Duncan, and his now husband Lachlan are again called to investigate a possible cryptid—a grootslang killing miners in a remote African kingdom.
But what they find is treachery, betrayal, and greed revolving around two kingdoms and two royal families.
While Duncan’s friends Potts and Jamie, investigate illicit diamond mining, Duncan and Lachlan find an ally in Matthew Fanning, a Pinkerton man with secrets of his own.
But the grootslang is the least of their dangers, and they’ll need to defeat human, as well as inhuman, adversaries if they are to survive.
Be Warned: m/m sex
The airport was only a short cab ride from the train station. As soon as they entered the airport building, one of the many porters dashed over to take their bags, offering a ticket in exchange, and directing them to the executive departure lounge.
Duncan snagged a leaflet about the airship to read while they sat enjoying a pre-flight drink. He ordered a whisky and soda for himself, while Lachlan was tempted to try gin and tonic. Reading through the information, he had to admit that the huge airship he could only see in part through the windows was indeed spectacular.
I’ve not seen an airship so big. They’ve made it long rather than too deep. Three main balloons for lift and flight, with additional expansion capacity, plus paddles and sails for extra speed. And according to this leaflet, there’s another balloon, currently deflated, under the ship used for getting even more lift. No wonder ships like this are so much faster than steam trains.
Aware of Lachlan leaning into him, Duncan looked up. “Pottsie’s here,” Lachlan whispered, holding up his glass as if to salute Duncan. “Jamie’s thrown himself wholeheartedly into the role of downtrodden servant.”
“You’re right, my love.” Duncan spoke a little louder, leaning forward to snag his drink and tap Lachlan’s glass, and glancing toward their friends. He was able to use the glass to hide his smile.
Potts was dressed in a black suit, complete with waistcoat, and matching bowler hat. He’d grown his moustache into a decent handlebar and carried nothing. Jamie, by contrast, had grown his hair and left it untidy, wore an expression of resignation, and carried a well-filled carpetbag, newspaper, and an overcoat for Potts.
“Come on. Keep up. Why are you so slow today?” Pott’s strident voice carried across the lounge.
“He’s certainly into his role,” Duncan murmured, his glass still close to his lips.
“Poor Jamie.” Lachlan sipped his drink. “Shame it wasn’t a rich young man with his trusted valet.”
“True, but on the other hand, Pottsie is far more experienced in this kind of work.” Duncan set down his drink. “It may look a heavy load, but Jamie’s used to it. He was a hotel porter, don’t forget. That’s probably nothing to him. And knowing Pottsie, the carpet bag might be bulky, but it probably isn’t too weighty.”
“Clever,” Lachlan whispered.
As Duncan took a mouthful of his drink, a young man passed in front of him and for a second their eyes met. The man looked away instantly, but Duncan continued to stare after him.
“Duncan, what is it?” Lachlan’s voice snapped him out of his reverie. “Do you know him?”
“I don’t know,” Duncan shook his head. “He looked familiar, but I can’t place him. Unusual for me.”
“A student, perhaps. A past one.” Lachlan picked up his drink. “One who may be disappointed to find you married.”
Duncan twisted so fast to look at Lachlan that he felt a twinge in his neck, but to his relief, Lachlan’s eyes only held a mischievous twinkle.
“I can assure you, that no matter who else might be disappointed, my love, I will never be among them. I found my soul mate and am a very happily married man. I love you.” The mischievous look was quickly replaced by one of love and Duncan smiled.
“You show it in so many ways, yet I never tire of hearing those words. You’re my whole world, Duncan.” They each leaned forward at the same time to share a quick kiss.
Easing back, Duncan checked his pocket watch. “We’d best finish these drinks. We have only fifteen minutes before we’ll be called to board.” He looked around, but there was no sign of the young man who’d seemed so familiar.
That’s going to play on my mind.
