Eliza nodded, but her mind worked through the problem. “I’ve an idea who can get us to Lucien’s barge.”

Chapter Fifteen

Eliza looked up at the house. An ugly, cruel, iron-spiked gate circled the massive structure, whose long windows were shuttered against the street. Not precisely the most welcoming home in London.

“This is Holly Evernight’s house.” Adam did not appear pleased. No, he wouldn’t be. As Sin had told Eliza, Holly’s man, Will Thorne, had been the one to distract Adam while Sin had set Eliza free.

He’d have to get over it. “Holly is the greatest inventor in London.” Eliza took his arm. “And my distant cousin, to boot. Lucien’s barge is being watched. Thus we have to figure out how to get to it. Holly might be able to help.” Or slam the door in their faces. Eliza hadn’t met her, but desperate times and all that.

Grumbling, he hit the door buzzer – a wonderous thing – and they waited. What Eliza did not expect was to see her cousin Sin jogging down the drive, his gaze darting about as though something might soon tackle him. “Eliza,” he got out a bit breathlessly before glancing at Adam. Sin blanched but gave him a nod. “Adam of the GIM.”

Eliza’s heart was beating too fast. Sin was Mab’s creature, whether he willed it or not. She could not take chances. “Let us in, Sin.” And when he moved to open the gate, she caught Adam’s eye. He peered back at her, frowning. Follow my lead, she tried to say with a look.

He barely blinked, and she wondered if it was an acknowledgment. She’d have to believe so. The moment they entered Evernight’s drive, Eliza rounded on Sin. “Hold him,” she said to Adam.

In an instant, Adam whipped one of his chains around Sin’s neck and pulled tight. Adam held him fast, his free hand fisted in Sin’s shirt. For Sin’s part, he did not fight but stood still, his green eyes narrowed and annoyed.

“I’m sorry,” Eliza said. “But you’ve admitted to being bound to Mab. I’d not have come here had I known you were in residence.”

Sin nodded as much as he was able. “Choose your words carefully, and we’ll have no problems.”

“Lad,” said Adam conversely, “you’re the one with the chain around your neck.”

“Oh, aye,” Sin drawled, his accent suddenly lilting Irish, “and there you stand, weak as a newly born kitten. I’m quaking, I am.”

Adam growled and gave the chain a squeeze.

“You realize,” Sin said, “that I’m all elemental. I could freeze you solid before burning you alive.”

Adam showed his teeth. “And I could snap your neck before you take your next breath.”

“Oh, stop,” Eliza said. And then thought about Sin’s earlier confession. “You’re bound to tell Mab if there is a danger of my consorting with Adam.”

“To the letter,” Sin said, sounding somewhat pleased, given that chains were choking him. “Since the two of you are already consorting, can we dispense with these?”

“Not yet.” Adam leaned in. “You and I both know Mab will be asking if you know where Eliza might have gone.”

“Yes,” Sin admitted.

“Swear that you’ll stay out of her way for this day, and I’ll let you go.” Adam glanced at Eliza. “After that, it will not matter what the boy tells her.”

Sin’s dark brows knitted, and Eliza swore she saw flames in his eyes. But he conceded. “I swear.” He rubbed his neck as soon as Adam let him go. “You needn’t have squeezed so tight.”

Adam snorted. “Call it a bit of payback thrown in.”

Both men tromped up the drive and Eliza followed in tow, biting back a small smile.

Evernight House was much like any other, if one ignored the strange brass panels on the walls, sporting numerous buttons that Adam longed to push and then take apart to see how the ingenious Miss Evernight had done it. He’d always admired the lady.

It was too quiet here, however. Like that of a tomb. As St. John Evernight led them down a hall, their footsteps echoed in the eerie silence, punctuated by Adam’s limping step and the rattle of chains. Adam bit back a smirk. The ghost of Jacob Marley indeed. Eliza was not far off there. Adam would be well and glad to be rid of the blasted things.

A flash of dull grey caught Adam’s attention, just before a young woman with black hair strode around the corner.

“What is that infernal racket?” she snapped. “I’m conducting a very delicate experiment —”

They stopped at the sight of Holly Evernight, and she stopped as well. Her cool gaze moved over them. Her blue eyes hit upon Adam, and she backed up a step. “I know you. What do you want?”

Adam made as graceful a bow as he could, given his chains and a lame leg. “Miss Evernight, please know that I bear you no ill will.”

“Perhaps I bear some toward you,” Miss Evernight retorted. But she turned to Eliza. “Miss… May?”

“Eliza,” Miss May corrected, taking a tentative step towards her. “I’d been meaning to visit. Though I’d hoped it wouldn’t be under these circumstances. And I do apologize for coming to call unexpectedly.”

Holly Evernight’s stiffness broke like a tart crust. Suddenly she beamed, her stern features brightening. “And I’ve been meaning to visit you, to assure that you are well. Please do forgive my rudeness. I’ve been known to get caught up in my own world.”