Chapter three:

Previously:

The two groups of differently lived criminals meet. Was that sparks between the star-crossed lovers or just a weird happenstance?

• • • • • • •

Wait." He called out into the night. There was a pause of sound, before heels above him. She leaned forward, looking down at him. "Can we do this again?" He referenced to tonight.

One corner of her lips moved. "I'll be around." She replied softly, and then disappeared.

Charles could hear a door open and close. He turned around to go back through the club door to collect his crew and go home before the sun rises.

"I never even got her name."

Eleanor had unlocked the door hastily and slammed it shut behind her. Leaning her back against it and sliding down it slightly, she laid her hand on her thumping chest. "What is wrong with me?" She shook her head at herself as she pushed off the door. Kicking her shoes off, she made her into the suite and to the kitchen for some water.

It seemed like her raucous entrance awoke Abigail, who was sprawled out on the couch. "What time is it?" She slurped and wiped at the drool on her face.

Eleanor filled two glasses of water and walked towards the small living room. "It's almost 5:30 in the morning. Lay back down." Eleanor set one of the glasses down on the coffee table across Abigail. Leaning over the young girl, Eleanor pulled a throw blanket over her. "I'll be up around noon to drive you home, wake me if I'm not."

Abigail didn't even respond, she'd already fallen back asleep by the time Eleanor pulled the blanket over her. "Why do we let her drink?" Eleanor walked away amused.

She walked down the hallway to the two bedrooms. Peeking into Max's open door, she noticed her untouched, made bed. "Must still be closing up I guess." She walked into the room across Max's to her own bedroom.

She had nothing fancy. Her bed took up most of the room, with a large wardrobe across from it. She kept a safe tucked into the space between the wall and wardrobe and a small, locked, cabinet next to her bed. A vanity with a small stool was placed in the other corner of the room with some photos and drawings clipped up on the wall beside it. It looked like an average young adults room. Except that Eleanor never had the average person life, and for this, she felt thankful to feel like a normal human being.

Eleanor threw her handbag onto her bed, she'll lock the contents away later, once she's had the chance to sleep a little bit.

Eleanor slipped her arms out of the dress' straps and unzipped the side. She let it drop to the floor and stepped out of it. She lifted her covers and climbed in, revelling in the fabric against her skin. "Finally, this is all I wanted." Eleanor pulled the blankets tightly around her. "Maybe if I started going to sleep on time for once, or even just actually sleeping." This would be her first time sleeping in until noon in a long time. She'd usually be up for eight in the morning, driving back to her fathers to start the morning work there, after an exhausting late night at The Jolly Roger. It's been weeks that she's actually crawled into bed with no alarm set. Eleanor laid in the darkness and breathed slowly. Thinking of nothing for the first time. Except, for his voice. She recounted back to the last minute before she left him for the night.

He had looked her up and down. And while it looked playful enough, he still seemed like he was drinking her in. "Oh, I'm a bad man." He said while he looked into her eyes. "And I can definitely make you scream, Miss Guthrie." He leaned in just a bit closer.

"God." She held her face in her hands as she felt herself growing hotter in the dark. She had to get away from him in the moment, she couldn't just sit there and feel herself practically melt under his gaze. She knew as she walked past him on the stairs, his eyes would be focused on her exposed legs. She just had to make it past him and to the locked gate, to her sanity. The way he purred her name…

Eleanor rolled onto her back. She was going to keep that one in the vault. Next time she reached for her vibrator, she'll remember the tone he used.

• • • • • • •

Charles walked towards the back exit, and paused for a second. "Did I just have a stroke or something back there?" He turned and looked towards the stairs she had been sat at. The weird thought, perhaps memory, that he was pulled into while gazing into her eyes. He shook his head to clear it. Reaching for the door handle, he swung it open only to find the whole place empty.

A few of the dancers were sat at tables, counting the cash they had made. They ignored him as he made his way up to the bar. One of the women turned around looking at him. Long curly brown hair swishing around her in the fast movement.

