London, 1868- Frye Twin's Hideout

"We fight for our homes, in the shadows of the alleyways, in the secrets passed between the sealed lips of the damned. We fear not death nor sin, we know what must be needed in order to save the souls of those innocent and pure. We are the warriors apart from the army, the perilous chance taken to save what is ours- may luck be on our sides, our feet quick, and our blades sharper than the swords edge of the words we pass along."

.:+:.

Lambeth... The Blighters... Cletus....

This knife.

Jacob smiled slightly as he twirled the knife in his fingers- that same knife he had pulled from the back of Mr. Cletus, the knife thrown- seemingly, to keep himself very much alive.

And a knife he was very sure belonged to one (F/N) (L/N).

No, he had nothing to go on that would suggest such a thing- it was simply a feeling, and one, like his questions about her, that kept nagging him.

He had no proof that (F/N) had been in Lambeth at all, or that she had thrown this knife at Cletus- but he very much thought she had been there, and had in essence- saved his arse.

He was pacing back and forth in front of the wall in which the known Templars to he and his sister had been framed. Though his eyes traced the portraits and the strings connecting leads and the like- his mind could not be farther from all that.

In his other hand he held a neatly folded piece of parchment- that very same he had been given by (F/N) the day they had been officially 'introduced'.

That in itself was an entirely new mystery, one to add to the several floating about her.

The note, in scrabbled letters- was two words, or rather, a name.

'Horace Athernette'

Now who is this bloke... And why is (F/N) interested in him...?

"Do you intend to stare at that board for the rest of your days, Jacob?"

His attention turned to the sudden arrival of his sister, who had walked into the car without him noticing her approach. He turned to her with one of his usual smiles, slipping the knife into his pocket- an action Evie didn't fail to notice, though she didn't question it just then.

"I'm simply brushing up on what we know." He answered easily,

"And what would you care with Templars? Aren't you too busy starting wars?" She replied lowly, his smile grew a little wider.

"So you've heard of my conquest of Lambeth, then?" He asked and she simply stared.

"Near conquest, Jacob. You've yet to take it over completely." She reminded, and he chuckled- waving it off for now.

"Lambeth will be under the total control of the Rooks in no time at all, dear sister. All that remains is stomping out those who still fight back, they're already down a leader- the rest is simple." He assured her,

"Then what are you doing here?" She pressed, looking skeptical, her blue gaze searching for a long while.

"Taking a well deserved break, before Lambeth is completely mine." Evie blinked, her eyes narrowing a little.

"Is it true then?" She asked suddenly, he blinked, glancing toward her.

"What?"

Evie suddenly reached a hand forward and gripped his upper right arm, face neutral and eyes hard. He couldn't help himself, the wound suddenly flared with newfound pain as she grasped it- he hissed and her eyes narrowed to slits.

"You were shot." She answered, he ripped his arm from her grasp and grimaced, looking cross. "You must be getting a tad rusty, Jacob."

"Who asked you?" He muttered, before pausing. "And who told you?" Evie shrugged slightly, crossing her arms over her chest and cocking a hip.

"Its not exactly hard to figure out." Evie replied evenly, "You've been favoring that arm since coming back from Lambeth, and besides-" she gestures toward him, and what he guessed- were the bruises on his face, and the split lip. "-you look like hell, did you even bother to dress that wound properly?" She questioned, suddenly sounding stern.

It had only been three days since his exploits in Lambeth, and his wounds were still raw and aching- especially the shot he had taken to his shoulder, which Evie's grasp had painfully reminded him of. But he scowled, hating being lectured by her and the stern, nearly scolding look on her face.

"Oh, sod off." He muttered, "I don't need you lecturing me, Evie."

"Perhaps you do." She replied, "You're no use to anyone dead, Jacob. Especially over something as stupid as an infection by not dressing a wound properly." He rolled his eyes a little,

"Shut it," he growled, "Yes, I took care of it- now leave it be would you?" He looked away from her. Evie stared at him a moment, debating on whether or not she wished to continue the argument... Before her eyes switched to the piece of paper in his hand, as he rubbed his arm gently.

