Suzanne Lazear - Charmed Vengeance

“Will you teach me how to shoot? I … I was considering what you’d said about defending myself.” Noli didn’t know if pistols worked in the Otherworld, but who knew when she’d return there? Knife fighting would probably help her in both worlds.

Vix’s dark eyebrows rose. “Have you asked Jeff?

I figured you were a better shot.” Noli grinned at her. She shook her head, lips twitching. “I do have to say, I think that dress is quite practical. It can get hot and stuffy down here.” Vix craned her neck. “Where is that brother of yours?”

As if on cue, Jeff sauntered out of her room, their father’s battered toolbox in his hand. “Noli, I have no idea what part you’re talking about, so I just brought your entire toolbox.

You’re the best, Jeff.” She took it from him. Toolbox. Good call. She’d been using the ships’ tools since most of those were specific to fixing airships. But she could have something special in there, Vix wouldn’t know.

“I’ll help, if you’d like.” Jeff pulled on a spare set of goggles. “I know a little about engines.”

“Well, I suppose. I hear you had an excellent teacher.” She laughed; their father had taught the both of them. After he disappeared, Jeff had continued to help her build, and invent.

Vix rolled her eyes, lips still twitching. “I’ll leave you to your repairs. Noli, remember, you can’t disembark without Jeff.”

“I know.” She took a deep breath in attempt to slow her racing heart.

“We’ve already got plans.” Jeff smiled at Vix and waggled his eyebrows. “If you’re a good captain maybe we’ll bring you back something.”

Laughter bubbled from Vix’s lips. “You two are very strange. Oh.” Her laughter stopped. “We brought on a new crewmember for a trial. Where he could be perfectly fine, I don’t trust him yet, so steer clear.”

Noli blinked, trying to understand what she meant.

“Asa, Thad, even Winky, I trust them with my life— and I know they won’t lay a hand on you. But him … ” She shook his head. “Be careful around him.”

“Yes, sir.” A new crew member?

“That’s all. As you were.” She left.

As soon as the door closed, a sigh of relief shuddered through Noli. That was close.

What did you do? Noli cried mentally at the sprite. Do you understand how much trouble we could have been in?

But this is so boring, the sprite whined. We’ve been doing this for days. I did a good job. The engine is so pretty. The pink ribbons add a nice touch.

Ribbons? Sure enough pink ribbons festooned the engines. Do you want to get thrown off the ship—or worse, sent to an asylum? Do you know what those places are like? They make Findlay House look like a seaside resort.

The sprite wouldn’t know—or care—about the dreadful Findlay House since she didn’t like unpleasant things. But Noli remembered. Suddenly, she was back there, strapped to the table, water pouring over her face, choking her.

“Noli, Noli look at me.” Jeff’s voice sliced through her panic as he crouched in front of her, both hands cupping her face. “Shhh, it’s all right.”

“I …I can’t breathe.” Her lungs screamed for air, but water filled her mouth and nose.

He pulled her to his chest. “Yes, you can, just take a deep breath. In, out, in, out.”

“The water, the water is choking me.” Over and over all she could see, all she could feel was the deluge of ice cold water.

“No it’s not,” Jeff soothed. “There’s no water here. Just me and you in the engine room aboard the Vixen’s Revenge.”

“Make her stop,” Noli cried, unable to get a good breath in before the water continued. “Make Miss Gregory stop, I can’t breathe.”

“I’ll make her stop, Noli,” Jeff whispered, stroking her hair. “I’ll make her stop. She won’t hurt you ever again. I promise.”

He whispered to her over and over until she remembered that she wasn’t at Findlay.

“That’s my girl.” He smiled at her, but it was a worried smile.

“They tried to break me.” Noli’s voice cracked. “They tried to take away everything that was me until I was naught but a vapid pile of mush.” Memories of Findlay made her tremble. “If … If … ” Her mouth clamped shut. She couldn’t tell him about the wish or the Otherworld.

Jeff’s eyes bore into her. “My word, what did they do to you?”

She looked away, shame consuming her.

And this is why I don’t think about unpleasant things , the sprite retorted.

Jeff’s hand grazed her cheek and for a moment he reminded her so much of their father her heart ached.

“There’s grease on your cheek,” he told her, wiping it off with his fingers.

“Hazards of the job.” She flashed him a weak grin.

He held up a gear shaft. “Let’s get this engine put back together. Then I’ll take you off ship. What would you like to do?”

“I want to go to a park.” The words slipped out, but she wanted to see trees, feel the bark under her hands, play in the dirt. Her roses were nice but not enough. “We could go on a picnic,” she added, trying to cover her odd request. “Like we used to with Mama.” Before their father had disappeared they’d gone on a picnic in the park nearly every Sunday the weather was pleasant. Actually, it sounded like a good idea.

“Noli, we’re in Denver and it’s winter. There’s snow on the ground. But,” he gave her a gentle smile, eyes still brimming with concern. “I understand wanting to go outside. It can be a little much being cooped up—especially at first. I never thought ask if you wanted me to take you up top—sorry.”

“It’s all right.” She smiled back, then held up a wrench. “Now, let’s see how much you remember.”

Having changed into the blue bustle dress she’s worn to the pier, Noli positioned her derby hat, the one with the bird on it, on her head, smoothing her hair to cover the points of her ears in the process. The engine had been reassembled, the pink ribbons put away. The paint, however, didn’t seem to want to come off. Excitement at being off the ship and back among the plants and trees bubbled inside her as she pulled on her cape and gloves. Perhaps she could find a clip for the watch chain while they were out. Progress was slow, but the pattern was turning out beautifully.

Voices came from the bridge as she approached, looking for Jeff. Did they realize exactly how far their voices carried? The small ship was quiet, everyone but Vix and Jeff off ship.

“I don’t know if I like this,” Vix said. “But I trust you.

Everything will be fine,” Jeff replied.

“I hope so. So, do I even want to know what happened back there in the engine room?” Vix’s tone made Noli squirm in her dainty black boots.

“No, you don’t,” Jeff replied. “But we got everything put together and cleaned up, mostly.”

“Is this going to become a problem ? Yes, she’s your sister and I understand that she’s been through who knows what. Still, I must maintain order aboard my ship and if she’s going to put us in danger—”

“Give her a chance. I’m her older brother; it’s my job to take care of her. You know exactly what will happen if we send her to Boston,” Jeff retorted, frustration tingeing his voice.

“She wants to go to the university, perhaps we should help her with that sooner than later.” It sounded as if Vix paced the small bridge. Again.

“Not yet. If something happens, who’s going to take care of her? They hurt her at that school, and it’s a place for ladies of gentle breeding. I can’t stomach the idea of someone sending her to someplace even worse. ”