AN: I had Jem and Will act just a little OOC.

Chapter Ten – The Attack

*Jem*

The next day after Tessa left with Thomas and Will, Charlotte and I sat down with my lawyer, Axel Mortmain. He was a bit of a snake and had a shady clientele but he was the best and could be trusted with secrets. The second he arrived, I ushered him into the office and pulled out all the papers and land deeds necessary for the meeting before sitting down and revealing to all how much time I had left. As it was March now, Doctor Enoch predicted my body would slowly shut down in early April, my death finally arriving in Mid-May.

After going over a few minor possessions I wanted returned to my uncle Elias to keep in the family, we went into detail about the properties I owned and my business.

"As far as my business, I am choosing to leave it in the capable hands of William Owen Herondale," I stated, signing the transfer ownership papers. "Next I leave my current home to my friend and adviser, Charlotte Branwell."

Axel wrote everything out, stamping official documents and signing his name on the dotted line. I was prepared to move on the next section when Charlotte asked what I planned on doing about Tessa. "Her brother will be returning next month and Will has already started putting things into place so they can move to New York. I don't think she knows yet but I know she would like to hear it from you before Nathaniel shows up on the doorstep prepared to take her with him."

I didn't want to think about losing her but I couldn't keep her either.

"I need to take a break. Charlotte can you bring in the mail?" I asked, heading into the kitchen. Agatha slid a cup of tea in front of me, along with a plate of her famous raisin tea biscuits. No matter my mood, Agatha's food could always put me at ease. But not this time; there was too much on my mind. I spent so much time preparing myself for this moment but considered the aftermath my death would cause to the people I would be leaving behind.

"Jem, I think you need to see this." Charlotte called out panicky.

I ran from the kitchen to the hallway where she was looking at the newspaper. There on the front page was a photo of de Quincey's thugs being hauled away in handcuffs. I scanned the article for details. The cops finally found someone willing to testify against de Quincey and his men. Their witness statement was enough evidence for the cops to acquire a warrant. They conducted a raid late in the previous evening, uncovering a plethora of illegal activity. Despite the massive arrest, de Quincey managed to escape with his right hand man Marcel.

He was still at large. Even after everything the cops had on him and the raid, he still managed to slip away. Someone rolled over on him, the paper had said. My mind instantly went back to that night; the thug calling out, "de Quincey will hear about this Gray and then we'll be back for your sister. This is far from over."

I was certain Nate was still at the top of de Quincey's list and the raid would only make him enhance his efforts to get his hands on Tessa and Nate. After instructing Charlotte to reschedule my meeting with Mortmain, I pulled out my cellphone and punched in Will's number.

"We're at the hospital. There was an incident." He said as soon as he picked up the phone.

*Tessa*

The clinic was busy as usual but I didn't mind. The joy I felt when I helped people the world had given up on was one I cherished. Many of the patients knew me by name and had gotten used to see Will and Thomas accompany me. Few had asked questions to which I responded they were my body guards. There weren't too many questions after that, just a lot of curious looks. But there was one guy who came in on a monthly basis who always bumped heads with Will. And today was no different. When I came out into the waiting room from the records room, Will was in the face of Benedict Lightwood.

"Everyone knows why you're alone. Your children all despise you as you're the reason their mother is dead."

Benedict lunged at Will but was pushed back by Thomas, who jumped in between the both of them. Will was still calling out to Benedict as I lead him back so Thomas dragged him to the door and pushed him outside.

"I don't know why you associate with the liked of William Herondale. People like him are such drags on society."

I said nothing as he rambled on like he did every time he came in for treatment. Not so long ago, Benedict was a High Court Judge, feared by all that stepped into his courtroom. He had a reputation for being condescending and intimidating. Eventually it was discovered he used his political position and influence to control others and gain whatever he wanted. When he was investigated, his secret life was brought to light. Benedict favored deviant and sexual acts with women of the night. He spent so much time with them; he eventually contracted HIV and passed it on to his wife. When she learned, she made sure all knew of his peculiar taste in the bedroom before committing suicide.

I checked his vitals and prepared him for the doctor before returning to the waiting room. Since there wasn't another patient for some time, I decided to take my mid-morning break. Thomas was sitting in the corner, reading a magazine and Will was nowhere to be found. I called out to him and asked about his whereabouts. Thomas looked around and figured he was still outside cooling down. So I decided to join him, telling Thomas to remain inside. He wasn't standing in front of the building so I walked towards the back parking lot. He wasn't there but there was a blonde woman hunched over, dry heaving.

"Hey, are you okay? Do you need some help?" I called out approaching her cautiously. She didn't respond so I placed my hand on her shoulder. She quickly stopped her act and smirked at me before shoving her hands into my shoulder blades, sending me flying backwards into the arms who I assumed was her friend. The woman then turned her green eyes upward and stated, "Tell de Quincey this makes us even." A hand was quickly slapped over my mouth and my assailant slammed me into the wall. While holding my throat in a tight grip, he pulled a switchblade from his pocket and held it under my chin.

