Red Dog Conspiracy: A Noir Future Steampunk Crime Family Saga

As I got into the carriage, Pearson came up with a message. "The boy said it was urgent." He handed it to me. "Oh, and I learned about the warehouse."

I blinked, confused. "The warehouse?"

"The one you asked me about? Where your letter came from."

The building Marja sent her note from. "Oh, yes, I'm sorry."

Pearson spoke to me kindly. "It's of no consequence, mum. The building's owned by the Clubb Family."

By the Clubbs? "I didn't know they owned buildings here."

"Well, yes, mum. It's complex. They own the building, we own the land. But as it's one of their produce distribution houses, it's best for them to keep up the maintenance."

Why would Josie's uncle manage a building in Spadros quadrant owned by the Clubbs? "Thank you, Pearson."

He bowed. "Have a pleasant trip."

Once the carriage was underway, I read the message:

My dear Mrs. Spadros:

I must leave in haste. You'll hear many things about me once I'm gone; I suppose most of them are true. I was a foolish old woman who should never have trusted Frank Pagliacci. I helped him. I loved him. But he has no love for anyone but himself.

Although the charade with the Doctor was Frank's idea, I gave you the case so you'd take the necklace. Dismantle it at once and sell the gems to one of my appraisers. Please don't hesitate; do it now.

Your fondest wish has always been to leave Bridges. If you sell the gems in the next few hours, you should have more than enough money to do so. That will make this whole debacle worth it.

I truly am fond of you, and I wish you well.

All my love,

Anastasia, Dame Louis

PS. Thank you for the clock. Such a heavy package for its size! I'm most intrigued. I will follow your instructions and wait to open it until we have passed through the Aperture.

I gave her no such gift. To ask me to destroy her necklace with such haste made no sense. And she neglected to use the code wordings we normally used when writing to each other.

This felt wrong, dangerously so.

Was this message indeed from Anastasia, or was this another forgery? Or was this message in some code? Was the package real? If so, what was really in the package? If the note was a forgery, what was the forger trying to tell me?

I took the brass calling tube. "Driver."

"Yes, mum."

"Clubb quadrant, zeppelin station, please."

"I'm sorry, mum, I can't do that."

"Why not?"

We continued on, and Honor came round outside the open window, standing on the running board. "Mr. Roy said not to enter Clubb quadrant until time for the celebration."

"Do you know why?"

"No, mum, I don't." He disappeared back to his post.

Why would Roy forbid us to go into Clubb quadrant?

I took up the tube again, meaning to go to the bank on the way to the Women's Club. "Driver?"

No answer.

But then the outside lock clicked into place. I was trapped.

***

While overcast, the day was warm, and rain seemed unlikely as we approached the Diamond Women's Club. The street was crowded; many women went up and down the Club's steps. The dining room and lobby were full. Gardena stood out of sight of the street, beckoning as I approached, and led me to a side room.

I closed the door behind us. "I must find a taxi-carriage."

Gardena blinked. "Whatever for?"

How could I tell her that my men (probably under orders from Roy) locked me in my carriage and forced me to come here? That I had a terrible feeling about all this? "I can't explain it now."

"Jacqui, no. You promised you'd come with me! You can't just leave me here! I did everything you asked me to."

You're at your best when you think, and reason, Tony said, when you have the urge to act.

I took a deep breath. Tony sent outriders with me for a reason. By now, everyone in Diamond knew Mrs. Spadros was in the Women's Club. Despite what I told Tony, Jonathan was still at his Country House, not in the city keeping Jack Diamond occupied. Jack might be loitering around the corner at this very moment waiting for an opportunity. What was I thinking? "You're right; I'm sorry."

Gardena smiled and patted my hand. "Whatever it is, all will be well. Let's get you changed and catch this scoundrel."

She made it sound as if going on a lark, but I wasn't so sure.

I changed into the navy blue dress she brought, covering my hair with a black scarf. The hat and veil were also navy blue, and hid my face well. I stuck my handbag in my pocket. "Ready."

Gardena also wore a hat with a veil. So disguised, we walked into the crowd of women on the street and past my men without them noticing us. It worked just as I planned.

Around the corner and down the street, a Diamond carriage awaited us. Gardena's footman opened the door. A man wearing brown sat inside.

Morton said, "Hello, ladies."