Khronos (Hanover and Singh Book 3) Read Online Free

add.” Hari closed the distance between them to a few feet.
    “I said stop,” Jacques retreated along the walkway, tugging the lamp out of reach as Hari lunged for it.
    “We can do this quietly,” Hari gripped the base of the lamp, pulled it free and plunged the hold into darkness as the oil spilled over his hand. Jacques stumbled, the lamp clattering to the floor as he let go of it. Hari tossed the base of the lamp aside and leaped onto Jacques chest. Pinning the man’s arms beneath his knees, Hari wiped his hand on the lapel of Jacques’ uniform.
    “I’m not... strong,” Jacques whimpered.
    “Really?” Hari frowned. “But you move all this,” he gestured at the crates.
    “Not me,” Jacques shook his head.
    Hari squinted at the man’s face as light from the door eased into the hold. “Then who?”
    “Hari,” Luise called out.
    “Yes?” Hari turned as the light from the door was obscured with the shadow of three large men.
    “Jacques?” The tallest of the three men stepped into the hold. “Master Whyte sent us down to shift some stuff. Right annoyed, he was.” The man peered along the walkway. “You there, Jacques?”
    “Yes,” Hari stood and pointed at Jacques lying on the grille walkway at his feet. “Your friend is right here.”
    “Eh?” The man walked forward. “And who are you then?”
    “A good question,” Hari smoothed his beard, sniffing at the oil on the skin of his hand. “Of course,” he took a step forward, “we might want to wait with introductions until we get the other formalities out of the way.”
    “Formalities?” The man leaned forward as Hari walked toward him. He stared at the large bent blade of Hari’s kukri in the scabbard hanging from Hari’s belt. “Wait a minute,” the man took a step back. “I don’t want any trouble.”
    “Good,” Hari continued forward. “Then the formalities will soon be over.”
     
    ҉
     
    Aether held up his hand to the sky. Flexing his fingers, he smiled at the blue tinge outlining his hand against the bulging dark mobs of storm clouds on the horizon threatening the city of London. Standing on the Grosvenor Docks jutting out into the Thames , he pulled the collar of his Burberry jacket up and buttoned it at the neck. Standing by Aether’s side, her red hair blistering in the wind, Khaos leaned into each gust drinking in the malevolent air with deep breaths. Eyes closed, fingers splayed at her hips, Khaos let the wind push at her body, blue buds of energy snapping from the tips of her fingers.
    “Khaos,” Aether closed his hand around the woman’s fingers, concealing the energy buds. “Remember my name is Bremen, and you are...”
    “Romney Wallendorf,” she opened her eyes, and turned toward Aether. “Steamracer extraordinaire and daughter of the great inventor, Luther Wallendorf.” Khaos grinned as strands of wayward hair tickled at her nose, catching momentarily between her lips. “I am prepared, my love.”
    “And now,” Aether pointed at a group of five men in black coats and grey caps striding toward them, “you will have the chance to prove it.”
    The group parted to reveal a slim, blonde woman in a black corseted jacket suit. Carrying a pair of high heeled shoes in her left hand, the woman strode across the cobbles of the dock in bare feet.
    “Herr Bremen,” Hannah von Ense signalled the men to stop several feet from Aether and Khaos. Padding softly across the cobbles, she stopped in front of Aether. Stepping closer to Aether, Khaos slipped her arm through his.
    “Yes?” Aether waited.
    “The boat is ready, Herr Bremen.” Hannah scowled at Khaos as the woman’s red hair swept across Aether’s cheeks. “You can board when you are ready.”
    “Good,” Aether turned to leave.
    “Is she going with you, Herr Bremen?” Hannah sidestepped, blocking Aether’s path.
    “Of course,” Aether frowned. “Why shouldn’t she?”
    “Forgive me,” Hannah gestured for Aether to follow her. Walking away