A/N: And we're back. Got some Catelyn and Tywin content for you today. Plus the family finding out about...developments from the last chapter.

Chapter 47: The Catch

Of all the places Catelyn wanted to speak to Lord Karstark, standing at her husband's grave was not one of them. She'd decided to stop by the cemetery on the way home just to clear her head. She shouldn't have picked up the phone when she saw who it was from, but recent tensions in the boardroom told her she shouldn't ignore this.

She should have followed her instincts.

"Listen," Karstark was saying. "Your son has done well for the company. But he's still young. He needs to see reason."

"Does he?" Catelyn asked. "And why are you calling me with this and not him?"

"You have his ear more than any of the rest of us," Karstark said. "You could give him a nudge in the right direction."

"And the right direction is you and Mr. Bolton."

"It's the smart direction, yes," Karstark said. "A good CEO listens to his board."

"And ignores him if he feels they are going against the company's values," Catelyn said. "If you're calling me in the hopes that I will be an easier sell on your plans than my son, you should have saved your breath. I'm in agreement with him. And even if I wasn't, I am not the stepping stone you use to soften your ideas. I'm not on the board as Robb's mother or Ned's widow. I'm there because I'm fucking qualified, Karstark." She clenched her jaw. "Now put your thoughts to Robb in an email."

She hung up before he could respond, anger radiating through her. The cursing might have been a bit much. The men cursed often in meetings, but she was always held to higher standards of manners.

They could take their standards and expectations to the deepest of the seven hells.

"Trouble at work?"

She spun around at the sound of Tywin Lannister's voice. He was standing on the path just a few meters away from her, one eyebrow raised.

"No," she said primly. "At least none that is any of your business. Considering we are still rival in business."

"Fair enough," he said.

She exhaled, pinching the bridge of her nose. "How much did you hear?"

"Most of your last speech," he said.

"Lovely," she replied. "Well. You know how boards can be."

"I do," Tywin said. "Though I doubt any of them would speak to me like that."

"Well, you are a man, Mr. Lannister," Catelyn said. "Ask your daughter sometime how the board speaks to her. I'm sure you'll get a very different answer."

He inclined his head. There was something satisfying about winning an argument with him. He never quite…admitted it. He just didn't rebuttal, and that was enough for Catelyn.

"What brings you here today?" she asked.

"I imagine the same thing that brought you here," Tywin said, venturing closer. "My family plot is just up the way."

"I suppose it is," Catelyn said. "Sorry if my business call interrupted your…visit."

"Not at all. I was nearly done." He glanced over the Stark graves. "I had meant to speak to you. About the investigation. If this is a good time."

She sighed. "Right. Well…I wish I had much in the way of progress. I've met with Lysa again. Tried to meet with her more, but she keeps avoiding my calls. If you ask me, her story about Jon's poisoning seems more and more like a paranoid delusion."

"Is your sister prone to paranoia and delusion?"

"She's always been prone to delusion. As for paranoia… well she's changed ever since Jon's death," Catelyn said. "It doesn't help that she doesn't trust me. We haven't been close in years. Peytr is the only one who can talk to her."

"Peytr?"

"Baelish," Catelyn said. "He's an old friend. His start up has been doing well lately. I'm not sure if you've crossed paths with him."

"Ah, yes," Tywin said. "He used to work for the Baratheons."

"Back when Robert was still alive, yes," Catelyn said. "My sister has always liked him a great deal. So maybe he could find out more. But if I ask him, I can't tell him why I'm asking. I'm not willing to let him on this whole…situation. He's not my most trustworthy friend."

"That doesn't speak highly of his character," Tywin said. "Considering you're working with my family. And I know your opinions on us."

Catelyn's mouth twitched. "Well, I didn't have much of a choice to work with you, did I? Arya made sure of that."

"I suppose so," Tywin said. "I don't have much news either, I'm afraid. I've spoken with Olenna Tyrell more than once. I'm positive she knows something about the Stannis situation. But she's not the mastermind. She simply has no motive to go after your husband or Jon Arryn. She's simply an opportunist, taking advantage of a chaotic situation."

That's what the Board expects of Robb, Catelyn thought. "I suppose you can't judge that, can you? I recall you trying to take advantage of Robb with a few of your early contracts after he took over."

"That I did," Tywin said. "Fortunately for your company, he noticed. As did you."

Catelyn's mouth twitched. Well, at least he didn't try to deny it.

"I'll reach out to Lysa again," Catelyn said. "And maybe Petyr. I'll just tell him I'm concerned about her and see if he can figure something out."

"Good," Tywin said. "And apparently Jaime has found some more information recently. It may lead to something."

"That would be nice," Catelyn said. "I would like to have an autumn that isn't a disaster."

Tywin raised an eyebrow.

"My husband died in the fall. Arya disappeared. And then the chaos of her reappearance months ago." She rubbed a hand up and down her arm. "That's what I mean by disastrous autumns."

"It does seem to be a trend with your family," Tywin said, passing by and continuing up the walkway. "We'll speak soon, Mrs. Stark."

"I'm sure we will, Mr. Lannister," she replied, watching him go.

