Chapter 9: Parental Instinct

27th of Month of High Cold, 1837

1:52 AM

Curnow wanted leads, and he got them. Corvo gave him almost too much information to dig through. That was probably the point: the more leads Curnow had to chase, the longer Attano had to work. It kept the Watch off his back, or at least distracted. He should've expected this from the Empress' favorite spy. Attano found a way to deal with the Abbey and the Watch at once, without killing anyone.

Or Geoff was doing what he did best when exhausted: overanalyzing. Maybe Corvo really did just want to vent about the shit he'd been through. If even half of it was true, he'd need the talk. He still remembers how badly he hurt before he started telling Amelia about the job's stress. The fact that he might be Attano's only friend right now makes him more obligated to listen. Assuming that's true.

"Shit," the Captain said aloud, rubbing his fingers over his eyes. "Why is it never simple?"

Corvo laughs quietly. "If only. Simplicity would be wonderful."

Curnow leans forward in his chair. "So, let me get this straight. After being framed by magic assassins, you escaped the most secure prison in the Isles with explosives, infiltrated a militarized church's headquarters, and captured their leader without a single witness?" He can't help but smile when saying it aloud.

"It didn't seem so impressive at the time," Corvo chuckles.

The Captain pours himself a final glass of wine. "Somehow, I believe you." Truth or fiction, the story's absurdity only grew in increments. Just slow enough to keep things realistic, fast enough to keep him enthralled. He would make a great author, if he got tired of the assassin business.

"I'm surprised you did not ask the most obvious question, Geoff," Corvo says quietly.

"Why you left my men breathing?" he asks with thick sarcasm.

"No, I believe you already know that answer. How does the story end?"

Curnow swallows his wine, then sets the glass down with finality. "You pick off the Regent's support one by one, finding some creative way to spare them, until it's only him left. You trick him into confessing, so I can throw the irons on and drag him to Coldridge. Emily's put on the throne, protected by the Loyalists while you hunt down her mother's killer. After he's gone, you return to Dunwall Tower, become Lord Protector again, and they all live happily ever after."

The assassin smiles. "It would be nice. Maybe it's revealed that Jessamine is not dead after all. The three of us can go back to the way things were. And, as you said, live happily ever after."

"A shame it is not this kind of story."

"No, it is not. Your part is over, and I am sorry for that," he says softly. "That is the question. How do you believe this evening will end?"

Corvo's words make something primal worry in the Captain. He thinks he knows the man, and it would be ridiculous for him to go through all this trouble just to kill him now. But since when has fear listened to reason?

"Would I sound selfish if I said I was too important to be killed off?" he asks through a forced smile. A part of his brain wonders how fast he can reach his weapons on the table.

"A little," Corvo laughs. "But I have avoided killing so far. I would hate to start with a friend."

The Captain eases up a little. It could be another lie. But none of the tells are there, and he's just desperate enough to believe him. "Good."

"I can't say you will enjoy my plan, but it is the best I can think of."

Curnow stays silent, waiting for his companion to continue.

"The worst part of the plan is you will have to be unconscious. It is the easiest way to ensure you do not draw attention until daylight."

"I don't like needles," Curnow blurts out, thinking of the dart in Campbell,

Attano smiles. "I only have two left, and I would rather save them for emergency. No, a few seconds of a Serkonan choke, and you will sleep. When you wake in the morning, you will have all of your equipment again."

"Where will I be taking this nap?"

"In a trash bin, outside the Abbey's perimeter." He throws his hands up in apology. "I am sorry, but the last thing we need is for the Bottle Street Gang to find you before morning."

"So, that's it then? I wake up tomorrow like none of this happened?" He wishes there was more of the wine left: that bottle was too small.

Corvo nods. "Your men will likely be searching for you, but no danger. It is the best I could think of to save you from the gangs and the Overseers."

"Mhm," the Captain nods, rubbing his fingers along the rim of the glass. "You know I'll still hunt you in the morning? Vigilante justice is dangerous, even if the victims have it coming. Someone will get hurt, not just the ones you're after. I can't let that happen."

"Just as you know I won't make it easy for you. The Regent won't fall until someone knocks him off his throne. I'm more than happy to be the one to give him a push, especially if it saves Emily from being a pawn in his game," Corvo says with a quiet, terrifying determination.

There's the man that Curnow remembers from before the Plague. The Whaler's attempt on Jessamine's life was not the first, only the latest. Corvo stopped dozens with slit throats and brutal cunning. It took three decades and a Spymaster for someone to get the better of him. Short of the Outsider's intervention, it wouldn't happen again.

"That's fair," Curnow admits. "I need a favor. Consider it payment for trusting your plan."

Attano nods.

"Callita, she's missing. She was working at the Jensen estate three weeks ago when was quarantined, no sign of her. Surely you and Riley can track her down. Tell her to come home, where it's safe, please."

"I will make sure it happens." His damned eyebrow twitches with the fourth word. A lie now? Why? All that friendship bull shit, he can't do this one favor for his family?

Anger filling his chest, he tries to suppress it. Callista is the one thing he doesn't have enough to interrogate him on. There's no point in pushing his luck.

"Are you ready?" Attano is standing again. None of his weapons are visible, but they are within easy reach under his cloak. Closer than Curnow's, at least. Another reason to remain complacent.

But he decides on a final question. "What you told me… It's the truth. At least mostly, right?"

Corvo bends down to him, never breaking eye contact. Tonight is the most emotion he's shown the Captain the entire time they've known each other. Now, most of it is still on display. His face hides almost nothing.

"As much as I can safely tell you, Geoff. I promise," he whispers.

No twitches, no picking at the mark on his hand, no tells. Curnow nods. "Alright, then."

The Captain stands, then turns his back to the assassin. "I assume it's easier from here?"

A body presses against him, and arms slither across his shoulders. "You will barely feel it. Resist as little as possible, and it will happen even faster."

Geoff accepts the information with a slow breath. His lip and fingers tremble. He can't say he's looking forward to this.

There's a slight pressure on his neck as Corvo slides into the grip he needs. He can still breathe, but he knows that will end soon.

"I have a final piece of good news, Geoff," Attano whispers. "Callista sent me to save you. She is safe with the Loyalists."

Curnow's throat closes instantly. Rage and parental instinct forces his arms at his assailant. His fingers dig into the mask and shoulders, trying to find leverage. Bright lights fill his vision, and he gasps for air that will never come. He kicks at Corvo, anything to hit, but nothing lands. Those three seconds feel like ages before the lights and room fade away.

I know, I know. Short one. Hey, I got married: cut me a little slack.

Anyway, apart from the car dying entirely (we've already got a replacement with decent payments), a wedding hot enough we all lost 5 pounds apiece, and my sailor best friend's determination to kill my liver, it was a great break. I'm mostly rested, and I've got plenty of motivation to work on this piece. The only thing stopping me is a small obsession with Darkest Dungeon. I must avenge my fallen Occultist. And Hellion. And Abomination... I don't want to talk about how badly that game hates me.

ANYWAY, next chapter should be coming soon. And hopefully then, I'll have a new job lined up. Wish me luck, minions! I shall do my best to please you and maintain some semblance of sanity. ~MGA