Death and Shadows: All Things Dark and Deadly, #2

By SF Benson

A necromancer. A vampire. A deathly doctor.

 

Evaline Wainwright, wannabe detective, has unleashed an evil spirit known as the Oracle. The Time Witch has united with the fiend to aid Doctor Death.

 

Evaline and her beau Delbert Higginbotham, along with Fergus Culpepper, return to the mirror world to stop Doctor Death and her cohort from coming to London.

 

Can magick help the future student of Sherlock Holmes put things back the way they were in Londinium and stop Doctor Death once and for all?

 

If you like a darker, grittier Alice in Wonderland, you'll love this sequel to Death and Mirrors.

 

One click and discover what happens when a magickal sleuth explores the rabbit hole.

• Language: English
• Publisher: SF Benson
• Release date: Nov 8, 2022
• ISBN: 9798224937202

SF Benson

SF Benson, a Michigan native, resides in Southern California with her husband, a human daughter, and a couple of miniature fur kids (two female short-haired guinea pigs). At one time, she wrangled a household which included three Samoyeds, saltwater fish, a hamster, and three guinea pigs. She’s an avid bookworm who appreciates a well-written book regardless of genre. SF prefers writing stories about strong, diverse protagonists set in dystopian, science fiction, or paranormal worlds. Connect with Author SF Benson: Be the first one to find out news about releases and giveaways! Email List https://bit.ly/3GnDYCk Facebook www.facebook.com/bensonsf Twitter @bensonshantella

Book preview

1

A Grand Proposal

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Chills iced my spine, but the frosty air had nothing to do with my lack of warmth. The honor belonged to the sullen, ginger-haired man sitting across from me at the dining room table. He shot me a stare so glacial I was afraid to ask his thoughts.

Why?

Well, for starters, Fergus Algernon Culpepper made an absurd request of me. To be fair, I had asked him, the man my father chose for me to marry, an equally inconceivable one.

On my part, my question could imply I’d accepted him and his pseudo proposal. But I wasn’t a fan of the whole arranged-marriage tradition. It was a contract designed to improve a woman’s lot in life, as if she couldn’t provide for her own welfare. In my case, it was my father who wanted to refine his status. Personally, I preferred my men swarthier and more adventurous—like Delbert Higginbotham. Fergus’s red hair and pale-blue eyes couldn’t compare to Delbert’s tousled dark curls and hauntingly black eyes.

The two of us were childhood friends. All my life he’d been there for me. Delbert was my confidant and a beacon of righteousness. Only recently had we proclaimed our feelings for one another. As soon as the ordeal with the mirror realm was finished, we would marry and travel the world together. At least that was our plan.

Miss Evaline, refuse my request and I won’t consider helping you at all, said Fergus sternly. It is either my way or no way at all.

Fergus Culpepper nor my father were aware of my plans to become Mrs. Higginbotham. I planned to keep them in the dark for as long as possible.

If Delbert and I weren’t desperate to return to the mirror world, we wouldn’t be dining with the redheaded mage. If we could have walked through a looking glass, we would have done so. Anything would have been better than asking Fergus to help. Unfortunately, the man was the only one who could transport us back to the realm. Problem was, Fergus wanted to travel with us. The idea was unfathomable to me on so many levels. Londinium wasn’t simply a reflection of London. It was a dangerous, dark place ruled by a tyrant. Not that I was concerned for the man’s safety. On the contrary.

Lowering my crystal glass, I asked, Why should we allow it, Mr. Culpepper?

He tapped the table beside his plate. I was under the impression you were serious about going back to Londinium. His eyes narrowed. Or could it be you’re hiding something, Miss Evaline? Something you don’t want me or your father to know?

Oh, I was hiding plenty. Allowing the mage to travel with us meant owning up to my faults. I’d resurrected a woman but with the wrong soul. When we left the mirror world, Nerezza Blackthorne had run amuck, but Fergus didn’t need to know about the situation.

Frankly, the man didn’t need to know how reckless I could be on occasion. I had a propensity for solving mysteries. Sometimes my desire created trouble for me—like with Nerezza. When she died and needed me to revive her, I wasn’t as careful as I should have been. Somehow, I had to fix that conundrum. It might be difficult with Fergus Culpepper accompanying us.

