The Map of Chaos by Félix J. Palma Read Free Book Online

played on his fleshy lips. The man on his left was a redhead, almost as tall as he was, and looked strong enough to juggle oxen. On his right stood a much younger man with a jutting jaw and a penetrating gaze. He looked agile rather than strong, capable of dodging all the oxen the redhead might throw at him. Both men were holding guns, marking them out as hired thugs of the man they were flanking, who in turn was pointing a strange device at Robert Louis. The automaton was standing next to the wall, where it had gone after drawing back the curtain, slumped forward like a rag doll, its arms dangling at its sides and the red light of its eyes extinguished. Wells supposed that, if pointed at an ornithopter, that thing could bring it down, and he couldn’t help wondering about the circuitry it contained.
    â€œMr. Murray, how nice to see you again!” Charles pretended to be pleased but made no move to approach him. “You’ve arrived in time for tea; please sit down and join us, if you wish.”
    The Master of Imagination put his device away in his coat pocket and, remaining where he was, studied Charles for a few seconds, smiling at him almost affectionately.
    â€œYou’re too kind, Professor, only I didn’t come here to drink tea with you.”
    â€œNaturally, naturally,” Charles said, glancing uneasily at Wells and Jane, who were standing close to each other only a few yards from the hole, scarcely daring to move. “I—I imagine you came for your money. I—I’m aware the payment was due a fortnight ago, but we scientists are the most absentminded people on the planet,” he laughed, twisting the hem of his jacket between his fingers. “Although you were kind enough to remind me in your amiable and not in the slightest bit intimidating telegram, which makes my lateness all the more inexcusable . . . However, let us not dwell on that!” Dodgson declared excitedly. “As you can see, the m-magic hole is almost finished, and it is going make me extremely r-rich, so that I shall be able to pay you back double the amount you generously lent me. For any trouble I’ve caused—”
    â€œIs that so?” Murray grinned from the doorway. “You are truly generous, Professor. Unfortunately, I’m not interested in your money.”
    With that, he walked over to the shelves containing the pile of musical boxes, wearing a smile of feigned curiosity. Despite his heavy build, his movements were effortless and possessed an almost sensual elegance. Charles, struggling to overcome his bewilderment, watched Murray run his finger over the lids of a few of the boxes.
    â€œDo you have any idea how much I am worth, Professor?” he asked, lifting the lid of an ebony box and setting off a jingle imported straight from childhood. He let the melody float in the air for a moment before imprisoning it once more. Then he looked at Dodgson, who shook his head. “You don’t? Neither do I: my fortune is incalculable.” He pressed his lips together with an air of disappointment. “And yet, even with an incalculable fortune, I am unable to have everything I want. Alas, there are many things I cannot buy. Can you imagine what they are, Professor? No, I see that you can’t . . . Perhaps that is because you have never needed them. I’m referring to dignity, admiration, respect . . .” Murray gave a chilling laugh while Charles contemplated him with mounting unease. “You look surprised, Professor . . . Perhaps you assume that a man in my profession wouldn’t care about such things. But you see, I do care, I care a great deal.” He sighed theatrically. “I’m tired of the hypocrisy of this world. You and countless others like you consume the drug I produce . . .” Dodgson and Wells exchanged worried looks. Like everyone else, they knew Murray had not amassed his fortune through being