4
However, as Reid had said, it was not something that could be quickly resolved.
Flight remained in his cell for days, brought out only to write statement after statement, all he knew about Shine and his operations; who had been in the man's pay, which criminals had claimed his protection, who else might be brought down now that Shine was gone. Flight had no idea how much practical use his testimony was, but Reid was adamant that it should all be recorded and Flight found this whole procedure almost calming. He wasn't betraying anyone now; he was a police officer sharing information that could lead to the capture of criminals, and the thwarting of their plans. It was as close to the work he wanted to be doing as was possible, given the circumstances. He felt useful again, and that was what he needed. If he was ever going to find redemption of any kind and avoid ending up in that ninth circle of Hell, then it was through work, good work.
But as this all went on, Flight sensed that there was a lot else happening; this was not just about cleaning house in the Limehouse division, or even problems within Whitechapel. The whole of H division seemed troubled, and it wasn't about Flight and his crimes. No-one came to see him, but he saw the other men come and go, bringing the usual procession of lowlifes through the cells, and neither Drake nor Jackson were ever among them. The uniforms were careful about what they said when Flight could overhear them, but he saw the way they looked at Reid, how troubled they were, and he realised the department was falling apart. It hadn't been caused by his betrayal, but Flight knew his actions had made things worse; how had killing Shine affected Drake? Especially coming so soon after the loss of his wife and subsequent... troubles.
It wasn't long after that Flight learned Drake had indeed left H Division, seeking a position elsewhere, and Jackson was no longer working for the police, a rather acrimonious parting, and so he wasn't surprised when Reid turned him loose as well.
What did surprise him was that Reid insisted on accompanying him out of the station, escorting him back to his lodgings so they could speak more privately.
"In some ways, I shall be sorry to lose you, Flight."
Flight did not understand.
"Inspector?"
"I intend to focus the work of the department on creating a better archive, a veritable library of criminals and their activities so that we may know the movements of every man, woman and child within Whitechapel."
This was not unexpected. Flight had never seen a police department so well organised in its record keeping.
"I know you had no liking for the archive work, but you had a talent for it."
Reid appeared to be thinking out loud, but Flight was pleased nonetheless.
"I will need every capable man available to me. Particularly now that..."
Reid trailed off, clearly thinking of Drake and Jackson.
"But I cannot keep you in my employ," he continued, pulling himself back together. "It would not stand, Flight, not knowing what I do of you. And the men would not accept you back."
"I know that."
"I can write you a reference, should you find another department to take you on. The more... sordid details of your past will remain hidden; it would serve no-one for them to see the light of day."
Flight felt an enormous rush of relief and gratitude. Reid was indeed a rare man.
"What does Chief Inspector Abberline say to this?"
"He does not know. Though he would not want it made public either."
Flight absorbed this silently, walking aside the other man.
"Sergeant Drake has gone to Manchester," Reid said, as if simply making polite conversation. "He may know of a position for you, were you to write to him."
"I am already greatly in Sergeant Drake's debt," Flight replied, carefully.
"You mean for killing Shine?" Reid's voice was sharp. "We are all in his debt for that action."
"May I ask, sir..?" Flight was hesitant, not wanting to push his luck. "Was that why he left?"
Reid's face shuttered closed, giving nothing away.
"I am not privy to the reasoning behind Sergeant Drake's decisions. Officially, he claims the death of Mrs Drake is what caused him to seek pastures new."
"And unofficially?"
"I do not give it much thought."
That was very obviously a lie, but Flight didn't push it. He would add asking for forgiveness for forcing Drake into that action to his prayers. It was already a long list.
They reached Flight's lodgings, and stopped outside.
"I thank you, Inspector," Flight said, and risked extending his hand, but he needn't have worried. Reid shook it firmly.
"For everything. And I promise you, I will not forget this second chance you have granted me, nor will I ever let you down."
"Keep that promise, Flight. Be the man you want to be, wherever you go."
"I will."
Reid turned and went back the way they'd just walked, not looking back. Flight realised he was unlikely to ever see or hear from the man again, which made him a little sad, but he knew he should be grateful for all that he had, far more than he deserved. Wherever he went - and he still found himself wondering what it would be like to be a policeman in New York - he would do his best to atone for his sins.
Shine had taunted him with the idea of Purgatory, but perhaps that was what Flight needed; a way to be purged of his sins, and to be a good man, one who listened to his heart the way his mother wanted him to. Maybe that way he could be forgiven.