Escaping from Houdini (Stalking Jack the Ripper #3)

by Kerri Maniscalco

He toppled forward, nearly burying his head in my chest. “Please.” The word was a plea in itself. Arms gently came around my waist. “Please accept my apology.” “You have nothing to apologize for.” I embraced him back a moment, worried over how hard he’d hit his head. “Come. Let’s stand up, shall we?” After a wobbly attempt, I finally managed to get him on his feet. I held on to him, afraid he’d stumble back down and do more damage to his brain. I was about to offer him his jacket when he staggered into me, pressing us both into the wall as he stopped himself from falling. At this rate, it would take a lifetime to get him to a real physician. Dr. Arden had refused to leave his chambers, and I wasn’t sure if there was another doctor aboard the ship. “Are you all right?” I asked. “If we’re moving too fast, then you ought to sit.” His hands slowly came up to cradle my face and he leaned his forehead against mine. Clearly he was having a delusion. “Remember.” “Remember what?” “Our bargain, Miss Wadsworth.” He slumped against me and I worried there was some injury to his back that I’d missed. Before I could help stand him upright again, the sound of shoes hitting the stairs two at a time reached us. My first thought was elation that someone else would be able to help with the disoriented ringmaster in my arms. But when I saw it was Thomas who skidded around the corner and stopped short, I could have sworn my heart sank down to my toes.

I never been so angery in my entire life, I swear if he was just pretending this whole time to be hurt I am going to throw a table and omfg THOMAS its not what you thiiink!! She not cheating on you my boi i swear its a misunderstanding PLEEEASE *sobbing*