When he had disappeared around the corner, she glanced back at Ned's grave. "Sorry for the interruption. I'm sure you're rolling down there. But believe me, I didn't expect to be talking this frequently with Tywin Lannister outside of work either." She tucked a few loose strands of hair behind her ear. "Our lives really flipped upside down…when we lost you. But you're going to be able to rest peacefully soon, Ned. I promise."

Arya had been looking forward to this dinner all week. Family dinners at the Stark house used to be a mandatory experience. Their parents insisted that, while they may have their differences and squabbles, come dinner time, everyone was required to call a truce and eat together.

It didn't matter if Arya and Sansa were fighting or if Bran was trying to catch up on his homework or if Robb had a friend over. Everyone came to the table. Everyone sat. Everyone ate.

Their friends had enjoyed that. Many of them came from families where they ate in their rooms or in front of the TV where they could ignore each other. But for just an evening they were a part of the Stark family.

Arya had brought many of her friends to dinner over the years. But none of them could know she was alive yet, so she'd have to wait before extending another invite. Tonight, at least, Myrcella was the friend she brought to dinner. The girlfriend she brought to dinner.

Girlfriend. Girlfriend. Still haven't gotten used to that.

It was partially a necessity. Myrcella had to be with Arya when she went to the Stark house. It was part of Arya's cover story. But also, she was glad Myrcella would be able to enjoy a family dinner with them.

Plus, she planned to finally tell the family about Myrcella so… that was exciting. And nerve wracking. But mostly exciting. At least she would have Sansa there to help her if she started stumbling over her words like an idiot.

"I hope your family won't be too upset," Myrcella said as they walked up the driveway. "I know their last experience with someone from my family was…worse."

"Please. They all love you," Arya said. "You're the reason I've been able to come over and visit so much. All of them think you're sweet." She kissed her cheek. "And they're right."

Myrcella laughed, her cheeks growing pink. "So your whole family will be here? Anyone else?"

"Nah. You're the guest of honor tonight," Arya said.

"I'm pretty sure you're the guest of honor, Arya," Myrcella said. "I'm just your plus one."

Arya shrugged. "Let's say we're both guests of honor then." She opened the door and was immediately attacked by two of the dogs. "All right, all right, back up. I know. You missed me." She kneed them back into the hall and helped Myrcella get inside without falling over.

"Arya, is that you?" her mom called from the other room.

"It's me!" Arya called in response. "I know we're early."

"No worries, make yourselves at home," Catelyn said.

Arya squeezed Myrcella's hand. "You can help yourself to a drink. I just need to go find Bran really quick. Chat with him about something."

"Sure, take your time," Myrcella gave her a bright smile before disappearing down the hall. She heard her mother greet her with enthusiasm and her shoulders relaxed. Yeah. It would be fine to tell them about Myrcella. They would accept it.

After all, this was hardly the most shocking thing Arya had done to them in the last three years.

She hurried upstairs to Bran's room. He was, as usual, on his computer with Summer laying at his feet. The dog's head perked up when Arya eased open the door.

"You're here early," Bran said without turning.

"You didn't know it was me," Arya said. "I could have been Rickon."

"Summer has different reactions for different people," Bran said. "And Rickon just throws the door open. You sneak in."

Arya sat down on his bed. "Do you ever get tired being a know-it-all?"

Bran pretended to think for a moment. "Hmm…No, I don't think I do."

Arya grinned. "So? Have you heard back from him yet? The Spider?"

Bran sighed, running a hand through his hair. "No. He's not a very communicative person."

"Do you think he could be the puppet master?" Arya asked. "Maybe he's just trying to figure out what you know. Or taunt you."

"I considered that," Bran said. "But if he was the puppet master, I think he'd ask what I know before ghosting me."

"Maybe that's why he's waiting," Arya said. "To make you think he doesn't care."

"Possibly," Bran said. "But I think he's more a neutral party than anything else. He isn't on our side or the puppet master's. He's playing all sides." He crossed his arms. "And from what little I've found on him, he's been doing it awhile."

Arya leaned forward a bit more. "What have you found on him?"

"He's a ghost. And a curator of interesting information. Kind of like what I do but he's been at it for longer. I talked to a few people who have been in contact with him. They never saw his face, but he usually wanted to trade intel." He drummed his fingers against the desk. "So maybe he's waiting for me to have intel he wants."

"You have tons of intel he wants," Arya said. "I've seen your folders."

"Wouldn't be surprised if he knows all that stuff all ready," Bran said. "Anyway, I'll let you know if I hear something. I think he's waiting to see if I really want it."

Arya groaned, flopping back on the bed. "I am so tired of mysterious, faceless adults. They are nothing but frustrating."

"Weren't you studying to become a mysterious, faceless adult?"

"Yes. That's why I'm tired of it," Arya said.

"I get the appeal," Bran said. "When you don't have a face, no one cares what you do. You can disappear into a crowd. Do whatever you want and leave no trail behind you."

"Disappearing into a crowd loses its charm after a while," Arya said. "At some point, you want people to notice you again. Want people to find you. Most people who disappear just…want a break I think."