"Where's your brother, Tessa Gray? My boss needs to speak with him." He questioned.

I shook my head, explaining that he left me here. "I haven't seen him since you attacked him. He's been on the run from some guy that he owes money too." I shouted hoarsely.

He scoffed and grabbed my arm, dragging me through the parking lot and throwing me into a town car I hadn't noticed earlier. Sitting across the seat I landed on was a man who appeared to be an inch away from death with white hair and pale blue-like skin. He looked me up and down, licking his lips as he did.

"You're even more beautiful than Marcel said. That skin is flawless, I just want to …mmm," He stated making my skin crawl.

"I am de Quincey." He started but I shook my head.

"I know who you are and I know what you do. You prey on people like my brother and make them feel like Kings then turn the tables and treat them like dogs, begging for scraps of meat. What do you want with me?"

He leaned back, a sly smile on his face. "I love how assertive you are. You got right to the point. Fine, so will I. Your brother owed me a rather large sum of money. I told him if he didn't pay it in the two days, I would come for him. I did and he somehow managed to get away. Now it's been about seven months and your brother's debt is almost paid up. But it was never about the money. It was always about the respect. And now, my business' ruined because someone gave them a very detailed confession." de Quincey leaned forward and bore his eyes into mine.

I pieced it together quickly. He thought it was Nate. But that didn't explain what he wanted with me. And then like a light bulb, it became clear. He wanted me in the hopes of luring Nate out of hiding.

"I can see by the look on your face that figured it out. But I am certain that you haven't. Yes I do want your assistance in luring your brother out but I also want you for myself." In a flash he was sitting next to me, running his hand along the side of my face. My body stiffened and I felt sick. The one who grabbed me was still sitting on the other side near the door. Any chance I had of escaping would mean taking him with me. When I felt de Quincey's hand on my thigh and slowly creeping higher, I raked my nails against his face and shoved him back.

Before the thug had the chance to react, I leaned across him and popped open the door, shoving him out. de Quincey recovered faster than I expected and grabbed me round the waist, scratching and clawing at the bit of exposed skin on my hips. I felt my foot tightly caught in his grip and twist the wrong way. I cried out and kicked him several times, finally connecting with neck. He let out a strangled choke and I leapt from the moving car, hitting the pavement awkwardly on my arm and rolled down the hill.

When I finally landed, I felt the gash on my forehead and the cuts all along my body where the road tore at my clothes. I got up slowly, cradling my right arm and half limp/half dragged myself back to the clinic.

*Jem*

Charlotte had to call me a cab as I didn't trust myself to drive at this point. So many different scenarios ran through my head. All Will would tell me was Tessa wasn't dead. That wasn't much to go on. He wouldn't tell me what happened or what here current state of health was, just that she was asking for me. that little bit made my heart swell but the concern for her well-being overshadowed it.

I shouted at the cab driver to go faster, not thinking or caring about the other drivers on the road. Tessa was hurt and I needed to be there. As soon as we arrived, I threw what I was sure more than enough to cover the ride at the driver and ran inside where Thomas was waiting for me. when he couldn't look me in the eye, I knew it was bad. "Tell me what happened Thomas." I struggled to keep my voice even but it came out hoarse.

"She went looking Will. He got into it with Lightwood again and went outside to look for him. she told me to stay and I figured she would be safe as Will often took off after he angered Lightwood. When Will came back in, she was in his arms. I don't know what happened." I unballed my fists and stretched out my fingers, asking if he's seen her since she was brought in. Thomas shook his head, stating Will was with her.

"Show me the way."

The walk to Tessa's room felt like it stretched on forever. I stood outside the curtain, shooting Will a dirty look. He turned and tried to speak but I held up my hand. "I will deal with you later." I said, pulling back the curtain. Tessa was sitting up on the bed, banged and bandaged up. Her wrist was wrapped up and her ankle was in a brace. I rushed forward and gathered her in my arms, hugging her tightly. "Jem, I'm fine. I'm fine." She told me but I could see that she wasn't. if she was we wouldn't be in the hospital right now.

I let my body relax and placed my hand on her shoulder. When she winced, I looked at her face before pulling the shirt collar to the side. There were finger marks along her neck and bruises on her shoulders. I felt myself shaking violently but I couldn't worry about myself now. I gripped my cane tighter, the cool jade eyes pressing into my burning skin. "Tell me what happened. Who did this?"

I listened intently as Tessa recounted her encounter with de Quincey and her harrowing escape that lead to her injuries. "Will saw me when I got closer to the clinic and he carried me in. The police were called and after giving my statement, I was brought here. The doctors say I'll be fine, just have to take it a bit easy with my foot." I nodded and stayed with her until the nurse came to clean up her cuts and deliver her prescriptions. I stepped back out into the hallway and nodded for Will to follow.

"Where were you? why did this happen?" I shouted not caring if anyone saw us.

