Clem's priority was changing the combination to the vault and inspecting its contents. After learning the whereabouts of Meg and Sal, it was difficult not to rush in after them, but she knew they needed at least some semblance of a plan. They couldn't just rescue them, they needed to send a strong message to Ascaht and the Razorgulls as to what it meant to attack one of their own, and she didn't want them to know they were coming. She was sure Ascaht had no idea the repercussions of his choice. Granny most likely made it seem like a simple contractual agreement, a lobbied bill is passed, and he gets an Alkemi in exchange. Coincidentally, one who knows the formula and process to make parem. Clem wouldn't have been surprised if Granny had convinced him to take on her debt.
Clem was certain Hattie had figured out all that Granny had done. She was cruel but not stupid. Although she hadn't mentioned a word of Granny's ailment, she also didn't reveal to the group her betrayal.
Clem inspected the vault, many weapons were gone, but they were finding them on the Widows they had taken down earlier. Sol and Fara were helping her go through the inventory when Clem eyed one of the trap doors in the back corner. She couldn't remember what Granny kept in there, and she walked over to it and crawled under the table that was placed on top of it.
She moved some items on top, grabbed the latch, and pulled it up. She stared face to face with Zelda, crouching like a child and putting her hands up in fear. Clem almost burst out laughing at the sight of her. The ultimate coward and she called me a mouse? Clem took out a large switchblade and held it out threateningly, while grabbing Zelda by the hair, forcibly yanking her out. Sol and Fara saw what she was doing and rushed to help her. Zelda made a feeble attempt to fight, but she must have known it was useless.
Sol grabbed the rope and tied her up. She almost closed the vault door behind her, but Felix and Bangbang caught sight of her and rushed in.
"Oh sweet, Ghezen! Ya found 'er. Ya'gon' let Felix pummel 'er in too?" Bangbang asked, almost salivating in delight. Clem turned to both of them.
"No, weren't going to do anything to her now. Sal and Meg are the priority. She can suffer the indignity of being tied up and waiting on us to be ready."
Felix and Bangbang looked furious, but Clem had made her decision then.
"Everyone out! Sol and Fara take the items we need. I'm locking up the vault with the combination only myself, Ertha, and Fara know. Sara will also be told once she returns from Luckie's."
Sol and Fara nodded, both carrying a box filled with items. Clem grabbed one or two things, closed the vault door behind her, and spun the dial. She opened her hand to Vran, who dropped all the keys in her open palm. She locked both doors, leaving Zelda in there, alone.
Clem went through the plan with each member; it had come to her as soon as she heard who had taken them. As she reviewed the plan with Vran and Sol, Sara walked in with Cece. Fara ran over and embraced her. They hugged silently for a long time. When they broke apart, Sara nodded to the group.
"It is done, Lady Luck too. Zelda did not even arm them much. They are back under us. Many were relieved that Mouse fought Zelda. Only Guillaume put up any real fight. I can't believe Zelda was so arrogant to think no one would fight her."
Mouse nodded in mild relief, but she couldn't celebrate yet.
They updated Sara on what had occurred and included her in their planning. It was agreed that Sol, Vran Mouse and half of the mice would focus on the rescue. Fara would lead the attack on the Razorgulls with Felix, Bangbang and Nikita. Win would manage Alevier and his father.
"Sara, go back and go between Luckie's and Lady Luck; keep yourself seen and managing. We don't want to win a battle and then seem to be completely abandoning things. Rudy, you'll stay here and manage the Warehouse and the Bank; Ertha, you'll keep the Study Hall going. Merro will be working tonight, and the Widows who surrendered immediately. We want everything to seem normal here."
Mouse communicated in Hand simultaneously. "The Pigeons are doing clean up; we don't want any stadwatch raiding us and finding blood or bodies."
"Mouse, you sure I shouldn't go out with Fara helping against the Razorgulls?"
"I appreciate the thought, Rudy. I need your help fighting traitors within, but I can't have you seen attacking other gangs; you're too well known, and they'll go after your mum. It better for us to have you seem somewhat neutral."
Rudy relented and nodded. Clem noted how everyone was beginning to argue with her less and less as the day went on. She almost resented the crisis ending at some point, unsure how she would keep up only discussing business and plans when it wasn't a crisis.
"We need the streets as busy as possible, or else any attempt at rescue or attack will be seen. So, we will prep, eat and set up our positions. Understood?" Everyone nodded, heading primarily for the Bank where the kitchens were. Clem made her way to Ertha.
"Thank you, Ertha. For choosing our side." She said, looking down at the tiny, old woman.
