The Clockwork Heart (2 page)

"Get the steamcar ready. I'm going into Bridgewater."

"As you wish." Richie bowed.

"And double-check the security systems. I want all the cameras to be working and recordings made. Also check the tapes to see if you can work out who left this note and when." Libby walked slowly towards the house. The water evaporating from her skin in the late morning heat made Libby feel refreshed. Richie walked behind her, hydraulics puffing and metal creaking.

Her mind whirled. Her past adventures had meant she could set up a life of luxury here in the quiet of a large property. Libby was only twenty-eight and it was quite an achievement to be able to live like this. The main reason she'd settled here was to recover.
Losing love, losing the artefact
. Her confidence had shattered and she couldn't bring herself to continue on artefact hunting. Not until she was a more skilled in self-defence.

Libby had always meant to get back on the scene, to take another job. But she couldn't bring herself to accept the challenge. The memories of Scarlett continued to breed doubt inside of her and she kept retreating to the protection of solitude.

All because of a metal heart.
She sighed. The clockwork heart held magic, a dark power to control people to make them love the bearer. But it hadn't worked on Libby. She had already loved Scarlett. The result caused a dangerous change in Scarlett, based on the fear within her that she would lose Libby. So she had tied Libby up in chains and kept her captive, until Libby managed to escape.

Libby jogged up the front stairs of her mansion. Richie rushed ahead and opened the heavy wooden front doors. He bowed as she walked through. Libby went up the stairs to her bedroom. She needed time to think and compose herself before rushing into a confrontation with Scarlett. She wasn't about to make that mistake again. As long as Scarlett wore the clockwork heart she couldn't be trusted.

"I'll eat in the conservatory," she called down to Richie.

"Yes, ma'am."

Not for the first time Libby wondered if having automatons as staff really kept her safe. She preferred the machines; they didn't ask questions and they couldn't be bribed. Or killed. The only person she had allowed into her sanctuary was Helen. She pushed open the door to her room.
I'll be ready for you this time Scarlett.

*~*~*

Six months and nothing.
Helen sat alone in the conservatory nestled at the back of Libby's house. She poured herself a cup of strong black tea.
What is wrong with her?
Or me?

Helen had come at Libby's request as a defence trainer but as soon as she had seen Libby, her heart had pounded to the rhythm of a mad drummer. She had known immediately that she wanted to get to know Libby—personally and intimately. But so far Libby hadn't even picked up that Helen liked her and wanted more than to be her instructor.

This is a job
, she tried to remind herself.
Not a chance to find love.

She added three sugar cubes to the cup and stirred furiously. Helen had started extra training sessions on her own to try and eliminate some of the frustration building up inside of her, but it was getting to be too much. Every training session left her feeling empty.
I have to be more obvious.

Helen had left England five years ago broken-hearted. Her girlfriend had accused Helen of training too much and had found someone else. Teaching self-defence was Helen's passion. She loved teaching martial arts. She had thought her relationship secure, but somehow work had taken over. After the breakup, Helen had decided London held nothing for her, and what she needed was adventure. That was certainly what she had found travelling around Australia teaching martial arts and other self-defence skills.

Helen sighed and took a long drink of her tea. It was warm outside, but she refused to give up her custom of drinking tea. The southern Australian summer was almost too much for her to tolerate, but she stayed on account of Libby. "If only she would pick up the hints," she said out loud.

"Who pick up what hint?"

Helen dropped the cup. It smashed on the ground.

"That's my good china!" exclaimed Libby as she sat down opposite Helen at the French-style garden table.

Helen stared in shock at Libby. Her hair was twisted in a neat bun, but wisps of black hair escaped into curls, softening her face. Libby's big brown eyes looked back at her with a hurt Helen wished she could embrace and take away. There was something else though. Something was different about Libby since their training session.
She's distracted
. Helen hoped it was because of her. She'd worn a low cut dress, secured with a corset to emphasise her curves, in the hope of bumping into Libby. She was smart enough to know that it probably wasn't that, however.