"We're closed." She gave him a stern look. Crossing her arms across her beaded top.

"Just looking for my friends, I was in here earlier. Went out back to smoke." Charles leaned against the counter-top with his forearms. The woman stared at him, pursing her lips. He pulled out his wallet and put a few hundred dollar bills out in front of her. She eyed him apprehensively, eyebrow raised. "For my tab, we'll be coming back."

She reached over and took the bills, slowly counting and turning them over. Looking up at him with a more relaxed expression. "And who do I have the pleasure of dealing with?" She drawled out at him.

"You can put it in under Vane." She stared at him hard and Charles shifted in his position, feeling a little uncomfortable. "And yourself?" He tilted his head.

She smiled at him a little. "You can address me as Madam Max." Extending her hand towards him in a lazy fashion. Charles shook it gently.

He looked around the now empty club. "Have you seen where my friends went off to? A red headed women with an eccentric looking man?" Looking at the spot they had occupied earlier.

"They went out the front door, because like I said, we're closed." She emphasized the word 'closed'.

Charles nodded in her direction, patting the wooden counter and taking a step back. "Have a good night." He walked to the front door and swung it open.

The only car left in the lot was their black van. Jack was sitting in the drivers seat with Anne leaning her head against the passenger window. Jack watched Charles near the van and started the engine. Hopping into the back seat, he exhaled louder than he meant to.

"I take it you didn't enjoy the place?" Jack questioned, pulling out of the lot.

Charles shook his head, "it was alright." He smiled, playing with Jacks nerves.

"Can both of you shut up please?" Anne grumbled, eyes still closed. Jack reached over for her hand, which she just snatched right back into her lap. They sat in relative silence until reaching their main hideout, an hours drive away.

Jack flipped open the drivers visor for the garage door remote. The big, black metal and concrete building they called home was actually an old shipping warehouse they had found set for demolition. The loading bay door creaked open and Jack drove in, the door closing behind them. A few other cars were parked inside, along with the motorcycle collection Charles shared with Anne. Jack set the car in park and stepped out of his seat. Charles got out from his side and opened Anne's door, Jack immediately reached for her and scooped her up in his arms. Anne looked up from leaning on Jacks shoulder and then smiled tentatively Into Jacks neck. Charles went to walk towards the direction of his area of the warehouse.

"Hey, get some sleep." Jack called out after him.

The bonus side to owning such a large space, was the fact that they all had enough room away from each other. The place looked like a shit-hole when they first purchased the lot, but with some love, and a ton of money, it was livable. A large stained glass wall was placed to divide the space that Charles occupied, a few walls built in to box off a room for him to sleep in. Other things like a safe, a dresser and a bench press were in one corner of his space. A small dining table, a couch and a tv in the other corner.

Charles threw his jacket onto the couch and walked over to sit for a minute. "I could probably catch a few hours sleep, or champ through it for another day and make some calls and plans." He leaned back into the couch and ruffled through his jacket pocket for his phone. He opened his search engine app.

