Chapter 30

Swift and silent, the drow made his way across the roof tops. Looking into the streets below he marveled at this new world. Laughter drifted from the street below as a couple staggered from a brightly lit club. A sly smile flashed across Jarlaxle's face as he silently watched the scene play out below. Originally the boredom of waiting for Artemis to recover had prompted his midnight ventures. But lately he had begun to learn some interesting facts about Anna's home.

There was an organized crime syndicate that ruled the city from the shadows. It did not hold the power that Bregan D'aerthe had held in Menzoberranzan, but it had potential. All the organization needed was the right leader. The drow's red eyes gleamed as he considered the possibilities. He had seen a map of this land called America. The sheer size was mind boggling. Imagine the power of controlling such a place. Jarlaxle rubbed his hands together as a calculating gleam entered his eyes.

Slipping the mask over his face that would allow him to appear human, Jarlaxle stepped off the roof and levitated to the street. The man he had been following was a new comer by the name of Al Capone. The human had potential but it would never be realized if the dark elf didn't intervene. The man had enemies that were at this very moment waiting to end his career.

Al Capone led his female companion into the ally and pushed her up against the side of the building intending to indulge his desire. He froze at the sound of a gun being cocked. Slowly moving his hand toward his coat he closed his fingers over the pistol hidden inside.

"Touch that gun and you die," a voice said from behind him. Releasing the gun Al Capone moved his hands out where his attacker could see them.

"Do you know who I am?" Al Capone asked as he slowly turned around keeping his hands in plain view. The man had not come alone. Al Capone saw at least five other men had guns aimed at him.

They were being watched. Al Capone could feel it. The way the attacker's men were intently watching the shadows confirmed his suspicions. Al Capone felt fairly certain that it wasn't one of his men since his attacker would already be dead if that was the case.

From nowhere an unfamiliar voice said, "I can assure you they know who you are and plan to kill you." The men wheeled around looking for the owner of the voice. There was no one there.

Not taking his eyes from Al Capone the attacker said to his men, "Find him and kill him."

A few minutes later the attacker called out to his goons, "Did you get him?" A soft musical laugh came from behind him.

"I fear your men did not succeed," the new comer laughed. Al Capone stared into the darkness trying to make out the mystery man. "It would be in your best interest to lower your weapon," the new comer said softly. Despite the soft tone an overwhelming feeling of danger washed over the attacker. But if he didn't get rid of Al Capone he would die. He tightened his grip on the gun. Suddenly the attacker collapsed at Al Capone's feet.

Al Capone stared at the man's still body. What just happened?

The new comer sighed and shook his head, "He really should have listened to me."

"Who are you?" Al Capone asked looking over the slender figure of the new comer. The man didn't look formidable, yet he had eliminated six men with ease.

"Jarlaxle, at your service," the new comer said. He swept Al Capone a deep bow and then disappeared into the night.

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Jarlaxle smiled widely as he made his way back to Betsy's flat. The man Al Capone was going to be very useful. If he wanted to expand his control to this city he would need contacts and Al Capone was just the man for the job. Slipping into the flat the drow sat on the couch and twisted around so that he could rest his feet on the couch's arm. Leaning his head back Jarlaxle stared at the ceiling and considered his next move. Although his magic was not the same as it had been in Faerun he was confident that he knew its new limitations. He had spent the first few nights on the roof tops experimenting. Though his magic did not have the same strength he had gained control over it.

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Al Capone knelt beside the body of his would be attacker. A small black dart protruded from man's neck. Pulling the dart from the man's neck Al Capone studied the slender black quarrel. He frowned at the unusual weapon. He had never seen anyone use something like this. Who was this man called Jarlaxle? What did he want? Was he friend or foe? Straightening back up, he held out his arm to the woman cowering against the wall. He needed to find out more about this man Jarlaxle. A small smile flitted across his face. The night had just gotten far more interesting. His boss would want to hear about this.

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Anna walked into the kitchen and started a pot of coffee. They had been at Betsy's flat for about two weeks. During that time Artemis had been lost in delirium. There had been a few nights she was afraid they would lose him. She smiled as Betsy danced into the kitchen and wished her good morning.

Singing and bouncing around the kitchen Betsy grabbed a plate of food. Seeing Anna's amused look Betsy said, "My man has finally regained consciousness. I want to try and get some food in him." Betsy poured herself a cup of coffee and winked at Anna. Picking the up the plate she left the kitchen. Watching Betsy wiggle her way back to the bedroom Anna shook her head, she almost felt sorry for Artemis.

Sitting at the table Anna picked the newspaper and frowned. Influenza had gripped the city and every time she picked up the paper there were more deaths.

"What are you reading?" Jarlaxle asked as he sat down opposite of her. Anna looked up in surprise. She hadn't heard him come into the kitchen. It never ceased to amaze her how quietly he could move.