"And what's this?" She questioned, earning his eyes again as she gestured toward the paper. Jacob paused a moment, he didn't seem as if he was going to explain it.

"Don't you have your own business to handle?" He asked,

"I'm waiting for a report on one of the leads that Ms. (L/N) gave me, I was also expecting Mr. Green regarding the Kenway Mansion- which, as it happens, is another lead given by Ms. (L/N)." She answered, his interest peaked slightly just at the sound of (F/N)'s name, and a little at the well known surname of Kenway. "In the meantime, I have time to spare."

He smirked slightly, "Well, since you've got nothing to do- perhaps you could provide me with some input on who this bloke is?" He said, handing the paper over toward his sister with a cunning smile. Evie blinked at him, before slowing taking the paper and opening it.

"Horace Athernette?" Evie murmured, brows knitting together in wonder. She glanced up toward Jacob, confused. "Who is he?" She asked,

"I believe that is what I asked of you, or are you hard of hearing now, Evie?" He replied, she frowned at the snarky reply but let it slide- for now.

"Who is he to you?" She rephrased,

"Someone of interest." He answered vaguely. She quirked an eyebrow at him,

"This wouldn't happen to be that note from (F/N), is it?" She asked, she took the silent stare she received in return as affirmation of her question. "Do you believe tracking this man down will lead you to her?"

"It doesn't need to." Jacob answered, though Evie heard a slight hint of defensiveness creep into his tone a moment.

"You're just wondering what it is she's up to then?" Evie asked flatly,

"Precisely."

Dear Jacob.... It's almost as if you've grown obsessed with (F/N)....

She kept herself from smirking at the thought. How quaint... She had noticed how agitated and on edge her brother seemed- and she knew the reason why. It was amusing, and a little confusing all at once. Why it was he seemed so interested in that woman she wasn't sure.

She handed the note back to Jacob and shook her head, "Its better for you to stay busy I suppose..." She relented, though inwardly she herself was a little amused in his sudden fancies. He smirked a little, knowing she had decided on helping him.

"This man, Horace Athernette- I've heard Aleck mention him before. You may try asking him." Evie told her brother evenly, seeing the smile grow wider as he took the note back and placed it in his pocket.

"Then I suppose I'll be paying Mr. Bell a visit." Jacob grinned, Evie nodded slightly.

"Did you not already have business with him involving Starrick's Soothing Syrup?" She questioned,

"Ah, as if I could forget." He smirked, turning. Evie just sighed slightly,

"Do be careful won't you?" She asked, as he turned away and started toward the door.

Jacob waved a hand over his shoulder, grinning still and eyes glinting.

"Yes, mother." She sighed,

"Idiot."

.:+:.

"Mr. Bell, may I ask what it is you're doing?"

Your voice made it past your lips in a low tone, trying very hard to mask the sudden annoyance overtaking you- forcing a small smirk as not to allow a darker look to pass over your face. Such an expression could frighten the man.

It wasn't you disliked Aleck, you found him amusing most days- but his scatter minded tendencies and the way he seemed to stumble and jump between topics... It could annoy you, and right now, that's precisely what was happening.

You were in what anyone would suppose was a 'hurry', and a very big one at that. You hadn't the time nor the patience for Mr. Bell and his bumbling demeanor, and your temper was running much shorter than it usually would.

But you knew you couldn't let your frustration show, you wished to remain on good terms with the man and would hate to make him wary of you for any reason- he was too valuable a resource to have him suspicious of you. In all the years you had known him, and been working with him, he'd remained valuable to have around- and you wanted to keep his company for as long as you could.

You forced yourself to keep up that small, slightly strained smile as to not let the frown growing manage to grace your lips. Aleck continued to dart between different tables inside his home, fiddling with several different tools and bits and pieces of things he was working on.

