Into Thin Air Read Online Free Page B

you've not much to work with."
    "What mean you?"
    Nicklesby blew out a gusty breath. "Her body has obviously taken a mighty blow, if indeed she was struck by a vehicle. She appears and disappears because she is fighting."
    Gawan rubbed his eyes. "To stay alive?"
    "Aye. A strong will, that one has." Nicklesby shook his head. "Poor dear. I've no doubt the news will not sit properly with her. 'Tis why you must do the deed with upmost delicacy."
    Gawan cringed and followed his man into the kitchen. "I fear I'm not very good at being delicate."
    "Poppycock! I daresay you've been most delicate at times, in contrast to your, err, well ..."
    Nicklesby coughed. "I have all faith in your abilities, young Gawan."
    Leaning a shoulder against the kitchen fireplace mantel, Gawan cocked a brow. "In contrast to my what?"

    Nicklesby worried his clean-shaven, pointy chin with a long, bony finger. Then he sighed. " 'Tis no secret of your past, master. One only has to be in close quarters with the markings on your person to know you led a questionable existence, once upon a time. You're a legend, and well you know it."
    He waved a hand. "No matter. Those days have passed, and you, sir, have fostered your occupation rather well."
    "Oh, aye, indeed," a new voice agreed.
    Gawan turned to find Lady Bella Beauchamp walking through the larder wall, leaving a ghostly trail of seawater as she made her way toward him. Because she had drowned in the North Sea in August 1802, Bella's lavender-and-lace gown always appeared drenched—as did the massive amount of graying red curls piled high atop her head.
    "I've heard tremendous tales of your fierceness, lad, and then of your strength and loyalty whilst serving as Guardian Angel of the Knights all those years past." She shook her soppy head. "The souls you've saved as a mere Earthbound Angel are experiences whispered far and wide about the spirit world and will no doubt be talked about until the end of time." A faraway look hazed her eyes.
    "To have been your charge would have been glorious. And to think, you're so close to retiring." She clapped her hands and gave him a wide grin. "You more than deserve a mortal life, love, but it appears the deed placed before you is quite an imposing one, to be sure." She glanced at Nicklesby.
    "Now. Tell me of this newest case. I'm dying to hear all about it. 'Tis far different from your other charges, indeed, as the others have always been quite alive. Now this one is a lovely girl, from what's been rumored, although a bit touched, mayhap?"
    Gawan and Nicklesby exchanged glances before Gawan addressed her. "Lady Beauchamp, I do appreciate your kindness. Truly. But I fear there isn't much to tell ... yet. I've only just learned of the girl's predicament moments ago. Other than that her mortal life is in deep peril, I cannot offer anything else, save I'm the one responsible for rescuing her."
    Lady Bella's eyes lit up and she clasped her hands together. "Well, I daresay you should hasten your studies on the subject, Lord Grimm. You most assuredly have your work cut out for you." She smiled and vanished, her ghostly image blurring as she faded. "I'll think on the matter and get back to you, posthaste. Oh, and do promise to show me your wings before you shed them. I've been dying to see them." With a wink and a giggle, she was gone.
    Gawan heaved a gusty sigh. "Why mostly dead? Why not all the way? 'Twould have been much easier to stomach." He rubbed his eyes. 'Twas a lie and he knew it. The thought of Ellie completely dead didn't sit well with him at all. "Where does she go?"
    "Lady Bella?" Nicklesby asked.
    "Nay. Ellie."
    Nicklesby wiped the kitchen counter with a red cloth. " 'Tis a place only she can tell of, I'm afraid.
    And even she may not know. It depends on the condition her mortal self is in." He stopped and gave Gawan a grave look. "You were chosen for this line of duty, Gawan of Conwyk, because you've proven to have impeccable ways with the living as well as