Read Online Clockworks and Corsets by Regina Riley - Free Book Online Page A

“Actually, Captain, I’m thinking that map is based off the course of these mirrors.”
    “Makes sense,” Rose said in a low voice. “It would explain the roundabout path to get here.”
    Rose wondered if Atom had witnessed her rendezvous with the wild side of Click. She decided there was no use worrying over it. Besides, she had to admit it was kind of exciting to think someone had watched them make love. From the grin on Click’s face, she knew he was thinking the same thing.
    “Names,” Jax said. Her voice sounded flat and commanding in the nearly empty room.
    “I’m sorry?” Atom asked.
    “How did you know our names?” Jax asked.
    “Good question,” Rose concurred, narrowing her eyes at Atom.
    “Isn’t it obvious?” Atom asked. He looked to Jayne for an answer. She just shrugged.
    Rose shook her head.
    Atom smiled again. “You stood outside my home and shouted them at each other for almost an hour.”
    Rose groaned . Some captain I make.
    “Atom?” Rose asked. “What are you doing here? When we set out on this venture we were informed that this laboratory was abandoned.” She felt strange asking because in all sense of the word, it was abandoned. Whereas the living quarters were well lived in, there was nothing at all in the lab. Not a single retort. Not a single beaker. Not a single note or other scrap of paper. The enormous place was empty save for the mirrored device.
    “I’ve been his lab assistant for years,” Atom said. “One day he came to me and said he had to go, that I was to stay until he returned. He left. So here I wait.”
    “Did he say where he was going?” Jayne asked.
    “I didn’t think to ask.”
    “You haven’t heard from him since?” Rose asked.
    Atom narrowed his eyes. “Didn’t he send you?”
    “I’m afraid not,” Rose said. She bit her lip while looking at Click.
    “Bad news, my friend,” Click said. “No one has seen your papa for a long time.”
    “I don’t understand,” Atom said.
    “He’s missing,” Rose said.
    “Missing?” Atom cocked his head.
    “And...” Rose paused, not wanting to finish the thought. “And presumed dead.”
    “Oh,” Atom said. “I see.” He slumped into a chair and hung his head, falling quiet.
    Rose felt bad for the young man, whether he was the doctor’s son or not. She didn’t expect to have to deliver such awful news to anyone, let alone a possible relative. Gabriella seemed just as pained by the news, edging toward Atom to pat him on the back. Atom looked up at the young girl. Even in his sudden grief, he still had a smile for Gabriella. It was sickeningly sweet. Magpie gestured for Rose’s attention. Rose signaled for Jax and Click to join them, leaving Jayne to ponder the mirror, and Gabriella to comfort Atom.

    Magpie pulled Rose aside and whispered, “Cap, I think it might be best if we mosey on back.
    I do believe that the doctor cleaned house before he bolted. I doubt there’s anything of value left.”
    “I was afraid of that,” Rose said. “Maybe we’ll get lucky and Ruby will at least pay for the fuel. Eh?”
    Magpie and Jax looked doubtful.
    Rose didn’t blame them. She nodded to Atom. “So, what about our gentleman here? Do you think he’s telling the truth? I mean is he who he says he is?”
    Magpie eyed the distraught man. She shrugged. “Maybe. He seems sincere enough. He’s certainly brainy enough. I ain’t seen someone give Jayne a run for her money like that in a long time.”
    “Yes, but cleverness doesn’t mean he’s the son of Loquacious,” Rose said.
    “True,” Click said. “Why would the man lie about such a thing?”
    “We should take him with us,” Jax suggested.
    The other three stared open mouthed at her.
    Jax shrugged. “What? He has sharp mind and a good grip. Not to mention he just lost his father. Bad time for anyone to be left alone.”
    “I see,” Rose said. “What about you two?”
    “I have to agree, Cap,” Magpie said. “He seems like a nice enough