He went to Ms. Donaldinas? That was ballsy, even for Dalton.
Mei shook her head, her poker-straight hair sliding about her shoulders. I was trying to rescue another girl. He found me.
Jaspers jaw clenched so hard it hurt. Did he hurt you? Hed kill Dalton with his bare hands if he had to.
Dark eyes widened as Mei gazed at him. No. He didnt want me for ... that. He only took me because he knew he could use me to get to you.
And he had been right.
He put that collar on you to keep both of us in line.
She nodded. Yes. And then, Its good to see you, Jasper.
Despite his frustration and anger, Jasper smiled. Its good to see you, too.
She turned away, but not before shooting him a glance that was as coy as it was shy. Mei stood at the dresser and ran her fingers over his old, battered hat. The Brits called it his cowboy hat, but he had never worked with cattle in his entire life, though he had once slept in a train car full of them. Like big dogs, only they stank worse than any hound ever could.
Did you miss me at all? she asked.
Of course, he replied with a frown. It wasnt the sort of question a fella felt comfortable answering. Did you miss me?
Mei tossed a satisfied smile over her shoulder at him before gliding to the bed and leaning against one of the tall posters. I knew youd ask.
You asked first, he reminded her with a shrug. Figured since I was being honest, maybe you would, too.
Still as prickly as you always were about your feelings. Yes, I missed you. I missed you very much, Jasper Renn. You left me all alone.
There was just enough bite to her words to get Jaspers backbone up. I left so the law would think I was guilty. I left to protect you.
And here we are. She gestured to the collar around her neck. Maybe I would have been better protected had you stayed.
Her accent was thickening. It always did when she was riled up. It used to get to the point where he didnt understand half of what she was saying, her English would get so bad.
Mei, you and I both know if I had stayed, they would have hanged me for murder. Is that what you wanted?
Of course not! She glared at him. How can you ask me such an awful question?
Because youre angry at me for protecting you. He would not shout, no matter how much he wanted to.
For all the good it did! She threw her arms out to her sides. Look at where we are!
Jasper drew a deep breath. It wasnt Mei he was angry at; it was Daltonand himself. Im going to get both of us out of this mess. Promise.
She actually looked surprised. Us? She glanced at him as she moved away from the bed, toward the dresser again. You are going to get Dalton his device?
Jasper caught sight of himself in the mirror. His light brown hair stood up in all directions. He raked a hand through the mess but it only made it worse. YeahIm going to get it for him. What other choice do I have?
She kept her attention fixed on his hat once more, rather than him. You could try to escape. Run.
And leave you with him? He made a scoffing sound. Blossom, you know me better than that.
The old nickname hed given her brought color surging to her cheeks.
You do not owe me anything, Jasper. I do not wish to have the responsibility of your life on my hands.
Too bad, cause Ive got yours on mine.
Her full lips thinned, and then she snatched the shaving mug from the top of the dresser and threw it at him. Suddenly, everything around him slowed as Jasper reached out and snatched the mug from the air.
Gone was her frown, replaced by shock. Youve gotten faster.
And youve gotten crazier, he replied with a grin. Come here.
He set the mug aside as she came toward him. When he opened his arms, she stepped into the embrace, wrapping her arms around him as though she was a human version of the collar she wore.
Can we do this? he asked, softly. The collar ...
Mei shook her head. As long as you dont touch it, we are fine. You can touch me.
Jasper pulled her closer and rested his cheek on the top of her head.
I cannot allow you to put yourself in danger for me, she whispered against his shoulder. I can help you escape tonight.
He shook his head, his arms tightening around her. Old feelings came rushing back so hard and fast he felt unsteady on his own feet. He had loved her once, and now he knew he had never stopped.
Dont talk so loose, he replied. Im not leaving you here. Ill fix this. Trust me.
Mei lifted her chin, and Jasper found himself staring into the dark brown of her eyesso dark they were almost black. He felt like he was drowning. He lowered his head, and when he pressed his lips to hers, suddenly, there was only the two of them in the world. It was as though theyd never said goodbyeas though a murder hadnt driven them apart.
The building referred to as the Tombs might have been stately were it not so ... grimy. It was built in the Grecian style with thick pillars out front and shallow steps leading to the front door. But the structures purpose showed itself in the sorry state of the stone and the many criminals who darkened its doors.
