Theodosia and the Staff of Osiris-Theo 2 by R. L. Lafevers, Yoko Tanaka Page B

of course. But what's wrong? You're as pale as a sheet!"
    "Nuffink. Just want to go out a different way than I came in. That's all."
    "Well ... we've another entrance on the west side of the building. Or you can use the delivery entrance."
    Will paused a moment. "'E prob'ly won't know about that one. Let's use the delivery one."
    "Very well." I led Will across the hall, trying to think of a way to get him to tell me what was wrong.
    "Theodosia!" Father's voice came from far away, and it didn't sound happy.
    "Come
on
." I grabbed Will's hand and broke into a run.
"We've got to get you out of here before we both get in loads of trouble." When we reached the loading dock, it was empty. No doubt everyone was still in the foyer, being questioned by the police.
    I led Will over to the exit, and he poked his head out to look around. "All clear," he announced, then slipped outside. "Good luck wiv your father. 'Ope you're not in too much hot water."
    "I'll be fine. Now, remember! Wigmere needs to get that message as soon as poss—" But before I had finished my sentence, Will had disappeared.
    I shut the door, then headed for Father's office. As I approached, I heard raised voices coming from within. One of them was Inspector Turnbull's.
    "If you're not involved with these stolen mummies, Throckmorton, do you care to tell me why the Grim Nipper's been hanging around?"
    "Who? I have no idea what you're talking about! Who is this Grim Reaper fellow?"
    "Grim Nipper." Turnbull spoke slowly and loudly, as if addressing a deaf person. "He's only one of the most notorious kidsmen in all of London. Known for moving hard-to-fence stuff, too. My constable spotted him outside in the crowd this morning."
    "Well, he's not here at my request, I can assure you of
that! Now, where is that daughter of mine? Theodosia!" He poked his head into the hallway. "Oh! There you are! What took you so long?"
    I stepped into the room, only to find myself scrutinized by Grandmother Throckmorton, Admiral Sopcoate, and Inspector Turnbull. Luckily, there was no sign of Miss Sharpe.
    "Where on earth have you been, child?" Mum rushed forward.
    "I was on my way to the reading room, trying to keep out of everyone's way."
    "And where is Miss Sharpe, then?" Grandmother asked.
    "I don't know, Grandmother. She hasn't been in yet this morning." Which wasn't a lie. Exactly. She hadn't been
inside
the museum yet.
    "Hmph," she snorted, and I must say, it was quite pleasant to have her snorting at someone else for a change.
    "Yes, well, the admiral has invited us to tour his battleship, the
Dreadnought,
today," Father explained. "Obviously your mother and I can't go because of all this unpleasantness, but your grandmother wants you to go anyway—"
    Grandmother interrupted him. "It will be an excellent educational opportunity. With or without Miss Sharpe," she added.
    This felt like a most inopportune time to be away from the
museum, what with Inspector Turnbull breathing down Father's neck and Grim Somebodies being spotted outside.
    At my hesitation, Grandmother brought her cane down on the floor, the effect somewhat muffled by the Turkish carpet. "Nonsense. Of course you're going. You'll not throw away an opportunity to see Britain's shining star firsthand. Now, what are you waiting for? Go get your things. We haven't got all day."
    Knowing arguing would be futile, I said, "Yes, ma'am," then hurried to get my coat.
    And my hat. I knew only too well Grandmother would just send me back for it if I left it behind.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN
The
Dreadnought
    O NCE WE WERE SETTLED in Grandmother's carriage, Admiral Sopcoate rapped on the ceiling, signaling the driver to be on his way. As we began down the street, we passed a small, familiar-looking figure racing along. With a shock, I recognized Will. I started to wave, then stopped myself. Grandmother would never approve. A short distance behind Will I spotted an even shorter figure nearly swallowed up in a too-large morning coat and an