"Mouse, you know what the rules say about traitors. Granny never chose Zelda, and it was wrong for her to step in and do so." Mouse almost rolled her eyes at the response but appreciated it all the same.
"You feel ok with the Widows we're allowing to stay? I don't think all of them were traitors." Ertha smiled.
"No, not at all. I don't think anyone expected you to stand up and fight for this. I almost don't think you needed to come in so hard, although I guess Zelda wouldn't have given it up without a show of strength." Clem considered this but didn't dwell. She patted Ertha on the back and moved her way to the Bank. She could see Hattie speaking to Sol about how to get to the location Meg and Sal were being held and the best way to break in. She could feel her insides twisting with the need to go after Sal and Meg immediately and alone.
Clem opened the door to the Bank and saw Georgiana on two chairs, wincing while holding her side. Clem saw hasty stitches had been sewn to the stab wound. She kneeled next to her, a grin on her face.
"Hey spitfire, heard you got a war wound." She said to her; Georgiana looked furious.
"Yes, and I am the only one, no coincidence, I don't think. How are you going to explain this to my aunt? Or my father?" She asked indignantly. Clem almost growled in response.
"It's not my job to explain anything; that's yours. Now, do you want me to help with the pain?" Georgiana nodded desperately.
"Merro, can you please get me a glass of wine?" Merro looked at her confused but filled a glass. She handed it to Clem.
"Thanks, Merro, and thank you for everything. I know this isn't entirely part of your job." She gave her a weak smile, and Merro returned it. She handed the glass to Georgiana.
"Drink, all in one gulp." Georgiana eyed her skeptically but reluctantly drank. Clem looked around and slowed her heartbeat as much as she could without being obvious in her hand movements. Being exhausted, it was a struggle. But finally, she succeeded in making her fall unconscious. Clem took out a jays and lit it, inhaling as fast as she could. She found her ability to utilize her Grisha abilities increased when she had just had one. She focused on Georgiana's cut and began fusing the skin back together as much as she could. The stitches loosened as the skin formed. Clem gave up around halfway, knowing that it would do and would have less likelihood of infection.
She threw a fresh towel on Georgiana and let her sit in the chair. She placed the jays between her teeth, sucking on it periodically and blowing smoke out of the corner of her mouth as she headed back to the kitchen. Sol and Win were there, both chewing on bread and cheese. They turned to look at Clem as she entered.
"I'm going over certain methods of deflection and diversion to escape if she is caught somewhere."
Sol said to Clem in a matter-of-fact tone, but Clem felt sure she could feel Sol's heartbeat quickening. She wondered if Sol trusted Win or her ability to do this.
"How are you feeling about it, Win?"
"Relieved that I'm being assigned a job that I'm actually good at." Mouse grinned wickedly at this, and Win joined her.
"Good. Once you're done eating, I want us to head back to the Res; we must all get ready." Sol nodded knowingly, but Win looked confused. Clem ignored her look and grabbed her piece of bread, cheese, and some dried meat. She left and returned to the Bank, watching the Pigeons finish cleaning.
She thought about their response to the news about Meg and Sal. Another pang of guilt hit her. She hadn't expected their response to be so strong; she didn't think anyone cared for Meg as she did. Their pain and sorrow penetrated her own in a way she didn't want and had overwhelmed her. Their accusations and feelings of injustice were valid.
Clem knew she could hide Granny's treachery from everyone else, but she wouldn't be able to hide it from Meg when they recovered her. She thought of Dal sitting in prison. Felix had begged to spring them from jail as the distraction they needed, but Clem had refused. She knew Dal would try to beat everyone bloody that they had allowed Sal to be taken for so long. No, Dal's bail can be paid once Sal and Meg are back and working in their office. I'm already managing Felix, Bangbang and Nikita's rage; I don't need theirs either. Clem thought to herself.
Clem took a last look at Rudy and Merro at the Bank, bade them goodbye and walked back up to Georgiana, putting her contract in her lap to find when she woke up. She headed for the door and left the Bank.
Clem arrived at the Res and heard the whole building buzzing with energy. All the mice had headed there immediately after they had gotten food. They were all feeling excited and triumphant after what had happened. Everyone retells the story of what Felix had done to Lamb, to Cece, who hadn't been there. I have an excellent mind to shut them up. Clem thought. She didn't like glorifying Felix's type of violence, especially against an idiot like Lamb. But then, she did kill a Pigeon. She thought, feeling a bit of satisfaction at Felix's response.
