The thin smoke from the crimson forges mixed with the tang of coal and the distant salt of the river.
People moved fast in the main streets, merchants calling, carts creaking, but in the alleys the city kept its secrets.
That is where my work lived.
I walked the Bluerose route in the daytime, the same as always. I stood near the carriage when Amy left for public ceremonies, I watched the crowd, I kept my distance.
Public duty was a costume I wore to keep the eyes off what I truly was at night.
By moonlight I breathed differently. I wore another face for another crowd. I led Chrome Hearts.
I kept the keys to both worlds in a pocket no one knew existed.
One side fit the Bluerose crest and polite nods.
The other fit the iron scent of the theatre and the echo of voices planning revolution from under tattered curtains.
