Something Strange and Deadly (Something Strange and Deadly #1)(30)

“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?”

“Oh, w-well, I... “ Heat rose through my neck and face. Jie was a girl? Blazes! “We, uh, we weren’t properly introduced,” I finally managed to stutter.

Jie slid off the windowsill and addressed Joseph. “I can introduce myself. You should go.”

“Wi.” He doffed his hat, his feet already carrying him away. “Orevwar, Miss Fitt.” He bolted into Machinery Hall and was gone.

I gulped and turned my attention to Jie. Now that I knew he was a she it seemed obvious—the soft curve of her face, the grace in her tiny hands, and the definite roundness near her bosom. But then why the dickens did she dress like a boy?

I stared at her linen trousers and matching blazer. She even wore a cherry-red necktie at the nape of a white shirt. And if that wasn’t masculine enough, her hair was braided down her back while the front half of her head was shaved completely bald.

“You done admiring me?” she asked. Her voice was a sweet soprano, and only the faintest accent clung to her words.

“I, uh—”

“You never seen a Chinese person before?” She shoved her hands in her pockets and scowled.

“W-well, I...” I shook my head. “Not like you.”

She narrowed her eyes, and I had to fight the instinct to cower back. She was like a wolf with hackles raised and, merciful heavens, she was scary.

“You dress like a boy,” I blurted. “But you’re not.”

“It’s easier this way.” She sauntered over to me. “In case you hadn’t noticed, Chinese girls aren’t popular in this country.”

It was true they were rare. I’d never seen a Chinese woman before—Jie was the first.

Jie coughed and waved a hand in my face. “You still here?”

I turned sharply away. “Yes,” I mumbled. Heat ignited on my cheeks once more.

“So you want my help or not?” she asked.

“Yes. Please.” I bowed my head and gazed at the ground.

“All right.” She jerked her thumb to a stool. “Sit.”

I swept my petticoats and skirt aside and then lowered myself onto the stool. My corset creaked like ancient floorboards.

Jie snickered and flung herself back on the windowsill. “That’s another good reason to wear trousers.” She gracefully swung one leg up and squeezed her knee to her chest. “Can you do this?”

My jaw tightened, and I fought the urge to glower. She could taunt me all she pleased. Mobility was probably overrated.

At Jie’s not-so-subtle cough, I reeled my mind back to the matters at hand. “Mr. Sheridan told me my letter was covered in spiritual energy.”

“Yep.” She nodded once. “And you said that a corpse delivered it?”

“Yes, that’s right.” I relayed my experience at the train depot to her. Then I slid Elijah’s messages from my pocket, excluding the one I’d left with the Spirit-Hunters. “I’ve read all his letters, and I think he was researching something important. He mentions books by Solomon and Honorius. I don’t know what books, but I thought...”