The Aunt Paradox (Reeves & Worcester Steampunk Mysteries) by Chris Dolley Page B

it.
    “So what is the state of the timeline now, Reeves? Henry VIII still have the requisite number of wives? Or has Dawson gone back and married them all?”
    “The timeline is most acceptable, sir. That was the purpose of my visit to the British Library. To verify the situation.”
    I was confused.
    “Are you saying you’ve fixed everything? Without me? What happened to the ethical dilemma?”
    “That was indeed most vexing, sir, but The Traveller and I came up with a passable solution.”
    “The Traveller! Is he alive?”
    “Very much so, sir. And most grateful. He sends his regards.”
    “That’s all very well, Reeves, but where’s the time machine? Dawson said he’d undo anything we did.”
    “The time machine is beyond his reach, sir. The Traveller has taken it back to the future and we have limited its appearance in the past to but a single day. Long enough to provide Mr Wells with material for his book, but no more. The Traveller used the fuel cell from the later machine to repair the old one, thus negating the need to enlist the help of Mr Dawson and the other associates.”
    “Forgive me for being critical, Reeves. But weren’t you the same Reeves who quoted Babbage at me? All that guff about butterflies and interconnectivity, and how imperative it was not to change the slightest thing as the results were unpredictable?”
    “Yes, sir. The Traveller and I debated that particular question for some considerable time. We thought we may have to make several additional interventions, but, in the end, it wasn’t necessary. It appears that the existence of a working time machine was largely withheld from the general public, who believed the machine to be a work of fiction. We also checked the lives of HG Wells, his four associates and their close companions, and though there were differences, they were not regarded as major.“
    “East Dulwich still stands then?”
    “It does, sir.”
    “What about Dawson though? Presumably if everyone’s alive then Dawson is walking around scot-free! Which irks me, Reeves. And I am not a man easily irked. He shot me. He threatened me. He framed me for murder, killed five people and had you sent to Madame Tussauds! Shouldn’t we warn the police about him?”
    “I rather suspect the police are too busy, sir.”
    “Busy, Reeves?”
    “Yes, sir. Apparently the Crown Jewels were stolen this morning.”
    “The Crown Jewels! Someone broke into the Tower?”
    “It would appear so, sir. The police should be searching Mr Dawson’s house in...” He pulled out his pocket watch and checked it. “Approximately five minutes, sir.”
    “Reeves?” I cast a suspicious eye over his eyebrows. “Is there something you’d like to tell me?”
    “I don’t think so, sir.”
    I was not going to let this go.
    “You framed Dawson?”
    “Frame is such an ugly word, sir. I think it more a case of righting an injustice.”
    “I can’t argue with that, Reeves, but ... don’t you think the Crown Jewels a touch excessive. Why not rob a small bank?”
    “It was essential to ensure Mr Dawson is convicted, sir. And the theft of the Crown Jewels is more likely to ensure that the case is prosecuted with the utmost vigour.”
    “I say, Reeves, you do know the timeline owes us seven pounds ten shillings and sixpence, don’t you?”
    “I have that recollection, sir.”
    “You didn’t happen to trouser the odd jewel, did you, when you were in the Tower?”
    Reeves coughed disapprovingly. “I did not, sir.”
    “But you agree we’re owed it?”
    “Possibly, sir.”
    “What I don’t understand is where it went. I mean, there we were handing over seven pounds ten shillings and sixpence to 1903 and — poof — it’s gone. And what about that extra necklace from the 1860s. Do the butterflies get it all?”
    “I think my pressure is dangerously low, sir.”
    “Rot, you always say that when you want to avoid answering the question.”
    I could tell Reeves was wavering. His eyebrows