“But the Mews is on an island,” I protested.

“She swam out into the lagoon, knocked someone out of a boat, and stole it. We found out when we pulled the boatman out of the water.”

I failed to smother a laugh. That sounded like Zaira, all right. But Marcello wasn’t smiling. I remembered what he’d said, about how if we let her go, she’d be dead within the week.

“Do you think she’s in danger?” I asked.

“I have to assume so,” he said. “Especially given the escalating tension with Ardence. I hate to ask when it’s my own mistake that caused this, but … Will you help me find her before someone unsavory does?”

“Of course. What can I do to help?”

“I knew you’d say that. Thank you, my lady.” Warmth flickered in his eyes. It could have been pride, or affection. I wasn’t sure what to do with either. “If you get close, you may be able to detect her presence, since you’re linked. But it won’t work from farther away, and I have no idea where to start looking.”

“I do,” I said.

“You do? Where?”

“We need to go to the Tallows, to find a ragpicker.”

Chapter Ten

A chill crept into the early-autumn air, stealing into the narrow spaces between the buildings as shadows swallowed the Tallows. I was glad I’d thought to throw on a coat, though the fine plum velvet and the white lace at my throat and wrists marked me out of place in a district of wool and patches. Lieutenant Verdi, in his scarlet uniform, stood out even more. Moving among tired laborers heading home for the evening, we might as well have worn masquerade costumes.

It was no wonder no one would answer our questions.

As we paused on a bridge, a pair of soldiers reported their lack of findings to Marcello, saluted, and hurried off to continue their search. I didn’t catch everything they said, but one of them mentioned a familiar name.

“Have you learned anything more about Orthys?” I asked Marcello.

He grimaced. “He smuggles dream poppies into the Empire from Vaskandar. I had people look into him after we picked up Zaira. Unsavory at best, with a rough crew backing him.”

“Dream poppies! I’m surprised the Council hasn’t had him arrested already.”

Marcello eyed me sideways. “Well, rumor has it he’s provided useful information to the Council, and they’ve turned a blind eye. But he’s been pushing his luck, being too brazen and committing other crimes. I suspect his days of escaping official notice are over.” He gazed out over the bridge, scanning the water traffic. “That won’t save Zaira tonight if he’s out for vengeance, though.”