Clem didn't acknowledge them and went straight to the second floor. A large room at the end of that hallway was primarily used to store different clothing, costumes, and materials. Clem began rifling through them and taking out all the supplies she needed. She went to the lavatory with her arms full. She took down her hair and brushed it with a nearby comb. She grabbed a container, opened it and revealed a black paste. She scooped a handful and began running it over her hair. Meg had created this years ago for fun, allowing them to change their hair in different colours. Clem covered her head with the paste and let it sit there, her turning hair entirely black.
Clem waited about thirty minutes. She proceeded to run cold water in the tub; she undressed and got in when it was half full, not wetting her hair. Shivering and trying to raise her heartbeat to keep warm, she washed all the blood off herself, unplugging the tub of cold water. As the water emptied, she lowered her head under the flow and rinsed her hair.
Once she was satisfied, she emerged from the tub. She dressed in clothes she had gotten from the storage room. Black trousers, a black top and black leather boots. She took some charcoal and smeared her face with it. Wanting not to be immediately recognizable, she pulled her hair back into a tight bun rather than her signature two buns on top of her head.
She looked at her reflection in the mirror, feeling satisfied. She spotted Win in the mirror's reflection.
"You said I also needed to get ready? I hope I don't have to look like you." She teased; Mouse smiled and shook her head.
"No, the opposite. We need you looking as gorgeous as you can, though that won't be hard. Also, we need to give you a black eye."
"Real or with makeup?"
"Real, it's still raining too much to trust makeup will stay on." Win grimaced.
"Have people started paying for the opportunity to punch me?" She asked. Clem laughed.
"You think I would give up that opportunity with all the stress you've given me? I really was nervous you would have split by now."
"Yeah yeah, you and everyone else."
"Ok, you ready?" Clem asked, reeling her fist back. Win nodded, closing her eyes. Clem brought her fist forward but stopped it right before impact.
"I'm not going to hit you, Win." She said with a smirk. Win let out a sigh of relief. While Clem watched, Fara came silently up behind them without Win noticing. Fara slapped Win as hard as she could on the face. Win's face flew to the side, and she screamed loud. Clem and Fara both burst out laughing. Win rose, and she had a small cut, and her face was red. Fara had turned some of her rings around so she could scratch her cheek simultaneously.
"Fara, get changed and get the other Mice to change into more dark clothing. We don't need Felix's gaudy clothing lighting up the entire Barrel." Fara left, still laughing.
"Ok, Win, let me see it" Clem held her hands up to Win's face, feigning inspection, trying to keep her hand movements subtle.
"How bad is it?" She asked; Clem moved her hands around, making the bruising more noticeable. Win brought her hands up to her face.
"Ow, that hurts more."
"Ok, yes, there we are, already bruising nice yellow, might even get some purple. Still, make sure to do your hair, and make it look like you've put on makeup to try and hide it." Win sighed and walked to the storage room to rummage for makeup.
Clem went back and inspected her reflection again. Her reputation as the Mouse would only help her attempt at being inconspicuous.
The Res was busy over the next few hours, people changing, putting on disguises and going over plans repeatedly. The buzz from the emerging crowd outside could be heard, and a swell of nervous anticipation filled Clem's chest. She was smoking jays nonstop now, as she had reminded Felix to grab a few boxes when they were at the Warehouse. When the night had come alive, and the streets were crowded with tourists, workers, and Barrel rats alike, Clem called everyone together in the large room on the top floor again.
"Alright, everyone ready?" She asked; the room nodded. The mice were all cracking their knuckles and swinging their weapons, ready for another fight.
"Remember the goal; Meg and Sal get out. If one of us is caught, no one talks. Take the imprisonment; we'll get you out as soon as possible. This is a job; you'll be sure to be freed. No unnecessary deaths in the rescue plans; all deaths against the Gulls are necessary. This is for the Widows, the true Widows who stayed loyal to Granny. And we only harm those who have moved against us."
"The true Widows? Do we need a list of who we've accepted back?" Nikita asked. Sol gave Clem a knowing look, and Clem rolled her eyes. Bangbang interrupted.
"What did Win say to those indentured girls? Rudy told me, said the Mouse becomes a viper." She yelled out, cackling. Clem quirked her mouth.
"What?" Clem asked. Win laughed too.
"I told them to move, or they'll see the mouse turn into a viper."
Sol looked most confused.
"Your mice turn into snakes here?"
"Only this one!" Cece cried out. Clem noted she had pulled her hair into a tight bun since Clem had.
"We'll laugh about names afterwards; we need to move. The night is on. We ready?" Everyone nodded, and Bangbang led her fist into the air.