"My apologies Ms. (L/N), I know why it is you are here... It just seems..
Ah, confound it...!" He stammered, letting out a frustrated growl as he shuffled through papers, searching and clearly not finding whatever it was he wanted. You blinked,

Do not snap at him.

".... It seems I have quite a bit of a... A mess on my hands right now.... I did find what you requested.... But where I put it is another matter entirely." He went on, still shuffling papers and objects about.

This is how he is... You can be patient.

"... Damn those criminals, stealing shipments.... I need those cables, and yet they are not here..... Where are you, you little bugger...?" Aleck growled, moving feverishly between tables and shuffling through drawers. You stood in the entryway to his workshop, hands folded behind your back and rigid- trying your best to stay calm.

The mutter of criminals stealing shipments and missing cables slightly took interest from you- but your rising frustration with the man kept you from thinking too much into it, for now.

You stood in stillness, still forcing yourself to smile, your (E/C) eyes glinting slightly, your hood lowered to leave your face in view. You knew allowing Aleck to see you put him more at ease, he was not the bravest man you had come across.

"Aha!" The Scotsman exclaimed, straightening up with something in his grasp, his back to you. Your eyes fixed to him, taking a small step forward, slightly relieved his flightful movement had halted. "There ya are, you sneaky little boggle." He turned toward you, grinning at his find.

In his hands were phials of some sickly green liquid or other, some of them in small, aerodynamic needles clearly meant for injection.

Your smile must have fallen, though you weren't sure, your frustration rose to an all time high and you unhooked your arms from behind your back, focused on Aleck and not on what he held in his hands.

"Mr. Bell." You said curtly, jaw clenching slightly. Your tone dropped to an even lower, and much more cold tenor than before- and immediately his enthusiasm seemed to fade, finally noticing the frustration beginning to spark from you. "May I remind you, why it is I am here." You muttered,

Whatever he held in his hands, whatever those needles were meant for, or were supposed to do- they were not why you were here. He had gotten completely sidetracked.

Be gentle

Aleck smiled nervously, realizing he had gotten off track, and easily able to see now that your patience was running thin. He slowly placed the phials and the needles back down on his work bench and nodded,

"Ah, no need... I do remember. My apologies, I didn't mean to get so off track..." He apologized and you simply blinked.

He turned and moved to a different table, shuffling a few more papers before singling one out- and turning back to you.

"Here we are, the information you asked about on Mr. Athernette. I haven't had the, ah... pleasure, of his company for a few years... Not regrettably." Aleck told you, handing the paper over as you crossed the small space between the two of you. You took the paper from him, folding it neatly into a small square before tucking it away into your coat, eyebrow quirked.

"I take it he isn't good company?" You asked,

"No, not in any sense- I hate to speak ill of others, let alone former colleagues- but that man, he was always a bit too brash for my tastes." Aleck murmured, rocking back and forth on his toes a moment and patting his pockets, a bit of a nervous tendency you had learned about him over the years. You nodded slightly, brushing a piece of hair from your face.

"Ah, may I ask..?" He spoke at length, looking nervous but none the less his curiosity pushing him to inquire where he felt he ought not to. He usually didn't question you or the things you looked into- he had only mostly ever let you be. But as the years had gone by... He had grown a bit braver around you, and started asking more- though he usually kept behind the line.

You sighed internally, feeling the need to move off grow stronger.

You still needed to send Hector out on his watch.... Along with countless other things to be done...

"... My time is short, Mr. Bell." You said, his eyes fell away as he nodded softly.

".. Of course... I've wasted enough of your time as is...." He stepped back from you a few paces, moving to turn away from you before you sighed slightly.

Your hand raised in gesture for him to halt, you hated yourself for this... But deep down, you disliked coming off as cold and shallow.

Why do you care...?

