I checked my watch. I’d made quick work of my errands, so I thought I might add one more without being suspiciously late to return home. I hurried toward the Mechanics’ headquarters and knocked on the door.

I had my insignia ready to show, but when the door opened, Nat greeted me. “Verity!”

“Hello, Nat,” I said. “I’ve been wondering about you, since I haven’t seen you selling newspapers this week. I suppose this has been a difficult time for newspaper sales.”

“Are you kidding? It’s been the best ever. I can’t go up into magpie land, but I sell out first thing in the morning. If this keeps up, I’ll be rich soon.”

“That’s good to hear. I was worried.”

“You really are a nice girl, Verity. What brings you down here?”

“I’ve got some important information I need to pass on, if Alec, Colin, or Lizzie is around.”

“I don’t know about Lizzie, but Colin and Alec are in there.” He stepped back from the door. “Go on through, you’ll find them up in the balcony.”

I found the stairs at the rear of the auditorium and made my way up. A large table at the end of the balcony held piles of documents, including maps of the city and diagrams of machines. Alec and Colin stood at the table, bent over a city map. Mick stood at Alec’s elbow, leaning over the map like he was part of the planning.

“Alec!” I called out, my pulse quickening at the sight of him. He wore no coat and his shirtsleeves were rolled up to his elbows, which made him look like a man of action.

He straightened, turned, and moved toward me, saying, “Verity? What are you doing here?” Before I could answer, he’d caught me in an embrace and kissed me as though he’d been wanting to do so for days.

I was equally pleased to see him, so much so that I almost forgot my errand. My senses finally returned, and I pulled away enough to say, “I have information I thought was worthy of bringing in person.”

He slid his hands from my back down to my waist and held me in the circle of his arms. “How did you get all the way down here?”

“I’m on an errand.” I held up my parcel. “I had to buy some ribbon and, apparently, the only suitable shop is near here.”

Colin whistled in appreciation. “That’s good thinking, Verity.”

“I would love to take credit for being so clever, but it was pure happenstance. The eldest girl was in desperate need of ribbon, and Lord Henry wouldn’t let her come to this part of town.”

“But he allowed you?” Alec’s color rose, as though he was offended on my behalf.

I couldn’t help but laugh. “Yes, and it’s a good thing, too, so calm down.”