Page 42

In the first year of unrest, I’d hocked Theo’s emerald necklace to a boatman in Baymouth. It had bought me canal passage on a tightly packed long rig. Sometimes I wondered where that emerald necklace had ended up.

On the highest floor of Colson his hand rose to cup my cheek. “You’re exactly as I remember you.”

A match had been struck. It sizzled on its end, slowly expending itself. Waiting. Waiting.

I stepped into him.

His arms wrapped around me, encasing me in his familiar frame. He smelled different but held me just the same. My arms overlapped around his waist, and my head fell to his collar. I was surprised to find that I’d grown taller.

I was desperate for comfort but unsure where to find it.

“Do you want me to stay with you?” he asked.

I shook my head.

“My door isn’t locked, Clarke.” The words wove into my hair. “I’m just down the hall. Number fourteen. Do you understand?”

I understood, but I unwound my arms and stepped out of the circle of his. I wouldn’t be in this town for long. I intended to leave it without bringing anyone with me. I would do only what was necessary, only what I must. And then I’d be gone.

Both Nina Clarke and Nina Harrow would cease to exist.

“There’s a meeting with Margarite in the morning,” he said. “I’ll see you then.”

I nodded, not asking how he knew I’d be in attendance. My chest filled with air I could not expel.

“I’ve missed you,” he said, looking at me before he closed the door.

And then it was just me, the bowled ceiling, the groaning pipes, two large holes pierced through my heart.