"Viper-mouse!" She screamed. To Clem's surprise, everyone else copied her and yelled it together afterwards. Clem shook her head, refusing to look at Sol. She checked her inventory for the fifteenth time that night. She had sharpened the edges of her crowbars earlier and had loaded up every person's firearm.
They all filed down to the bottom floor.
"I'll leave last and lock up; the top window will stay unlocked, but remember where you're assigned and stay on task. We can't afford to come out in the open early." Clem reminded them. Felix brushed her off.
"We know, Mouse. We're ready." Clem sighed and nodded, watching them all go in groups of twos and threes. Win was left alone and was the only one heading towards the lid, a pistol hidden at her thigh, her only weapon. Fara and Sol were the last with her.
"Retrieve me?" Fara asked.
"So that you'll be remembered," Clem replied solemnly.
"Honestly, Mouse, find me. My parents are coming in a few days. I can't have them come to nobody." Clem was overcome with guilt at the notion.
"Hey, I know what I'm doing, Clem." She said, using her real name for once. Clem looked at her and hugged her. Fara nodded and looked at Sol.
"Hope you finally join us if you survive."
"I hope you will remember me if I don't," Sol said, her version of the Widow's words. Fara jogged off, joining Nikita, who was waiting for several blocks ahead.
"She's right, Sol; you're invaluable to us. I hope this isn't our last fight."
"I know." She said, and they were silent. Clem sighed.
"Retrieve me?"
"I promise."
"And if one of us doesn't make it, retrieve Meg."
"You both will be remembered," Sol answered.
"I'll see you in a bit." Clem smiled, and Sol walked off more inconspicuously than Fara did.
Clem waited five minutes, staggering her departure the most. Finally, she opened the door to the Res and closed it behind her, locking the doors and putting her keys in their trusted pocket. She had even gotten Fara's help sewing another layer over them, just in case.
It was late, and the Barrel was fully active. The rain was lighter than the night before, ensuring every location was packed to the door. Clem spotted different masks and costumes donned by tourists and those not wishing to be recognized. Clem blended in well with her own face makeup and shiny black hair. Clem walked in the Barrel a while before aiming for a canal to get on a gondola. She knew more eyes would be out looking for her once word had gotten out about what had happened within the Widows.
Clem turned down a corner of an alley with some tourists as she was heading towards the Warehouse district. She followed a few more in the streets and paused. She could hear talking and footsteps but thought she heard something else.
Her hand went to her back, reaching for a crowbar, when she heard it—the familiar sound of a cane hitting cobblestone. Clem tried to find the source of it and took out only one of her crowbars. She felt the jab in her left arm as soon as it was out and by her side. It went numb. Luckily, it wasn't her good arm, and she knew Dirtyhands only chose it out due to his proximity. She spun on the spot, lifting her crowbar in an arc, but he had been ready, turning and bringing his blasted crow-headed cane into her shin. Clem collapsed in pain, her shin radiating with it. Frustratingly, she knew he hadn't used his full strength, or it would be completely shattered.
Clem had known Kaz Brekker since he first came to the Barrel. She knew about every Barrel rat and immediately found out about him. It hadn't been hard; his reputation was vile and repulsive. It intrigued Clem. She loved getting to know Barrel kids, orphaned, lost and desperate to survive. He had no interest in getting to know her, so Clem tried to find out as much as she could through proximity. She found it interesting that he lied about being a bastard of the Barrel when she knew he had not been born in the Barrel. She had heard all about his thieving, robbing and lock picking. Granny had tried hard to entice him to join the Widows. Clem even tried compelling him to, but he was almost impervious. He had no interest. Clem always remained friendly with him, even when he joined the Dregs. He showed her curiosity but could remain neutral in conversation whenever he spoke. Clem clung to silent people, desperate to know what they were thinking. She constantly tried reading his mood, and all she got was anger.
When she heard about the parem, the Ice Court job and all that his crew had accomplished, she thought she had finally discovered his secret. The gloves, his abilities; Kaz Brekker must be a fabricator. She felt like a genius for figuring it out and saved her findings for the most opportune time.
"Fuck Kaz, what the hell?!" Clem asked him through gritted teeth, gripping her shin in pain.
"Anika." He said simply.
"Oh right, that." Clem readily conceded, having legitimately forgotten. "She told you, then?" Clem asked, trying to keep the tone light and familiar.
"You think I wouldn't know when you have someone indentured?"
