The Ghost Rebellion by Tee Morris Pip Ballantine Read Free Book Online

London’s.”
    Vania gave a slight chuckle. “Well, it is on account of the population, Agent Books. We are kept busy here, as India is a rather big place.”
    “ You were expecting the Egypt Branch, Books?” Eliza inquired, with a slight twitch of her lips.
    “ Well...yes,” he admitted.
    She patted her lover gently on the back. “Don’t worry, Agent Pujari, despite the antics in America and Europe, I am endeavouring to get him out more.”
    Wellington shot her an unamused look. “You really count our jaunt across Europe as time in the field?”
    “ Considering we were running for our lives whilst protecting seven children and a maid? Yes, I do,” Eliza replied tartly.
    Wellington nodded. “Point taken.”
    “ So, Agents Books and Braun,” came a mechanical voice from their left. Maulik was now rolling free of the private lift and into an office immediately to one side of him. “If you would follow me?”
    Unlike the luxuries of Dr Sound’s office in Whiterock, Maulik’s office was dramatically different. Mounted on the walls were a variety of weapons and devices Eliza recognised as equipment he once used when out in the field. Instead of a world map, one wall featured a detailed map of India. Magnets depicting different agents on assignment, a device Eliza knew from other offices, decorated the map. Along with reminders of his years in the field and the active cases on the map, his office offered a breathtaking view of the Bombay harbour.
    Perhaps Maulik Smith was uncomfortable with the responsibility of a directorship, but he seemed by all outward appearances to be settling into the position quite well.
    “ Have a seat, everyone,” he said to the three of them. As they got comfortable in their chairs, Maulik came to a stop behind his desk. “It’s just so bloody big!”
    “ You know how to handle large objects I am sure,” Eliza said, unable to ignore an opportunity to flirt.
    “ Enough of that, you wicked lass,” he replied, with a gurgle in his breather. “Oh yes, before I forget…” and he slid a folded paper to her. “From Section P. For Your Eyes Only, Eliza.”
    “ What is that?” Wellington asked.
    She shrugged. “Good news, Welly.”
    Wellington crooked an eyebrow.
    “ Keeping a promise, as it were,” she assured him. “Good news, have no fear.”
    “ So,” Maulik said, capturing their attention once more, “exactly how did your isotope trail lead you to our modest doorstep?”
    Eliza exchanged a glance with Wellington. “We were rather led here.”
    “ Last time I saw you both, you were set on the trail of Jekyll,” Maulik said, fixing them with a hard look. “You think the dark doctor has set foot here?”
    “ We boarded the African Sunset, following the trail of the isotope,” Eliza said.
    “ The isotope is still working, then?” Maulik’s hand twitched on the controls of his chair. “I’ll be buggered. Axelrod and Blackwell actually made something that exceeds expectations.”
    “ In a matter of speaking,” Wellington said. “We knew the isotope wouldn’t last for more than a month or two, and as expected, we lost his trail in Madrid. What we had not accounted for was how the isotope somehow infused itself with Jekyll’s sweat glands. At least that is Doctor Blackwell’s theory. Anyone the mad doctor comes into physical contact with is also marked with the isotope,” he said, motioning to the goggles resting on his bowler.
    “ A pair of fingerprints on one wrist’s pulse points, and a full hand imprint on Featherstone’s coat sleeve, was all we needed,” Eliza added.
    “ Featherstone?” Maulik asked. He glanced over to Vania, and then back to Eliza and Wellington. “Lord Hieronymus Featherstone? He was the one you were tracking?”
    “ Yes,” Eliza replied, feeling like there was something about to be dropped on them. She slipped her hand into Wellington’s.
    Maulik ran his hand along the black canvas hood covering his head and then slapped an