Guthrie heiress. He typed into the bracket, curious about her life. There were photos of her dad, Richard and another woman, presumably her mom, smiling. The other photo was Richard standing somber with a hand on a young girls shoulder. He clicked the article. Large fire in Guthrie mansion as it burns to ground. City remembers Evelyn Guthrie, who ran many charitable events, trapped in building. Their seven year old daughter, Eleanor, was saved… "Huh." Charles breathes out, clicking back to the first page. Eleanor Guthrie he types in. The first few images are of her at press events with her dad, dressed in expensive dresses. The next few are from gossip websites. There's a photo of her, dated to be from when she was 20, exiting a dingy bar holding hands with a woman. He clicks the article. City's most influential young woman, shipping tycoon heiress Eleanor Guthrie, was spotted leaving The Revel Room with supposed lover. She looked to be the woman who addressed herself as Madam Max to him earlier in the night. There was another photo of them, taken through the bars window. They were leaning against the bar counter, hands in each other's hair in a fit of passion. Charles clicked the back page button. Another photo looked like a mug shot. Raising his eyebrows in astonishment, he clicked the article open. Her mug shot photo was her with a bloodied nose and a spilt open lip, holding the placard with a scowl on her face. Eleanor Guthrie was arrested by police last night on account of assault. The alleged misdemeanour happened overnight when the victim allegedly pulled a gun on Miss Guthrie, threatening her for ransom. Miss Guthrie's bail has been posted for $15,000, her father Richard, has yet to comment. Charles scoffed, "her dad clearly has the money to get her out." He scrolled to the bottom of the article which featured a photo of her in the same leather jacket as her mug shot. Guthrie's long time friend, and supposed lover, who only goes by the alias 'Madam Max' was seen arriving at the police station a few days later to pay the $15,000 bail set on Eleanor Guthrie. Her dad Richard, gave the following statement to press when asked why he didn't pay for his daughters freedom. "She's chosen the life she has, and will live with her consequences unless she's decided to come back into my good graces." He had nothing further to comment. Charles was about to click the back page button when a phone call came on the screen. "T".

"Vane here." He answered.

"Some interesting news has flown through my window that I thought you'd perhaps be capable of handling." A deep voice on the other side of the line said.

Charles sat up in his seat. "If it's about The Big Pull, I haven't had the chance to even think about it yet" he worried.

"I heard through the grapevine that a new exhibit's opening in the museum with a priceless piece of art. If you're able to get a plan together, I can see to it to get a crew for you, for a small cut of the prize. It'll be on display to the public in a few weeks. Expect an email for details." Then the line cut.

Charles pulled the phone from his ear to look at the bloodied photo of Eleanor still on his screen before the call came in. He stood up, closing the browsing app, and walked out of his area towards the shared living space. Jack was standing in their kitchen, at the island in the middle, washing some fruits when he looked up at Charles.

"You alright, Charles?" Jack looked at him questioningly.

"I don't know, I just received a call." Not looking up from phone, opening the email app and refreshing it. He clicked on the newest one that just came in. Along with it was an attachment of the prize he was just given to hunt. It looked to be a giant statue of a Phoenix bird, shining with gold and diamonds. Charles placed his phone down on the counter and pushed it towards Jack.

Jack whistled, "that's a beauty." He came around to Charles' side. "Is this what you've been so secretive about?"

Charles shook his head, "I've got something bigger in the works, but this is something that he wants us to focus on right now." Picking the phone back up, Charles clicked back to read the details aloud for Jack.

"On loan from Japan, hand carved, rare Bardigilo Carrara marble from Italy. Encased in molten 22 karat gold. The surface of its wings covered in almost two thousand red diamonds, estimated at weighing a total of one hundred and forty two karats."

"Christ…" a voice breathed behind them. Anne was leaning against the wooden wall that divided the couples part of the large space. "Is that a new mission?" Walking towards them and pulling out one of the bar stools to sit, she extended her hand at Charles to see the picture.

Charles handed it over to her and turned to Jack. "Teach estimates a pull of two and a half million dollars from the diamonds alone. He'll arrange a crew for us, for a cut."

"I say we do it." Jack shrugged. "Shouldn't be all that hard, it'll only be the most guarded piece of shit in the surrounding area for fifty kilometres."

"Shut up, Jack. You want to make a name for yourself? This is how to go about it." Anne handed the phone back to Charles, "I'm in."

Jack sighed, knowing he couldn't back out now.

"Alright, then I'm going to accept it and start devising a plan." Charles opened the 'reply' option in the email.

• • • • • • •

Eleanor awoke in a rushed confused manner. Grabbing her phone off the cabinet beside her bed, she checked the time and saw that it was past one in the afternoon. She stumbled out of bed and threw her bathrobe on.

