Jenny Plague-Bringer(48)

“Congratulations, Emil,” Barrett told the detective. “It seems you’ve found two supernormals for us. As agreed, that’s a hundred-dollar bonus for each.”

“Good.” The detective looked Sebastian over again before turning to Barrett. “Now you’re done with me, Mr. Barrett?”

“Don’t leave just yet,” Barrett told him. “You can wait in the library, or the parlor, or the music room. Have my colored girls play piano for you, they know an extraordinary range of songs. They listen to all the newest phonographs. Are you a jazz man?”

“I’ll find my way.” The detective tipped his hat as he left.

Barrett smiled at Juliana and Sebastian, who simply gaped at him in shock, Juliana gripping the arms of her chair, Sebastian frozen in the corner. After a moment, Barrett seemed to notice the revolver still in his hand, and he put it away in his desk drawer as he returned to his high-backed chair.

“Sebastian, feel free to join us,” Barrett said, gesturing at the empty chair. “I am sorry for all the drama, but I had to be sure before I could send you on.”

“Send us on to where?” Juliana asked, while Sebastian cautiously sat beside her again.

“Tell me something. Have you ever wished to understand your powers? To gain greater control of them?” Barrett asked. “What about you, Juliana?”

“That’s why I went to the revival,” Juliana said. “I thought the preacher could heal me. I didn’t mean to hurt him.”

“But he couldn’t heal you,” Barrett said.

“No, it was Sebastian that had the healing touch, even though he was just the assistant. And he couldn’t heal me. But his power protects him, so he’s the only person who can touch me without getting infected.” She took Sebastian’s hand.

“Isn’t that a pity?” Barrett asked. “A pretty girl like you should be free to touch anyone she likes.”

“That’s all I want,” Juliana said. “I want to know how to make it stop, so I don’t hurt anybody. Unless I need to hurt them.”

Barrett laughed. “And that’s what I’m offering you. The chance to finally have your abilities studied scientifically. To give you both the greatest possible understanding and control.”

“You’re saying I’ll be able to go through life without infecting anyone?” Juliana asked.

“I’m saying that you have the opportunity to be studied by the finest scientific minds in Europe. Physicians, biologists, geneticists, even physicists. You will never again have a chance like this. If it is possible for you to turn off your ability, Juliana, they will discover the means.”

Juliana felt her heart pounding. It was exactly what she’d been searching for all her life. She looked at Sebastian, but he didn’t seem so excited.

“Europe?” Sebastian asked.

“If you agree, I will send the both of you to Berlin, where some of today’s greatest scientists live. I mentioned that the German government is now sponsoring research programs in collaboration with the International Human Evolution Congress, as many high German officials are already members of our group. They will provide comfortable accommodations and all living expenses. And they will apply modern science to understanding your supernormal abilities.”

“I don’t know. I’m not sure I want to be studied like that. It could be...strange.” Sebastian shook his head.

“Sebastian.” Juliana squeezed his hand tightly. “You don’t understand what it’s like for me. Your touch is good for people. Mine...I can’t continue living like this, avoiding everyone, always afraid of killing anyone who comes near me. My whole life has been a nightmare. If this could end all of it, then I need to do it, Sebastian.”

She and Barrett both looked at Sebastian, but he seemed at a loss for words.

“The girl’s right,” Barrett said. “This is a necessity for her.”

“And I don’t want to go all the way to Europe without you,” Juliana said. “Please. I need you.”

Sebastian looked at the floor and rubbed his temple, as if thinking it over was a strain on him.

“You don’t have to decide immediately, of course,” Barrett said. “Take the day to think it over. You can stay here, eat, drink, listen to music, walk the gardens, and let me know your answer in the morning. If you decide not to do it, we can have you working at the carnival again by tomorrow night. If that’s what you’d rather do with your life.” He reached for the telephone. “Now, I have some of that boring old bank business to cope with. Make yourselves at home. I’ll have the staff prepare rooms for you upstairs. If you see the detective, tell him he can go. We’ll make other arrangements if you decide to rejoin the freak show tomorrow.” Barrett placed the earpiece of the phone by his head and began talking to the operator.