Flight of the Crow by Melanie Thompson Read Free Book Online Page A

torn knee of her stocking. He smiled and took her arm. She looked into his eyes and nodded.
    He led her through a maze of filthy alleys finally emerging on rue de Seine in front of a six-story building. He glanced once down the block, saw nothing and ushered the young woman through the door and into the dark stairwell. Once in his rooms on the third floor, he shut the door, locked it and covered the whore’s mouth with his hand. Her eyes were dark and wide with fear as he gagged her and bound her. She struggled briefly and he quieted her with a wave of his hand, whispering into her ear as she fell against him. “Hush, my dove. Soon you will be with God. I will make sure you receive the last rites.”
    He tossed her limp form onto the bed and went to the window. The lights of Saint Sulpice glowed in the distance. He smiled and drew the curtains.
    * * * *
    Lazarus folded his arms and drew his velvet cloak tightly around his thin form. “You have your sister. I will expect delivery of my dagger by the next full moon. Failure to steal it will result in grave repercussions, my dear. I advise you to work earnestly on my behalf as I have done on yours.”
    Fenix huddled close to Bryn. Her eyes were wide as they followed Lazarus to the first floor. He turned before he left and lifted a sculpted eyebrow. “I shall be here on the first day of the full moon to collect my property.”
    Bryn nodded. “That’s only three days from now.”
    â€œAre you trying to back out?”
    â€œI wish you had told me this sooner.”
    â€œTut, tut, my dear. You can either do this thing or you can’t. An extended amount of time is not going to help you and besides, Priest plans to use it on the full moon. I would love to thwart his plans, but even if you fail, he will disappear after he performs his ritual and we shall never recover my possession.”
    â€œYou shall have it,” Bryn snapped, but in her heart she was panicking. How could she get the dagger in only three days? It would take a miracle.
    Lazarus bowed to her one more time, spun in a swirl of robes and followed Fingle out.
    When he was gone, Bryn let out a long breath and grabbed Fenix in a crushing embrace. “Oh, how I’ve missed you.”
    Her sister briefly returned the hug and then pushed her away. “What did you promise?”
    â€œCome sit with me,” Bryn said. “Are you tired, hungry or thirsty?”
    She drew Fenix to a chair by the fire and urged her to sit. Fenix drew the nun’s purple robe close. “Where are my clothes? Did you bring them?”
    â€œYes, they are upstairs. Are you feeling well? Do you remember New Orleans?”
    Fenix leaned forward with a sly smile on her face. “I remember everything.”
    Bryn’s eyes flew open. This was the first time Fenix had carried her memories from one incarnation to the next. That she could remember was startling and wonderful. “Then Lazarus made good on his promises.”
    â€œWhat’s he asking in return?”
    â€œNothing, my dear. You must not trouble yourself with such details.”
    â€œYou’re lying to me, Bryn Sahir. I’m not a child. I remember how you treated me in New Orleans and I will not be packed in lamb’s wool and treated like a small child.” She leaned forward, her red-gold hair falling across her shoulders. “Tell me right now. What does he want in return?”
    Bryn took a deep breath. Apparently Fenix did remember everything. She hated putting her sister in danger. Fenix was young and heedless, often impetuous and thoughtless about her own safety. “He wants me to steal a dagger.”
    Fenix leaned back and nodded. “And who has this dagger.”
    Bryn turned her head as Fingle entered the room. “Where is Quinn?” She asked.
    â€œMaster Quinn was called away by the Prefect of Police, Monsieur Bernard.”
    â€œDid you hear why?”
    â€œI may have