"A break," Bran repeated. "I think we could use a break."

"We could," Arya said. She stood and grabbed the back of his chair. "Now, come on. It's almost dinner time."

"I'm not done yet."

"You just said we could use a break."

"Later."

Arya laughed, pulling her brother back from his computer anyway and maneuvering him toward the door. This was nice. It reminded her of bothering him in the old days.

Just taking up space in her own house was a relief.

When Arya and Bran arrived downstairs, Myrcella was helping her mother set the dining room table. Robb was just stepping through the front door, shrugging out of his jacket. He gave Arya a tired smile.

"Hey. Good to see you."

"You too," Arya said. "You look tired."

"Work things," Robb said. "I have a lot of emails."

"Angry emails?"

"That's my guess. But I'm ignoring them for now." He ran a hand through his curls. "When you're the head of a company, it seems like the board is always trying to commit a coup."

"I can fight them for you," Arya said.

"I appreciate that," he grinned. "But unfortunately, that's not how we handle things in the business world."

"Recent events suggest otherwise," Arya said. "And maybe you would all get more done that way."

"Maybe," Robb agreed, looking for a moment like he was considering her solution. The door behind them opened again and Jon slid through.

"Hey," Jon grinned, ruffling Arya's hair. "Surprised you beat me home, Robb."

"Can't be late for family dinner," he said. "Mom insisted."

They all shuffled into the dining room, beginning to gather drinks and serve food. There was only one member of the family missing now. Sansa. It was too bad because Arya had hoped to talk to her before dinner started. She'd never announced a boyfriend or girlfriend to the family before and she wanted more tips. Or at the very least a pep talk.

But she brushed it aside, knowing her sister would be home soon, and helped the family with the food.

But once everything was served and everyone was sitting at their seats…Sansa still wasn't there. Part of Arya had wanted to start the evening with her announcement. Just to get it out of the way. But she didn't want to say anything without Sansa. She really needed her sister for this, just to make her feel a little steadier.

And the fact that she wasn't home yet, that sent a little thorn of worry through Arya's chest.

"Should we wait for her?" Arya asked, bouncing her leg up and down.

"I don't mind waiting," Myrcella said politely even though she had told Arya just five minutes ago that she was ravenous.

"It's not unusual for her to lose track of time," Robb said. "She's probably still out with friends."

"Or the library," Bran said. "She's been there a lot lately. Studying."

"If she's at the library, she hasn't texted me back," their mother said, turning her phone in her hand.

"I'll bet her phone is dead," Rickon said. "She needs to get a new one. The battery on that thing is awful."

"We'll put it on the list then." Catelyn shifted nervously in her seat. "We can start eating at least. I'm sure she'll be home soon."

They ate. But instead of lively conversation, they couldn't manage more than polite small talk. A nervous energy settled over the table. Arya tried to focus on the food. Tried to push away that growing sense of dread. But she couldn't help it. After everything that had happened in the last three years, she always expected the worst.

She watched her mother check her phone, over and over again, before pushing one more tiny bite of food into her mouth. Occasionally, Rickon broke the tension with a joke or Robb told a story from work. But then the silence continued.

Dinner was done and still no Sansa. Abruptly, Catelyn rose from the table, phone in hand. "She should be home," she said. "She knew about tonight. We talked this morning, and she was excited. She didn't lose this much track of time."

"Mother," Robb said. "She's done this to us before. It could be—"

"Not lately," Catelyn said. "Not since she found out about everything. Not since Arya came back. You know that, Robb."

Robb fell silent. Because of course he knew. They were all just desperately trying to come up with explanations that did not involve the worst.

"Could be…car trouble?" Rickon suggested in a small voice. "And a dead phone?"

The dead phone seemed like the most hopeful explanation. But at that moment, their mother's phone rang. Her eyes darted to the screen and for a moment a breath left her. "Sansa."

She stood, pacing away from the table as she answered. And Arya watched her relief turn to horror.

She didn't hear what was said on the other line. But she heard the faint rumble of a voice that distinctly did not belong to Sansa. Then the sound of someone hanging up before her mother got a chance to say a word. Then the phone slipped from her fingers and clattered to the floor.

"What?" Arya asked. She was the only one brave enough to ask the question it seemed. Everyone else stood about in silence so tense it seemed it might explode.

Her mother rubbed her fingers together, staring straight ahead. "She…" She swallowed hard. "Someone has her. Someone…took her."

Arya swayed on the spot. She felt Myrcella grasp her arm tight and was vaguely aware of the cry that rose up from the table. But she was no longer in her own body. She was somewhere else entirely.

She was back in Braavos three years ago when she made that deal with Jaqen. He promised that as long as she was a faceless man…nothing would happen to her family.

He released her from that vow, yes. But now that deal was null and void. The Faceless men would no longer concern themselves with protecting the Starks.

So their enemies and swooped in yet again.

A/N: Next time the hunt for Sansa begins. Thanks as always for your support and reviews. I know my chapters have been a bit shorter lately but I'm doing my best to keep up with the update schedule! Review, subscribe and I'll see you next time!