Ultimate Nyssa Glass by H. Burke (ebook reader browser txt) 📗

citrus rose from it, and she swallowed the saliva pooling in her mouth.

“I apologize for the inconvenience, but you are my guest. After this meal, and once you’ve heard my proposition, you’re free to go, if you so choose.” He took up a long knife from the table and sliced into the duck. Beneath the golden skin, juices dripped from the tender meat. “But I think you will see the advantage of cooperation. I admit, I only have second and third hand knowledge of you, Miss Glass, but what I have heard paints you as a capable and intelligent young woman. Not the sort to throw away an opportunity because of a mild insult like kidnapping.”

She forced a laugh. Should I call his bluff and ask to leave? There’s no way he’ll just let me walk out. Oh shock me, I’m starving.

He stabbed a slice of duck and set it before her. Wielding her tableware like a pair of shovels, she devoured it near instantaneously, then turned to the beets he’d placed beside the meat. The pain in her gut eased.

“Do you know who I am?” he asked.

Nyssa glanced up. She took a napkin from the table and dabbed a trace of duck-juice off her chin.

Should I know who he is? He has a recording of Mr. C’s murder … does that mean he was working with Miles? And Miles was working with Albriet who claimed to be working for … oh, of course. “Are you possibly Mr. Rivera of Dalhart and Rivera?” If he is, does he know that Ellis is still alive?

The man grinned. “Excellent. You’re as sharp as they say … or Aito gave me away?”

She shook her head. “I wasn’t with him long, but the impression I got of Aito was he doesn’t give away much.”

“Perceptive and clever. I can see why Albriet tried to recruit you. She was shrewd as well. A great loss to my organization. Yes, I am Marcus Rivera, former business partner of the late Ephraim Dalhart.”

“Your thugs killed my employer and friend, framed me for it, and then tried to kill me.” Her grip tightened about her silverware. “Why do you think I’ll listen to any ‘opportunity’ from you?”

“Because I have something you want.” He tapped on his wine glass with his spoon.

The bell-like tone reverberated through the room, and the door snapped open in answer. Aito strode in, carrying a hatbox.

“As you have deduced, the man who killed your employer was in turn an employee of mine,” Rivera continued. “I didn’t order him to do so, but I should’ve expected it. Miles was always a loose cannon. Albriet swore she could control him, but I have a feeling his volatility may be the reason they are both dead.”

“You can discern much about a man by the company he keeps.” She frowned. “I’m not interested in your excuses.”

“No, but you may be interested in this.” Rivera nodded to Aito.

Aito opened the box and drew out a battered top hat. From the band blinked two amber eyes.

Nyssa’s breath caught in her throat. “Miles’s hat … if you think I want anything to do with that creepy thing …”

“Think, Miss Glass. What did I use to draw you here?” Rivera smiled.

The video. “So the eyes aren’t just cosmetic?”

“No. Albriet knew Miles lacked self-control. She would only work with him under the condition that he allowed her to keep an eye on his activities. The recording device ceased operating slightly after Miles’s death, but the majority of his activities that day were captured, including the death of your employer.”

She swallowed. “And if I take you up on your proposition, I can have the evidence?”

“Yes.”

“And if I don’t?”

“Then you’re free to walk out the door … but I suspect you’ll find the police waiting for you.”

Nyssa took a drink of water. “What do you want from me?” she whispered.

“What I originally sent Miles after you for.” He leaned across the table, his eyes glinting. “When my business partner went mad, he cut me out of his research, hid everything in that death trap of a mansion. I need those schematics. The discoveries he made are priceless. The ability to combine robotic and human elements? Do you know how that could change the world?”

“Oh, I got a good look at the possibilities.” Her stomach churned as she remembered a human heart beating within a metallic shell, bones entwined with wire, and the panicked last memories of Professor Dalhart’s unwilling test subjects. “Dalhart was mad. He destroyed the lives of everyone around him and murdered dozens of innocent people … including his own child.” She watched him carefully for a reaction to this. Come on. I need to know. Do you know about Ellis? Is Ellis in danger?

Rivera stroked his beard. “Yes, his methods were unfortunate, but the technology has the potential to save lives. Imagine, the ability to replace injured body parts? Perhaps even organs.”

“His work was incomplete. He died before it could be perfected.”

“Yes, but my engineers and scientists could finish it, and would’ve if you hadn’t come along and crashed his computers.”

“It was better than it falling into the wrong hands … and after what your employees put me through, I had every reason to suspect you were the wrong hands.”

“Maybe I am, but I’m your only chance at freedom.”

Nyssa pushed the few remaining bites of food around her plate. Her stomach, which she had filled so gleefully, now felt like a rock had settled within it.

I don’t think he knows about Ellis. Thank God for that. I can’t count on any help, though, and if O’Hara is any sign, the police here want a noose around my neck. I need to play along for now. Gain his trust and make off with the hat when he’s not looking.

“So, you need me to get you into Dalhart Manor again?” she asked.

Rivera waved at Aito, who placed the hat back in the box and went to stand in the corner. Aito’s sharp gaze fell