A Clockwork Heart by Liesel Schwarz Page B

the affair, but the lad was hell-bent on finding a way to save her. He was in search of a cure for her when he disappeared, along with the earl’s valet.”
    â€œI see,” said Marsh.
    â€œAnd well, we suspect that Shadow creatures were involved. He was last seen following one of those traveling folk out of the Black Stag. It’s in the docklands. I don’t expect you know it.”
    Marsh flinched at the commissioner’s use of what was a slightly pejorative term, but for the first time since he sat down Marsh felt his interest piqued. “But the traveling folk are not necessarily connected to the Shadow. And besides, creatures of Shadow can only cross into the Realm of Light if they speak a binding oath to do no harm.”
    Willoughby nodded. “Yes, that may be so, but there are reports of strange things going on in the dark of night.”
    â€œSuch as?”
    Willoughby reddened and took a quick sip from his glass. “Perhaps another time. We are here to discuss the business of the Mallorys.”
    Marsh frowned. “In almost all cases, a broken oath would mean instant death to the creature in question. Of course the Nightwalkers, wolves and other half-shadow creatures who were created on the Light side are the exception, but surely you are not insinuating that someone has found a way around the decree?”
    Willoughby held up his hands. “No. Not in so many words. I am simply sharing my suspicions.”
    The last sip of Marsh’s brandy burned his throat as he swallowed it down. He was starting to see why Willoughby had called on him. It was true that Shadow creatures did no harm in the Light, so their usual modus operandi was to abduct victims to the Shadow side where anything was possible. Usually these attempts failed, but if someone or something out there had found a way around the barrier, there could be trouble.
    â€œThis is really a matter that should be reported to the Council. They are more than equipped to deal with situations such as these,” Marsh said. “And you know well enough that I am no longer a member of the Council. I am finished with the Ministry. Retired.”
    Willoughby coughed. “We were hoping that we wouldn’t have to create an international incident by notifying the Council. Matters are so delicate politically at the moment. We were hoping that you might agree to make a few discreet inquiries. See if there are Shadow creatures out there that are up to no good. At least that way we will know what we are dealing with before we sound the alarm.”
    Marsh nodded slowly. He felt a profound sense of worry unfurl in him. Had the incident with the alchemists in Constantinople upset the balance of things that much? But Elle said that there was nothing wrong with the divide. She performed her duties as Oracle when they arose as she had promised. Not that she actually cared for the cause or even appreciated the sacrifices that had been made, he thought in a surprise moment of bitterness.
    â€œTell me what you know.” Marsh sat forward and spoke in a low voice.
    Willoughby nodded. “We’ve had an increase in complaints from people who have had loved ones go missing over the last week. One or two of the workhouses have been found empty. It was as if someone had gone into the building and cleared everyone out overnight. These people had simply disappeared, leaving everything as it stood.”
    â€œIs that so?” Marsh said.
    â€œIt only happens when the fog is thick. People go out into the night and simply never come back. It’s a most curious state of affairs. And then there are the rumors …”
    â€œRumors?” Marsh said.
    â€œSomething about creatures people are calling the Tickers. It’s all probably just rumors that have gone wrong, but apparently groups of two or three of these so-called Tickers are prowling the streets at night, stealing people away. But none of my men have ever seen