Passionate Secrets (The Secrets Trilogy Book 2) by Lana Williams Page B

was released for a family member to pick up and I did so, with a little assistance.” He gestured toward his left leg as though to remind Vincent of his disability.
    Vincent drew a deep breath, trying to digest the information, only to wince. He touched his hand to his side and found a tender spot. “What happened to me ribs?”
    His uncle shrugged. “The plan was not without its share of mishaps. I’m afraid your body was dropped once or twice.”
    Vincent rubbed his forehead, realizing he didn’t want to know the details. A few minor aches and pains seemed a small price to pay for no longer being confined to a cell, not to mention being alive. “The police believe me dead? I don’t have to return to prison?”
    “As long as you don’t draw attention to your existence, our secret should be safe.”
    Vincent breathed a sigh of relief, grateful to have escaped life in prison a second time. For that, he definitely owed his uncle. Perhaps the time had come for him to become more committed to his uncle’s goal. “Where are we?”
    “Our new temporary quarters. I had to move once more. Inquiries were being made that caused me to be quite uncomfortable.”
    “Those lords again, eh? Along with that meddlin’ Miss Bradford.” Vincent shook his head. He still couldn’t believe they’d somehow managed to best him.
    “They are intelligent men. Now that they’ve banded together, their efforts are even more effective.” Uncle Joseph stared out the dirty window. His eyes had that far away look in them that made Vincent nervous.
    “Are ye still going to meet with ’em? Tell ’em you live?”
    “Eventually. But that time has not yet come. First, I need to make sure my plans are in place. I want them to see my vision as I do. The discovery of electromagnetism was a landmark breakthrough in science, Vincent. And we are going to take full advantage of it.”
    “Perhaps ye could explain the whole thing to me again. If I understood the experiments better, I might be of more help.” He was all too aware of what a close call he’d had. His uncle could have just as easily killed him. Vincent knew if he wanted to share in the success his uncle kept promising, he needed to become a bigger part of his plan.
    “Electromagnets are magnets that can be easily controlled by the amount of current running through them. The copper wire coiled around the magnet concentrates the magnetic field.”
    Vincent nodded. At least he understood parts of what his uncle told him, but when he started using scientific terms, comprehension escaped him.
    “Humans are electromagnetic beings,” his uncle continued. “Are you familiar with the study of electrophysiology?”
    “Can’t say as I am.” Vincent rubbed his hand over his face, no longer certain he’d understand no matter how many times his uncle explained.
    “It is the study of the electrical properties of tissue.” At Vincent’s puzzled look, he added, “Human tissue. If magnets can be used to pull and stretch matter, including tissue, we might be able to find a way to control humans using electromagnetism.”
    Vincent held his tongue. He thought his uncle a bit crazed. The vision he saw was not one that Vincent shared. Controlling people using some sort of device seemed impossible. The last few weeks had proven to him that he was a man of simple needs. All he wanted was a pint at his elbow, food in his belly, and a warm bed to lay his head. He no longer hoped to reach the stars. He only wanted to stay out of prison.
    But he wasn’t about to tell his uncle that. Else he might find himself asleep again but not waking up.
    “We have much to do, Vincent. First, we must obtain the meteorite Lord Ashbury has in order to maintain an even power source for our electromagnetic device. It’s vital for the success of our mission.”
    Vincent scowled, less than pleased with his assignment. He had no desire to deal with Lord Ashbury or the Bradford woman ever again.
     
    ~*~
     
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