Chapter 6
Saga
Getting groceries, doing laundry, and possibly grabbing takeout from Amritsari Kitchen—these had been Saga’s intended activities after ending her shift that day. Far from exciting, but necessary.
So to find herself in stride with a lady detective for an impromptu ride-along on her investigation was dizzying. Avery did not have a car like Reza, and since she was a tad turned around, Saga led the way to the tube station. It was strange, seeing someone so ethereal and composed look so terribly out of sorts. Perhaps being back in London was more overwhelming for some than others. Had she been out of the country? Would it be impolite to ask?
Avery was puzzled at the turnstile before watching Saga pass through, and when they came before the map of train lines, her brow had crumpled.
“Don’t stress,” Saga assured. “A lot of people get a bit turned around with the tube system. What’s the address?”
Avery reluctantly handed over the file once more for Saga to examine. “I…” She seemed to rethink her sentence and spoke again. “I don’t have money for the train on me, I’m afraid.”
Saga paused in her efforts to cross-reference the address on her phone. “That’s all right, public transport is free in London, remember?” At least it had been since Saga had been a child. It was part of the government’s ongoing effort to keep traffic flowing and the air clean by decreasing the number of cars on the road.
“R-right,” said Avery. Then with an expression somewhere between embarrassment and irritation, she added. “I…forgot.”
“It happens. I take it this is very different from where you used to live?”
Avery met her gaze, and there was a flash of desperation in her eyes that reminded Saga of patients before going into the OR—something that said, “youhaveto help me.” Instead the woman chuffed a laugh, and the look was gone. “You have no idea.”
They took the Hammersmith and City line from Baker Street Station toward Hammersmith, Avery following closely behind Saga, but never taking the lead. They sat side by side in silence.
Saga was excited. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d felt this sort of excitement. Not even her own wedding day had her heart thrumming the way it was now. It made it hard to sit still on the train. She found herself glancing at Avery periodically. She was distant, deep in thought.
The woman was ghostly against the contrast of the vibrant seats, a wraith shrouded in a black duster. Beneath a simple black vest, she wore a white button-up that had been left undone at the throat and collarbone, and high-waisted trousers had been tucked neatly into tall black riding boots.
It was at that moment it struck Saga that Avery appeared rather “out of time.” From no place in particular, but certainly not originating in the present day. It was oddly charming, albeit far too devoid of color.
A nice scarf would cheer the outfit up nicely. Something rich.Warmand rich.
The train chimed, and a woman’s posh accent broke Saga’s concentration as it slowed to a stop and the doors opened.
“This station is Wood Lane. Change here for the Circle Line.”
Again, Saga took the lead and they both exited the train.
“Please mind the gap between the train and the platform.”
It wasn’t a long walk to the apartment building, but now that they were not crowded by people, she felt like she could ask more about the case.“So, for this…me-coming-with-you thing.” She thought better of the words after she said them, certain that Avery would regret inviting her along. “What I mean is—what do you need me to do exactly?”
Despite the comfortable silence they had found next to each other for the eighteen minutes or so of travel both on foot and by train, this question got Avery’s attention in a way that suggested she’d forgotten Saga was there.
That was it. She’d done it now. Saga’s stomach lurched. Why did she say anything at all? She should have stayed quiet. Her mouth was always getting her into trouble.
“You brought the notebook and the pencil?” It was asked quietly, and gave the impression Avery already knew the answer.
Saga pulled the small pad of paper she’d used for writing down orders from her pocket.
“Would you mind terribly taking notes?” Avery’s voice did not raise in volume, but Saga had no trouble hearing it; it was gentle, low, and unassuming. “I noticed you have a quick hand. It would help a lot to have more than just my memory to go on. Normally I can trust it, but…” She shook her head, dismissing the thought and causing the silvery strands across her forehead to rustle.
“I don’t mind,” Saga answered, then, feeling a little bolder. “Is that all you need me to do?”
“Fates no, what a waste that would be.” The answer came so naturally it could only be believed. Then, a thoughtful addendum. “Though, it would probably be best when in mixed company. Observe, take note, confer after in private.”
It made sense. After all, Saga was not with the police, she had no idea what should or shouldn’t be said, and the realization that she could absolutely bungle an interrogation or evidence made her incredibly nervous. She hung back behind the other woman, watching the breeze play with the tail of her coat and the strands of her hair. She held the Brigid medallion between her fingers.
The Bowery, an upscale apartment community that had been listed as Valentina’s last known address, was a newer addition to the area. Part of a mixed-use development that seemed out of place in the quaint suburban neighborhood, it stood on natural stone pavement betwixt a market anda string of boutiques. It towered up several stories through the wonders of modern architecture, with the materials and style of days long gone.