"Sorry," Helen said. "Sorry." Her cheeks flushed as she tried to contain her emotions. This was one of the other problems she faced. Every time she was with Libby logical thought seemed to escape her mind. All she wanted to do was kiss Libby. Her cheeks deepened in colour.
Breaking her good china isn't going to help me get a date with her
, she thought with frustration.

"Never mind. It's only a cup." Libby rang the servants' bell. The maid hurried into the conservatory, hydraulics hissing and metal limbs grinding. "Clean this up."

"It might be able to be glued back together," Helen suggested. The maid began to clear away the mess.

"Bin it," Libby said to the automaton.

Helen twisted her fingers together. "I can replace it."

Libby shrugged. "Don't worry about it."

Helen gazed at Libby, taking in her toned figure. Libby wore a ruffled cotton skirt that ended just above her knee and scooped down at the back framing Libby's legs. She wore a cream shirt with a tailored vest that looked like it was full of pockets. Helen hadn't seen Libby wear anything like this before, something that was quite stylish in her own unique sense. Something was definitely going on.

"Are you going out?" asked Helen.
I hope there isn't someone else
. She wiped her palms on her cotton walking dress.

"I have to go into Bridgewater for business," said Libby.

"Oh." Helen saw her chance to spend more time with Libby. "Can I come along?"

"No." Libby's tone was sharp.

"I was only asking," Helen said defensively.

"I've got some errands to run you'll be bored." Libby's forehead wrinkled.

"I won't be a bother," insisted Helen. "The little town has some adorable shops and it's quicker than going all the way into Adelaide."

Libby's facial expression softened. She sighed. "I don't think it's a good idea."

"I can look after myself, remember." Helen fluttered her eyes, trying to use her feminine charms to sway Libby.

"I'm glad you are enjoying the conservatory. This is one of my favourite spots in the house, but I don't have the time to come here as much as I like." Libby changed the subject abruptly.

Helen's heart sunk with disappointment. Libby hadn't noticed her attempt at flirting with her. This wasn't how she'd imagined a conversation with Libby would go. She blushed. Usually her daydreams ended up with them both in bed. Libby pulled a rose from the vase on the table and took a deep breath. Helen immediately wished she was that rose.
I've got to stop thinking like this. Or get a new job.

"I love the smell of roses." Libby sat back in her chair setting the rose on the table.

Helen couldn't stop looking at Libby.
What is she doing here? No I don't care
. Her pulse increased with hope.
But I do care
.
How can I get her to agree to let me come with her into Bridgewater?

"I don't normally see you around the house," said Helen.

Libby sat up as if to leave. "Oh, sorry. Am I disturbing you?"

In ways you don't seem to notice.
Helen shook her head. "No, please stay. It will be lovely to have some company for a change."

"Oh, I've been such a bad host. Please don't take it personally there's just been…" Libby stopped as the maid came into the room with breakfast. "I'm starving."

I could give you a different sort of workout that wouldn't leave you hungry
. Helen looked at the food as the automaton unloaded the silver serving tray: two bowls of fruit, yoghurt, a small jar of honey, an apple and rhubarb compote, and ice tea.

"I bought enough for two." The automaton's voice was metallic and lifeless.

"Excellent." Libby took a bowl of fruit. "Helen, I'm sure you will enjoy this." She poured two glasses of ice tea. "Ice tea is a must in this warmer climate."

Helen looked at the brown liquid in the glass. "There are plenty of ways to drink tea, but that is certainly not one of them." A slice of lemon surfaced in the ice tea along with a mint leaf.

"It's completely refreshing and will settle the nerves as good as any hot tea." She held out the glass to Helen. Condensation beaded on the outside. Helen felt a drop of sweat ease down her neck.
It's not the weather that's making me hot.
She took the glass hesitantly and took a sip.

"Good isn't it." Libby drank her ice tea. "Freshly made with no sugar."

Helen winced as the slightly bitter liquid went down her throat. "It could do with some sugar."

"Oh, it's not that bad." Libby put down her glass then poured yoghurt over her fruit, followed by some honey. "Here, put some of this in." She pushed the small jar of honey towards Helen.

