The Whispering Skull (Lockwood & Co., #2)

by Jonathan Stroud

The lantern-light played on his thin, pale face, catching the elegant outline of his nose and his flop of ruffled hair.

As usual, just looking at him gave me confidence.

It was hard to say no to him. It always is.

Perhaps it’s my set-up here – having my own agency, no one to answer to, with fine companions at my side.’ He caught my eye and smiled.

‘Oh, come on. You love all that mystery about him. Just like you love that pensive, far-off look he does sometimes, as if he’s brooding about important matters, or contemplating a tricky bowel movement. Don’t try to deny it. I know.’

As always, the full warmth of his approval made me feel a little flushed.

I trust her with my life.

He grinned; it was that warm smile that made everything seem simpler, ready to click perfectly into place.

‘Lucy, you look delightful,’ he said. ‘George, you’ll have to do. Oh, here’s something for you, Luce. Might go well with that excellent dress.’ He took my hand, and placed in it a necklace of pretty silver links, with a small diamond suspended as a pendant. It was really very beautiful.

‘Yes, this is just about the efficiency I’d expect from Lockwood and Co.,’ he said. ‘What next? Lockwood comes in, trips over and impales himself on his sword?’

He picked up the plate. ‘Biscuit, Luce?’ ‘Thanks.’