Just posted a new steampunk story over at Wattpad, “Remember to Breathe”. It’s a new take on Spring-Heeled Jack, complete with piston boots and an unerring nose for trouble.  Here’s a short bit to give you a taste of what’s ahead.

The first step would be to test out his little toys. He lifted a leg cautiously, then landed it directly onto the heel to activate the trigger. Up, up he flew into the rafters, with just a single step. The laughter was bubbling out of him now, even as he started plummeting down to the floor again.  This time he was prepared. A second step, more firm than the first, and he had to catch himself on the ceiling to prevent from going straight through. His arms weren’t quite fast enough though as he bumped his head, cutting off his joy rather quickly as the world went out of focus.

“Damn…” he croaked, hanging still from the rafters like a chimpanzee.  “Jonathan! It looks like I need some help here.”

“Christ, Jack! You didn’t go ahead and test it already did you?”

“Quite possibly.”

I kind of imagine Jack and Jonathan’s interaction as being a flavor of Holmes and Watson to be honest with you, but Jack is just not as kind. He has a sizable cruel streak, though he probably wouldn’t necessarily see himself as malicious.

You can read the rest over here, and depending on the responses I get back for it, I may be adding to it.