Chapter One

2 months later

"How would you feel about a little job this afternoon Richard?" Jimmy asked as they sat in their usual place on his porch. It had been a while since Richard had been asked to do 'a job'.

"What. Hmm. Do you need?" Richard replied.

"I need you to visit Quentin Greenall, he's been one of our sure clients for a while now but Al's warned me someone has been sniffing around tryin' to poach him."

"I don't. Think. Hmm. I would be any good. I'm not. Hmm. Exactly a. Negotiator." Richard replied but saw that Jimmy's look hardened a little. Jimmy did this sometimes, it wasn't that he was annoyed with Richard, he just didn't like him to doubt himself.

"You're a strong message Richard, even stronger with a gun in your hand. You can prove to him we are the best to protect his interests."

"Hmm. I guess I could. Hmm. Try."

"Good." Jimmy said, his expression softening but the furrow on his forehead still present. "There's some new blood skulking around out there an' until we know more we need to keep hold of those we have."

They sat in silence for a few moments, Jimmy drinking down a coffee quickly and Richard gazing idly out the window. In a way he was relieved the job wasn't a hit, but at the same time he often worried about the faith Jimmy placed in him with these sorts of tasks. He didn't want to disappoint him.

Richard had declined Angela's offer to stay and have some food with them, it was mid afternoon and he decided to take a walk and swing by Greenalls well known speakeasy on the way back. The world was a changing place, Capones presence was now on a steady rise and what Richard didn't see first hand he heard from Jimmy in great detail. Yet he didn't consider himself one of Capone's men, he was Jimmy's man, and whilst Jimmy flitted from loyalty to loyalty his would remain constant.

He went by his rooms, picked up his colt that he could easily conceal until any trouble called for it and then headed for the boardwalk. Of late he'd found himself stood at the sea edge staring out across the horizon, but he still had not found the impulse to remove his shoes. It was that same system, remove his jacket and place it neatly on the ground then just look out. At times he thought of the job, at times he recalled memories and at times he mused over how this stretch of water would still flow in and out after he, Jimmy, Capone and Nucky had all made their exits in whatever way they were to go.

People passed by him at short distances but he barely noticed them, there was nothing spectacular about them to rouse his interest so he just stood watching until he felt ready to go. He made a slow return up the sand then slipping back into his jacket he walked to the speakeasy.

Richard saw the problem before they observed him. There were two men whom he did not recognise loitering nearby, obviously waiting for the same person he was. The likelihood was they were armed and really he should return to Jimmy and explain that their concern was justified but that felt pathetic. Instead he walked over towards the door, pretending to ignore them as he neared the it. It was locked and he rapped loudly upon it.

"Greenalls not around." One of the men said behind him, Richard turned and looked at them as they moved closer.

"Hmm. I'll wait." He replied.

One of the men's eyes narrowed and he clearly was mistrustful of Richard, he stepped in closer making Richard conscious of the invasion of his personal space. It began to get his back up.

"Are you an agent?" He asked Richard.

"Look at him." The other said with a New York twang. "He ain't no agent."

"Whose man are you?" The first replied, Richard did not answer but cocked his head showing how the attempt to intimidate didn't work. His arm subtly moved to where his gun was concealed, he was always quick of the mark at drawing and he certainly would be happy to dispatch this thug.

"Look 'ere half face." The man said, his raw breath making Richard want to turn his head far more than any intimidation did. "Greenall is setting up with us, so you can take that message back to whoever you scuttle about for."

Richards face grew sterner, his unflinching expression made the second man wary.

"Paul just back off will you."

But these words caused the opposite affect, coupled with Richards own stance the mans rage flared up and he delivered a hard blow to Richard's stomach. It bent him in two and the man soon continued with a kick or two that caused Richard to slump against the wall. They were concealed enough for Richard to be in danger and as Paul pulled out his gun he aimed it at the winded Richard who was fumbling for his own. The second man's hand came onto his shoulder and pulled him backwards.

"Fuck off John!" Paul cursed.

"He's gotta be one of Darmody's men. We were told not to cause trouble." John replied, fear evident in his voice.

Richard had found his gun and was about to pull it out when Paul changed his tactic and instead gave two hard blows to his head causing him to black out and his body hit the floor. John and Paul watched as a wound caused by the second blow started to weep blood. John looked Richard over and found he was still alive.

"That's fucking lucky; you've got us in it now though." He said shakily. John persuaded Paul it was best to retreat and they left the unconscious and bleeding Richard to fend for himself.

…..

The pain and haziness were hard to fight through, everything spun, his body seemed to bubble with nausea and he couldn't seem to move. Richards eyes opened a little, the light hurting them and a voice blurry near his ear. Someone was pulling him up into a seating position and then a face came close to his.

"Come on now." Said the voice slowly coming into focus. "That's it, come on."

The face gradually formed into something more clear, but all seemed blurred around the edges. It was a woman, she was some years older than him and she was searching his eyes constantly and he felt her hands on his shoulders.

"My name is Lydia, what's yours?"

"Richard." He said groggily, his head splitting with pain.

"If I help you do you think you can stand? I don't live far from here, we can get you cleaned up."

Richard nodded but it took over five minutes before they successfully worked together to enable him to stand. He staggered to where she guided him but he could feel her own frame was not that strong. Some form of will power managed to get him just inside the door but then the pain and haze overcame him again and he slumped into a chair, the world again going black.