You really think Renns in there? Sam asked from where he stood at Griffins left.
Griffin glanced at his friend, who was a few inches taller and many broaderthan he. Were only a few days behind him. This is where he should have been brought.
Sam shrugged. Unless they hanged him already.
Eloquent and succinct as always, Samuel, Griff commented, making a face.
What? Sams rugged countenance was all innocence. I dont wish it on Renn, but if he is a murderer, theres a chance theyve done him already.
Lets hope the American judicial system is as slow as our own and that Jasper is alive and here.
Sam stuffed his hands in his coat pockets as they climbed the worn steps. I still dont understand what you hope to do here. Its not as though theyre going to hand him over to us just because Your Grace doesnt like people interfering in what you consider your business.
Sam stuffed his hands in his coat pockets as they climbed the worn steps. I still dont understand what you hope to do here. Its not as though theyre going to hand him over to us just because Your Grace doesnt like people interfering in what you consider your business.
I just want to see him, Griffin replied, pulling open the door. I want to hear his side of the story. He ignored the other remarkpartly because Sam didnt know what he was talking about and partly because the lout was right. Jasper was his friend and someone had taken him. Griffin didnt like that.
Theres a chance you wont like what he says. There was no censure in Sams tone, only caution.
Griff nodded, his jaw tight. I know. And that was why he had to see his friend. He had to know the truth before he decided whether to come back one evening and use his abilities to blow a hole through the side of the building to get Jasper out. After what happened during their battle with The Machinist, he was certain he could do it, but only if Jasper was innocent.
And he had no doubt his friends would helpeven Finley, whom he hadnt seen since last nights fiasco in her room. He supposed he owed her an apology for his behavior, but he wasnt the least bit sorry for any of itonly that hed noticed the bloody flowers in the first place. But that wasnt important right now. He pushed all thoughts of Finley aside and concentrated on the matter at hand: Jasper.
The inside of the jail was no more inviting than the outsideless so. It was doubtful that anyone here would be impressed by his title. There were men in shackles or body bondsbands that clamped both arms tight to a persons side so they couldnt move them. They were accompanied by lawmen, some of whom had automaton companions for extra muscle. Griffin noted that Samwho had been brutally attacked by a machinedidnt seem overly bothered for once by the metal men.
Griffin approached the counter and the tired-looking man behind it. I beg your pardon, but Im looking for a friend of mine.
The man raised a gray brow and stared at Griff with tired eyes. And who would that be, Your Highness, the Queen of Sheba? Then over his shoulder, Hey, Ernest. You seen the Queen of Sheba?
A portly man with thick mutton sideburns chuckled as he turned a wheel on the wall, closing a heavy iron gate beyond the counter. Not recently, George.
It took all of Griffins will not to roll his eyes. Sam, however, was not so amused. Watch your tongue, troll. Do you know who youre talking to?
Sam ... Griffin warned.
Georges expression of wary amusement faded, replaced by a scowl Griffin recognized as the offended pride of a little man with too much power. No, I dont know, and I dont care. But you watch your tongue, mister, or Ill lock you up.
Hands curled into fists, Sam took a step forward, violence promised in his posture and expression. Griffin stopped him with a hand on his arm, his gaze directed at the man behind the counter. Excuse us. He pulled Sam aside. What the devil is the matter with you?
Sam glared at him. He cant talk to you like that.
My title is worth very little here, Sam. He doesnt care who I am, and he can speak to me however he likes. You getting angry is just going to make him all the more obnoxious or, worse, get you locked up, as well.
Id like to see the bounder try. There was a gleam in Sams dark eyes that usually meant trouble.
Exasperated, Griffin let go of the larger boys arm. That would be a great plan if we knew for certain Jasper was here and that he was innocent. But if you want to get arrested, go ahead. Ill go back to the hotel and explain it all to Emily.
That took the fight out of Sams expression. Right. Well do it your way, then.
Griffin clapped him on the back. Good man. He turned back toward the desk and discovered that his place had been taken by a man in a long duster coat and a hat much like the one Jasper usually wore. The sight of him made Griffin reluctant to make his presence known to the guard once more. He didnt think cowboys were much more common in New York than they were in London.
Sam stopped, as well, and the two of them shared a glance before turning their attention to the stranger and what he was saying.
Excuse me, friend, but I wonder if you might be able to give me some information.