"Let's make an accord, mate." You murmured, he blinked slightly at you calling him 'mate', it wasn't often anyone in London called another that- and especially rare for a woman to use such a term. Even you, for as long as he had known you- you had usually kept to formal address when speaking to him. He blinked in question,

You're such a soft-hearted little....

"I've enough time for one question- as long as you answer a question of my own." You explained, his eyes glinted slightly. "Sound fair?"

He grinned, "That sounds more than fair, Ms. (L/N)." You nodded, gesturing for him to ask his.

"What is it you'd ask?"

"Well... I was just wondering why it is you've taken such a keen interest in Horace?" Aleck started, you'd expected such a question you supposed. "Is he.... Perhaps a target? For one of those... Well, less desirable conquests you and your... Organization involve yourselves in?"

You smiled slightly, Aleck was a fool... But not an idiot. He knew what the Brotherhood did, and knew that you among the rest of your company were not opposed to the taking of lives. It was logical to assume your sudden interest in the man would lead to a very, very bitter end for Mr. Athernette.

And that was almost it... Just not quite.

"My interest in him has not come to that end- yet, Mr. Bell." You answered honestly, your annoyance fading now and a truer smile gracing your lips, eyes glinting slightly. In mentioning that growing bravery he seemed to have about asking questions of you, it  did not annoy you like it would seem to- in fact, it was very amusing. "My interest- its simply interest. I have reason to believe he has involved himself in some insidious plans, ones that threaten the lives of the innocent here in London. Though I have no proof of any of his supposed illegal action, I do wish to look into his a little further, and start to understand the sort of man he is myself." You smiled just a little more, "If I do find he is endangering the lives of others, or harming anyone- I will decide my course of action from there. But for now, I simply wish to observe and learn."

If you found your proof of Horace and his suspected undesirable actions.... You may have it arranged for the Frye Twins to end his life.

Or perhaps you'd do the deed yourself. Time would tell.

Aleck nodded slightly, seemingly thinking your answer was enough... Though you could tell he was itching to ask more. He refrained, fortunately.

"Then I do hope the information I gave you will help." He answered with a small smile, "What was it you wished to ask of me?"

You gestured toward the phials and needles he had previously been holding, "Why is it you were searching for those? And what are they?"

"Ah!" He exclaimed, grinning widely and clearly glad you asked. He turned and grabbed one of them, holding it before him and eyes gleaming.

So easily distracted...

"This is a highly condensed and potent serum of Starrick's Soothing Syrup, nasty stuff." Aleck explained, a small flicker of familiarity lit up in your (E/C) eyes- very aware that Jacob Frye had recently been meddling in affairs surrounding the Syrup....

"A single, small dose is toxic- and enough to send man or woman, raving mad and very, very violent. Effective should one wish to cause conflict from the shadows, don't you believe?" He smiled slightly. You nodded a little, agreeing.

"Indeed," you murmured, he nodded.

"I've also been working to fit then into a mechanism that can shoot them from gauntlets." He went on, picking up said mechanism. Your head tilted slightly,

"For Jacob and Evie?" You said and he blinked, grinning a little more.

"So you know our dear twins, eh?" He chuckled, you glanced away, smiling wryly a moment.

"Oh yes." You chuckled softly, "I do indeed...."

... but perhaps not enough.

The thought of tracking Jacob down had occurred to you several times since his actions in Lambeth.

... Since you disobeyed your own rules, and interfered with Cletus against your better judgment.

"Yes, these beauties are for the twins." Aleck went on, you still smiling slightly as his eyes started to shine and he raised a finger, looking flustered again. "Ah! Speaking of which, before I, ah, inevitably forget.." He waved a hand at you in a gesture for you to stay put- seeing as how you were planning to leave.

He started to fumble around inside a chest set away atop the table behind him, you narrowed your eyes, tilting slightly to try and see around him and a little confused.

