Heart of Steel - Meljean Brook [54]
“You misunderstand me. I know your life has moved away from smuggling. It is your new occupation that interests us. We will not plunder our own people, but there are treasures of value to the north, and they all belong to no one. Treasures like the da Vinci sketch you discovered.”
Archimedes’ heart gave a heavy thump. “Where did you hear of the sketch?”
“It is known that Temür possesses it.” A frown creased the counselor’s brow. “Did you not pay your debt to him?”
Did he? Christ. Did the man have the forgery or the original—or both?
He realized Hassan waited for an answer, and though it felt as if he were speaking after a blow to his stomach, he managed, “I did.”
The counselor nodded. “Then you see how such treasures might help us, though you are not Kareem’s first choice because of your former association with Temür. We’ve secured the services of another man, Vincent Ollivier, from the university in Martinique. Are you acquainted?”
He’d never heard of him. Archimedes shook his head.
“He has many maps, diaries. He has studied da Vinci’s movements during the Fifty-Years’ Siege of the Hapsburg Wall. He believes he can find the location of the clockwork army.”
For God’s sake. “He’s a fraud. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve—”
“Fraud or not, we are funding the expedition. I am certain that even if such a rare find eludes us, God willing, we might collect enough smaller items to pay our supplier. But Ollivier lacks practical experience, so I’ve persuaded Kareem that your participation is necessary . . . and that your loyalty isn’t misplaced.”
It wasn’t. His loyalty lay with Yasmeen, but this expedition might solve several of their problems. “Will you be aboard?”
“Yes, if God wills it. Kareem leaves tomorrow for the New World, hoping to win support and allies there. I will oversee the expedition.”
“Do you return to Rabat afterward?”
“That is my intention.”
“Will I be able to return with you?”
“Ah, now I see.” A chuckle resonated in the counselor’s chest. “Your debt is paid, but you wonder if you’ll be shackled the moment you step off the airship. I can promise you safe entry if God wishes you the same.”
Perfect. “I’ll want the same for my partner—and I’ll be going as Archimedes Fox. Wolfram Gunther-Baptiste is dead.”
“Of course. Are you still partnered with Bilson? I heard a rumor he was also dead, but I hoped it was not true.”
“It is. Zombies took him in Paris. The woman I’m partnered with now has ten years’ experience flying over Europe, however. There’s no question of her skill or trustworthiness.”
“If you say that, I believe you.” But doubt or worry entered the man’s eyes. “A woman?”
A step near the door prevented Archimedes from replying. Kareem al-Amazigh entered. Archimedes stood and took the measure of the future hero of Rabat. Tall and wiry, he gave the impression of strength without the added bulk of overindulgence. Soft brown eyes, a firm mouth, and a full beard suggested compassion and maturity—and a handsome face didn’t hurt his cause.
“Mr. Gunther-Baptiste.” Kareem smiled with warmth, but Archimedes could see the sharp scrutiny the man gave him, pausing briefly on his bruised jaw and rumpled clothing. “Did you win?”
“I was on my feet when I left.” No need to mention that Yasmeen had supported him. “In some fights, that’s as close to a win as a man can hope for.”
“True words, Mr. Gunther-Baptiste. I trust Hassan has relayed our needs to you?”
“He has. I need to confirm with my partner, but I’m confident we’ll be joining the expedition.”
“Excellent. We’ve secured the airship Ceres. If God wills it, she leaves tomorrow at noon.”
A pit formed in Archimedes’ stomach. With effort, he maintained his pleasant expression. “Ceres? Under Captain Guillouet?”
“You know the captain? That is good. It is always best not to begin important endeavors with surprises.” With a sweep of his hand, Kareem gestured for Archimedes to precede him to the parlor. “We searched for some time before finding an airship that didn’t include females on the crew. I believe