He flitted in and out of consciousness numerous times, never really remembering the time before. All he could feel was pain and nothing seemed clear. He was often aware of another presence in the room, at times he could see a fuzzy shape dabbing something cool against his head or gently tipping water into his mouth. As time went on he realised his mask was not on his face and he became agitated but couldn't quite communicate his anxiety.

"Ssssh!" Said Lydia's voice. "You need to sleep."

"I need… hmm…. Face… I need. Hmm." He babbled and he tried to pull himself up but it was like a blacksmiths hammer was brought onto his temples and a harsh wave of nausea hit him knocking him flat against the bed.

"You're not well. Don't worry about your face, I'm not frightened. Lie still. Sleep." Her voice instructed with caring firmness.

The confusion was forming again, but his agitation lessened and before he slipped back into sleep he murmured two words.

"Thank you."

….

"Richard?" A voice called from what sounded like a long tunnel, various faces flashed before his eyes erratically but the kind voice persisted in calling his name. At first it was faint and hollow, but gradually it became clearer, he had the sensation of running towards it, his arms outstretched.

"Richard." The voice said gently and his eyes flew open as he sat up quickly, a dull ache immediately residing in his head. It was not as acute as before and he immediately could see the room clearer and the woman sat to his right was easily visible for the first time. "How are you feeling?"

"I'm. hmmm. A lot of pain but. Hmmm. I'll live." He replied and feeling embarrassed he tried to move to climb out of bed but she soon obstructed him with her arm.

"You are not ready for that yet, you won't be for a while. Just steady yourself first." Lydia instructed but she saw he was still not fully comfortable. She picked up his mask from the side table and handed it to him. "If you must."

Richard placed it on his face and felt more at ease, he now looked properly to Lydia and examined her from head to foot. She looked very tired and he felt guilty that she had lost sleep caring for him. From her appearance she seemed incredibly kind, but he sensed that even without her loss of sleep she was not quite a well woman. Her lip was slightly withered, her skin had a grey hue to it and she was very thin. How then had she managed to get him back to her house?

"I am sorry. Hmmm. For imposing." He said looking down at his hands that he folded on his lap.

"It doesn't matter." She said kindly. "Anothers trouble takes your mind off your own. It's been a while since I've done any nursing."

"I shall not. Hmmm. Stay long." He said.

"You've got a big, gaping cut on your head my dear, you're not fit for walking anywhere. I have a friend coming soon, she will help me as I need to rest. Are you hungry?"

"I have no. hmmm. Appetite. I just. Hmm. Feel like I need to sleep." He explained.

"Well then you definitely can't go anywhere yet." She replied. "And we shall not let you."

"I don't wish too. Hmm. Scare your friend."

"You won't. Now have some water then I think we should both try and sleep. Promise me you will not try and leave, when you're awake again we can have a better go at treating your wound."

Richard thought for a moment, despite the fact he wanted to leave and withdraw into his own rooms there was something kind about this lady and the company she gave him that made him nod in agreement. Lydia rose slowly, her body seeming stiff with rheumatism and she walked out the room with a sigh. For a moment Richard remained sat up but without her company the ache in his head seemed to increase so he lay back down and fell asleep.

It was a delicious smell from nearby that roused Richard from sleep once again, he looked about the room to find its source. He saw a younger woman with her back to him placing a tray on the sideboard and arranging some things. She was slight of frame and had dark brown hair fixed up neatly onto the back of her head. Richard touched his face, feeling more easy knowing he was still wearing his mask. He pulled himself up into a seating position just as she turned round.

"Do you think you could manage a little?" She said, her voice carrying a faded irish tone. At first he was dumbstruck because he immediately recognised her from some months before. She had been half of a memory he recalled from time to time since that day on the beach. In closer proximity he was far more aware of how striking she was, her large eyes and slender features were all set in the right place for true beauty. Richard became aware he was staring like an idiot at her and he nodded self consciously.

The young woman brought a bowl and spoon and sat down beside the bed.

"My name is Nell. It's Richard isn't it?"

"Yes." He said hoarsely.

"How would you prefer to eat, I can leave you if you like." She said normally, if a little unsure of whether her words would offend him. "But I'm quite happy to help you… if you feel you need it."

Richard looked a little from side to side then down at his hands, Nell felt she had embarrassed him and placing the bowl on her lap rested her hand on the bed.

"I don't mean to make you feel awkward, I'm sorry if I have."

"It's fine. Hmm. I'll take it."

She carefully handed him the bowl and spoon, the broths tasty smell growing more potent in his nostril.

"Hmm. Thank you."

On closer inspection he saw how creamy white her skin was, in the lamplit room it seemed to give her a peachy glow. But her hands showed signs of a hard worker; the skin looked irritated and tired. He felt it sad that someone so pretty should have to suffer that.

"Lydia is still sleeping. Is there someone you would like me to visit and let them know where you are?"

"I have. Hmm. Someone expecting me. If you'd be so kind. Hmm. As to send word to. Jimmy Darmody."

Nell nodded and got up from her seat. She moved towards the door as she sensed he wanted to eat alone.

"I'll tell him you should be back on your feet tomorrow. I shall not be long."

She pulled open the door and giving him a kind look she slipped out leaving him with his meal. He felt strangely unworthy of the kindness and trouble of these two strangers but the presence of accepting people was a good elixir for taking some of the sting out of his self loathing. He could hear the faint sound of a conversation between Nell and another person; he knew it was the airy voice of a child. But then the door opened and closed and the whole house was quiet, yet Richard did not feel quite as alone.