The Iron Heart

by Leslie Dicken

  And perfect for thinking.

  She’d just left Bennett’s manor without completing her task. She didn’t leave things undone. She didn’t allow clues to go untouched. She was a reporter, an informant of facts. She produced and distributed a paper, for goodness sake!

  Ellie bit the inside of her lip. Her professionalism and integrity were slipping. She couldn’t report facts if she were emotionally involved. It was enough that she was so close to the events of the first murder. But that, at least, had been an incentive to get the momentum moving.

  Her emotional ties to Jenny began her on this crazy journey. Were her feelings for Bennett going to destroy it?

  A sloping willow tree triggered a memory and Ellie lowered the Lightrider. She hovered several feet above the ground as she edged her way further down the hill.

  There it was. The ruined croft.

  She swallowed the rising taste of old fears and set down the vehicle. Once unstrapped, Ellie removed her goggles and climbed out.

  The ground was soft and slightly wet beneath her feet. The smell of grazing sheep and damp moss filled her nose. The sensations instantly brought her back to that day about ten years ago.

  Life seemed so different then. Her and Jenny were young and full of vigor and energy. Nothing could hold them back, not even Ellie’s mother.

  These hills were their playground. They took on each adventure as it came their way, whether it be a garden snake or climbing to the top of a tree.

  An anchor weighed on Ellie’s heart. She took a deep breath but the heaviness did not leave.

  She stepped forward to the mound of piled stones. Just as she’d seen from the dirigible, tall stalks of grass and weeds now sprouted through the cracks. Moss covered much of it, especially near the base of the original structure. One could barely make out the original door.

  Standing before it as an adult it seemed amazing she hadn’t been hurt worse. The stones could have cracked her skull. But she’d only suffered a broken ankle. And an intense fear of the dark.

  Wildflowers brightened up the perimeter of the ruins. It was as if beauty blossomed despite obvious death.

  Jenny was there, reaching out to her from heaven.

  Ellie blinked back hot tears. Jenny should have been the one to live. She knew how to make the most of the world given to her. Never jealous of not living in the Greenlands, never one to complain about her little rooms over the shop. Jenny sang with joy and cried with the downtrodden. She’d been the voice of reason, even occasionally agreeing with Ellie’s mother.

  Ellie was the headstrong, stubborn one. Ellie would have gone heedless into the alleys without a second thought. Jenny had reservations about late-night deliveries, but went when a customer paid extra for the convenience.

  Damn it. Jenny should be here. Now. She would be shaking her head and clucking her tongue, reminding Ellie of her impulsiveness and rash behavior.

  But how could anything make sense anymore?

  Ellie bent low and plucked some of the flowers, gathering them into a small bouquet.

  She stared at them as they forced her to confront the emotions churning in her heart.

  She’d loved Jenny more than anyone. Anyone. There could only be one motive Ellie could have for not doing everything capable to find that killer. Only one reason she would not look at those handkerchiefs in the drawer.

  Ellie brushed the flower petals along her cheek and walked back to the Lightrider.

  Only one explanation for a sudden lapse in a determined pursuit.

  She was falling in love with Bennett.

  There were less of them now. He stood near the crumbling arch of an alleyway and waited. He’d waited for several nights now.

  But no girls came this way.

  The streets were silent. The air still.

  He craved the kill now. The first time had been borne of fury, raw and sharp. But with each girl, the feeling of lust turned to anger and then to power. He ruled their destiny.

  Even those who hunted him could not bring him down. Thus far they’d failed to save three women. And there would be more.

  The moonlight filtered through the spires and chimney of houses, but did not shine on the hair of a young beauty.

  Perhaps it was time for his final assault. His ultimate triumph. He’d leave her just one more present and then she would be his for good.

  Bennett stood on the street corner in District Eight of Lundun. Dusk had settled and whispers of fog skirted around buildings and streetlamps.

  Through the haze of the yellow light, he watched movement in the shop windows across the way.

  Ella spoke with two customers, wrapped up their purchases and exchanged money. She was dressed as he often saw her: in a simple frock with her hair twisted in a single braid.

  He now understood why he rarely saw her looking like most other noble women. So many things about her now made sense, now that he knew her secrets.

  The customers left the little shop and passed by him.

  Bennett looked back to the large windows. Ella was straightening up. Putting gears away on pegs, smaller items in bins.

  He still didn’t know why she’d snuck into his bedchamber two days ago. A good full hour of searching for anything missing proved fruitless. Even the bed was undisturbed.

  She had been told he was in his workshop, yet she went up to his private rooms. But she took nothing and did not wait for him on the blankets.

  So he came here tonight. Came to get an answer from her. He deserved one.

  Bennett crossed the quiet road, inhaled a deep breath, and opened to the door to Mr. Cooper’s gear shop.

  She was turning down the lamps. “We’re about to close for the nigh…” the words died away as she turned to face him.

  “Good evening, Ella.”

  Her eyes narrowed. “What are you doing here?”

  “I come into Lundun every night.”

  “You don’t come to my uncle’s shop. What do you want?”

