A new story. Partly inspired by 'The Boy With The Broken Halo' and also partly inspired by an old fic of mine by the name of 'The Pendant' Lord Harry Yorke pays a visit to a vampire establishment in London. Kate Jennings has been assigned to look after him and she's not a happy girl. The characters familiar to Being Human belong to Toby Whithouse et al, the other characters belong to me. Any and all errors are my own and are unintentional. The first chapter in this story. Yep, finally Hal has gone multi chapter on me!. Have taken all sorts of liberties but i hope you enjoy the story. Love to hear your thoughts :)
Dedicated as always, to Lady Athenais. With thanks for the original idea...
Chapter One.
London, 1942.
The club is doing a brisk business tonight.
Kate Jennings casts a jaded eye across the myriad of tables dotted around her. From her position at the bar she can see that all of the tables are occupied; the bartenders are busy as are the waitresses and the hostesses. She watches them mill in between the tables, smiling, charming and serving. This is how she likes it. Takings will be exceptionally good tonight and Michael will be pleased.
She turns slightly and reaches for her martini glass and lifts it to her lips and she takes a sip. She turns her attention to the band on the small stage, at the couples dancing on the floor in front of them. Satisfaction swells inside of her.
The country may be embroiled in yet another world war but its citizens still liked to celebrate and have fun.
Her sharp blue eyes take in the patrons. The vast majority of them are vampires, taking advantage of the devastation going on around them and hoping for rich pickings. The majority of their guests are human and unsuspecting. It doesn't bother her; it's her pockets that they're helping to line. She bites back a smile and takes another sip and contemplates the urge for something 'stronger' and she wonders what Michael has in his extensive cellars for her.
She's distracted by the sight of Alfie, one of Michael's lackeys, heading towards her. She lowers her glass onto the bar with a quiet sigh when she recognises the expression on his narrow face. What does he want now? She waits until he gets to the bar.
"Evening Miss Jennings." he greets with an air of nervous respect that always irritates her. She's known Alfie for close to a century but he always greets her like this.
"What's the problem Alfie?" she enquires without preamble.
"Mr Harper requests your company. He's upstairs." Kate's eyes flick up to the balcony where Michael likes to sit and hold court and be able to observe everything that is going on in his little fiefdom. She sighs.
"Of course, I'll be there in a moment." she tells him and she watches him scuttle away. Kate frowns as she picks up her glass and she drains it dry.
Judging by the expression on Alfie's face she thinks she'll definitely be raiding Michael's cellars later this evening.
She makes her way towards Michael's table. There are over half a dozen guests seated there, men and women alike. She eyes the tuxedoed henchmen who stand guard close by and they eye her back but they just nod as she walks past. Kate Jennings is Michael's right hand 'man' and most trusted advisor. It's almost unheard of within the vampire community for a woman to hold that amount of influence with an Old One, especially this Old One who is second only to Mr Snow in age. She's heard all of the gossip that has done the rounds and mostly it doesn't bother her. A lot of the time it's a title that she enjoys, the rest of the time it's a bit of an annoyance, especially when she's on the scent of something…interesting.
"Michael." she greets calmly and watches the tall black haired man who is her sire and mentor turn his head. He sees Kate and his blue eyes light up with a smile. He replaces his champagne glass on the white linen clothed table and removes his arm from the back of his companion's chair as he rises to his feet in one elegant move. Distractedly Kate wonders where Frances is this fine evening because she most definitely isn't here. Frances is his long term companion and the two women do not like each other.
"Katie! Good of you to join us!" he announces, still smiling. Kate watches him as he skirts the table to stand beside her. He knows that she hates her name being shortened like this but he still does it. She swallows down the irritation instead. It's a waste of time reminding him.
"Alfie said you needed to speak to me?"
"And indeed I do. Walk with me." he touches her hand and then slides a familiar arm across her shoulder. Kate stiffens as she glances briefly at it. No one touches her without her permission but she makes an exception for Michael. They begin to walk.
"What's the problem?" Kate asks as they begin to walk and she sees the surprise cross her sire's face.
"Problem? Why must you think that there's a problem?"
"Because you asked to see me and you only ever ask to see me when there's a problem, so who's upset you this time?" they pause several feet away from his table and Kate turns to look at him. Michael is a tall handsome bloke with keen blue eyes, short neat black curly hair, a square jaw and broad shoulders. It's everything she should distrust in a man but strangely enough in Michael she doesn't. They rub along reasonably well together. She benefits from their friendship well enough by association and that's all it is, a friendship.