Pleading his case, the man said, I have vast knowledge of alternate worlds and realities. Having me at your side could save you time and possibly agony.

Time was a luxury we didn’t have. Correction. Nerezza didn’t have it. Who knew where the woman was or what had become of her?

Agony was one of the many things I wanted to avoid. My mother’s ghost said harm would come to Delbert. It hadn’t so far, but I didn’t want to test the theory. Keeping him safe was my priority, and the real reason I’d entertained getting Fergus’s help. Before I considered it, though, I had to assess him and learn if there was any truth to his claim. It was my experience people on a mission would say or do anything to have their way.

Swallowing a bite of goose, I said, Tell me, Mr. Culpepper, how magick works in the mirror world.

Thanks to the political climate in London, only those who could pay for certification could freely practice magick. Fergus was prosperous enough to afford the documentation. He should know all about how magick worked in London.

The mage held his shoulders back and thrust out his lean chest. In our world, magick must be intentional and performed through words or devices. Depending upon the level of expertise, a being might use a wand or merely summon the energy from the atmosphere. Those in Londinium use a form of wishcraft. All they must do is think of what is desired, and the object or event presents itself.

Could be a lucky guess on his part.

He continued, Practicing magick in the mirror realm is similar to a game of chess.

How so? asked Delbert as he reached for his glass of malmsey.

Fergus gave us a toothy smile. If one is fortunate, the being can wield his or her magick and move up the ranks, much like a chess piece. But in the same way as the game, one cannot control the moves of one’s opponent. A person has no idea what magick could be employed by another. Obstacles can be created, and the players constantly have to maneuver to reach their goal.

I asked, And what goal is that, Mr. Culpepper?

Being the best practitioner in the land of course. That is life in the mirror world. A constant game of one-upmanship. Only the smartest survives.

I could agree on his assessment, but I would add that only those in Madame Governor’s favor thrived.

Delbert shook his head. I don’t understand what a game of chess has to do with Londinium.

Fergus looked down his nose and spoke as if Delbert were a child. Mr. Higginbotham, you must think of the people as chess pieces.

Yes! I exclaimed. A sentry told us everyone there is merely a pawn and Madame Governor is the queen.

Delbert scowled while a gleam settled in Fergus’s gaze. That’s it exactly, Miss Evaline. In the mirror world, you met the queen, and she made her move. I’m guessing it was less than satisfactory since you’re back in London.

Understatement.

Clearing my throat, I challenged, Begging your pardon, Mr. Culpepper, but the analogy loses its merit at some point. Doctor Death isn’t a chess piece unless the Grim Reaper is part of the equation.

Delbert grinned, and the smile quickly faded from Fergus’s face. Well, you are talking about a mirror world. Anything is possible.

Yes, anything was possible in Londinium. Although Fergus was a magickal being, he didn’t know enough to thwart Doctor Death. That alone should have been enough to prevent him from going, but as I said, we needed him to return.

I dabbed my lips with the linen napkin and dropped it on the table. I shall require a day to consider your proposition.

Fergus’s expression pinched. Must I remind you that time is of the essence, Miss Evaline?

I’m aware, but I won’t be rushed. I need to think of all the pros and cons surrounding the situation. Rising from my seat, I nodded to Delbert, and he stood. We’ll be leaving now, Mr. Culpepper.

Then I shall send for you in a day, he said with a dismissive glance.

You’ll send for the two of us, I corrected.

Fergus’s eyebrows knitted together. I beg your pardon.

Delbert came to my side. I’m going with you, Mr. Culpepper.

The mage turned bright red. Unnecessary, Mr. Higginbotham. Miss Evaline and I are quite capable of completing the trip without you.

That wouldn’t happen.

Think of Delbert as my chaperone, I suggested. He’ll make sure nothing improper occurs.

The mage smirked. I assure you, Miss Evaline, I shall be a perfect gentleman. Nothing indecorous shall take place.

But I must insist, Mr. Culpepper. I’m sure my father would agree with me.

Fergus pursed his lips briefly and then said, Very well. If you believe it necessary…

I do, I said. If there is nothing more to discuss, I shall like to leave. Come, Delbert. Please escort me home.

