Read Unobtainium 1: Kate on a Hot Tin Roof for Free Online Page A

frequent the Strand and Catherine Street.’ Charles gave a wince; he knew the kind of girl who plied her trade there and they were among the lowest of their unfortunate breed. ‘She was reported missing by a “friend” and we later found a body which matched her description in the Old Deer Park out near Kew.’
    ‘And also quite near to Cooper’s residence.’
    ‘Indeed, sir. At the time, the doctor who performed the autopsy believed that she had been with child soon before her death and may have died giving birth, but he could not be sure.’
    Charles gave a nod. ‘Cooper said Kate’s mother died giving birth, though I’d wager he did little to save her and planned to do away with her had she survived. I am not hearing anything disquieting, Inspector.’
    ‘Well, it’s the timing, sir. Helen Brighton’s body was found, no more than a day and a half old, in January of nineteen-fourteen. She herself was not eighteen.’
    Charles looked at Kate, now the picture of health and apparently in her mid-teenage years. ‘She’s… five!’
    ‘Chronologically,’ Wilberforce stated. ‘She was born five and a half years ago, but her physical and mental development are that of someone of fifteen or sixteen. Many animals reach maturity far more quickly than humans do and you said yourself that Cooper had somehow melded her with lower animals. Her remarkable healing ability may also allow her to grow at an accelerated rate without developmental abnormalities.’
    ‘Well, that just settles the matter,’ Charles said, almost a growl. ‘My intention, gentlemen, is to take Kate to my family’s estate in Scotland. There is a small reactor there, my grandfather’s original experimental design, which can supply her with the radiation she needs, and I will be able to provide her with the education she lacks. Further, I intend to apply for guardianship.’
    ‘She may be needed to give evidence in her father’s trial,’ Franklin commented, ‘which would mean her returning to London. Aside from that, I see no problem.’
    ‘You are being most generous to the girl,’ Wilberforce added. ‘I know that you have good doctors in Ullapool to tend to the mine workers, so she should be in good hands if required.’
    Charles gave a nod. ‘And you, Kate, would you accept my offer of a home?’
    ‘I go to live with Sharles?’
    ‘On my father’s estate. There would be me at least some of the time, my father, my step-mother and her daughter, my grandmother, and the servants, of course. You can learn more words, and proper manners. There is a lot of open space you can walk in, if you wish.’
    Kate smiled broadly and then schooled her face into a more gentlewomanly expression. ‘I would be most pleased to accep’ your grace-us offer.’
    King’s Cross Station, Camden.
    Kate was in awe. The huge, wrought-iron roof of the station stood over her head and the vast, streamlined forms of several large locomotives stood on the tracks around her, hissing and steaming. She did not appear in the least bit scared of this wonder; her eyes were wide as she looked around at all the metal and brick.
    Charles was also in awe, and more frightened. The awe stemmed from the sight of Kate in one of the dresses Antonia had procured for her. It was a little on the old-fashioned side being wide of skirt with lots of folds and a lace over-skirt, but the bodice fitted her perfectly showing off her trim form while covering everything right up to the high collar. Victorian fashions were still very much in vogue for the gentlewoman, even if some more liberal garments were becoming appropriate even for the most genteel. Charles had always been pleased when bustles finally appeared to have died out entirely at the end of the last century.
    The fear was due to what Antonia was telling him. ‘We went through the various fastenings and the application of her corset. She seems to understand fully what is required. I must say that the girl seems to absorb and