"Jem-" he began but I cut him off.

"You wanted proof right? Proof that de Quincey was still after Nate and Tessa. Well is this enough?" I gestured back to the area where she was. "SHE COULD HAVE DIED! Do you not get that? de Quincey is a sick and twisted monster who wouldn't have hesitated to …to…," I couldn't even bring myself to say what would have happened if she didn't get away. What de Quincey clearly wanted to happen.

"I know but I thought I was doing you a favor," He started. I felt my body go numb as Will told me that he was the one who went to the police. "I've been in contact with Nate and I asked him if he would be willing to help put de Quincey away so he wouldn't have to uproot Tessa's life once more. He mailed me the confession and I took it to the police and in the hopes that de Quincey would be behind bars for what his actions. I didn't know he was going to escape or come after Tessa."

I couldn't believe my ears. I understood his reasoning for doing it and everything but in that moment I didn't care for reasoning. I just wanted him to pay for what his selfless act caused Tessa. I pulled my hand back and punched him right in the jaw. "That was for Tessa." I whispered to him before heading back to check up on her.

"She can't stay with you Jem. You don't have much of a life to give her and you know it. let her go." He called out after me.

*Tessa*

As soon as I was discharged from the hospital, Jem and Thomas were at my side, Will nowhere to be found. Jem stated he walked off in a voice that meant he didn't want to talk about it. Thomas brought the car around and Jem helped me into the car, Will taking his seat in the front.

After several minutes of silence, I had had enough. "Jem what is going on between the three of you? You know it wasn't their faults I was attacked. I was the one who told Thomas to stay and I foolishly fell for de Quincey's trap. Thomas nor Will are to blame for this." I spoke, rubbing his hand. His knuckles were raised and a bit red. I looked at him as he followed my gaze, stiffening his shoulders slightly but saying nothing.

Charlotte was waiting for us when we pulled up. I eased out of the car and limped the short distance to the house, a little upset that Jem walked right up the stairs. Thomas grabbed me gingerly by the elbow and led me into his office, placing me in my favorite chair and slid an ottoman under my foot. I thanked him and Charlotte before grabbing the book from the side pocket. Charlotte left and returned a few minutes later with a tray of tea and a couple of slices of Agatha's cream cheese pound cake. When she didn't immediately leave, I looked dup at her.

"I was certain you would want me to give this to you when Jem was around after what happened, but your brother. He sent you a letter." She explained before handing the slim envelope to me.

I waited until she left before reading his words.

Hey Tessie,

I know it's been a while since I called you that. I guess it's been a while since I did a lot of things. The main being me acting like a good brother. I know you haven't heard from me but I was trying to respect your wishes. Also it took losing you for me to finally realize just how far gone I was. Mr. Carstairs arranged for me to slip out of London on a freighter his uncle owned. I've been assisting him in his exporting business. I won't tell you where I am in case this letter falls into the wrong hands but know that I have gotten some help. I haven't gambled since I've been here despite being tempted. I am trying to be serious about the change I want to make in my life. I've just about managed to fulfill the debt I owe to de Quincey. My boss Elias has spoken with Mr. Carstairs' associate, a William Herondale about my return. He contacted me about helping to put de Quincey away so he wouldn't be a threat to my return. I gave him everything I knew and I hope it will be enough to rid the streets of the monster. Mr. Herondale has stated he has some connections in New York. I know that London has been our home for so long but I was hoping we could start someone new once I returned.

I am serious about being a changed man and I figured the further I was from the memories of our old life, the better chances I had to kick this addiction for good. I know I have a long way to go to earn back your respect and prove my worth to you but I promise Tessie, the old me is gone for good. I already have a job lined up and waiting for me in new York and once I return to London, I plan on collecting you and moving into the apartment Mr. Herondale has set up for us. I told him to make sure it was bigger than our last and it is within walking distance to the New York Public Library. I remember how much you love books so I figured an apartment near Midtown Manhattan would be perfect.

Although I don't deserve it, I hope you'll give me another chance. Let me fulfill Aunt Harriet's promise to always care for you.

Missing you and hoping to see you soon

- Nate

I held the letter in my hand, certain phrases still running through my mind. He was claiming to be changed, resisting temptation as a condition of his employment. It all sounded fine on paper but a leopard didn't change their stripes overnight. Underneath it all, he could still be the same old Nate. I resigned that I would wait a bit before responding to his words. With the exception of today, my life was going well and I wasn't ready to give it up just yet.

"Tessa, is everything okay?" I heard Jem call out. I quickly tucked the letter into my book and slid it back into the side pocket of my chair. I turned to look at him; surprised he was showered and dressed in different clothes. In his hand were two pieces of luggage.

"Taking a trip?"

"Yes, I thought maybe you would like to get out of the city for the weekend. I have a manor house out in the country. Perfect place to relax after the stressful day you've had." He smiled.

AN: Chapter 11 brings Nate's return, Jem closing in on death's doorstep and two surprise gifts.