The Medium

"He's a thief. Don't matter 'ow many locks on the door, they won't stop Tommy Finch. He's the best thief in London." It didn't sound like a boast, just a simple statement of fact.

"Thank you, Lucy," Celia said. "That was very helpful." We watched as the maid bobbed a curtsy then left. "That wasn't helpful at all," my sister said when she'd gone. "So now what do we do?"

I shrugged. "George is going to speak to Leviticus Price. In the mean time, I have business of my own to conduct with Jacob's family. I'm going to tell them he's dead."

My sister's head snapped up. "Is that wise?"

I shrugged one shoulder. "I'm going to do it anyway. They need to move forward and they can't do that until they know he's truly gone."

She nodded. "I understand. It's very kind of you to offer. Will you go in the morning? We have a séance in the afternoon."

"I'm going today."

Her teacup came down on the saucer with such a loud clank I wouldn't be surprised if she chipped it. "You'll do no such thing! You need to stay home and keep warm and dry." She emphasized the last word with a pointed glare.

"Celia, I'm going today and that's final. I may not get time tomorrow, depending on what tonight brings." I shuddered at the thought of the shape-shifting demon claiming another victim.

"See!" She poked her finger at me. "You're shivering. You cannot go out so soon after that soaking. It's unhealthy."

"I'll take an umbrella."

"That is not the point."

"No. You're right." I stood and tossed my hair over my shoulder. It was almost dry. "I am going and that's final."

She stood too. "You'll do as I say, Emily. You are not going out again today."

"Celia," I said on a sigh, "you know I will so let's not argue about it. Red is really not a becoming color on your face."

"Emily!" She stomped her foot. My sister! Stomped her foot! I don't think she's ever done anything so childish in her life. "I am trying to do what's best for you."

"But you're not!" How could she not see that helping Jacob was what was best for me? "You're being selfish and, and...interfering!"

"I am-."

"You are not my mother and I will not do as you say." I was so angry my voice shook.

She thrust her hands on her hips. "You're being unreasonable, Emily."

"You're the one who's being unreasonable. I am as healthy as I've ever been and going out this afternoon will not change that." I stormed towards the door and jerked it open. "I'm going to my room and I don't wish to be disturbed."