“Do you want me to get Wil to look at you?”
“Nope,” Tabitha said with a wave. “I’m okay.”
Kane activated his amulet and started a fire in the stove. He took out the cast iron skillet and set the bacon cooking, the smell soon permeating the air.
“Odin’s Beard, it’s chilly,” Tabitha said, rubbing her arms.
“It’ll warm up soon,” Kane said. “The stove’s going good, now.”
Tabitha reached out and touched his arm.
“Feel how cold I am?”
Kane looked down, saw the three fingers wrapped around his forearm, the stub on her hand where the fourth finger should’ve been. It was scarred over, the wound healed. He felt his chest tighten, the memory of Gentry cutting her finger off flashing in his mind. Without the finger, the best the Magician healers in New Chicago had been able to do was heal the wound. Tabitha had tried to make light of it, joking that she would only be able to count to nine and a half.
I could’ve stopped him, Kane said. My fault.
Another memory came forward. One that had haunted his dreams. Gentry holding on to the beam just before he’d been torn apart by the turbine. Grinning at Kane. Mouthing one word.
Murderer.
“Stop that,” Tabitha said. “You’re making that face. I know that face. I don’t like that face.”
Kane blinked. “What face?”
She pulled her hand away and held it up.
“That face you make when you blame yourself for this.”
Kane looked away.
“Yeah,” he said. “Sorry.”
“Thinking about it again?”
“Yeah.”
She stood, grunting with the struggle of getting to her feet.
“Gods, I’m pregnant,” she muttered. She went to Kane and touched his face. “You did what you had to. He would’ve never stopped.” She grinned mischievously. “Besides, locking him up wouldn’t have done any good.”
Kane raised an eyebrow.
“How do you figure?”
She held both hands up.
“He’d only serve nine years.”
He shook his head, smiling in spite of himself.
“You’re not funny.”
She leaned in and kissed him.
“But I’m cute. That’s what matte–oh!” She doubled over, staggered. “Ugh! Oh, Gods!
Kane put the spatula down and helped her sit back down in the chair. She held her stomach as she groaned again.
“Are you okay?” he said. “What can I do? What’s happening?”
She looked up at him, her eyes watering as she smiled at him. She put her hand on his cheek, biting her lip as she looked into his eyes, her brilliant blue diamonds making his heart flutter.
“She’s coming,” Tabitha said. She laughed as tears rolled down her face. “Lily’s coming.”
The End
Acknowledgments
I want to give a great big massive-huge thanks to everyone who has stuck with me from the beginning of this adventure.
Melissa, my wife, has been supportive the entire way, even refusing to let me give up when it just became too much for me at times.
My daughter, who is my biggest fan and has pounded on me to get this final book done so she can see what happens to Tabitha.
Susan, my editor, who is another huge fan and really stepped forward to get this project done while balancing her own crazy life.
And, of course, the huge number of friends I’ve got who have boosted me and lifted me throughout this rewarding process and are too numerous to list here.
Thanks, guys! The Clockworks of War couldn’t have happened without all of you!
About the Author
Jason Gilbert is an avid reader, writer, and B-Movie connoisseur who keeps busy with (probably) more projects than can possibly be healthy. He lives with his wife and a rambunctious daughter who manage to keep him somewhat in line. Somewhat.
www.JasonGilbert.com
Also by Jason Gilbert
Clockworks of War Series
Gaslit Insurrection
Gaslit Armageddon
The Coldstone Case Files
Wolfbane
The Rifle Chronicles
ISBN-13: 978-1070204079
Gaslit Revolution © 2018 Jason Gilbert
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form by any electronic or mechanical means including photocopying, recording, or information storage and retrieval without permission in writing from the author.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.
Editing & Formatting: Susan H. Roddey, Clicking Keys
www.ClickingKeys.com
Cover Art: Melissa McArthur
ISBN-10: 1070204079 | ISBN-13: 978-1070204079
Published By
Forgotten Drawer Publishing
Rock Hill, South Carolina
PRINTED IN THE USA
Gaslit Revolution Page 33
