The Clockwork Scarab Read Online Free PDF

“Ambrose Grayling.”
    “Inspector Grayling, you and your colleague should well understand that there are certain occupations which arenot regimented. One works whenever one must. Even in the dead of night.” She made a smooth gesture with her hand. “Perhaps we could quibble about my employment restrictions later. I rang Scotland Yard because we have a crime to investigate, and I’m certain the two of you would like to get to work before more time has passed.”
    “ We have a crime to investigate?” said Luckworth. He laughed. “Miss Adler, there is no ‘we’ about it. You and your companions will give your statements and leave the investigation to us.”
    “But I beg to differ, Inspector—with all due respect,” Miss Adler added in a sugar-coated voice, “we have already begun the investigation.”
    I took this as my cue to step forward. “I have already begun a preliminary examination of the body. If you wish, I shall enlighten you with my conclusion—”
    “Pardon me,” said Inspector Grayling in a flat voice that carried a bit of the Scottish. It was no surprise, for it matched the dark copper color of his thick, curling hair.
    I turned my full attention on him, aware that he was a rather attractive young man. He had a freckled complexion over tanned skin; however, the freckles did nothing to make him look boyish or innocent. Instead they gave a pleasantly ruddy cast to his square jaw and prominent nose.
    Unevenly stubbled chin and tiny cut near left ear— needs to sharpen his razor and is impatient in character .
    Cuts and scrapes as well as a large blister adorned his left, pencil-holding digit— doesn’t wear gloves, works hard but not without haste and clumsiness .
    No wedding ring and one button dangling from jacket cuff— unmarried and lives in a household without females .
    Jacket cuffs frayed, short for his elegant wrists, two years out of style— handed down clothing, not of upper class .
    Ornate, complicated pocket watch but wears used clothing— an utter cognoggin; more concerned with his gadgets and devices than personal appearance .
    Grayling was saying, “This is no concern for a civilian. Now, if you—”
    “Inspector Luckworth and Inspector Grayling,” interrupted Miss Adler, “may I introduce Miss Mina Holmes?”
    Both of the gentlemen turned to me, and if I weren’t so shocked at being back in the spotlight, I might have found their expressions comical. Luckworth looked as if he’d swallowed a biscuit whole, and Grayling lifted his Scottish nose as if he smelled haggis gone bad. (Incidentally, I am of the opinion that haggis is always bad.)
    “I daresay—” Luckworth began, but his younger colleague interrupted, “ Holmes? You don’t expect us to believe—”
    “I am the niece of Sherlock and the daughter of Sir Mycroft. Ponderous appellations and high powers of deductive reasoning run as rampant in my family as the pox does in Haymarket.” I wasn’t certain from where I dredged up such confidence, but the words tripped from my tongue.
    “I can’t imagine how a young lady such as yourself would be familiar with the curse of Haymarket.” Grayling cast me a cool gray-green look that threatened to bring a warm flush to my cheeks. “But regardless of your name , Miss Holmes, which I will accept as proof of your relation to the esteemed Misters Holmes, your assistance is unnecessary. Inspector Luckworth and I are well trained and able to do our jobs without interference by a fe—civilian.”
    “Very well,” I said, lifting my nose. “Carry on.” At that moment, I wished I had a skirt hem to snatch up for a bit of feminine emphasis in my vexation. His expression made me prickle: supercilious yet polite.
    But my new mentor wasn’t about to be cowed. “We won’t be leaving until we’ve completed our own investigation.” Miss Adler gave me an affirming nod that meant I should continue with my work. I sidled away from the cluster of people.
    “Your