Escaping from Houdini (Stalking Jack the Ripper #3)

by Kerri Maniscalco

“Mephistopheles and Houdini aren’t the only ones in possession of tricks. You ought to see what I can do with my—”

I stood there, unmoving, wondering if I’d just unintentionally changed my future. Fate was a fickle thing.

“I’m sure Mr. Cresswell will be vexed by that declaration as well. Second place is, well, not first, is it? Though it’s something he’ll have to get used to, especially the more he’s around me.

“Making up your mind about a person before getting to know them makes you susceptible to true evil.

“The greatest trick of all is dreaming without limits.”

There was no world I wanted to live in where Thomas Cresswell wasn’t a part of it. No matter the odds stacked against us, I’d fight for him until I drew in my last, shuddering breath. Even in death I’d never stop coming for those who threatened my family. Because that’s what Thomas had become. He was mine—I’d chosen him just as he’d chosen me, and I’d defend him with everything I had. Our friendship had caught fire and blazed with something powerful and untamed. Something I’d been foolish to ever doubt.

I love you, I thought, rallying against the blackness. More than all the stars in the universe. In this life and ever after. I love you.