Vow of Deception (The Ministry of Curiosities #9)(36)

"It's a little hot in here," I said, flapping my hand in front of my face. "I think I'll retire to my room to lie down."

"No," both Fullbright and Yallop said.

"You will remain here while Fullbright's constables perform their search." Mr. Yallop's lips pinched into what I suspected was an attempt at a placating smile. "Can't have you hiding the files, can we?"

"Files?" Lincoln asked.

Mr. Yallop's smile widened. "So we've been told."

"You're mistaken. There are no files pertaining to the ministry. I keep none."

"We shall see. There are another two constables checking the outbuildings as we speak. We'll leave no stone unturned."

They didn't need to turn any stones, simply open the attic door.

"Are we all prisoners in here?" Seth demanded.

"In a sense," Inspector Fullbright said. "Sit, Miss Holloway. This could take some time."

Lincoln directed me to a seat and I gladly took it. If none of us could leave, how were we to hide the files? We couldn't even pass on a message to Cook, Alice and Lady Vickers. There was still Doyle…

"May I order tea?" I asked with a nod at the bell pull.

"I'll find your butler and ask him to bring refreshments," Mr. Yallop said. "Can't have you communicating with him now, can we?" That pinched smile again. He knew what I planned to do.

My stomach plunged. I wanted to scream in frustration but managed to act the demure hostess instead. "Please do not upset the servants. It's so difficult to find good ones nowadays." Lady Vickers would be proud of me.

Mr. Yallop left and some of my anxiety left with him. Inspector Fullbright didn't seem quite so unreasonable, merely a man doing his duty. He pulled a notebook and pencil out of his jacket pocket and settled on the sofa.

"What does the ministry do, precisely?" he asked.

There followed a series of questions that Lincoln answered honestly. Perhaps too honestly. He told the inspector about the types of supernatural abilities that existed, although he didn't mention necromancy, other realms, or portals. It was just as well. Fullbright seemed somewhat overwhelmed by the prospect of mediums, shape changers, seers and fire starters existing alongside ordinary folk. However, he didn't once scoff and tell us we were mad for believing in fairytales. He simply noted everything in his little book and asked another question.

Mr. Yallop returned carrying a tray with teapot and cups. He closed the door with his foot and set it down on the table near me. I poured and handed out the cups, eyeing the bell pull with longing.

Inspector Fullbright sipped his tea, dampening his lengthy mustache. He licked it only to take another sip and do the same again. "Who in the city has supernatural powers?" he asked. "I want names and abilities."

Gus scoffed. "We ain't telling you that."

Fullbright sat with his pencil poised over the notebook and arched his brow at Lincoln.

"As Gus told you, I can't divulge that information," Lincoln said. "Many wish to remain anonymous and I have promised to abide by their wishes."

"Dangers are afoot, Mr. Fitzroy. You cannot protect those who wish us harm or you'll be arrested for hindering a murder investigation."

"Arrested!" I cried. "You cannot arrest him! He's done nothing."

"He is colluding with these supernaturals," Mr. Yallop said. "And at least one of them is a murderer."

"There is no them and us in this equation," Lincoln said. "We all live in this city together. We will find the murderer without your interference."

"Being supernatural doesn't mean they're evil," Seth added. "We've met many who are as normal as we are."

"Yet one has committed an evil act," Mr. Yallop said. "Perhaps more. I suspect you are not telling us about those because you wish to protect them from our justice system. Why? Why are you protecting them?"

Seth took a long sip of his tea so Mr. Yallop focused his attention on Lincoln again.

"Some have committed crimes," Lincoln admitted. " I have meted out justice as I saw fit and will do so again when I catch the one responsible for the recent mauling deaths."

"So you're a vigilante too?" Yallop declared. "Or does your justice allow them to get off lightly?"

"No."

Inspector Fullbright cleared his throat. "The police need to know who to suspect when an atrocity of this nature occurs. It's always easier when we have a list of suspects to question at the start of an investigation."

"I am not here to make your work easier," Lincoln said. "I will not be giving you any names. They are not suspects any more than you are."

Mr. Yallop set down his teacup with a loud clank. "Of course they're suspects, man! One of them killed those poor devils in the Old Nichol! Who is it? Well? Who is one of those shape-changers you spoke of? Stop this pissing contest and just tell us!"

"No."

"Why are you are protecting them?" Mr. Yallop's gaze shifted to me. Did he suspect?

Or did he already know?

My blood ran cold. My throat dried. Too many times I'd been wanted for my necromancy. I'd been a magnet for madmen intent on raising an army of dead, and I'd been kept prisoner to keep me safe from them. Their deaths had bought my freedom.