Hidden Within The Clockwork

Chapter 1

"When will you get down? It's getting late and I'm starving," I said looking up towards the shadow that paced on the ledge above me. For a short moment the shadow stopped in its place as if it was considering my request. I half expected a smart remark, but instead the shadow continued it's pace. In the distance a low clang echoed from the bell tower signalling the tenth hour. The moon glowed over the city and it's restless citizens that still roamed the streets.

"Please?" I begged. Soon after a mischievous laugh floated down from where the shadow stood. Without warning the shadow leaped from its perch, landing gracefully only a few feet away from me.

"You must be really desperate to spend time with me aren't you?" she asked as she dusted herself off. She adjusted her clothes, checking to make sure everything was in place. Her ensemble was mainly black for the exception of her plain white blouse that she always kept neatly tucked in. Over that she wore a simple waistcoat complimented by an ornate jacket that stopped just above her knees. Her boots and bowler hat matched her jacket well, to the point she is often as what tailor she pays. Silver accents adorned her ensemble from the hoops in her ears to the tips of her boots.

  " I wouldn't be caught dead with the likes of you Cleo," I said smiling slightly. That smart remark got me a hard slap on the shoulder.

  "Let's go check on Maurice," she said laughing when I winced at the pain. Regaining my composure I followed her to Maurice's place. Maurice was an old friend, a middle aged man who also just so happens to own our favorite pub. Cleo and I walked side by side , our steps in sync with eachother. Bright lights were dotted along our path. Any shops that were still open were filled to the brim with curious on lookers and those seeking something beyond what they could ever imagine.

  "How was lunch with your family?" asked Cleo adjusting her eyepatch. I rolled my eyes at the memory of that awkard occasion, but nevertheless I told her every detail.

  "My father was there for the first time in weeks since he decided to get into the coal business. While he was silent most of the meal, my mother and sisters were chattering like a bunch of harpies. My sisters still insist that I move back to our home. My mother of course has again started to lecture me on marriage and wanting grandchildren so that the Carmichael family business can have an heir. Also my aunt Clara still doesn't seem to like you, my sisters and my mother seem to agree with her," I said taking out my flask of whiskey. I took a small drink from it before offering it to Cleo who took a gracious helping from it.

  "Your family drives me to drink,"she said wiping her mouth.

  "I can second that my friend," I said taking another sip from my flask before I put it away. By then we were right at the entrance to Maurice's pub. The sounds of drunken men and gossiping women trickled from the open windows, daring us to enter. But of course we've never backed down from a challenge, so we went on in.

The moment we set foot there a booming voice greeted us from a table in the far corner of the room.

"Cleo!Bruno! How are my most loyal customers?" asked Maurice taking each of us in his massive arms.

  "Feeling better now that we're here," said Cleo slapping me on the shoulder once again.

  I'm definitely going to have a bruise later if not now, I thought to myself as Maurice led us to our seats the bar. He then immediately began to prepare our drinks. My drink was simply a bottle of whiskey while Cleo's drink was what many people in the city of Clockwork considered to be poison, absinthe. Maurice gently prepared her drink while those around us gawked in a mixture of amazement and horror.

  "How's business been for you Maurice?" I asked taking small sips from the bottle that was given to me.

  "Business is good, I get so many customers nowadays that I end up closing later each day. It's bittersweet," said Maurice handing Cleo her drink. His usually merry demeanor then changed to an expression of worry. Maurice was usually the one laughing and smiling, seeing him like this bothered me.

  "Maurice, what happened?" asked Cleo after she finished her drink.

  "You know my son Arthur has been working in the silver mines since he was a young man. Yesterday I received a letter saying that the mines had collapsed. Many were injured, and he was killed amongst others. I have to leave for a few days to take care of the funeral arrangements. Because of that I'll be leaving this place under your care until I return,"he said cleaning the bar. The sound of broken glass distracted me from his story. When I turned to see what happened I found Cleo with her left hand bleeding. Without a word she stood up from the bar left the pub, leaving a small trail of blood on the way out.

  "Cleo wait!!" I yelled as I tried to go after her. For a moment she stopped, but before I could get to her she disappeared into the night like she was never there.