Proposition

"In for a penny, in for a pound"-Old British saying

London, September 4th 1906-

"What my employer would like for you to do is to acquire something for him…something that belongs to him but is currently in the possession a certain Mister Harbottle."

James "Jimmy" Hook regarded the thin, mustachioed man with mild skepticism. This man Jeffries, or so he called himself, had sought him out for this proposition after being recommended by some associates of his. And his associates reported with much certainty who his employer was.

"Harbottle's Antiques," said Jimmy in a flat voice, "Respectable neighborhood, a guard posted every hour of every day, and a strong-room in the back if memory serves well."

"I've been told by your associates that you're one of the best men for this type of job."

"The best."

Jeffries smiled a slight smile. It was the first show of emotion from the man and Jimmy matched it with a smile of his own, a Cheshire Cat of a smile.

"Yes, so your friends say."

"Then they must have also told you that my services do not come cheaply."

"I imagined so."

Jimmy regarded the younger man with interest. He was one of the ambitious types: Calm, cool under stress, and absolutely loyal, probably ex-military like himself; a man of his character would no doubt be in the employ of a member of the aristocracy, perhaps even the nobility. This could be the key to his reestablishment in London society…if he played his cards right.

"I want five hundred pounds, upfront with another five hundred upon completion." Jimmy say laying his bait.

Jeffries eyes widened at Hook's audacity. He heard the man could be blunt but this took him by surprise. "Five hundred? I could hire several men to do the job for a fifth of that!"

"I'm sure you could but none of them are me."

Jeffries almost stood up to leave but stopped himself. He knew of Hook's skills and his reputation. Hook was the best in London and probably in all of southern England. He needed Hook for this. Hook needs this job too though…Jeffries thought. He knew Hook had been someone important in London society until a few years ago after he had become entwined in some questionable business dealings between merchants in the armaments industry and some of his connections in the Army. The rumor was that his former comrades-in-arms had sought to declare one of the colonies independent with the help of their own private army, an army equipped with what Hook was selling.

And then there was the little matter of that Ripper business too.

Now the former arms dealer supported himself with his own fencing academy in Whitechapel and through some nefarious activities.

"You don't want money do for this do you Hook?"

Hook smiled, "You catch on quick don't you Jeffries?"

"If not money then what?" Jeffries asked even though he knew what Hook's answer would be.

"Your employer is the mysterious type, Floyd or Float or Fludd is his name I think."

Jeffries did his best to stay calm. Hook's connections had found out who his employer was and had informed him.

"My employer is a very important man in the empire."

"Then he's the man who can get me back to my rightful place in London society," Jimmy paused, smiled, then continued, "and five hundred pounds."

Jeffries knew that his employer would be willing to stop at nothing to get what he wanted so why not see if Hook could be obliged.

"Give me a few minutes," Jeffries said.

"Take your time."

Jeffries stood up and walked to the corner of the club in which they were in. The Kensington, one of the finest establishments in London, was one of the few places that had a telephone. He grabbed the newfangled contraption and proceeded to ring his employer.

Jimmy watched as Jeffries came back to their corner table. Instead of sitting back down he pushed in his chair, handed him an envelope, and said, "There's 250 pounds in there and there will be another 250 upon completion."

"And my other fee?"

"He will do everything he can to get you back…he always gets what he asks for."

"Yes, if anyone in London can it would be him."

Jeffries looked around the crowded club and was certain that no one would remember him or Hook being together.

"This conversation never happened, I was never here."

"You took the words right out of my mouth."

"I will be in touch."

As Jeffries turned and took his first steps to go Jimmy grinned and said, "Say hello to Mr. Fludd for me."

Jeffries grumbled under his breath and walked away.