Making her way down the hall, she could see Max sitting at the dining table over looking the monthly expense report. Abigail sitting next to her was drinking something thick and smoothie looking. She looked over at the two sleepily. "Sorry for sleeping so late. I should probably head home and do some stuff for Richard."

She smoothed her hair down, walking to the fridge. "I'll drive you home before that, Abi." She reached in for another glass of whatever Abigail was enjoying.

"No, stay with me." Max come up behind her and wrapped her arms around her waist. Eleanor leaned back into her embrace, sighing. "You've been working for months straight now. I think we should have some fun. In the very least, we should drop by The Cove and resupply."

Eleanor gently unwrapped the smaller woman's arms from around her and walked back to the dining table. Abigail shyly glanced up at Eleanor, bags under her eyes. Eleanor looked at her feeling guilty.

Pulling out the chair from across from Abigail, she looked over at her apologetically. "I'm so sorry Abigail, I should have paid more attention to you." Eleanor mentally scolded herself for not taking care of the younger woman better.

"Why does everyone treat me like I'm made of glass. I'm twenty, not twelve. Maybe I'm not the best at holding my liquor, or conversations, but I've got to grow on my own." She stared fiercely back at Eleanor. "I want to get more involved with you guys, actually be an asset. My only freedom in this life will be making my own money and escaping what my father wants for me."

Eleanor stirred aimlessly at her own smoothie. How could she deny Abigail the same freedom she found in Max years ago. Max glanced between the two women, sitting back down in her seat.

"I will see what lessons I can set up for you," Eleanor began, "I'm sure there's something we can arrange." She smiled at the young girl, concerned. It seemed to appease Abigail for now.

"You know," Max smiled cheekily at Eleanor, "we are in need of an explosives expert."

Eleanor snapped her head in Max's direction, glaring at her warningly. "I said we'll see." She growled.

The two women laughed at her uptight behaviour.

A comfortable silence fell between them as Abigail started scrolling her phone, Max became engrossed with her papers and Eleanor was staring at the wall ahead of her. Thinking about the growl of the mysterious mans voice last night. She groaned, laying her down on the table. "I think I really need to get laid." She mumbled into the wood. Lifting her head, she looked at the two women. Abigail was blushing, not looking up from her phone.

"You know, all you have to do is ask." Max purred at her, reaching across the table for her hand. Abigail blushed harder.

Eleanor laughed. "No, I need some fucking dick. God, when was the last time I had a man in my bed?" Eleanor wracked her brain.

"Hmm, I think it was that heavily tattooed gentleman from a few months ago you were very enticed with one night." Max teased.

Eleanor grimaced. "Fuck, yeah, now I remember. What was I thinking?" She looked over at Max, "he was terrible! You'd think with that much confidence…" she trailed off. "When was the last time you had a man in your bed?" She teased back at Max.

She grinned widely, "I had a beautiful woman in mine not that long ago, but a man…" she shook her head, "it's been a while."

Abigail set her phone down and listened to the conversation earnestly. Max looked at the girl. "When was a time you had a man in your bed?" She badgered Abigail.

She fidgeted with her fingers on the table, "well, there was this time I went on a date with a man my father had set up." She looked embarrassed at Eleanor, who nodded her head for her to continue. "He was nice enough. At the end of the date he got a little handsy in the car afterwards as we kissed goodnight. It was decent."

Both women looked at each other, amused. Their little baby was so innocent.

"You know, I know plenty of handsome men who would be eager to take a lovely lady like yourself on a date." Max winked at Abigail.

"Nope," Eleanor stood up, taking Abigails empty glass along with hers to the kitchen. "Not going to happen. She's a decent woman. You're not going to set her up with criminals." Eleanor exclaimed.

