The Tower's Alchemist (The Gray Tower Trilogy, #1)

CHAPTER NINETEEN

  After I parted ways with Adelaide, I took a ferry up through the English Channel and landed in Portsmouth, where Richard awaited me. When he saw how uneasy I looked, he ushered me into the back seat of the car and quickly took off. I had borrowed a scarf from Adelaide to wrap around my neck so that the imperium collar wouldn’t be exposed—it wasn’t something you’d necessarily want seen. There’s no telling who else would recognize it and would want to take advantage.

  Richard cleared his throat. “This must’ve been a tough one. Only once or twice have I seen you come back this way.”

  My hand went to the scarf, but I forced it back down. “It turned out to be one of my toughest, but...I’m glad I made it. Is Agent Warren in London?”

  “Yes, do you need him for something?”

  “Have him meet us at Brown’s.”

  “You want to go to a hotel? Don’t you think we ought to get to Baker Street?”

  His tone of voice told me that he felt uncomfortable with the idea, which didn’t surprise me. Richard liked doing things by the book, and protocol dictated that he take me directly to SOE headquarters.

  “Please, it’s important. And I’m not exaggerating when I say it’s a matter of life and death.”

  Richard sighed. “If Warren isn’t there within an hour, then I’m taking you to Baker Street, and you’ll have to try to reach him from there. Understood?”

  “Yes. Thank you.”

  I began nodding off, and felt my eyelids droop. Adelaide and I had been so anxious after our escape from Bilbao that we didn’t even sleep. My throat felt itchy and dry, and my stomach threatened rebellion if I didn’t eat anything soon. However, I felt so exhausted that a nap appealed to me more than a meal. I finally gave in and closed my eyes, only vaguely hearing Richard tell me that he was glad that I had safely returned.