day. This time, his worried mind had fallen on Pennyfields. His comrades and friends had more than likely been attacked tonight, and it perturbed him to no end. He might have stayed to help Gaspar and the others—not that he would dream of leaving Mia alone.
OCTOR
E
XETER AWOKE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT
in a cold sweat. Nothing unusual about it. A good night’s sleep had evaded him for weeks now. He was getting used to feeling a bit ragged during the day. This time, his worried mind had fallen on Pennyfields. His comrades and friends had more than likely been attacked tonight, and it perturbed him to no end. He might have stayed to help Gaspar and the others—not that he would dream of leaving Mia alone.
Phaeton had insisted he return to Half Moon Street. This was more than a rough patch his ward was going through. Mia was sailing in uncharted waters. And he would be there for her, come what may. Whatever she must endure, he would suffer this passage with her. No matter how frightening these changes became, he would guide her through them.
The bedchamber was no darker than usual, yet it felt blacker. He was also vaguely aware of a presence in the room. Sensing movement, he sat upright. His gaze swept the carpet, the drapes—the play of tree branches at the window. Nothing. He exhaled, lowering himself down onto his elbows.
A shadow leapt through the air. Whatever the force was, it hit him and threw him down onto his pillows. Something velvet soft and heavy weighed on his chest, torso, and loins.
His first thought was he was being attacked by a she-demon. One of the Ryder sisters, perhaps? If it was a succubus—she panted. And each breath was sultry, like the warm body sprawled on top of him.
Feeling a bit foolish, Exeter opened his eyes.
A black leopard with green eyes stared at him. A low rumble came from deep inside the large cat—a resonance he felt through his entire body. The animal stretched, and a whiskered nose landed inches from his face. Exeter’s heart pounded blood through his body. The cat opened its mouth and bared long vis-cious-looking teeth.
A long pink tongue emerged and licked.
If you enjoyed
The Moonstone and Miss Jones,
learn how Phaeton Black and America Jones’s adventures began in
The Moonstone and Miss Jones,
learn how Phaeton Black and America Jones’s adventures began in
The Seduction of Phaeton Black
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Turn the page for a special excerpt!
Chapter One
4 FEBRUARY 1889
SCOTLAND YARD, SECRET BRANCH
MEMORANDUM TO: E. CHILCOTT
FROM: Z. FARRELL
RE: AGENT REASSIGNMENTBelieve I have located Phaeton Black. Appears to have let a flat below Madam Parker’s brothel. Though the suggestion will undoubtedly cause you pain, I must continue to recommend Phaeton as the best man for this unusual case.
“O
H, PLEASE NO,
M
ADAM, HE IS A BEAST,” THE HARLOT WAILED
. “I beg of you, Mrs. Parker, do not send me down to Mr. Black.”
H, PLEASE NO,
M
ADAM, HE IS A BEAST,” THE HARLOT WAILED
. “I beg of you, Mrs. Parker, do not send me down to Mr. Black.”
Phaeton Black turned his back on the hubbub, and paced the length of corridor between the foyer and staircase. A sultry sway of hip caught his eye. A luscious copper-colored wench descended the stairs. Her dark eyes lusty, curious, she ventured closer. “Fancy adding another dollymop, sir?”
Slouched against the stair rail, he swept a lazy gaze over her every curve. “Yes, why not? The more the merrier.” He ducked his head around the corner and caught a glimpse of the bickering females in the salon. “We are waiting, my timid little sparrow.”
The pretty whore beside him tilted an ear toward the clamor and quirked a brow. “Lucy?”
The din from the parlor hardly dampened his grin. “I believe so.”
Right on cue, the reluctant whore let loose a shriek that pricked up the ears of every hound in the neighborhood. “I promise I’ll work double the number of gents, just don’t send me—”
“Hush, Lucy, before you have all the customers in an uproar.” Esmeralda Parker stood just inside the parlor, arms crossed under an ample chest.
His stare trailed the baroque details of velvet flock-work wallpaper. “Does my reputation precede me?”
“Oh yes, something the size of an elephant’s trunk, sir.” The cocotte flashed a flirty smile.
He foraged back in his mind through a blur of absinthe and opium. “How long has it been since I rented the flat below stairs?”
“Near a week, Mr. Black.”
He sighed. “I toss up a few petticoats, just to try out the wares, and already I am obliged to face down frightfully depraved and exaggerated rumors.”
“Not a bad thing if you ask me, sir. Pay no mind to Lucy. She’s a nervous little goose—believes everything she hears. Hasn’t yet figured out a girl can pretty much work any size in, as long as she has a bit o’ sloppy down there.”
He dropped his head back against the wall, angling his gaze at the bronze beauty. He patted his leg. “Come closer.”
She pressed against him and rubbed.
“Lovely.”