"Did she tell you?" Clem asked, forcing a smirk. Kaz's mouth quirked, but he said nothing. She had spent enough hours staring at him and trying desperately to read his moods to know what he wasn't saying.
"So then I think the words you're struggling for are 'thank you.' You would have either been down a member as she would have run to care for a new baby, or maybe you would have tossed her for getting pregnant. I kept your worker working. So, you're welcome, Kaz." Clem said, faking a bow and trying to push herself up.
"None of the Dregs will sign contracts with you again, not without me knowing."
"Sure, Kaz." She rolled her eyes. "Gang bosses, fathers, uncles, brothers, boyfriends and husbands. All insist that it will never happen again without them knowing. Yet somehow, these girls keep knocking on our doors without any man ever in tow. It's so funny how men want to be aware of what's happening but never show up to support it happening."
Clem tried to walk and found she was limping. Usually, she wouldn't have minded mincing words with him, but they were on a schedule, and Kaz was delaying her. He remained silent.
"Did she tell you what I asked from her?" Clem asked. This conversation was pointless, and as much as Clem loved quiet people, they were also dangerous for her. Her need to fill silences meant she could end up saying too much.
"You were seeking the services of the Wraith." He said simply; however, Clem noted the edge on his voice.
"Needed to find out the source of a slaver, and that's all. Anika is loyal as can be, by the way. Although I'm sure, you know that, or else she would be dead." Clem paused after her statement, "Wait, you didn't kill her, did you?" Clem asked; Kaz said nothing still. Clem shrugged and rolled her eyes.
"Alright, well, message received, Kaz. Now I have my own business to attend to." She stated, flexing her left arm as she was getting feeling back in it and limping away.
"You shouldn't go on the rescue mission. You should be going for the Razorgulls." He said. Clem struggled but turned on the spot to look at him.
"What did you just say?"
"I've heard about your little Pigeon and that you will rescue her. I recommend you join the other group."
"Why?" Clem asked suspiciously; she didn't bother asking how he knew. Dirtyhands had eyes and ears everywhere, and they hadn't exactly hidden their tracks well.
"Is the Mouse good at sneaking around?" He asked with a faint mocking. Clem chewed her lip in response. It was true. Despite her name, she was not good at managing work that depended on stealth. Hattie had reminded her frequently her entire life. Clem was better with chaos, fighting and remaining controlled during the mayhem. It wouldn't even take someone like Kaz to know she had had her reputation in the Barrel her whole life.
"You know I have to go after her, Kaz. There are certain people we must make sure are safe, can't rely on someone else to handle it." Kaz shrugged at this. Preparing to walk away.
"If you think you can't trust your Widows, that's your affair, not that I blame you after this recent scuffle," He limped towards the Barrel, the clunk of his cane following each step. "Enjoy the limp; you'll get used to it." He added.
Clem shook her head. She was frustrated at her interaction with him. He was right, and she knew it. Sol had even tried to convince her earlier not to come with them. Clem could be clumsy when trying to be quiet and tended to talk at the most inopportune times.
Clem hastily took out a jays and lit it, covering it with her hand in the rain. She tried healing her bruised and swollen shin as best she could. She checked the earlier wound on her arm and found it was healing decently.
Clem felt the weight of exhaustion suddenly hit her. The notion of not going after Meg and Sal almost made her give up on the night entirely. She began walking towards the Warehouse district regardless. Forget Kaz; he could be trying to sabotage me and working with the Razorgulls or the merchant himself. Clem thought, but as quickly as the thought had come and gone, she knew it wasn't true. She hesitated again and finally turned around. Unsure if Kaz was nearby and maybe watching her. She hated to admit it, but her place was fighting the Razorgulls. She had to confront them for what they did.
She realized how much she wasn't looking forward to it. Like Zelda, or Granny, the Razorgulls knew Clem, and some had even been her friends. Luka had been one of the first boys she had ever slept with. She knew they didn't have the same love for Meg, but they knew Clem did, and she couldn't believe they would help to kidnap and sell her once they saw she was the target.
Mouse walked back to the Res. Unlocking the door and grabbing a weapon she hadn't thought she should have for the rescue mission. It felt more appropriate for an attack. She took her time, knowing Fara's crew would attack slightly after the rescue mission. Sol knew to push on if anyone didn't arrive and that she wouldn't wait for Clem.
Clem put two pipe bombs in her inside coat pocket. Remembering something from earlier, she ran to her room. She rifled through the clothes lying in a heap on the floor and pulled a silver tin from the pocket. She stuffed it into a deep pocket in her trousers and left the room, heading back to exit the Res.