"They seem to do just fine for you." Abigail mumbled in response. Eleanor stared at her incredulously, setting the glasses down a little too hard. Max laughed loudly. "Alright," hands on hips looking at Abigail through the open wall between the kitchen and dining area, "go take a shower and we'll head out for the day. I left some clothes for you in the bathroom." Abigail excused herself and walked down the hallway.

Max looked at Eleanor amused, who still looked dumbfounded.

"What have you been telling her?" Eleanor squinted her eyes accusingly at Max.

Max laid her hand over her heart, feigning innocence. "Me? Nothing. You lead by example, ma chérie." She laughed.

Eleanor thought about sharing the feelings that stirred inside her last night, but thought against. She was probably just lusty.

"Well, if you see any hunky men tonight, point them out to me." She turned to walk away before having to face the smirk on Max's face. "I have an itch I cannot scratch." She called over her shoulder before walking into her room.

Eleanor spent her time getting ready. Sitting at her vanity table, staring into the mirror she sighed. She knew she couldn't spend the day relaxing and having fun. She'd have to get back to work with her father. Eleanor scrubbed her eyes, groaning, just then realising she had set up a business date with a potential client. Looking over to the corner of her desk where her phone sat, she took it off the charger. The time said sometime two in the afternoon. There was a text from Richard. Sucking in a breathe as she opened, she hoped it wasn't anything too nasty.

'Where have you been? There was an appointment set up for meeting with someone you wrote down as Kristoff? I am now the one who has to make it. If you're going to be so irresponsible as to not make it to meetings, at least let me know in advance so I can make time out of my schedule.'

Eleanor tightened her jaw. "It's not like it's your business… or that I'm always the one going."

'Won't happen again. Peter had asked me to run some errands with Abigail and the time slipped my mind.'

She felt bad for throwing Abigails name under the bus like that, she'll have to make it up to her. Standing up to walk to her wardrobe she noticed her discarded purse from last night laying on the floor, half under her bed now. Eleanor picked it up and dumped its contents onto her bed. She snatched up the piece of paper she'd put a lot on the line for. Opening it gingerly with a wide grin, her eyes stared in disbelief that it was really in her hands. The paper stated that Mr. Addington had indeed invested a share in purchasing the large prize, along with other wealthy men's names. It didn't however, prove where it could be found. "It's a start." She reminded herself, they could still be clueless. She knew her co-partner would be ecstatic however. "We'll have to go by soon." Unlocking the small safe wedged between the wall and her wardrobe she shoved the paper inside before turning to get dressed. She'd picked out a modest skirt reaching just above her knees along with a crisp collared button up top. Sliding on a pair of tall boots, she walked back over to the mirror to look over herself. She smoothed the front of the skirt down and turned to the side, examining her body. Eleanor leaned in close to the mirror to roll her eyes at her face. There was no hiding the eye bags from all her countless sleepless nights. She fluffed her hair, trying to add some life to it before giving up and pulling it into a bun anyways.

Eleanor stepped outside her room to make her way towards the small living room. Leaning back into the corner of the couch, Abigail had the soft cream aline dress on that Eleanor had left in the bathroom for her. Her legs were crossed at her ankles as she sat on her phone, clearly very deep in thought in whatever she was reading. Max had been aimlessly channel surfing while they had been waiting, she glanced up when she saw Eleanor approaching. Standing up and adjusting the low-cut maroon lace top she was wearing, making sure it was tucked properly into her high waisted, deep red, velvet pants before walking over to the closet for a pair of shoes.

"So," Eleanor began, walking towards the same closet Max had open. "I completely forgot about a meeting I had set and now it's too late for me do anything about it." Reaching into the closet, Eleanor pulled a black leather jacket out and pulled it on. "Guess you got your wish, Max." Turning to grab the keys by the door, she looked and winked at Max; who was slipping her feet into a pair of heels.

Abigail stood up from the couch and walked over to the women. "Is it possible I could spend the day with you guys? My father is in meetings all day and it's either this or a date he wants to set up for me." She bit her lip, looking between them.

