“That’s … an enormous understatement.” Nyssa scowled, leveling a fiery gaze at the woman. “That man killed my employer. My … my friend.”
The woman’s lips pursed. “I am sorry for your loss.”
“We need to go to the police station, file a report, get that criminal off the streets.” Nyssa’s fingers tightened around the straps of her satchel until they hurt.
“That isn’t advisable. My competitor’s methods are barbaric, but he has an unsettling amount of influence. With little more than your word against his, he’ll never see punishment for his deeds. He’s done far worse in the past.”
“Your competitor? Who is he? Who are you?”
“My name is Albriet. That man represents a rival interest, after the same thing as my employer.”
Nyssa flattened her shoulder blades against the back of her seat. Did I jump into a trap?
“What do you want with me? The man said something about a job, but I don’t do that any more. I’m not a thief.”
“What that man wanted from you was thievery. What I want is simple ‘asset recovery.’ And you will be richly rewarded.”
“Thanks but no thanks. Please stop this car. I’ll take my chances with the police.”
Albriet’s blue eyes narrowed. “That would be a mistake. As I said, my competitor has influence. If he has his sights set on you, there’s no safety for you anywhere in New Taured. Your only chance is to get out of the country, flee, leave your name and your life behind and don’t look back.”
Cold washed over Nyssa. “How?”
“My employer can finance that.”
“I don’t see how your employer is any different from the competition, if you’re after the same thing.” Nyssa removed her tinted glasses. She folded them and slipped them in her vest pocket. “You want me to rob someone, don’t you?”
“The difference is in the right of possession. Have you heard of Professor Dalhart?”
“Of course. Everyone has. He invented half the machines in Mr. Calloway’s shop.” The mention of her employer’s name sent another pang through her chest. She clamped her mouth shut and lowered her eyes. Not going to cry now. Not now.
“Indeed he did. A brilliant mind, but incredibly eccentric. No head for business. In fact, in spite of his brilliance, his company lost money for several years until he took on my employer as an investor and partner.” A cold smile flitted across Albriet’s lips.
“Your employer is Mr. Rivera? Of Dalhart & Rivera?” Nyssa tilted her head to one side. What could the richest man in New Taured want with me?
“The same. You see, Dalhart became a recluse in his later years. After his wife passed, he moved himself and his young son, Ellis, to a large estate at the edge of the city and became a virtual shut in, cared for by an army of servants. However, after a few years, he dramatically reduced his staff in favor of a mechanized approach.” Albriet smoothed her skirts with white-gloved hands.
“Mechanized?” Nyssa leaned forward.
“Yes. While Professor Dalhart is best known for the videophones that bear his name, he had a passion for computers and robotics. In fact, he promised Mr. Rivera inventions that would revolutionize both fields. Imagine, no more factory workers crushed under dangerous equipment or coal miners forced to slave underground to supply our steam plants.” Albriet’s eyes glinted. “If Dalhart’s promises had come to fruition, manpower would have been replaced by machine-power.”
“But they didn’t. I guess I was under the impression that Dalhart had passed on.”
“He might have.” Albriet shrugged. “No one is sure.”
Nyssa’s eyebrows drew together. “What do you mean, 'no one is sure'?”
“A little over four years ago, all traffic in and out of Dalhart Manor ceased. Up until that point, Dalhart had been reclusive, but his staff and son were often seen going about their business. Then one day, half the staff was unexpectedly let go, and the remaining half … well, one of them resurfaced about three years ago. A passing motorist nearly hit her in the road outside the manor. She was raving incoherently about monsters, passed away in an asylum a few month’s later.” The carriage went over a bump.
“Three years ago? And no one investigated?” Nyssa shuddered.
“Oh people tried, but Dalhart Manor is like a fortress. Few dare to brave it.” Albriet gazed out the window. Houses and shops flew by. Nyssa didn’t recognize this part of town.
Nyssa chewed her bottom lip. She had a lot of questions but didn’t wish to be drawn into this mess. Showing too much interest wasn’t an option. “What does this have to do with me?”
“As Dalhart’s business partner, Mr. Rivera has a right to all his papers. Even incomplete, his research is worth a fortune. We have made several attempts to recover it, but the manor has defeated our agents. We need someone with specific skills.”
“Burglary skills.” Nyssa nodded. “So I’m assuming someone is still alive inside that manor, stopping your men from getting what they want?”
“Maybe.” Albriet shrugged again.
“They didn’t tell you what they found? If the place looked lived in or abandoned? If they saw anyone?” Nyssa raised her eyebrows.
Albriet reached up and adjusted her fascinator.
Realization crept over Nyssa. “They didn’t come back, did they?”
“No. If you must know, several agents have failed to return. We’re assuming our competition is making similar attempts, in spite of their lack of legal claim to the information, but so far the manor has refused to give up its secrets.”
“And what makes you think I can succeed where they failed?” Goosebumps prickled beneath Nyssa's sleeves. She reached into her satchel and re-donned her peacoat.
“Would you like a blanket?” Albriet arched an eyebrow.
“I’m fine. Why me? I’m not the only burglar in New Taured, plus I’m only sixteen and out of practice.”
“Yes, well, when I realized you’d caught the attention of the competition, I looked into you to see why. Your record as a thief was quite impressive, but since then, you’ve added electrician's training and videophone repair. I assume you know your way around a basic
