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

overheard the messenger mention a murder in the Pigalle . A prostitute, I think he said.”
    â€œDid you by some chance hear how she was murdered?”
    Fingle pantomimed strangling.
    â€œRosary?”
    â€œI believe something of the sort, madam.”
    â€œPriest is killing again,” Bryn said. “And he must be living close to the district so he can find victims easily.” That Priest was once again killing women was terrible, but the murder was a clue that could help her find him. She had only three days to get that dagger. She needed to begin immediately. The cost of failure was not to be considered.
    â€œWhere did they find the body?”
    Fingle made a wry face which pulled his large mouth and ears down so he more than slightly resembled a hound. “Behind the club, Miss.”
    Bryn’s heart raced. “What club?”
    Fingle’s mournful eyes rolled. “ The club.”
    â€œ Le Rouge ? My club?”
    â€œYes, Miss, that very one.”
    â€œHe’s taunting me,” she snapped. “He did this to send me a message. He must know about my bargain with Lazarus.”
    â€œHe could just be a doing it for the pure devilment.” Fingle’s voice held a mournful note.
    â€œTrue,” Bryn mused. “I will have to go down there myself. Mistress Chat will be beside herself.”
    â€œWe own that club, don’t we?” Fenix said.
    Bryn wiped the worried expression off her face as she turned to face Fenix. “Do not concern yourself, my dear. You must rest. You’ve been through a dreadful ordeal.”
    â€œYou’re always trying to make me rest, or lie down or ignore what’s going on. I won’t this time. I remember New Orleans. I remember all the way back to when I was a babe in London. You can’t exclude me. If you’re going to the club, I want to go.”
    Bryn patted her arm. “Of course, after you’ve rested.”
    Fenix sighed. “Fine, I know when to quit. Arguing with you is an exercise in futility. Just take me to my room.”
    Bryn laughed and hugged her sister. It was a good thing she was so biddable and easily distracted as well. “There’s no place in your room for you to sleep unless you fancy a crib.”
    Fenix returned the hug with a warm squeeze. “I know, I was most recently a baby. I can even remember my birth; rising out of the flames to be thrown into Lake Pontchartrain.” She shivered. “Everything you told me was true, Bryn. Somehow I could never believe it actually happened to me; that I turned into a golden Phoenix, burst into flames and was reborn a babe. I doubted you. Your story seemed outrageous.”
    Bryn patted her shoulder. “Come upstairs. Your old bedroom is empty. You’ve stayed here many times with me. I will have Fingle move your trunk.”
    â€œDid you not prepare for me to be restored to my adult form?”
    â€œI guess I didn’t think Lazarus could do it. I thought what he proposed was impossible.”
    â€œWho is he, Bryn? Is he indeed the Lazarus? He seemed so familiar to me. As though I had known him before. Did we know him?”
    â€œNot that I was ever aware of, though he may have crossed our paths over the centuries. It seems likely that could have happened.”
    Fenix tilted her head and looked thoughtful. “It was almost as though we’d been lovers. Isn’t that strange?”
    â€œYes, my dear, very strange, He is a most dangerous and powerful enemy.”
    â€œAllow me to help steal the dagger, Bryn. You must.”
    â€œOf course,” Bryn promised, though in her heart she knew she would protect Fenix from any danger. It was impossible for her to change a behavior developed over centuries of caring for her as a child and young adult who’d never lived beyond thirty.
    â€œWhat is the penalty he spoke of? What happens if you fail?”
    Bryn had to stop and think before replying. It was