Good night, Miss Evaline…Mr. Higginbotham.

Delbert and I left the dining room and walked down the hall. August met us at the door and saw us out. As soon as we descended the stairs, my betrothed exploded.

Chaperone!

Calm down, Del, I said in a lowered voice. The ruse is only for Mr. Culpepper.

I don’t care. I’m your fiancé, not that man.

Rubbing Delbert’s arm, I said as we walked, I know. Calling you my chaperone doesn’t change the fact.

He pouted. I don’t like the idea of the man traveling with us.

Neither do I, but what choice do we have?

I realize that but…

If I knew some other way to go back to Londinium, don’t you think I’d use it? We stopped in front of my father’s house. I don’t want you upset with me, Del.

I’m not, dear Evie. If you’re intent on making this trip with the sorcerer, why are we waiting? Why not leave as soon as possible?

Truthfully?

That would be nice, said Delbert.

I want to do a little investigating before returning to that world. Honestly, I was curious about how many things in Londinium mirrored London and vice versa. Most importantly, I was looking for duplicates of people. If any of that was possible, I’d only learn by researching. It was imperative I explored the potential before we left.

It’s late, Evie, said Delbert with a yawn. I should go home before my family wonders where I am.

True. He hadn’t seen his parents. Suddenly, I felt as if that was a necessity.

Reaching for his hand, I squeezed it and said, Come for breakfast on the morrow. We’ll talk and plan our trip.

Very well. Delbert stared at my mouth. I should like to kiss you ever so much.

And I would like it, too, I wanted to say. Instead, I reminded him, But it would be highly inappropriate.

He smiled. Fergus can’t see us from here.

True, but Father might. Or Mrs. Pemberton. I’m not ready to explain our relationship to him or her.

Yes, yes. Your housekeeper is a bit nosey.

I laughed. That’s not polite, even if it is true. She’s looking out for me.

Delbert bobbed his head up and down. Well…goodnight, my love.

Take care. I watched him walk down the snow-covered path before hurrying up the stairs.

Instead of taking my coat to the cloak room, I laid it on the banister and walked up the steps. I planned on doing some reading in Father’s drawing room before going to bed. The books he owned would be an excellent start to my research. Father had numerous directories, spanning the centuries, for all magickal beings in London. I wanted to know if there was an Agatha Bancroft or an Isyphena Alderose in our world. If so, I might find something useful for Delbert and me.

Ah, there you are, Evaline. Father entered the room behind me. Gertrude said you were dining with Fergus. How did it go?

It was…fruitful, I said as I perused the spines on the shelves.

Wonderful! Did you make plans for the engagement party?

Ignoring Father’s question, I said, Mr. Culpeper has pertinent information about Londinium.

Not that again, Evaline. Father exhaled and walked over to his desk. I assumed you’d set such nonsense aside.

It’s not nonsense. Londinium is a real place. The monster plaguing it is real, too.

Father grimaced. Tell me more about this so-called monster.

Contrary to his opinion, the mirror world and Doctor Death weren’t utter nonsense.

2

Finding Proof

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Askeletal rotting creature plaguing a mirror world filled with unruly beasts was the stuff of nightmares. Not the stuff of idle conversation, especially with one’s parent. But telling Father the truth might help him understand the necessity of Delbert and me completing our mission. Then he might stop trying to prevent us from returning to Londinium.

My father stared at me, waiting for me to begin my tale. It was better to move ahead and cease my stalling. I sat on the Chesterfield and stared at the floor for a moment. Could I find the right words? I didn’t want to sound like a blithering ninny.

Perhaps a series of questions would set me on the right track.

Ask me anything, Father. I’ll do my best to answer.

All right, tell me why you went to Londinium.

It wasn’t a choice. Del and I were brought to the mirror world. We were chasing after Nerezza Blackthorne through the streets, and she led us into an alley. We were ready to leave when a blue powder landed in our faces, and then we were in her house.

Her house?

Yes. We stayed with her during our time in Londinium.

Father frowned. But Evaline, you shouldn’t have been following her. Was I not clear when I said to leave the situation alone?

He was, but I wasn’t one to listen to illogical arguments.