Max slung her arm around the younger woman, "of course you can, minette!" She raised an eyebrow at Eleanor.

Eleanor considered it for a moment before shrugging. "We're not doing anything crazy today, we'll go by our suppliers and make sure the kegs come in on time, and maybe we'll have enough time to go out for dinner somewhere before we have to drop Abigail off at home." She stressed.

The three women headed out of the apartment and descended the stairway towards the back of the parking lot. Eleanor had left her Audi parked around the side of the building, hidden behind the buses, it wasn't even noticeable. Max sat up front with Eleanor as Abigail slid into the back.

Max twisted around a bit to look at Abigail as Eleanor put the car into drive and they started making their way into the city. "I hope you don't mind me asking, but why is it you'd rather spend your time with us instead of all the eligible bachelors?"

Eleanor glanced in the rear-view mirror, meeting eyes with Abigail. She looked nervous and grasped her hands together. "Well, as much as I view you two as role models…" she hesitated. "I also see the lives you've built for yourself, and I want that for myself as well. Perhaps you two don't think I'm ready, but I am willing to learn and… well, uhm, I don't necessarily want to just go off and be someone's wife and have my future decided for me." Abigail looked out the window. "I want to be free, and—and, have a partner who loves me for me, even if that doesn't come, I want to be my own person."

Max laid her hands over her heart. "And who are we to deny a budding woman's self discovery." Looking over at Eleanor, "right?"

"Right." Eleanor clenched her hands on the steering wheel. She didn't want Abigail to do this. She didn't want herself to do this. It was different when it was just petty crime. Now it was things they could be locked up a long time for. And every time they were given a new job offer, Eleanor secretly hoped that Max would turn it down, claiming it too impossible… but she never did. And Eleanor, not one to back down from a challenge, would always be right behind her. It's been a while since they've been contacted to report back and she was half hoping it would be another while until they would be. Naturally, the universe never granted her anything she hoped for.

Eleanor had pulled into a parking spot as they stopped outside a brewery. Max leaned over towards her. "This will only take a few minutes, just stay here. There's no need for us all to get out." Without even waiting for a response, Max hopped out of the car and gracefully walked towards the entrance.

Eleanor turned the car off and turned around her seat. "If Peter ever forces you into a situation that you don't feel comfortable in, you call me, immediately. You understand?" She reached her hand towards the girl.

Abigail grabbed it and looked up at her with a small smile. "Thank you."

"I would kill for you, Abi." Eleanor shook their hands in emphasis. "I know what it's like. To be alone." Eleanor dropped her hand. .

"Has Richard ever…" Abigail trailed off. "Forced you, uh, into anything?"

Eleanor thought back to those nights they'd spent screaming at each other. She refused to be courted by some other tycoons son, and in turn, Richard refused her to continue her training under Mr. Scott. It was then Eleanor started spending more late nights out and meeting more dangerous people. And soon she'd come back to Richard, with a file full of new clients, looking for a secure way to smuggle their items across borders. Richard had no choice but to let Eleanor come back and work for him when Mr. Scott sided with her. She'd proved that she had the means to make money and help their business boom. So Richard had allowed her training to continue and kept on taking credit for her work.

"Only every day," Eleanor laughed. "It seems the only way our relationship can survive is if we don't spend any time around each other, strictly business." She turned back towards the wheel as Max was making her way back to the car.

"I'm sorry." Abigail whispered in the back seat and the passenger door opened.

"Alright," Max exhaled, sitting down. "Now that business is done, time for pleasure. I was thinking we could check out this new Caribbean place across town?"

Eleanor started the car. "Yeah, that sounds good. And then I'll take you home okay?" She looked at Abigail while shouldering checking.