"There's no problem Kate, no quite the opposite. We've been told to expect a visitor this evening, a very important visitor." his eyes gleam with anticipation and Kate frowns at him.
"Oh? Like who?"
"Henry Yorke. Lord Harry himself is gracing us with his presence." he lowers his voice and he waits. Surprise makes Kate widen her eyes marginally. Lord Harry himself?
"Really? He's back in the Smoke?" Michael nods.
"Just for a day or two and Mr Snow wants his enfant terrible feted, fed and kept entertained. That's when I thought of you my friend, you'd be perfect." he grins. Kate barely refrains from rolling her eyes.
"Oh great, babysit some kid? No thanks." she turns to leave but Michael's hand clamps down heavily onto her shoulder.
"You don't understand Katie, Lord Harry is special, a vampire of considerable reputation. He's an Old One like you and I." he stares into her eyes and he waits.
"Old One?" Again, she's heard rumours but nothing substantial, just a bit of tittle-tattle here and there, some vampires are worse than old women for their gossip.
"He's four hundred and thirty years old give or take a year or two and if Mr Snow himself instructs us to take care of him then that's what we do."
"He's big enough to look after himself, let someone else entertain him, I've got other things to do." she turns to leave again but pauses again when Michael's fingers tighten almost painfully on her shoulder. She slowly turns his head, looks at the hand and then up into Michael's eyes.
"I've already made my decision Michael, let go of me." she instructs in a deadly cold tone but Michael doesn't. Kate sighs loudly in frustration.
"Why are you so insistent? Because the order came from on high? Have you forgotten that you don't have to do anything Snow tells you, you're what, a century younger than him? And I'm fifty years older than this kid, which means that I don't really have to do anything either. So just let somebody else look after him." Annoyance laces her voice. Michael shakes his head impatiently.
"It's out of the question I'm afraid. I don't mind doing this; it means that Snow will owe me a favour in the future. Trust me, he'll be here soon and you'll get the opportunity to meet him. At least have a drink with him and if you still aren't interested then fair enough but meet him at least?" Michael doesn't beg or wheedle, he's an Old One so he's used to his every command being obeyed and Kate hears the directive clear in his voice even though he's camouflaged it well.
"One drink, that's all I'm asking." Kate sighs and she wonders why she even bothers saying no to this bloke, it's plain he doesn't listen.
"Fine. One drink, that's all and I'm gone alright?" she retorts sharply and Michael grins at her and pulls her against him with a chuckle.
"Atta girl Katie. You'll like him I promise." Somehow Kate doubts it but she offers a grim smile in response.
"Have you met him, this enfant terrible" she mimics Michael's tone as they walk back to the table.
"Once or twice."
"So what's he like then?"
"Fucking terrifying. Want some champagne?" a chair has materialised beside his own and Michael guides her towards it and pushes her down onto it. She sits down and her eyes take in the other guests, at the vampires and their female hangers on. She has to wonder about why these women latch themselves onto people like them; it never ends well for them. One or two of them are already half gone on the expensive champagne that is flowing like water, a bit of luxury in a time of financial and emotional hardship. She watches as a glass of it materialises in front of her and she looks at it for a moment. She doesn't care much for the stuff, now give her a glass of good aged single malt or a dry vodka martini and then she's happy. This stuff is all kinds of pretentious but she accepts it and takes a sip, feeling the bubbles dancing on her tongue.
She wonders whether she'll have long to wait until His Nibs shows up.
She's heard of Lord Harry, in their community who hasn't? She knew that he was a bit of a pet of Snow's too. She hadn't known that he was an Old One though and she wonders why she has to treat him with any kind of respect given the fact that she's about fifty years his senior herself.
She turns her head when she sees Michael rise to his feet and leave the table once more. She watches as he approaches Alfie who is accompanied by two people, a young lady and a young gentleman. Kate frowns slightly. Michael usually likes being approached; it's extremely rare for him to do the approaching. She watches how Michael turns and looks at her and his nod is very slight but the message is clear and Kate sighs quietly and gets to her feet and she slowly walks towards them.
The young man watches her steadily as she approaches the group.
