Flashback ( PDFDrive )

even sound like words, just gibberish with a bunch of syllables. But
she could tell that Tinker was impressed.
Mr. Forkle introduced them. “Tinker, this is Mr. Dizznee and Miss
Foster. We appreciate you granting us this rare visit.”
Tinker’s gaze shifted to the sling supporting Sophie’s arm. “They
don’t know why you brought them here?”
“Not yet. So perhaps we should head to your laboratory. Seems like
a more fitting place for that conversation, don’t you think?”
Sophie shared a look with Dex—a look that said they both found
those words to be uncomfortably ominous. But it didn’t stop them
from following Tinker through the atrium, to a gilded path that ended
in a round silver room with a narrow iron staircase that corkscrewed
all the way to the top of the tower.
“Is this a vortinator?” Sophie asked as Tinker motioned for her to
go first.
“Do you want it to be?” Tinker countered.
“Not really.” Her morning medicine was still sloshing around her
stomach—and she only had one good arm, so clinging for dear life
while the staircase spun like a tornado wasn’t really something she felt
like doing with her day.
“It’s Tinker’s version of one,” Mr. Forkle explained. “But I promise
you’ll find it to be a much gentler experience.”
“Want me to go first?” Dex offered when Sophie still hesitated.
She gave him a grateful nod, and he stepped onto the bottom stair,
steadying his balance as the staircase sprang to life. But the motion
was slow and smooth, just like Mr. Forkle had promised. In fact, when
Sophie climbed up behind Dex, she couldn’t feel any sign that they