The whining and whimpering from the parlor continued unabated.
“And your name is?”
“Mason, sir.”
“What kind of a name is—?”
“Mason.” She sucked in a breath and pushed her breasts up and out at him.
Mentally, he undressed her voluptuous curves. Cheeky tof-fer, this one.
“Named after me da, who was a stone mason by trade—all I know of him.” Her deep, coffee-colored eyes brightened. “Mrs. Parker calls me Layla.”
“Ah, the ancient Persian tale, Layla and Majnun.” The wanton strumpet brushed back and forth across his lower anatomy. “And do you promise to drive me mad, Layla?”
The parlor door rolled open and Madam Parker swept down the hall, dragging the miserable little tart behind her. He noted the vitality in Esmeralda Parker’s determined stride, a fine looking middle-aged woman. Truly a shame she had retired early to run one of the more reputable bawdy houses in town.
Things grew wonderfully cozy as two more women crowded onto the stairs. He inhaled the myriad scents of the female flesh surrounding him. “Esmeralda. Care to join?”
“Phaeton, be a dear and assure Lucy you will be reasonable with her.”
Blinking back tears, the pretty whore shrank behind Madam’s skirts.
He considered her again. Round bosom, tiny waist, lovely hips. Yes, there were very good reasons why he had selected her. “Lucy, might I assure you I am a man of . . . tolerable size, bone-hard.” He tucked a finger under her chin and tilted upward. “Though I am not entirely safe to play with, at the moment I am far from dangerous. In fact, it may take the two of you to flog me into a state of excitement.”
Esmeralda snorted. “I imagine that will be quick work, ladies.”
He held his hand out until Lucy placed a trembling, clammy palm in his. He frowned. “This one has been on the job how long?”
“She has a crippled brother and rummy father. Teach her well, Phaeton—she is their only means of support.” Esmeralda stuck him with a fierce look before she turned to climb the stairs.
The sway of Mrs. Parker’s bustle captivated him. He had attempted several times to lure her into his bed. So far, to no avail. With each refusal she became more attractive.
He cocked his head. “Any house credits for the instruction?” A faint echo of laughter and the muffled rumble of a door rolling shut answered the question.
Two delectable lovelies stood before him.
“Are you done crying and being afraid, Lucy?” In the darkened stairwell, he could just make out a nervous nod. A terrified doxy just wouldn’t do.
“Suppose I make you a bargain. If, at any time during the frolicking and frivolity, you decide things have gotten a bit—”
“Whopping?” The copper-colored vixen offered.
He dipped his chin. “Do try to be helpful Layla.” He closed his eyes and inhaled a deep breath. “Now, where was I?” A hooded gaze shifted from one comely wench to the other. “If our interchange gets a bit too impassioned, shall we say? You may call a break in play. Exactly like a game of rugby—not entirely an unlike activity. What do you say, Lucy?”
“Very kind of you, Mr. Black.”
“You’re sure?”
Her eyes shone with relief. “Yes, sir.”
He leaned closer. “Prove it with a kiss.” He touched his mouth. “Here.”
Tentative, soft lips pressed to his and shyly pulled back. “Charming.” He pulled Layla close for a taste. Ah yes, sensuous lips with a bit of tongue. “Delightful.”
“I believe this might turn out to be satisfying.” Hands pressed to his lower back, he stretched. “Well then, shall we visit my den of iniquity? After you, ladies.”
Descending into his flat, he opened the stove and poked at a few coals. The act of love should be something reasonably well-enjoyed by all participants. Even for ladies who made a living on their back. Phaeton bristled at the thought of Lucy’s inexperience and terror. Well, he would make it a point to show her some pleasure. Pleasant enough duty.
“Madeira, or perhaps something stronger?” He perused several pantry shelves, upper and lower, and shuffled several packages and bottles about.
He passed through a cold spot and shivered. A low, unearthly vibrating snarl drifted up from below. The ghastly creature’s purr was familiar enough. Phaeton took a peak at the girls. Predictably oblivious to his otherworld intruder. A shadow of movement swept past the corner of his eye. The end of a leathery scaled tail slithered around a cabinet opening. Phaeton stomped hard but missed. The fey creature disappeared into the blackness of the cupboard.
“Damned little demon.”
“Rats, sir? Mrs. Parker set traps out just last week.” Keen-eyed Layla dipped to get a look. He suspected she didn’t miss much.
Phaeton kicked the lower door shut. “Harmless as a dormouse. Nothing to fear, ladies.”
He decided to pour something stiff. A brief inspection of the young women had him imagining two sweet derrieres. “To a most favored position.” He lifted his glass with a wink. “Bottoms up.”
At the moment, his informal sitting room featured a single overstuffed club chair and a comfortable old chaise longue. Phaeton flopped onto the divan and reclined against a curvy pillowed end. He opened his arms wide. “I invite you to loose the dragon.”