The first thing that crosses Kate's mind is that he looks incredibly young for someone supposedly higher up the food chain than most vampires. He's clad in an immaculate black suit, snow white shirt and a dark red tie. He stands out because most of the clientele are clad in tuxedoes and evening dress. His hair is combed and oiled but his eyes are cold. Kate pauses beside Michael without breaking eye contact. She's got seniority on this upstart; let him be the first one to look away.
He doesn't.
"Kate, this is Henry Yorke. Harry this is Kate Jennings, my second in command." If Harry is surprised that Michael's second in command is a woman then he doesn't show it.
"Mr Yorke." Kate responds with a neutral nod. There's a pause and she can almost hear his brain ticking over and then the younger vampire smiles and holds out a hand.
"Miss Jennings, it's a pleasure to meet you. Please, call me Harry." Kate barely refrains from glancing at Michael as she takes his hand and is even more surprised to discover his handshake is firm and strong. No kiss on the back of her hand and she realises that she likes that. She's used to being assessed and dismissed by other colleagues and associates of Michael so this makes for a pleasant surprise.
"Kate." she echoes. Harry lets go of her hand and indicates his companion, a startlingly beautiful ice blonde with marble pale skin, very blue eyes and vivid red lips. She wears a knee length silk gown of matching blood red.
"Allow me to introduce my companion, this is Isabel." Michael and Kate just nod at her.
"Won't you come with us; we have a table ready for you. Champagne?" Michael, ever the host guides Isabel to the table leaving Kate and Harry to bring up the rear.
Neither of them speaks as they follow Michael and Isabel back to the table. A few of the guests there previously have departed leaving several empty chairs. They both watch Michael make a production out of making sure that Isabel is seated with suitable pomp and circumstance.
"Is he always like this?" Harry murmurs in Kate's ear and she looks at him, hearing the amusement in his tone.
"Just for the pretty ones, he likes to make an impression, given his age and all of that, likes a bit of chivalry does Michael." she responds.
"Chivalry is a good thing, there's not enough of it in today's day and age." Harry replies and Kate has to agree with him on that one. She watches as Harry draws out a chair and waits as she's seated. Once she is, he sits down too. Presently the promised champagne arrives.
Kate quickly understands that Harry isn't much of a conversationalist. Oh he responds to questions such as how he's finding London, whether his accommodation is comfortable enough but other than that he offers little. He's observant though, his eyes do not miss a trick. Kate watches how he takes in his surroundings, assessing and remembering. She watches as one elegant hand reaches out to pick up his champagne glass. He picks it up and drains it of its contents. She sees the slight grimace as he replaces the glass.
"The champagne not to your liking Harry?" she enquires and Harry slowly turns his head and looks at her. He then shakes his head.
"Not really. Don't get me wrong, I like it well enough but after a while it gets…"
"Boring?" Harry inclines his head and a faint smile lifts the corners of his mouth.
"Exactly." Kate smiles at him. Maybe there is something more to this so called enfant terrible after all.
"So what is your poison exactly?"
"Literally or theoretically?" Harry enquires and Kate's smile widens to a grin.
"Both if you're sharing but theoretically of course." she responds.
"Of course. Whisky. Single malt and the older the better." he informs her. Kate regards him.
Yes, definitely more to this one than meets the eye.
Harry watches Kate pour two generous measures into the heavy cut glass tumblers and place the bottle down between them. He reaches for the dusty bottle and examines the faded label with something close to approval on his face.
"Well I won't ask which cellar you raided to acquire this little gem but the gesture is truly appreciated." he tells her as he replaces the bottle on the table. Kate pushes one of the glasses towards him and picks up her own.
"You haven't tasted it yet." she remarks and sees the glint of humour in Harry's eyes as he picks up the glass. He holds it briefly beneath his nose and delicately breathes in the fumes. He looks back at Kate and his eyes widen very slightly.
"Truly honoured." he murmurs and takes a small sip. Kate watches the expression of bliss that crosses his young undeniably handsome face and satisfaction blossoms again.
"So Kate," Harry turns slightly in his seat to face her more full on "how long have you been with Michael?" he tilts his head his way but the older vampire doesn't notice, he's far too invested in holding Isabel's attention and she of course is lapping it up. Kate glances at him.
"He's my sire so I've always been with him; it's been…a while."
"Really? You've felt no urge to spread your wings and fly for a bit?" Kate hears the curiosity in his voice. She shrugs restlessly.