  He moved closer to her, partly to intimidate her, mostly to breathe in her divine aroma. “I want to know why you were in my rooms the other day.”

  Instantly she went rigid. Her mouth tightened. Clearly it was a secret he would not get from her so easily.

  She set her chin and crossed her arms. “You came here just for that?”

  “I did.”

  “There must be more.”

  He grinned. “You are avoiding my question.”

  “Certainly you could have waited until the next time we crossed paths.”

  “And when would that be? The next time you came to my house unexpected?”

  She brushed dust from her skirt. “As you have often said to me: ‘I have my reasons’.”

  Bennett laughed. Took a step closer. “This is true.”

  He stood before her, just inches from her body. As expected, heat exploded in his bloodstream. Her mouth parted. “And what are your reasons, Ella? What were you looking for?”

  “I told you that day. I was there for the same reasons as before.”

  He reached out and pressed his palm to her waist. She gasped, but didn’t move. “Oh? And did you lie in my bed waiting for me?”

  A slight nudge and she was back against the table. He brushed her hair with the back of his fingers.

  “Did you undress and lay yourself across my blanket, your hair spread across the pillows like liquid gold?”

  Her breath hitched. His trousers tightened.

  “And while you lay naked, in hopes of surprising me, I foolishly took my time coming up from my workshop. Then looked for you in the front parlor.”

  Bennett pressed his full body up against hers. Every inch of him throbbed, craved, hungered.

  “When I didn’t find you…” his breathing grew heavy “…you redressed, fixed your hair, and came downstairs.”

  He leaned forward and inhaled in the tantalizing scent of her hair.

  “Is that what happened, Ella?” The words were a whisper.

 
Her eyes drifted closed. The tip of her tongue darted out and licked her bottom lip.

  Bennett leaned his weight against her, pressing her to the table, angling his legs and hips to match hers.

  Her breasts crushed to his chest, begging his hands to cup them. His mouth to taste them. His tongue to lick them.

  Not just her breasts, he wanted to savor every inch of her skin, from her ankles to her knees to the inner nectar of her womanhood.

  He wanted to devour her.

  “Ella…” Lord, why didn’t he take her when they were on his bed? Now they stood in her uncle’s shop, where people passing outside could see. Mr. Cooper could enter at any time.

  Yet, this hunger could not be denied. Not any longer.

  “Come.” He cleared his throat. “Come back to Barrington Manor with me.”

  Her fingers clenched his upper arms. “I-I want to, but tonight…” She drew in a ragged breath. “Tonight you must go. You must continue your pursuit.”

  No!

  Just when he’d given up on his restraint, burned for her touch, she would deny him.

  “One night won’t matter.”

  “Yes.” She pushed against him until he reluctantly backed off. “This could be the night you find him.”

  Bennett shook his head. “Why should this one be different than any other? Come back with me.”

  Ella put her hand on his shoulder. “Miles found belongings in District Four, including one of my protection devices. They were brought to the station, but we believe they belonged to the killer.”

  Bennett recoiled as if she struck him a blow. Hugh’s belongings had been found. Oh Lord, it wouldn’t be long before they found his brother.

  “Why didn’t you tell me this before?”

  She glanced away. “I don’t have a reason.”

  He grunted. “Or a reason you will tell me.”

  Her vibrant green eyes were upon his face again. “What difference does it make? We both want him caught, don’t we?”

  “Yes.” But Bennett wanted his brother found and brought back to Barrington House. Then he could rework the inner settings near his brain and make certain he never again committed violence.

  Ella wanted him hanged.

  “So you’ll go look for him tonight, won’t you?” She trailed a finger down his arm. “Let’s make plans for tomorrow afternoon. How about you and I go up in the dirigible? Just the two of us. And the captain, of course.”

  He nodded absently. All thoughts of pleasure had vanished once he realized Hugh could be found at any moment.

  “Where were these rooms? Tell me exactly.”

  She sighed but then described the location. Bennett brushed her cheek with the back of his hand then hurried out to where he’d locked up his S2 Flyer.

  Within twenty minutes he was near the location Ella had given him. Of course, it was dark now so he dug in his compartment for a transportable oil lamp.

  The stillness of the night enveloped him. Not many people lurked about this time of the night in an area like this.

  He locked the S2 and slipped down the alleys. Rats scurried at his feet, reflective eyes of cats stared from the shadows. After the few turns Ella mentioned, Bennett found himself at an open doorway.

  As she told him, there was little left here to identify. Just about everything was gone. There were no clothes, no personal items, nothing except a large basket.

  Bennett squatted down to get a closer look. Mice scattered as he brought the light close.

  He tilted the basket to see its full size and shape. This looked to be the exact one he’d been unable to locate for months. This basket was what his family used when taking the dirigible out for a long day’s ride. They would pack a full picnic and still have room for blankets or umbrellas.

  A knot constricted in his gut. Yes, this must clearly be where Hugh had been staying. All along, Bennett had only been a mile or so from here, sitting in empty alleys, waiting to find where his brother hunted.

  Damn it. He’d been so close and now who knew where Hugh had moved onto.

