His Clockwork Canary Read Online Free PDF Page A

challenge. Locating the Aquarian Cosmology Compendium—”
    “—would be a damned miracle.”
    “I realize no Vic has ever laid eyes on those notes,” Simon said, using the Mod term
     for the rightful citizens of Queen Victoria’s England. “But the compendium is referred
     to in the Book of Mods. Therefore it must exist.”
    “Searching for the ACC is a waste of your valuable time.”
    “You have a better idea?”
    “I do.” Jules swilled the remnants of his glass, then leaned forward as well. “According
     to my sources—”
    “What sources?”
    “Government sources.”
    “You’re retired.”
    “But still connected to people in high places. What I’m about to tell you—”
    “Is highly confidential.” Simon had long suspected his brother still dabbled in stealth
     campaigns, but he’d never known for sure or in what capacity. Just now his senses
     buzzed with curiosity and a hint of danger. Pretending nonchalance, he raised one
     cocky brow. “Fascinating. Do tell.”
    “It is possible that the Mods’ clockwork propulsion engine was not destroyed along
     with the Briscoe Bus, as reported, but that it was whisked away and hidden. There’s
     reason to believe the knowledge of the secret location is guarded by three reclusive
     Mods known as the Houdinians.”
    “An odd and unfamiliar title.” Simon frowned. “Who are these Houdinians? And why have
     I never heard of them?”
    “Because they are a closely guarded secret.”
    “Yet you’re privy to this secret.”
    “I’m privy to a lot of secrets.” Jules checked his pocket watch. “Time is of the essence.”
     He passed Simon an envelope. “Three Houdinians. Three names. There is a curiosity
     shop in Notting Hill. It’s run by a retired Mod Tracker, although few are aware of
     his past vocation.”
    “You’re one of the few.”
    “I am.” Jules corked the liquor bottle. “If anyone can give you a location on a Houdinian,
     it’s Thimblethumper.”
    “Queer name.”
    “Bogus name.”
    “Why am
I
talking to this Thimblethumper? Why not you?”
    “Because I’m increasing our chances of success by going after another clockwork propulsion
     engine.”
    “Not—”
    “Yes.”
    “But the original device—”
    “Is trapped in the future. I know.” Jules reached inside his coat and passed Simon
     a palm-sized gadget with a hinged cover. “It’s an experimental tele-talkie. Agency
     restricted. Show it to no one and only use it to communicate with me in times of dire
     need.”
    Simon thumbed open the cover and marveled at the intricate mechanism.
    “Point-to-point verbal communication. Earphone, microphone, antenna,” Jules said,
     noting various and curious components. “Power button and toggle. Left to transmit,
     right to receive.”
    “No cords?”
    Jules shook his head. “It’s a hybrid of the Mods’ walkie-talkie. A personal two-way
     radio device.” He produced a matching silver and bronze tele-talkie and thumbed the
     power button, causing Simon’s device to squawk, then squeal.
    Simon winced at the high-pitched sound as Jules limped out of the office and a goodly
     distance away. Suddenly, he heard his brother’s voice as clear and loud as though
     he were still in the same room. “Good God,” Simon said, toggling left to transmit.
     “Can you hear me as well?”
    “Ingenious, is it not?” Jules asked. “Powering off to conserve energy.”
    Simon powered off as well and joined his brother in the cavernous work area. “How—”
    “No time to explain, and as I said, it’s experimental and—”
    “Agency restricted.” Simon angled his head. “What agency would that be precisely?”
    Jules paused as if deliberating the wisdom in sharing that information, then slipped
     the tele-talkie into a leather pouch attached to an intricate harness worn beneath
     his greatcoat. “The Mechanics.”
    Simon absorbed the name and significance. He knew his brother traveled in scientific
     and fantastical circles,