Theodosia and the Serpents of Chaos-Theo 1 by R. L. Lafevers, Yoko Tanaka Read Free Book Online

around in his pockets, put a few shillings in my outstretched palm, then returned his attention to the ceremonial knife he'd just pulled out of one of Mum's trunks.
    I cast a glance up at the darkening sky. If I hurried, I mean, really hurried, I could be back before dark. Probably.
    I ran across the workroom and began thumping my way up the stairs.
    "Don't forget your coat," Father called out after me."And your hat!"
    ***
    The rain let up just enough that I thought I could make it to the pie shop and back before the gray clouds reconvened and began their second assault. It was cold, and the wind was still buffeting people this way and that. But it felt good to be outside, away from foul-smelling evil curses and artifacts and Clive Fagenbushes.
    A few blocks from the museum, the houses and shops grew smaller and the streets more narrow. The clouds were growing dark again and I realized I'd better hurry.
    It wasn't until Haddington Street that I heard the footsteps behind me. I stopped suddenly, pretending I had to rebutton my boot, and the footsteps stopped also. Slowly, I stood up, trying to think what to do. The streets weren't deserted, but there weren't very many people about. I took a few more steps, then paused to look in a nearby shop window. As I stared at bowlers and derbies, I heard the steps start up again, then stop.

    I decided the best thing to do was to make a dash for the pie shop. I sped down the street, and heaved a sigh of relief when Pilkington's Pies came into view. I yanked open the door and rushed into the shop, startling poor Mrs. Pilkington. "Goodness, luv. Ye startled me. Why the hurry?"
    Mrs. Pilkington was a wonderful person, plump and savory, just like the goods she sold. She always had a delicious aroma of buttery pastry and savory pie filling clinging to her, like a homey eau de toilette.
    "Just starving, Mrs. Pilkington. That's all."
    She gave me a knowing look. "Aye. Been keeping you cooped up in that drafty old museum too much, 'ave they?"
    "Yes, ma'am," I said, with feeling.
    "So what'll you have for your supper tonight, luv?"
    "Well, Mum's home, so I think we should get extra, just to celebrate."
    "Of course you should, dear. And how lovely, yer mum's home."
    I made my selections and, at the last moment, had Mrs. Pilkington keep one of the pies out for me to eat on the way home. I
was
famished. I picked up my purchases, stepped outside, and bit into the flaky meat pasty, nearly choking on it when I found myself smack up against the beastly little pickpocket I'd apprehended earlier at Charing Cross Station. "You!" I spluttered, ignoring the small shower of crumbs that escaped. Served him right for following me.

    "Oy, what about me?" he asked, his sharp blue eyes watching my pie with keen interest.
    "Why have you been following me? Don't lie, now."
    The urchin pulled himself up to his full height, which was a good two inches shorter than me. "I never lie," he said in a huff. "And I wasn't following you, I was following the bloke that was following you."
    My knees wobbled a bit. "Which bloke, er, gentleman?"
    "The one wot followed ye out of the station today. You know, the swarthy-looking fellow."
    I had a good idea who he meant. The fellow that had been staring at Mum's trunks. "But why?" I asked.
    "I don't know. Mebbe you 'ave somefink he wants."
    "No, no. I mean, why did you follow
him
?" I narrowed my eyes. "Are you looking for a reward?"
    He pulled back, indignant. "'Ell no! I just figured I owed ye one, miss. You not turning me in at the station earlier and all. Sticky Will always pays his debts." He eyed my package. "Um, yer supper's gettin' cold."
    I looked at the savory pie in my hand. Just minutes before it had tasted lovely. Now I couldn't bring myself to take another bite. Besides, the urchin was studying it so intently, I couldn't help but wonder when he had last eaten. "Here," I said. "Would you like it? Being followed has made me lose my appetite."

    The boy's eyes lit up, but