Ultimate Nyssa Glass

by H. L. Burke

  She narrowed her eyes at him. “But you do have the evidence of my innocence? I saw the video.”

  “I will let my employer fill you in on the benefits of cooperation. Would you like to bathe and change before your meal?” He strode to the door again and opened it revealing a narrow hallway with another door on the other side. “I took the liberty of drawing your bath when I realized you were up.” He opened the door across the hall revealing a long, claw-footed tub with steam wafting from it.

  Nyssa’s sore muscles melted at the thought. Well, it’s not like he’s going to let you walk out of here, and you need that recording. Might as well face this clean.

  “I had a set of clothes put out for you.” Aito pointed to a dress and a stack of linens sitting on the washstand. “I’ll have your items laundered while you dine.”

  “Thank you.” She shut the bathroom door between them.

  The room was small, just the bath, the washstand, and a small cabinet filled with spare soaps and towels. After triple-checking for any escape routes or items she could squirrel away as weapons, she disrobed and sank into the warm water. Whatever she’d been through in the last few days, it had left her with bruises across her arms and thighs … probably her back too from the feel of it. She held up her hands. Her fingernails were jagged and chipped with dark red blood dried beneath them.

  “I guess the clawing and kicking wasn’t a dream. Shock me, did they bring me here in a box?”

  Her urge to get things over with won out over the comfort of the tub, and she rushed through cleansing, drying, and redressing. The clothes provided proved to be a black gown with a lace collar. She turned and examined herself in the full-length mirror hanging from the back of the door.

  I look decked out for a funeral. I hope it isn’t my own. She stuck her head out the door. Aito sat in a chair a few feet away, his hands folded in his lap.

  She sniffed. “I didn’t keep you waiting, did I?”

  He stood. “Follow me, please.”

  As they walked down the hall, Nyssa took the opportunity to assess their surroundings. A cherrywood chair rail lined the wall, with floral wallpaper in dusky pinks and greens above it. The floors were also wood, but a long carpet lay down the middle. Lights in white lily-shaped fixtures shone every few feet … the new incandescent sort, not gaslights. Muffled sounds of traffic murmured in the distance.

  Not a large home, but expensive … would take money to maintain. I doubt whoever it is brought me back to his primary residence, though. Unless he plans to kill me afterward. She shuddered.

  Aito opened a door right before the hall descended into a staircase. He bowed and stepped aside for Nyssa to enter.

  Inside, a round gleaming table held a cloche, pearly china, and shining crystal. A wingback chair sat on either side. The one facing her was empty, but a man’s arm dangled over the edge of the other.

  The door clicked behind her. Apparently Aito would not be dining with them. Good. I don’t want him to have to knock me down again.

  “Come sit. The meal is getting cold.” The voice was cold, sophisticated, with a mocking edge. Nyssa crossed the room and sat in the chair. Only when seated did she take the time to examine her “host.”

  He leaned back in his chair, one hand clutching a wine glass filled with burgundy liquid. Perhaps forty, he had a short beard, gray-winged brown hair, and bright gray eyes. His black suit highlighted his pale face and slender frame, making him appear slighter than she suspected he really was.

  Reaching across the table, the man raised the cloche, revealing a glistening, golden duck surrounded by roasted red beets on a bed of greens.

  Nyssa’s stomach grumbled, but she forced her face placid. “It’s hard to muster my appetite when I’m essentially a prisoner.”

  “A prisoner? Do you feel like a prisoner?” He arched an eyebrow.

  “It seems undeniable.” It took all her willpower not to look at the bird on the platter. A smell of meat and 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 on Nyssa. She squirmed.

  “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 a lot.” Ellis frowned.

  “I pawned everything of value to pay for this trip. If I don’t close this case, I’m ruined.” She leaned closer. “That said, I don’t need to arrest Miss Glass. I just need to solve the murder. You said it was a long story. Now is the perfect time to tell it. If Miss Glass didn’t kill her employe
r, who did?”

  “A man who was after my father’s research and who later tried to kill Nyssa in front of me. He’s dead. If you’re honestly looking for justice, it has already been delivered.”

  “What research? Who is your father?” She raised her eyebrows.

  Ellis pushed his hair back from his forehead. Well, Ellis, you have been meaning to claim the name, anyway. Might as well get used to saying it. “My father was Professor Ephraim Dalhart, the man behind the invention of the videophone and half of the partnership of Dalhart and Rivera, Incorporated. He was ridiculously wealthy, inhumanly intelligent, and incurably insane. The man who killed Nyssa’s employer blackmailed her into breaking into my father’s laboratory and finding his research. Instead she found me.”

  “Found you what? Were you lost?” O’Hara leaned against the door frame.

  “My father was experimenting with ways to combine human and electronic elements … and this is the part you aren’t going to believe.” Ellis paused for a moment to consider his words then said in a rush, “My dad hooked me to the computer systems of the house, used his knowledge to combine my thought patterns with computer technology and keep me prisoner. He prevented my consciousness from accessing my human memories, made me believe that I was nothing more than an advanced artificial intelligence, and kept me that way until he died.”

  “So you … you were a computer?”

  “For three years, yes. Then Nyss found and freed me. That’s why I’m telling you this. You have to understand who she is and how I know she wouldn’t just run off.” He shut his eyes. “The time I spent like that is blurry now, almost like a nightmare I can’t quite remember … a nightmare Nyss woke me from. I know you think you’re chasing a murderer, but you’re not. You’re after my guardian angel, and I’m going to do everything in my power to make sure she comes home safe and sound.”

  “Do you have proof of any of this?” O’Hara asked, her voice tight.

  Ellis opened his eyes. “Not on hand, but I’ve been in contact with my family’s lawyer for a few months now for two purposes: one, to be certain that if I did decide to resurface as myself, my father’s estate would be intact, and two, in order to look into Nyssa’s case. He can verify my identity and the circumstances behind my leaving New Taured.”