Into the Ether Read Online Free PDF Page B

lines to the hall are being fixed tomorrow. What do you mean, Thomason was there? He left after you went to your room to check on the museum. He shouldn’t be back again for another hour.”
    He wasn’t lying. Genuine confusion danced across face. I shrugged. “Must have been a dream. Why did you think I wouldn’t be here?”
    â€œThe other thieves I’ve offered work to picked the lock at night and left. Much less disturbance for me. I scare them a little, and then they get to go home. I don’t have to involve anyone else. But you…”
    I continued to sip my tea. “You gave me a job. I assume you want to know more about your things than how much their worth. It would be a refreshing change from thieving .”
    He considered that for a moment, and I could tell I’d made some kind of progress. How much would depend on him.
    â€œWell. That’s a new response. You’re right. I do want you to look at a few items. I want to find out more than their worth.” He fell silent for a moment.
    â€œWhat is it? The objects I mean.”
    He sighed. “Sadly, I don’t have them yet.”
    His eyes dipped away from mine. Not much, but enough to show me his lie. Not quite so trusting as I’d hoped.
    â€œUntil they get here, you’ll have to help me with my usual tasks, and they are not so glamorous. First though, I’ll introduce you to Walter, or he’ll have you arrested before nightfall.”
    Hell’s bells. I almost groaned. This would not go well. Walter may not have caught me doing anything, but he knew who I was. He would remember me.
    â€œIf you like,” I mumbled. My smile was weak, and we both knew I wouldn’t get through this unscathed. I grabbed a couple of scones from the tray and slathered strawberry jam on them.
    â€œWhen you’re finished, we ’ ll go and speak with him. He also has apartments at the museum, but he prefers to be near the armor.
    He made a small sound that could have been a smothered chuckle, but I couldn’t be sure.
    ****
    â€œWhat?”
    Walter reminded me of the beached whale that had appeared in the Thames once when I was younger. It had bloated in the summer sun and looked remarkably similar to his shape as he reclined in a large chair, feet crossed in front of himself. We’d caught him dozing next to a steaming kettle.
    He wasn’t dozing now.
    We’d walked in and the curator had unceremoniously announced that I would be joining their crew as a member of the museum staff. I tried to ignore the kernel of warmth that had lit somewhere in the vicinity of my heart. I’d liked those words a bit too much.
    â€œ Colonel Worthington , you must be mad. Do you know who she is? What she is?”
    Colonel Worthington looked me over. “A girl, around 15 or 16, former thief, possibly a touch - know ? Have I covered everything?”
    Walter sputtered and tried to sit up a little higher. It ju st looked uncomfortable, and I was almost certain the buttons on his waistcoat would snap under the pressure.
    â€œShe’s not to be trusted! How do you know she’s a former thief? She could easily turn on you at any moment.”
    Colonel Worthington sighed and sat down . I pulled out a wooden chair at the small table and sat as well.
    A thief I might have been, but I was not untrustworthy. I crossed my arms. “Are you still mad about the whole Aphrodite incident? That was such a long time ago, I’m certain I’ve forgotten all about it. Haven’t you?”
    â€œ Aphrodite incident?” The curator looked between us. I fancied I saw humor dancing in his dark eyes, but it was gone before I could be certain.
    Walter’s mouth opened and closed for a moment, and then he huffed. “Trust a chit like you to bring that back up.”
    â€œWalter! Watch your language,” Colonel Worthington said.
    The guard sank back into his chair again. He reminded me of Elliot