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

“No. I already have access to the house,” Rivera said. “You disabled most of the security measures on your first trip through, and what remained my men were able to get under control. I’ve been secretly going through the home and what was left of Dalhart’s notes since then … however, we’ve reached a standstill of sorts. The majority of his data was held in the main computer.”

“Which I crashed.”

“Yes. I am uncertain how you managed that, honestly. I didn’t think computers were part of your training.”

She shrugged. “Dumb luck. You hit enough buttons, eventually things go on the fritz.” Ellis’s crash codes didn’t hurt, of course.

“I see.” The goblet in Rivera’s hand shook, liquid splashing on the tablecloth. He set it down and hardened his expression. “My scientists are literal geniuses, and it took them months to undo what you did.”

“So what do you need me for?” Nyssa frowned. She didn’t wish to argue against her own usefulness, but her knowledge of computers was minimal. That was Ellis’s expertise. He may want something from me I can’t deliver. In that case, I’m flat out doomed.

“I can’t access the computer’s main memory banks without you.” Rivera pressed a napkin against the droplets of wine on the table cloth. His fingers twitched.

Suppressed rage? Nerves? Whatever it is, his face hides it well, but there’s definitely something.

“I don’t understand. My skills are cat burglary and repairing simple electronics. What exactly do you want me to do? ”

A thin smile spread across his lips. “When we get to Dalhart Manor, I think you’ll understand. Let’s just say I’ve heard about the legend of Nyssa Glass from more than one source.”

Nyssa’s skin prickled. Dalhart Manor … Shock me, I never wanted to go back to that house of horrors. Dear Lord, please get me through this. Let me see Ellis again. Please.

Chapter Seven

Gray light filtered through the porthole of Ellis’s zeppelin berth as he shoved his belongings into a carpet bag. Packing accomplished, he wheeled over to look out over the New Taured airfield. He reached into his pocket to touch the cold metal of the handheld communicator.

The first thing he’d done upon reaching port was attempt to get a signal from Nyssa’s, but it still either wasn’t in range or she hadn’t turned it on. He’d hoped that whoever took it wouldn’t be able to identify it as anything but a pocket mirror and would let her keep it.

After discovering Nyssa’s likely departure point, Ellis had booked the first zeppelin out of San Azula. Theo had wanted to come, but Ellis had put his foot down. This could be dangerous, and he needed to travel quickly. It was better the boy stay with Mrs. H.

He estimated he was about two days behind Nyssa and her kidnappers—assuming he’d correctly deduced their destination—far longer than he’d like. The last three days, confined to the cramped quarters of the zeppelin, had worn on him. When shaving that morning, he’d been taken aback by the circles under his eyes. The recurring dream of Nyssa, crying out for him in a dark void, didn’t help much. The most he could do was send a few telegrams ahead to prepare for his arrival and pray. He’d prayed a lot.

Someone rapped on his door.

“Just a minute.” He took a revolver from his bedside table and stuck it into a secret compartment in his chair, between the arm and the seat. “All right, come in.”

He expected the porters, looking to take his luggage. Instead, he found himself staring at O’Hara.

“What are you doing here?” he snarled.

She raised her eyebrows. “Angry? At me? Why?”

“I’m still not convinced you aren’t behind Nyssa’s disappearance, but either way, I’m a private citizen, and you’re harassing me. Get out.”

The detective held up her hands. “Easy, man. I just want to talk … I hoped I would be able to approach you in the dining car or lounge, but you kept to yourself for the journey.”

“I had things to do.” He placed his carpet bag on his lap and tried to steer around her. “Excuse me. I have an appointment in the city.”

“With whom?” She moved to block the door.

Ellis gripped the arms of his chair. “Do you want me to shout for the stewards? What would your superiors think if they caught you bullying a man in a wheelchair?”

She snorted. “A man who doesn’t even exist.”

“Well, I mean to remedy that. Now get out of my way.”

“You can give me a minute. I just came from the arrival deck. The captain hasn’t cleared the passengers to disembark yet.”

Ellis let out a long breath. “What do you want?”

“I want to know who you are and why you’re so convinced your fugitive girlfriend didn’t do what everyone else says she did.” O’Hara crossed her arms. “You think I’m the enemy? I’m only interested in the truth. That’s what I’ve been hunting since I got this case, and that’s what I’m giving you a chance to tell me. Convince me your girl is innocent, that I should be hunting someone else instead, and maybe we can work together on this.”

“Really?” Ellis scoffed. “And why should I trust you? So far everything you’ve said or done suggests that you’ve got it out for Nyss, whether she committed this crime or not.”

“Because, she’s the only suspect, and I can’t afford to let this case go unsolved. My career depends on closing it. Give me another suspect, and I’ll chase that down like a bloodhound.” She let out a sigh. “Do you know how many female police officers there are on the New Taured force?”

He shrugged. “I can’t imagine too many.”

“One … one and the chief is just itching for a reason to fire me as the failed experiment he thinks I am.” Her nose wrinkled. “He gave me a case no one cared about with a fled felon and no resources to pursue her.”

“For someone without resources, you’ve certainly been able to travel