The feeling didn’t last, and darkness clouded his morning mood. Garrick couldn’t rest until the Timekey was destroyed and the landing pad dismantled. He wouldn’t be completely safe in this time until that happened.

Riley shall know that I am his master, even unto dust.

When this is resolved, I will need to find myself a new apprentice. A less reluctant one.

I spared the rod. That will not happen again. I will select an indigent from the Old Nichol, feed him up, and teach him respect. And if he doesn’t learn it, he shall go to the grave, as his predecessor is about to do.

Garrick cut through the park, vaulting the iron railings onto Bayley Street, just in time to see the tail of Riley’s coat disappearing into the shadowed hallway of Charles Smart’s house.

Garrick’s bloodlust rose in his throat like bile.

I shall have them both, he thought with raw savagery, then away, before the alarm is raised.

Garrick drew himself up to avoid conspicuous glances and strolled across the street, as easy as a man with nothing more on his mind than the purchase of morning coffee and sweet rolls. This casual manner was sloughed off once he put his shoulder to Charles Smart’s door and found it unbolted.

They are mine, he thought, but then urged himself toward caution.

Chevron Savano has considerable training. She is young and impetuous, but still capable of surprises.

Garrick bolted the door behind him, then drew the lasersighted pistol and walked rapidly toward the stairs. There was clattering ahead as someone went down to the basement. Garrick knew from the weight of the footfalls and the whistle of breath that it was Riley.

It is possible that the boy is slightly asthmatic? Formative years spent in London’s poisonous smog will have that effect, he realized. And soon Riley’s breathing problems will become more severe.

His own lungs were as clean as a whistle, thanks to the wormhole.

Garrick took hold of the banister with his free hand and swung himself into the stairwell, using a shoulder to check himself against the wall.

Riley was in view. Ten steps below! A piddling, easy shot.

“Riley!” he thundered, rather enjoying the melodrama. “Halt!”

The boy did not even turn, but his legs wobbled and something slipped from his hand.

The Timekey! Riley has dropped it.

Garrick could not quell an exclamation. “Aha!”

The Timekey slipped from Riley’s fingers, and the boy knew that he must be seen to return for it, or else the plan counted for nothing. He spun around, only to find Garrick already crushing the key under his heel.

“You betrayed me, orphan,” said Garrick. “And your punishment will be a slow death.”

You orphaned me, thought Riley, fury building in his heart like steam in an engine, and he attacked, which was most certainly not part of the plan.