Cragbridge Hall, Book One: The Inventor's Secret Read Online Free PDF Page B

to show any sign of it.
    “That is very fitting, giving credit where it is due,” Charles admitted. “They have discovered why no one but you has been able to make a Bridge.”
    Oscar glared at Charles. His heartbeat quickened.
    “It turns out that you have discovered more than you have let on,” Charles said. He began walking down the hall. “Please follow me.” The two men in black stood behind him. Oscar didn’t move.
    “They are more than willing to help you,” Charles said.
    Oscar Cragbridge found his cane and, holding the familiar carved handle, gingerly got to his feet. He walked slowly, fighting the dizziness. Eventually he walked down the stairs.
    The heavy metal lab door stood wide open. Oscar tightened his jaw.
    The small group entered the room, passing a series of complex devices attached to several points on both the door and door frame.
    “You have a rather thorough security program. It took me longer than I expected to get past it.”
    The large room was filled with screens, gadgets, tools, metal scraps, and gears. Plans and blueprint sketches lined the walls and were scattered across a round table in the center of the room. Several heavy doors stood along one wall, but the largest along another.
    “Sadly, tonight we only have time for what looked like the most important door.” Muns led them to the largest door. Thick locking metal bars and fixed gears showed its strength on its face, yet it stood slightly ajar.
    Oscar gasped.
    “Yes,” Muns said. “Quite an accomplishment to open this one. I was pleased to confirm my suspicions that you have a copy of the Bridge in your basement. It really makes things much more convenient.”
    “Changing the world, one trespass at a time, are we?”
    Charles didn’t respond, but led the group inside. He walked over to the controller and punched in specific dates.
    Within moments, the ghost of a large ship protruded from the front of the room. It was at least four stories tall and close to three football fields long. What looked like four stout towers blew dark steam as the vessel drove forward.
    “I believe you recognize the infamous ship,” Charles said, gesturing toward the vessel.
    Cragbridge nodded.
    “And the day you are seeing right now is April 12, which is, of course, quite close to its infamy.”
    “Did you really break into my home to give me a history lesson?” Oscar asked.
    Charles didn’t answer the question. “I noticed you didn’t sign the official reports about what the Bridge does. Your honesty would not let you.”
    Cragbridge sat coolly, careful not to change his expression.
    “That’s a decent poker face, Oscar, but it will soon go away. Though my scientists cannot duplicate your Bridge, they’ve managed to create a concentrated enough energy burst that ... well ... I think you’ll want to see for yourself.” Charles pointed to a part of the huge ship.
    Cragbridge watched very closely. He saw upper-class Americans in suits and dresses. Couples strolled the deck together. Others lined up to enter the dining hall. He knew that millionaires, Broadway producers, authors, a United States presidential aide, the Countess of Rothes, and even a silent film actress were all on board, but he recognized no one.
    “Watch,” Charles said, moving the perspective of the Bridge like a camera angle down through the stories of the ship. He pointed at a couple in the boiler room. The woman sat still with her head in her hands. The man paced back and forth.
    Oscar Cragbridge looked for a moment. His mouth dropped, a hollow groan seeping out. He pointed a quivering hand at Charles and yelled, “ What have you done ?” He raised his old body to his feet. He took a step toward Muns, ready to get in one good hit with his cane.
    The two men in black quickly seized Cragbridge by the arms.
    “Calm down, Oscar,” Charles said, and slowly walked beside the image he’d pointed out.
    “W—w—why?” Oscar whispered, his body trembling.
    “Why?”