Abigail nodded and looked outside the car window at the passing streets. Neither of the two women were in much of a talkative mood, so instead Max filled the silence with business talk aimed at Eleanor. Eleanor didn't listen too much, her thoughts preoccupied by the goals she had set for herself for the remaining month. She had hoped to have had more time to get some training in but between helping two different businesses run it seemed she had no personal time left. When they last been to The Cove she had set up some lesson for herself in hand to hand combat and with weaponry. Using a gun was one thing, but it wasn't always a choice they could make, she needed to start being more inconspicuous. Eleanor had hoped to be able to schedule at least one day in the week to making it, along with the training Mr. Scott was trying to provide. She smiled sadly, "he'd been so kind." Ever since Richard had starting pushing her away, Scott had always been there to pick up the slack. From driving her to dance lessons as a child to going with her to pick out her prom dress. He'd truly treated her as his own daughter, raising her beside Madi. As she reached seventeen, Scott tried showing her the financial side of the business in hopes she'd take over, but Richard wouldn't allow it. Eleanor had spent days begging him to even allow her to sit in on some business meetings until Scott explained it would allow Richard to spend his time doing other things. With his help, Eleanor was able to gain a property and financial management understanding of running a business. It wouldn't be long until she could open her own trading company. Eleanor had been secretly collecting the names of clients who would follow her over to her own business, leaving Richard behind. She had the money already set aside in retaining her business license and setting everything up, but she'd have to leave her life behind. There was no way that her father would ever let her start something of a competition so close to him. And even though Max backed her support in leaving everything behind to follow Eleanor wherever she needed to go, she wasn't sure herself if this was a leap she was ready to make.

"I received the call today." Max's voice softly called out.

Eleanor hummed in response. "I knew it."

"They're wondering if we would be able to make it this weekend?" Max leaned in closer to Eleanor, trying to be quieter.

"Of course. Richard will be out of town for the weekend, so I'll have a clear schedule." Eleanor looked into the mirror, Abigail was trying to pretend she wasn't listening. "You can come with us this time Abigail. I'll look for someone to give you some lessons. I was thinking maybe safe cracking? You'd be small enough to crawl into spaces with me. But we'd also need to set you up with self defence." She smiled as the young woman grinned brightly at her.

"That would be amazing! You won't regret it, promise." Abigail leaned forward onto the armrest between the two women.

"Oh, just up there!" Max pointed out the restaurant they were heading to.

Eleanor frowned. This was a slightly worse neighbourhood, she noticed the beaten down buildings and tough looking locals. She didn't feel too good about leaving her car just out in the street, but not wanting to look like that stuck up rich girl she parked anyways.

Abigail got out of the car first and leaned against her door. "Hey, look at that car!" She pointed out a black van parked in the restaurants lot. "It's got a cool bumper sticker."

Max stood outside the car and gasped. "That's—that's the one. From the night, that's the one that was parked outside the Addington Estate." She looked over at Eleanor in shock.

Eleanor walked forward a bit, trying to seem inconspicuous. She put her arm behind her back and waved at Max in a gesture of 'keep walking'. Max looped her arm through Abigail's and they walked towards the restaurant entrance. Eleanor pulled the camera app up on her phone and zoomed in. She took a photo of the back of the van as she paced around a bit in the lot, seeming to be texting. After a while she walked inside the restaurant. Spotting her friends in a seat by the window, she made her way over.

Max was burning a look into her, obviously full of questions.

"Not right now." Eleanor opened her menu. "Did you guys want to get a drink?"

Abigail groaned. "I think I'm okay."

And the three women laughed.

Sorry this chapter is so short :(

I'm excited to write the next two chapters which I've outlined for myself already! I figured I might as well upload instead of just waiting to be able to write more.

I see all the story stats for people reading it, which is fantastic I'm stoked to have views! But it appears that the fanfiction site has slowed down? Or perhaps the Black Sails fandom has died down? Either way, I'd love to have some feedback from people.

Big thank you to LexyRomanova who has been loyally reading and leaving essay reviews hahaha which have been helping me map this story! ❤️ check out her stories if you haven't already. They're wonderfully written.

XO.