Reluctant Lucy made him grin, for she now eagerly climbed onto his lap. “Ah ah ah.” He wagged a finger. “This teasing prelude has a caveat. For every button of mine undone, you must remove one article of clothing apiece.”
He studied his evening’s leisure through half-closed eyes. A man could be infinitely happy, at least for an hour or two, with a beauty settled on each knee. And the diversion was sorely needed. Purge the jabberwocky from his head and calm the racing thoughts that threatened to drive him round the bend. After a few hours of vigorous love play, he fancied himself dead to the world, thoroughly spent, snoring between two naked lovelies.
An ephemeral breeze bristled the hair on the back of his neck. The subtle shift in air pressure signaled yet another presence. A shadow drifted overhead and the stairs creaked. Just above, in the darkness, something moved. His gaze shifted away from nubile flesh spilling out of unhooked corsets and untied petticoats. “Why, I believe we have a visitor, ladies. Care to join? One for each, I don’t mind sharing.”
The tall, dark-haired man on the landing frowned and continued his descent.
“Such unfortunate timing.” Phaeton nuzzled a supple neck and groaned. “And I so dislike postponing pleasure.”
He shifted both doxies off his lap. “I promise you will each have a turn on top of me.” An exposed fanny invited a gentle smack. “Off you go.”
The pretty trollops gathered a few undergarments and paused for a brazen inspection of the intruder before vanishing upstairs in a clamor of footsteps and twittering.
“Well, well. Scotland Yard’s most celebrated agent, Zander Farrell, come calling.” Phaeton buttoned his pants and settled back with a grin. “Something desperate has happened to bring you here, below stairs.”
“I admit it took a bit of ferreting about.” Zander ducked under a sagging floor joist. “You’ve made quite a comfortable nest for yourself down here.” He lifted an aquiline nose and sniffed the air. “A bit moldy in winter, perhaps.”
“Due to my recent loss of employment, I have found it necessary, indeed prudent, to conserve resources.”
Never one for small talk, which Phaeton greatly appreciated, Zander got straight to it. “We appear to have another monstrous character about on a killing spree. Chilcott wants the case solved before the bloody press clobbers us. He’ll not have another debacle like the Ripper.”
“I can assure you Jack is gone. I took a stroll through Whitechapel just yesterday. Not a trace of the fiend’s miasma.”
Zander glared. “Exactly the kind of green fairy talk that got your contract cancelled.”
“Chilcott doesn’t like me. Never has.” Phaeton noted the barely perceptible clench in the man’s jaw. Zander seemed strangely unnerved, a rare state of being for him. “Something’s got you rattled. What is it?”
“There is some kind of beast or—vampire stalking the Strand.”
Phaeton never laughed, a self-imposed rule that had remained unbroken for years. Otherwise, he would have been rolling all over the cold stone floor of his new flat at that very moment.
So he simply grinned. “Perhaps an actor costumed as
Varney the Vampire
? Or an Empusa. Might I look forward to a seduction by a bewitching female bloodsucker?”
Varney the Vampire
? Or an Empusa. Might I look forward to a seduction by a bewitching female bloodsucker?”
Zander’s glower gave way to a wide-eyed stare. “I thought you’d be pleased. You claim to believe in fairies and all that undead rubbish.”
“My interest in the occult is not a matter of faith, actually.” He rose off the couch and signaled Zander to follow. Rummaging through a set of pantry cabinets, he withdrew a bottle of liquor. “Nevertheless, I am honored and amused that Scotland Yard appears ready to consult the fey world.”
He sensed darker undercurrents and listened momentarily to a fog of whispers. “The notion of an unearthly murderous evildoer is intriguing.” He pulled out a chair. “Why don’t you brief me while I
louche
us a glass?”
louche
us a glass?”
“Whiskey for me.”
He swung back and raised a brow. “Certain about that? A bit of absinthe might help the investigation right about now.”
Zander exhaled a bit too loudly. “As you wish, Mr. Black.”
Phaeton set up two glasses and poured the dark green distillate. He angled slotted silver spoons etched with the likeness of a naked flying nymph across the rim of each vessel, and placed a lump of sugar on top.
The number two Yard man leaned back in his chair. “Quite an elaborate ritual.”
“Hmm, yes. I suppose it falls somewhere between a witches’ Sabbath and the Eucharist.” He retrieved a pitcher of iced water from a makeshift cold closet. “Just as the water looses the spirit of absinthe, so does the absinthe free the mind.”
As the chilled liquid dripped slowly over the sugar cube, Zander’s glass changed from deep emerald to a delicate, cloudy swirl of pale green elixir. “Ah, the transformation, when essential oils bloom and the fairy is released. To quote Rimbaud—”
“A meandering, scatological French poet.” Zander huffed.
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