A/N: Thanks for sticking with this and thanks for your kinds words. I really appreciate everyone who's taking the time to both read this or drop me a note to share their thoughts! Cheers!

The Loss

Chapter 6

The four musketeers stood before Treville the next day, faces drawn and grim, but determined. Porthos had found a lead at the tobacconist's.

"They call the assassin Ramero. Rumour has it he was a pirate on a Spanish vessel before coming to France," Porthos said.

"That explains his use of gun powder," Aramis muttered.

"Do we have an address for this man?" Trevilled asked.

Porthos scowled. "'parently he likes to move around a lot. Smart really, in his line of work. There's a tavern he visits often by the Court – place called Le Font D'Ors."

"Cheapside?" asked D'Artagnan. "I thought you said this man would be wealthy."

"He most likely is. It's probable that he chooses a setting like that to meet clients because it's unlikely that they'd run into any authorities. It also brings his clients to his level and proves they can be depended on to pay him," said Athos.

"Smart man," said Aramis.

Treville nodded. "Alright, find him," he said. "He will pay grievously for the lives he took. But be careful. I'll not allow him to take another from our ranks." The four musketeers nodded stonily and marched from Treville's office.

As they reached their horses that had been saddled in the courtyard, Christine emerged from her carriage. She had gone home to change her dress and was now wearing a dark mourning gown.

Aramis approached her and informed her of their lead.

"Don't worry," he said as he cupped her face.

"How can I not?" she asked, her troubled eyes searching his. "Please, be careful. This man is dangerous. You've all admitted that he has no regard for collateral damage or human life. What is to stop him from blowing up the entire tavern with everyone in it."

"We will not be unaware this time," Aramis said. "And this assassin is vain. He waited for his target in the open. He values his own life too much to risk injury. It's notoriety he's after. It helps draw his price up. Trust me, my love, he will not be willing to sacrifice himself no matter the circumstances."

Christine sighed and drew him into an embrace. "Please, just promise me you'll come back to me. All of you. They are my family too, Aramis."

"Always, mi tesora, always. Te amo con todo mi corazón," he said, and kissed her firmly. She held him tightly for a moment before he mounted his horse and rode through the garrison gates.

She inhaled deeply as she watched them leave. "y te amo mi tesoro," she whispered.

oOo

It was with a heavy heart that Christine entered the infirmary. The room had been cleaned, but Adam's body she knew was lying in the back room awaiting its final preparations.

She wasn't surprised to find Bernard still sitting there. She placed a hand on his shoulder and he looked up at her weakly.

"I keep expecting him to wake," he said miserably.

"I know," she said. "I'm waiting to see him smile again…perhaps one day, we might," she said and gave the man a slight squeeze.

They were silent for a few moments as they looked on their still friend.

"Adam has a sister, in town? Has she been told?" she asked finally.

"Yes," said Bernard, "And a nephew, about six. The husband died a few years ago after a hard winter. Her name's Annette."

"I should like to pay my respects. Will you take me to her?" she asked in a small voice.

Bernard nodded. "We should ask her what she'd like us to do with the body. I'd think he'd want to rest with his brothers-in-arms, but as his family, it's for Annette to decide."

Christine nodded. "I will tell Treville; my carriage is just at the gates," she said.

oOo

Leaving Treville's office, Christine passed a sack of coins to Bernard.

"Adam had left his pension in her name. It would be best if you awarded it to her. It may help comfort her," she said. Bernard nodded gravely. It was hard to see the normally lively musketeer so withdrawn into his grief, but Christine was there to comfort him. She exhaled a bit when he offered her a small smile.

"I'm sure she'd appreciate it," he said as they climbed into the carriage.

They rolled to a stop outside of a small home on a quiet street of Paris. A pretty woman hanging laundry on the line stopped as she saw the carriage approach. Christine knew her instantly. She had Adam's same clear green eyes and pointed nose.

The woman smiled sadly as she saw Bernard approach. He took her into his arms and she closed her eyes when he held her. Stepping back, she gestured for Christine and Bernard to follow her inside.

They sat around the table and she prepared a strong pot of tea.

"I'm sorry," she said, "but I figured it might be too early for you for wine," her lips quirking into a small smile which quickly faded.

"It's perfect," said Christine, offering the woman a small smile of her own.

They sat in silence for a moment, looking awkwardly at their cups.

"So Bernard," said the woman finally, "Are you going to tell me who this lovely lady is that you're bringing into my home?" her eyes flashed slightly.

"Oh!" said Bernard, "I'm sorry, I haven't made introductions…"

Christine smiled warmly and extended her hand to the other woman. "My name is Christine."

"I'm Annette," she said, also smiling. "I knew Adam was in love. I didn't think you'd be a lady or as beautiful as he said though. Men in love tend to exaggerate," she said.

Christine blushed deeply.

Bernard looked awkwardly between the two women.

"Christine is the Comtesse des Etoiles, and a good friend of the Musketeers."

"Adam was a good friend to me," Christine corrected. "I work within the garrison's infirmary…I was one of those with him when he died," she said softly, her eyes clouding over.

Annette smiled softly. "Forgive me," she said, "I have upset you."

"It's nothing," she responded, wiping hastily at her eyes.

"No, I can tell he was dear to you, even if the extent of his feelings weren't returned."

Christine gave the woman another small smile. "You have a beautiful home," she said changing the subject.

"Thank you," Annette said. "My husband was a draper. I've managed to retain the shop. Adam sent money when he could," she said, finishing softly looking around her warm clean kitchen. A young boy of about six ran to his mother and whispered in her ear. Bernard winked at the boy, who winked back.

"My son, Julien," Annette said.

"Annette," said Bernard softly, "I want you to know you won't have to worry. You'll receive Adam's pension, and I'll be around if you ever need anything. Anything," he repeated firmly. They locked eyes for a moment, and Christine's suspicions were confirmed. The two were in love.

"I'd like to do my part as well," Christine said, interrupting softly. "I know that it's difficult to raise a child on your own. If you'll let me, I'd like to pay for Julien's education in Adam's memory. He can learn a trade or study medicine. Anything he wants to be. I'll provide an allowance for his food and clothing as well. He'll want for nothing," she said. "Your brother, Adam, was one of the kindest and bravest men I have known. Please, let me honour his memory in this way. He sacrificed himself in order to save a young boy. Anything your son wants to be, I will provide for."

Annette sighed sadly. "All he wants to be is a musketeer, like his uncle. Thank you Comtesse, that is very generous."

"Christine, please," she said, with another small smile. Annette smiled back.

The rest of the morning passed pleasantly. Bernard told Julien amusing stories of his uncle, and Annette recalled tales of their childhood.

As Christine made to board her carriage she whispered to Bernard, "Perhaps it would be a good idea for you to keep Annette company. It would be good for her to be around those that she loves," she said pointedly.

Bernard's eyes widened.

"I uh…I'm not sure I…" he stammered to the ground, the musketeer turning bright red.

"She loves you Bernard, and she is hurting. You both are. Stay. Comfort each other. My father used to say that it is only through love that we can conquer loss," she said smiling at him.

He gave her a bashful smile back and helped her into the carriage. She leant out the window and kissed his cheek. "I'll see you later," she whispered, a knowing and mischievous look on her face as her carriage pulled away.

oOo