"I do believe... The Frye Twins are not the only ones.... In need of an upgrade...." He mumbled, you blinked. He pulled a few things, and tools out before turning back to you he smiled and gestured toward your arm and the Gauntlet and hidden blade, "May I have your gauntlet, please?" He asked, you blinked and he paused- noticing the look you gave. "The right one, specifically." He clarified, seeing the dual set of hidden blades and gauntlets on both of your arms.

You paused a moment, eyes narrowed. He have you a reassuring smile,

"It won't take but a moment." He assured, you sighed silently and carefully pulled the straps open and slid it off, your arm feeling light and slightly cold once your gauntlet was gone from your forearm.

"Thank you, just give me a few moments to make some adjustments." Aleck said, turning away again and beginning to fiddle with your weapon.

Your fingers brushed your arm absentmindedly, eyes fixed to Aleck's back as he continued to meddle with your weapon, the clinking of tools filling the air and the humm of him murmuring under his breath as he worked. You stood in silence, eyes searching and expression neutral.

"And there we are." Aleck turned back toward you, smiling as he handed your gauntlet back- now fitted with what you could tell was both the dart contraption he had previously shown you, and a pulley system you recognized as the same both Frye Twins had on their gauntlets. "Now you have the grappling mechanism and the darts worked into your gauntlet, pray they are as useful for you as they are for Mr. And Ms. Frye."

You pulled the gauntlet back on and pulled the straps tight, clenching and opening your fist, your eyes scanning over the new enhancements and smiling a little, not a smirk, nor a grin... A small, soft smile.

You glanced back up toward Aleck and nodded to him, eyes glinting.

"Thank you, Aleck." You murmured softly, "I appreciate it, truly." He looked utterly shocked a moment, this being the first time he could ever recall you addressing him by his first name.

"Of course, anything for my favorite goodwill, nightly prowler." He chuckled, his tone light and joking. He seemed pleased you had called him 'Aleck', perhaps he believed that the formal relationship you had kept with him all this time was slowly changing, just slightly. You blinked, head tilting slightly.

"Your favorite?" You asked lightly, smile growing into a smirk. He blinked, looking suddenly flustered as he stumbled for a proper response. You'd clearly caught him off guard, as much as he had caught himself with the reply.

"I mean... Of course, not favorite... I enjoy your.... Company and business as much as I do Jacob and Ms. Evie... I... I didn't mean..." He stammered. You laughed lightly and gently placed your hands on his shoulders, smiling slyly.

"Peace, Mr. Bell." You chuckled, clapping his shoulders in a friendly manner before letting go. "I know you meant no offense." You chuckled under your breath and stepped back, your grin never fading as he glanced feverishly between his feet and back up to you.

Aleck was a character, a fool... But an honest one, and he had good intentions though he quite frequently tripped over his own feet. Such a person was rare in London- a city filled with vileness and evil... And lies.

So many lies... And secrets.

"... I am... Glad, you understand." He said at length, you nodded.

"Of course- and thank you, once again." You smiled, backing toward the door. "Good luck with your missing cables- I trust you have a plan to retrieve them?" You asked and he hesitated, before nodding.

"Ah, yes! Mr. Frye should be by to pick up his new gauntlet adjustments soon... I was going to ask for his assistance, should he have the time to spare." Aleck explained, digging in his pockets as he pulled out a pocket watch. He flipped it open to look at the time, you had paused just outside the door- hand raised toward the knob, eyes widening slightly at the mention of Jacob.

"And- oh! He should be arriving just about now-" Aleck said, looking surprised at the time.

Your eyes had snapped toward the door, able to hear the distinct sound of heavy footfalls just outside, some foreign sense falling over you- you knew immediately who was just outside the door.

How odd.... And unfortunate.

You really couldn't stay, and you were sure that if Mr. Frye were to find you here- he wouldn't allow you to leave, at least- not quickly enough to get on with your business.

"Until I see you again, Aleck." You said softly, he had turned away to begin gathering up the things he would be presenting to Jacob. He turned at the sound of your voice, expecting you still by the door- only he didn't seen you anywhere. It seemed as if you had vanished into thin air, the door hadn't even been opened.

