Black London 05 - Soul Trade

something like Purgatory itself, the way Dante understood it.”
    “That’s a lot of shit and you know it.”
    Pete and Donovan both whirled and gaped at Jack, standing unsteadily in the door of the tomb, supporting himself against the jamb on one side and a hand on Margaret’s shoulder on the other.
    “Jack!” Pete went to himand examined him, even though he tried to wave her off.
    “Don’t fuss,” he said. “I’m fine.”
    “You look like a pile of entrails shat out on a sidewalk,” Pete told him. “But I’m just glad you’re awake. Try to stay that way.”
    “I hardly think I made up something that’s happening in front of your eyes for my own amusement, boy,” Donovan said. “I’m only telling you based on what I’ve seen.”
    “Voidsof magic that grant you eternal life and power?” Jack grumbled. “Yeah, tell me another.”
    “How long exactly were you eavesdropping?” Donovan demanded. Pete felt a smile twitch over her face.
    “Long enough,” Jack said. “Just because you’re stuck doesn’t mean we have to hang around here.” He looked at Pete. “We did what Morgenstern wanted. Now we’re leaving. Aren’t we, Margaret?”
    Margaret lookedbetween Pete and Jack with wide eyes, and Pete soothed her with a hand. “Don’t put her in the middle of your fight with Donovan, Jack.”
    Jack’s jaw knotted up, and his hands twitched. “Donovan, is it? Haven’t you two gotten cozy.”
    “Enough,” Pete said. “You know it’s not like that, so stop trying to pick a fight with me. You’re going to stay with Margaret, and I’m going to try to find a way toget in touch with Morwenna.”
    She grabbed Donovan’s arm and drew him close. “You need to say to Jack what you said to me. And don’t start anything while I’m gone.”
    “Your wish is my command, my dear,” he purred, and Pete shoved him away before she could get any of Donovan’s slime on her.
    “No,” Jack said, causing Pete to pause in mid-stride.
    “What d’you mean, no?” she said.
    “No, you’re not runningout there by yourself,” Jack said. He pointed at his father. “Go with her.”
    Judging by his expression, Donovan was at least as surprised as Pete at his son’s pronouncement. “I don’t think she’ll have me, Jackie,” he said. “She’s only got eyes for you, and being the hero of the hour.”
    “Fuck off,” Pete said. It wouldn’t be such a bad idea to have another body around. At least Donovan could keepthe villagers off her arse long enough to figure out how to get in touch with Morwenna. “You better keep up,” she told Donovan. “If you fall behind, that’s where you’re staying.”
    “Mercenary and cold, just like I like my women,” Donovan said. “Lead the way then, Ice Princess. I’ll follow you anywhere.”

 
    21.
    Pete decided to skirt the village, staying to the side streets, and she walked in silence with Donovan until they reached the police call box she’d spotted on her way into Overton. It felt like months ago. Had it really been less than three days since she’d come to this place?
    A dial tone buzzed encouragingly in her ear when she picked up, and she used her old code from the Met to bypassthe direct line and dial out. Whatever was fouling the lines in town had missed the rickety call box. Morwenna picked up before the phone had even completed one ring.
    “I trust you’re calling with good news, Petunia.”
    Pete cast a look at Donovan and forced a smile into her voice. “Would I be calling with bad, Morwenna?”
    Donovan lunged forward at the mention of Morwenna’s name, but Pete knockedhim back with the force of her glare. Trust me, she mouthed, though at this moment she couldn’t care less what happened to Jack’s father. He was in bed with black magic, and he deserved what he got. Much as she resented calling in the cavalry, she wasn’t leaving Margaret and Jack to be consumed by the infection spreading through the village.
    “That depends on if you’re going to tell me you foundCrotherton,” Morwenna said.
    “Oh,” Pete said, gripping the phone at the memory of the Killigans’ basement. “I found him, all right. There’s much more, Morwenna—”
    “And the Prospero Society’s agent?” Morwenna snapped. Pete sighed.
    “Right next to me,” she said.
    “Excellent. We’ll be there shortly,” Morwenna said.
    “I don’t think you understand…” Pete started again, but Morwenna cut her off.
    “Youcan explain it all to me in