Author's Note: I am back from my little hiatus! Updates, unfortunately, will probably become rather sporadic for a time. However, I will never leave this fanfiction or anything like that, never fear! And I just procured a very nice edition of L'Homme Qui Rit, just so you know; it's amazing. There may be references to it in later chapters, it is just that good. I may post a little summary up on my profile about it if I do end up including it.
Author's Note 2: I thank you kindly for all of the reviews you have given me. I also thank those who read this fanfiction (even if you do not review it)!
Disclaimer: I do not own Les Miserables or any of the characters mentioned in this fanfiction. The only thing that is mine is the arrangement of words in this fanfiction.
"Me?" Gavroche asked, a surprised look on his face. "I'm no copper or somethin' like tha'."
"I know," Inspector Javert said. "That is part of the reason for why you must come with me. Now, I have a plan, and you must listen very closely." He glanced at the clock again, then turned back to Gavroche. "We do not have much time, so I shall speak quickly. You must remember what I say. Do you understand me?"
"Yeah, 'course I do," Gavroche said. He looked attentively to Javert. "Bu', will ya still be 'rrestin' me?"
"My mind is not yet made up. However, your compliance in tonight's events at the Gorbeau tenement will certainly count in your favor." Javert let out a sigh. Yes, criminals could be sorted into neat little categories. However, most had one thing, one goal in common: do not get arrested. Even the children knew the fear of a cold cell. Even the children knew the hard work one endured in prison. Regardless of where the prison was, be it Toulon or someplace else, it was still a prison. Even the children knew that.
"Alrigh', ya know I'm comin' with ya," Gavroche stated. "What's the plan?" He moved to sit back down in the chair, his eyes bright and his face in a wide smile. "I'm all ready, 'Spector."
Javert nodded, half to himself and half to Gavroche. "I will alert the officers that the criminals in the Gorbeau tenement are extremely prone to running, so that they shall be prepared. We will wait with the officers outside the building," he said, running his hand around the brim of his hat, as if to straighten its curve into a proper line. "With a bit of luck, we'll be able to snag their lookouts; I am sure they will have at least one, knowing them and their ways. Then, we shall wait for the boy Marius Pontmercy to shoot the pistol. Hopefully, he will remember my instructions and follow through with them. Unfortunately, we have to place our trust in him. I hope that his love for the victim's daughter will not interrupt his duties." Javert sighed. "At least he has a purpose for following my orders; if the victim dies, I doubt he will have any chance at all at the daughter."
Gavroche grinned. "Love, love, love," he said in a sing-song voice. Seeing Javert's impatient look, he straightened back up and his face formed into a serious expression. "Wha' next, then?"
"Well," Javert continued. "We shall storm the room as soon as the shot rings out. The officers will surround the criminals. You will make yourself invisible until needed. Understand?"
"Yeah, yeah," Gavroche said. "Got i'."
"Good. I will rescue the victim from any situation he is in, should the need arise. I will then initiate the arrest, and if need be, identify the criminals. Then, case closed. We will take the criminals to prison."
"What will 'appen t'me, then?" Gavroche asked. "Seein' as I'm 'elping ya an' all."
"We will discuss that," Javert said, "after the arrest. And that is only if everything goes exactly as planned. If you run, or if you try to inform the criminals – "
" – No need for that," Gavroche interrupted. "I'm followin' ya. My best prospects are with ya, anyways. Father turned me out, an' I doubt mother wants me back either."
"Well, then, if that is all settled," Javert said, "We can go, now. I have to get something."
"Can I come?" Gavroche asked, already leaping up from his chair. "I'll be good!" His face turned expectant, tilted up to look at Javert. The Inspector let out an exasperated sigh, and then turned to put on his coat. He straightened the lapels and buttoned all the buttons, head still slanted down. He then placed his hat upon his head, centering it with practiced ease.
"If I say no, you will just follow me anyway, won't you?" Javert asked. He felt around in one of his greatcoat pockets for the key to the Gorbeau house that Marius had given him. Upon finding it, he nodded, then straightened his coat back out. He lifted his head and squared his shoulders, a serious, firm expression upon his face.
"Of course, I will!" Gavroche exclaimed. "I'm no thief for nothin'."
"So you are here for theft, then," Javert said nonchalantly. He turned to the door, then back to Gavroche, regarding him with narrowed eyes.
"What else?" Gavroche asked sarcastically, crossing his arms across his thin chest. "I'm no murderer or nothin'."
"Some have started as young as you," Javert remarked. He cast his mind back to earlier years, years he had no inclination to remember. Yet, these times, though few in number, always reminded him of that dark, cold night. The night…
"Well, I don't wanna go killin' nobody," Gavroche stated, interrupting Javert's thoughts. He was glad of that, at least.
"Then, do not," Javert said. "And come. We must hurry, for six o'clock is approaching fast." With that, he walked out the door, Gavroche trailing happily behind him.