Quicksilver - Amanda Quick [64]
“Because J & J and Arcane hunt the same monsters?”
Owen smiled. “I predict a long and profitable partnership.”
TWENTY-FOUR
Mr. Sweetwater is going to escort both of us to the reception tonight?” Charlotte emerged from an aisle of bookshelves, a stack of leather-bound volumes cradled in her arms. “Good heavens, Virginia, what do you think you are doing?”
“Trying to find a killer,” Virginia said.
Charlotte set the stack of books on the table. “Does that sort frequent social affairs?”
“Mr. Sweetwater seems to think this one will definitely be at the reception.”
“Why?”
“Because the monster is associated with the Institute.”
Charlotte pondered that briefly. “Well, it is certainly true that everyone with any connection whatsoever to the Institute will attend the affair tonight. Those who don’t show up will be notable by their very absence. But how will you explain him to people at the reception?”
“I had not planned to explain the killer’s presence to anyone.”
“That is not amusing. You know very well I meant how will you explain Mr. Sweetwater? It is one thing to allow people to think that you have agreed to let him study you, but the reception is not a venue for demonstrations of paranormal powers. It is a social occasion. You know what people will say.”
“The awkwardness of the situation did occur to me, but oddly enough, after visiting the scenes of several murders in the past few days and concluding that I may be next on the killer’s list, I find that I no longer care what people say about my association with Mr. Sweetwater.”
Charlotte brightened. A knowing look illuminated her eyes.
“Well, that explains it,” she said, satisfied. “And just when did you plan to confide in your closest friend? I refer to myself, of course.”
“What are you talking about?”
“There is something different about you lately. At first I thought it was the excitement of pursuing a murder inquiry. That would certainly be more than enough to thrill the senses. But I had a feeling that there was more to it.”
“Such as?” Virginia picked up the old book on top of the pile and opened it to the title page. A Treatise on the Art of Summoning Spirits in Looking Glasses. “Are these all of the books you have that touch on glasslight?”
“All of those that appeared to contain useful information.”
Virginia considered the stack of books in front of her. “There aren’t very many, are there?”
“Much of what has been written on the subject is superstitious nonsense. I didn’t think you would want to waste time on works of magic and the occult.”
“No, of course not.” Virginia tapped the big book she had opened. “But this appears to be a book on summoning spirits. What is that, if not superstitious nonsense?”
“Like many glass-readers, Llewellyn did not fully understand what he was viewing when he looked into mirrors. That doesn’t mean he did not have some fascinating observations to make. And stop trying to avoid the subject of Mr. Sweetwater. Your relationship with him involves more than the investigation, does it not?”
Virginia sighed. “Is it that obvious?”
“It is to me.” Charlotte smiled. “I have the distinct impression that you are no longer interested in booking an appointment with Dr. Spinner for one of his hysteria treatments.”
Virginia felt herself turning red. “To be honest, the prospect of being treated with an electrical device was always somewhat worrisome.”
“The dangers of electricity are well known.” Charlotte’s smile faded into an expression of concern. “But I think you may be facing another sort of danger.”
“Trust me, I am well aware of the risk involved in hunting a murderer.”
“I am speaking of your liaison with Mr. Sweetwater,” Charlotte said gently. “Do not mistake me. I am thrilled that you are embarking on a glorious affair. Indeed, I envy you. But try to maintain some perspective.”
Virginia raised her brows. “Perspective?”
“You must not lose your heart to Mr. Sweetwater. He will surely break it, even if he does not intend to do so. He comes from a different