Father—

I’ve warned you about being so reckless. One of these days, you won’t be so lucky.

Luck was a premise embraced by those who trusted in fairies and otherworldly beings. Despite what I’d discovered in Londinium, I didn’t sincerely believe in mythical creatures.

But Father, I found out Nerezza is a time witch.

His eyes widened. She can transmute chronology? That’s unheard of.

I thought the revelation might pique his curiosity.

Nerezza used to be able to affect the timeline. According to her, she lost the ability. Some sort of punishment for bad behavior. When Father’s eyebrows knitted together, I said, But none of that matters right now. Delbert and I met Doctor Death.

Father rubbed his chin. This creature exists?

Yes. She’s hideous. Part skeleton and part rotting flesh. I don’t know what happened to her, but Delbert said she touched Nerezza with her decaying hand.

Then what?

She died on the spot.

Utterly fascinating. Father’s eyes gleamed.

I recognized the look. If he were still doing excavations, he would have jumped at the chance to dig up Londinium.

What transpired next?

I revived her.

Father shook his head. You didn’t.

Not important at the moment.

When I didn’t respond, he asked, How did you cross paths with this doctor?

We were looking for the Firestone, I admitted.

Evaline, I asked you not to search for that cursed gem!

Does he know about the curse Mother’s shade mentioned?

We were only helping Miss Blackthorne. She assured us finding the stone was necessary to stop the doctor.

Father strummed his fingers on his desk blotter. Did you find it?

We did.

He gasped. Egads! Mallie was right. Did you see the Firestone?

I nodded. It glowed.

Oh, how I would love to see the artifact, he mumbled. If only your mother could have been with you…

In a way she was. I was certain her ghost relayed the moment.

Father picked up a pen and scribbled on a pad of paper. Tell me. Did the Firestone work against the creature?

Um… Ah… Unfortunately, it can’t be used right away.

He blinked twice. And why not?

I wasn’t ready to tell him about my mistake. Instead, I said, Miss Blackthorne has forgotten the spell.

It was a half-truth. Technically, the woman didn’t remember how to use the stone.

My father pointed to the book beside me. And why are you looking at that? It’s not a grimoire.

Research. I’m trying to learn more about Agatha Bancroft and Isyphena Alderose.

That was a fact. Getting to know the women might help me discover the best way to approach the deathly doctor and Madame Governor.

Who are they? Father asked.

Agatha and Doctor Death are the same person. I was certain of the possibility after Nerezza’s admission and Bernard’s information. Supposedly, Agatha was a doctor and a friend of Miss Blackthorne’s. I’d love to know more about the woman before she became a monster.

It would be interesting learning how she became the creature.

Yes! For once, we were on the same page.

Father clasped his hands. What about the other woman?

Isyphena Alderose is the governor of Londinium. She’s a mean-spirited person who is more of a tyrant than a ruler.

Rising from his chair, Father walked over to a shelf. I recall the name Alderose in my studies of London history. His hands and eyes moved over the books. After a few moments, he stopped and brought over a large one. Try this directory.

Ancient Mystical Families of London: Surnames A through L was an awe-inspiring tome featuring key lineages. I was tempted to check out my mother’s ancestry. She was Mallie Harris before becoming a Wainwright. But I could always read about her history later. I flipped the pages and stopped on the entry for Alderose.

According to the registration, Isyphena Alderose was the granddaughter of Governor Aloysius Sextus. Her maternal grandfather along with Isyphena’s father were both ruthless tyrants. As stated in the footnotes, Aloysius was prone to anger. Nearly anything and everything set him off. Those who were unwise to produce his wrath or disagree with him found themselves locked in a dungeon.

If I recall correctly… Father began as he returned to his desk. Isyphena was related to a governor who ruled when Romans ruled London.

It was called Londinium back then, right?

Father nodded.

So how did Isyphena become an Alderose.

Marriage of course.

I turned the pages to the section for B surnames but didn’t find an entry for Agatha Bancroft. There isn’t a registration for Bancroft.

Father took the book from me and turned to the back of it. He studied the pages for a long moment and then said, She could have been an everyday citizen without certification.

Something I doubted. The woman was a healer in Londinium. She was also a witch.

Father closed the directory.