At the front of the balcony Mary looked down on the crowd. Speedo, having been a finder, was still intimidated by large vapors of Afterlights. Finders were usually hunted down by such mobs, accused of unfair trading. It didn’t help that he was eternally in a wet bathing suit, displaying a bare belly in a pasty shade of pale. He could never get used to being Mary’s right-hand man—and he suspected she was now grooming Milos for the position. Speedo, who had no desire for power beyond the horsepower of an airship engine, would be more than happy to slip into the background when the time came—and he hoped it came soon.

“Look at all of them,” said Mary. “It hardly seems appropriate to call them a ‘vapor of Afterlights’ anymore.”

“More like an entire cloud,” suggested Speedo.

“A cumulus!” said Mary, delighted with herself. “A cumulus of Afterlights!”

Their numbers had indeed grown. A census upon Mary’s arrival revealed there to be 783 Afterlights in Chicago, including the ones she brought with her. But once word got out that Mary had settled in for an extended stay, stray Afterlights began to wander in to the Columbian Exhibition grounds—more each day. Those, plus the new arrivals waking into Everlost for the first time, brought their numbers close to a thousand now.

Nick had stolen from her more than a thousand souls. Now she had them back, and with Pugsy gone, she didn’t have to share them with anyone. This was truly a day for celebration.

“Afterlights of Chicago,” she announced to the crowd. “It is with the utmost of mixed feelings that I must announce that Pugsy Capone has chosen to leave us.”

The crowd murmured in excitement, mingled with doubt.

“He has decided to travel, and has taken a permanent leave of absence. I’m sure you all join me in wishing him everything he deserves, wherever his journey takes him.”

It began as a smattering of applause, that grew into cheers, as the crowd realized exactly what Mary was telling them.

“As Pugsy will not be coming back, I am pleased to accept the position as Governess of Chicago.”

The cheers reached a fever pitch. “Listen to them, Speedo!” Mary whispered. “Do you see how happy they are to finally be freed!”

“Where did Pugsy go?” Speedo asked her.

“Milos was so kind as to convince him to leave.” She turned back to give Milos a much-earned smile. “It’s probably best if we don’t know the details, don’t you agree?”