He glanced around, looking confused.

".... How... Odd..." He mumbled,

He jumped, the door slamming open as Jacob walked in, smiling wryly as he opened his arms, eyes glinting as he saw the Scotsman.

"Aleck! My favorite inventor, I'm here for my new toys- and a few questions." Jacob announced. Aleck smiled at Jacob's arrival, still faintly concerned with (F/N)'s sudden vanishing. He faintly wondered if you leaving so quickly had something to do with Jacob...

"Ah, Mr. Frye, good to see you." Aleck smiled, "I have your upgrade, ready to be fixed to your gauntlet- if you would just..?" He asked gesturing toward said piece of weaponry. Jacob smirked and easily slid it from his arm, handing it over.

"What sort of questions?" Mr. Bell asked, turning toward his table to start to work. He could hear Jacob walking about behind him, perhaps even.... Picking things up from the several tables in the space, fiddling with them.

"I believe you may know of someone by the name of, Horace Athernette?" Jacob murmured, twirling a tool in his fingers, glancing about the building.

"Ah, so you and Ms. (L/N) are interested in the same man I see." Aleck murmured, turning back toward the younger twin, gauntlet in hand. Jacob's eyes snapped toward the Scotsman, setting the tool down. "Funny that- you just missed her, my friend." Aleck smiles slightly, handing the gauntlet back for Jacob to take.

"Did I now?" He asked, eyes shinning.

"Yes, yes... She ran off- said she had plenty of business to get to, and I took up enough of her time." Aleck explained. "But why is it you're interested in Mr. Athernette?"

"(F/N) is interested- so naturally, so am I." Jacob replied,

"Hmm... Well, I'm not sure she'll appreciate you looking into her own inquiries Mr. Frye." Aleck murmured,

"Come on Aleck, old chum." Jacob smiled, stepping toward the Scotsman with a sly smirk. "Trust me, I can handle myself against (F/N), all I want from you- is what you told her. I'm not going to meddle- at least not too much."

Aleck settled him with a flat stare, hands resting on his hips a moment. All the while Jacob continued to grin slyly,

"Mr. Frye, you and your sister... You've only been in London a few weeks, correct?" Aleck murmured.

"Correct."

"... Than it is safe to assume, you really do not know Ms. (L/N) very well, hmm?" He asked and Jacob blinked.

"And do you?" Jacob countered easily, not sure where the conversation was going.

"I've known her since I arrived in London." Aleck replied. "But no, I wouldn't say I know her very well at all.... But I do understand, she hates having people meddling in her business, Mr. Frye." He gave Jacob a pointed look, "She's especially been known to do some... Rash things to those who get under her skin."

It was true enough.

Jacob smiled just a bit more, the clear warning going straight over his head. It didn't matter to him that (F/N) may be unhappy he was looking into her affairs, he was too interested to care about the possible repercussions. All he cared about was sating his curiosity, and to do that- he needed Mr. Bell to answer his question, to tell him who Horace Athernette was and why the ever mysterious (F/N) was after him.

"Aleck, trust me." Jacob smiled, voice light and eyes glinting. "I won't meddle too much- it'll be just fine."

Unfortunately, Jacob seemed to have too much of a talent, for meddling much deeper than he meant to... And what he found himself in the middle of... It reached farther than Starrick, Soothing Syrup, Gang conquest, and everything in between. It reached into a part of London that very few knew existed, the part of the city that you lived in, thrived in, worked in.... Killed in.

He took his first step into a writhing pool of secrets and lies... A first step into something that could cost him his life.

And still, to him- it was all a game. The thrill of the chase. A joke, a go around- just simple curiosity, intrigue and merriment.

Unfortunately for Mr. Frye, and for yourself... That merriment would prove to be very, very perilous.

.:+:.

Votes and Comments appreciated! Hopefully things will start picking up some more! :D