Helen took Libby's advice before taking another sip. Cool sweetness slipped down her throat. It was much easier to drink like this. She smiled.

"I think I've converted you."

"Don't be so sure." Helen turned the glass in her hand, not wanting to admit that she enjoyed the sweetened drink. She like to keep some of the rituals she had grown up with in London, no matter how silly they might seem to others. "This might cool me down, but it is
not
the proper way to drink tea."

Libby laughed. "It's nothing to do with being proper. It's about enjoyment and pleasure."

Helen caught Libby's gaze. She held it, looking into Libby's dark eyes. A glimmer of naughtiness caught her attention. A shiver of pleasure ran down her spine.
Maybe she has noticed me after all?
But then Libby turned away and her hope of getting attention faded.

Libby stood up. "I'll be in Bridgewater for a few hours. I'll see you at training tomorrow."

"Wait." Helen stood. "I want to come with you. I mean… I have some things to do in Bridgewater too." She had nothing to do, but she didn't want to be waiting around here anymore. If she wanted to find out more about Libby, then she had to make sure that they were spending time together.

Libby hesitated. "I'm not so sure it's a good idea."

"Why? What could possibly happen in Bridgewater? Nothing happens here." She dropped her arms by her side in exasperation.
Nothing happens.

Libby pursed her lips together. "But still I think I should do my errands alone. I'll be quicker."

"I won't be in your way. You can drop me off at the tea room and pick me up when you are ready."

Libby paused, contemplating the option.

"Just tell me what time to meet you. I won't be a bother to you."

Libby sighed. "Fine you can come with me. But I won't be able to play host. You'll be on your own, and you better be ready to go when I pick you up, otherwise I will leave you behind."

"That'll be fine." Helen would fit in with Libby's plans today if it meant she would find out what was distracting her.

"Meet me out front in five minutes." Libby stood. "If you aren't there I won't wait for you."

"I'll be there," said Helen. She watched Libby walk out of the room. The ruffles in her skirt moved gracefully with her hips. For a moment she forgot about going to get ready as she enjoyed the sight. Then Libby walked through the door, disappearing inside.

Helen snapped into action. All she needed to grab was her handbag and then head out front to wait. There was no way she was going to be left behind.

*~*~*

"Am I going too fast for you?" asked Libby. She crunched up a gear in the steamcar.

Helen gripped the side of the door, her face pale.

"No," she squeaked as Libby took the corner too fast and the movement pushed her towards Libby.

Libby wished Helen had remained back at the house. It was safer there. If Scarlett saw her in public she might end up a target. Libby didn't want anything happening to Helen. She was worried taking Helen with her into Bridgewater now Scarlett was around. Libby couldn't be sure that Scarlett wouldn't try and use Helen to get to her, especially if she thought they were a couple. Scarlett would stop at nothing to get back at Libby for escaping.
She wants me chained and ready for her dark pleasures
. Libby shivered. She didn't want Scarlett to tie up Helen like she had been. She pushed the horrifying memories to the back of her mind.

"Driving helps me to relax." Libby pressed down on the accelerator.

Helen screamed with her mouth closed, a high pitch scream that was a mix of delight and terror.

Libby supressed a smile. She enjoyed the sounds coming from Helen. It was a nice distraction from the problem of what the hell was Scarlett doing in Bridgewater.
Not hoping to rekindle anything I hope
. The thought twisted sharply in her gut. There was nothing to rekindle, but Scarlett wasn't the type of women to hear that. The clockwork heart had turned Scarlett's own heart into a clockwork machine, cold and metallic and full of dark intentions. Libby remembered the smell of blood, the tightness of rope around her wrists. She pressed down harder on the accelerator.

"Look out!" yelled Helen. Libby's vision focused just in time, and she turned the steering wheel, speeding around the bend. Helen screamed as they went too close to the edge of the hill.

"Don't worry it's all under control." Libby gripped the steering wheel harder and kept moving at a fast speed. Wind from the open window tumbled her hair and she imagined the air taking away the memory she wanted to forget.
Focus
. She didn't want to hurt Helen. She glanced over at Helen and saw her skin looked sickly pale. "Are you all right?"