"Never really needed to, to be honest. We rub along together, he gives me space when I need it, trusts my judgement and I trust his." Mostly. She glances across the table and sees how Michael is staring into Isabel's blue eyes, one of his hands stroking her thigh and she isn't exactly discouraging his attention either. She barely refrains from rolling her eyes, and with Harry seated across the table. She returns her attention to him to see him also regarding the pair and there is no expression on his face. It surprises her somewhat.
"Doesn't that bother you?" she keeps her voice low and Harry turns his head and regards her.
"I should be asking you the same question." he answers and Kate's eyes widen.
"Do you think…" she shakes her head rapidly. It's not the first time she's been asked this, a man and a woman together like this, it's only natural she supposes. Harry frowns slightly and he glances back at the pair across the table and he observes them for a moment or two.
"Even if it did bother me, Michael is older than I am, it would be…disrespectful to kick up a fuss about it."
"She's still your girl Harry." Harry sighs quietly and picks up his glass and drains it of its contents.
"She really isn't Kate. She's anybody's and I think tonight she's Michael's. It's what she does." Kate regards him and realises that he's speaking the truth, it really doesn't bother him. She watches as he straightens in his seat.
"Do you know what? I'm getting a little bit bored, what do you do for entertainment around here?" his eyes warm marginally on a smile.
"You want to get out of here?"
"Oh God yes. Please tell me that you know of somewhere we could go?" Harry responds, the smile in his eyes remaining and Kate returns his smile.
"I might do. What are you in the mood for?" she watches as Harry slowly grins.
"Whatever you have in mind." he answers and Kate chuckles and shakes her head slightly.
"Fine. This way." She gets to her feet. At her sudden movement, both Michael and Isabel turn their heads in her direction.
"I'm going to show Harry a few of the sights. Don't wait up now will you?" Kate tells Michael and instead of annoyance, he smiles almost triumphantly.
"I don't intend to. Be sure to show Lord Harry the cellars while you're at it." he looks at his guest and there's a distinct 'cat got the cream' expression on his face. Kate just nods and she glances Harry's way.
"Have fun Isabel and play nice." Harry instructs Isabel in his quietly spoken way. Kate watches as Isabel just smiles and returns her attention to Michael.
"Cellars?" Harry enquires in a quiet, curious tone as they leave the table. Kate glances over her shoulder at her sire who is once more lost in the attentions of the seemingly fascinating Isabel. She looks back at Harry once more.
"It's Michael's pride and joy. Access is strictly by invitation only. Consider yourself honoured. The next time you're in town I'll show it to you." They head towards the cloak room.
"Sounds fascinating." Harry murmurs.
Harry accepts her coat from the cloak room girl and he holds it for her as she slides her arms into it and he rests it gently onto her shoulders. Kate murmurs her thanks as she turns and observes him and watches him slip his own overcoat on and hold his hat between both hands. Together they make their exit into a dark side street. Kate pauses and waits as Harry comes to stand beside her. The streets are deserted; the whole city is under a blackout warning. Kate looks up and down the street. The majority of humanity has chosen to remain indoors, huddled over fireplaces whilst listening to their radios and hoping for better news, encouraging news of victory, of an end to all hostilities. Kate smiles to herself as she buttons up her coat against the chilly breeze that is blowing. She remembers previous conflicts and none of them have ended particularly quickly. She turns her head as Harry joins her.
"Ready?"
"I'm ready, lead the way." he offers an arm. Kate's soft smile remains in place as she slips her hand into the crook of his elbow as they walk along the deserted side street onto the slightly busier main thoroughfare. Very few vehicles are on the road. The lack of lighting gives the area a slightly sinister edge. She pauses by the side of the road and glances once more at Harry.
"This way. Watch out for the wardens. They're full of their own sense of self importance, they're everywhere and get in the way at the most annoying of times. Bloody nuisances." Once more she looks up and down the road before they hurry across. They merge into the deeper shadows.
The two vampires walk side by side. All around them the subversive exist, the ones who choose not to toe the line where rules and regulations are concerned. They're brave or just incredibly stupid. Kate keeps a careful eye on them. They exist on the fringes of society, unloved and unmissed. They pass boarded up and bombed out buildings, rubble scattered across pathways. Carefully they pick their way across.
"Where are we going?" Harry enquires. Kate glances at him.
"Wait and see." she tells him with a secretive smile.
"You won't be disappointed." she promises.