  He knocked the basket over and its contents of moldy bread and fruit rolled across the floor. He picked up a scrap of paper from beneath the bread. A cheese wrapper. It looked familiar with its scrolling lettering, but he didn’t know from where. Either way, his brother somehow fared well in his Lundun roaming.

  Bennett sighed. None of these things helped him. None would lead him to find Hugh. But what was already found could lead the police to him.

  His greatest triumph would become his worst tragedy.

  He stood, jaw clenched. Eddies of frustration and anger pounded in his veins. He’d saved his brother’s life only to have it come to this: vestiges of rotten food and empty rooms.

  Bennett was weary. Lord, he was so tired of spending each night searching. Tired of spending each day sleeping. Exhaustion weighed on every bone, every drop of blood.

  Helplessness—and hopelessness—loomed over him like a teetering column of stones.

  Tears pricked in his eyes, burned in his throat. He’d not wept in a long, long time. But standing here, where Hugh had been only days before, brought it all in sharp relief.

  He failed to bring his brother back to a normal life. He failed to keep him safe. He failed to prevent him from causing harm to himself or others. He failed to locate him and bring him home.

  As the older brother, he’d done all he could to protect his little brother. He’d shielded him, protected him, healed him.

  But it was all for naught.

  Bennett couldn’t do it. He could not spend tonight sitting in his flyer, hoping to catch sight of where Hugh stalked his prey. Not tonight.

  Right now he needed something else. Sleep. Warmth. Softness. The type of weightless freedom one could only find in a woman’s arms.

  And he wouldn’t get them back at Barrington House.

  Bennett retreated his steps through the alleys and climbed back in the S2. His eyes dried but his soul ached.

  It took far too long for the gear shop to come in to view below him.

  He landed on the street then brought the vehicle around to the side alley. Once he found a way to secure it, Bennett went to her side door.

  Right now there was only one person who could soothe the hollow emptiness carving a hell deep inside of him.

  Bennett lifted his fist and knocked.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  “Bennett?”

  Ella stood in the open doorway, her hair long and wet, a wrap hastily tied around her thin night dress. Her face looked freshly scrubbed, her eyes wide and bright.

  “What are you doing back here?”

  “I…” he swallowed, found he couldn’t quite answer. “May I come in?”

  She stepped aside. “Yes. What’s the matter? Did something happen?” Her voice rose. “Was someone else attacked?”

  He closed the door behind him. They stood in the small space between the entry to the shop, the entry to the living areas, and the long staircase to the upper floor.

  The scent of her washed skin and hair slipped over him in waves. He was keenly aware of the nearness of her body. Already vigor trickled back into his blood.

  Ella’s hand settled on his arm. “Bennett, talk to me. You look dreadful.”

  He closed his eyes briefly, inhaled a lungful of her soothing aroma. “I can’t do it tonight. I saw where he was, the rooms he’d lived in. And…I just can’t force myself to look for him tonight.”

  “Ellie? Is that you?” Her uncle’s sleepy voice called out from the other room.

  “Yes, I’m fine. Go back to sleep.” She looked toward the shop, but then changed her mind. “Follow me.” She took his gloved hand and led him up the stairs.

  With each step, his pulse jumped. He watched her hips sway, her bare feet lift from under the nightdress. Desire seeped in to mix with the aching need of her companionship.

  When they reached the top, Bennett stopped. Past this point there would be no turning back. She must
realize this.

  “You do understand you are bringing a man into your bedroom?”

  Ellie dropped his hand and turned to face him. Low fires burned in her eyes. “Every move I make is done with full deliberation. I am no simpleton.”

  He swept his gaze down her smooth neck to the straining fabric at her breasts.

  Lord, was it only a few hours ago that he had her pushed up against the table, pressed his body against hers?

  She opened a door. “Tell me what’s happened. You look as though you are in dire need of a friend.”

  Light from inside the room illuminated beneath her dress. The features of her body outlined for his viewing pleasure. He could see every round curve, each flare and indentation.

  It was becoming evident he needed more than just friendship from her tonight.

  With his returning libido came a comforting sense of control. Weakness and vulnerability he could not tolerate. Seduction and yearning pulled him back to strength. He pushed aside the weighty drag of helplessness and the overwhelming ache for casual comfort.

  Ecstasy would return him to full health again. Surely.

  Bennett closed the door behind them. He glanced about the room. It was smaller than his servants’ rooms. A bed against each wall, an old wardrobe, small dresser and a fireplace. In the center of the room, a tub of still-scented water.

  The thought that her naked body was just in there sent quivers down his spine. And a flush of hot blood to his groin.

  Ella motioned to the chair beside the fireplace. “Won’t you sit? Perhaps tell me what is going on?”

  Bennett continued standing. Sitting in a chair across the room from Ella was not at all in the plans.

  Just a short time ago he’d have told her everything. What he’d done to his brother to create this monster, why it was so hard to capture him again.

  He swallowed the pitying desire to have her brush her fingers through his hair, to have her hold him close to her heart.

  It was the thrilling rush of pleasure he needed. Yes. It must be.

  She shrugged and lowered herself to a bed. “Are you going to talk to me or have you just come to see if I was still awake?”