"There are more deaths this morning," Anna answered sipping her coffee. Jarlaxle eyed her cup of coffee. "No! You know what happened last time you had coffee," Anna said moving her cup out of reach. Jarlaxle had tried coffee once and if Anna had her way he would never have it again. When Jarlaxle had coffee Jarlaxle became energetic. Very, very energetic. It was like giving a toddler coffee. He had almost bounced off the walls.

The drow laughed at her expression. He wondered if his reaction to coffee had been as bad as she said. The sound of children outside drew his attention. Walking to the window he looked out to see what they were doing.

Hopping on a chalk drawing they had made on the sidewalk one of the youngsters sang.

I had a little bird,

Its name was Enza.

I opened the window,

And in-flu-enza.

Walking over to stand beside him Anna watched the children play. When she heard the rhyme a chill settled over her. It reminded her of the rhyme that children had sung during the bubonic plague, ring-around-the-rosie.

"What is it about the child's song that distresses you?" Jarlaxle asked seeing her expression.

Anna looked at him, "It reminds me of the rhyme that children sang during the bubonic plague," she told him.

Jarlaxle gave her a curious look.

"Ring around the rosie. A pocket full of posies. Ashes, ashes, we all fall down," Anna repeated the ancient rhyme and then went on to explain, "It's refers to a plague that was responsible for millions of deaths. The rhyme is talking about the infection and resulting deaths from the plague."

"Ah, you believe the children sing of death," Jarlaxle realized as he turned his attention back to the children in the street below.

"That's what it sounds like," Anna said. She sighed and leaned against him, "I heard they are running out of coffins," she remarked. Jarlaxle looked down at her when she leaned against him. Wrapping an arm around her shoulders he watched the children with a thoughtful expression on his face.

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Artemis groaned and rubbed his forehead. He couldn't remember the last time had felt so bad. Every bone in his body ached. Add to that Anna's crazy friend and his bad mood was totally understandable.

The bedroom door opened and Besty came in balancing a plate of food and two cups. Closing the door with her hip she bounced over to the bed. Singing and wiggling she set the plate on the nightstand and plopped down on the bed before turning a big sunny smile on him. Artemis scowled.

"You shouldn't scowl so much baby," Betsy laughed, "your face is gonna freeze like that."

Artemis glowered at her considering what would be the best way to kill her. He had a wide variety of methods available to him but they seemed like overkill. It was quite possible that Betsy would be easier to kill than even Anna.

"I wasn't sure what you liked so I went with eggs and toast," Betsy said fussing around him as she arranged the plate and silverware. Artemis looked from the plate to Betsy. How could anyone be so happy ALL THE TIME? Normally he would think it was an act but he doubted that Betsy was intelligent enough to pull off an act. He watched as she reached into her pocket and pulled out a small bottle. She grinned and held a finger to her lips and she poured some the amber colored liquid into her cup. "I'd give you some baby but Anna would kill me," she giggled.

"Some of what?" Artemis asked and then immediately regretted it when she leaned close to whisper in his ear.

"Hair of the dog," she grinned and winked at him. Artemis scowled at her.

"Why can't you speak your own language?" He growled reaching for a piece of toast.

"Don't you know what hair of the dog is?" Betsy asked in surprise. At his sour look she explained, "It's whiskey baby."

Artemis looked at her sharply. "You're drinking whiskey?" he asked. Under no circumstances did he want to be subjected to a drunk Betsy. He would kill her. Oblivious to the danger she was in, Betsy giggled and nodded.

"Just a little, I like the way it tastes in coffee," she told him.

"If you get drunk I will kill you," he promised her as he picked up the plate and tried the eggs.

Betsy rested her hand on his leg as she leaned towards him, "You'd like me when I'm drunk," she whispered with a mischievous grin.

Glaring at her, "Get…your…hands…off…me," he growled.

Betsy laughed and lifted her hands in the air, "What do you think I am going to do to you?" she asked.

"What makes you think you could do anything to me," Artemis demanded through a fork full of egg.

Betsy's grin almost stretched from ear to ear, "I already got you out of your pants," she teased him.

Artemis choked on his egg. Setting the plate on the nightstand he turned to look at her, a dangerous glint in his eyes.

"I was only teas….," Betsy reply was cut short as Artemis started to choke her. She gasped and tried to pry his fingers off her neck.

"Do I look like the kind of man you should tease?" Artemis asked tightening his grip on her throat.

"Don't get in a lather. I was only teasing you because I'm sweet on you bunny," Betsy croaked. He looked at her in disbelief.

"I don't know what is rattling around that brain of yours, but whatever it is you should ignore it," he snarled narrowing his eyes.

Oh he really was the cat's meow. "Shut up and kiss me," Besty rasped tugging at the hand still around her throat.

"Does it look like I want to kiss you?" he asked.

Despite the fact that she was having trouble breathing Betsy smiled, "Sure does baby," she got out. Artemis shook his head and let her go. Besty rubbed her throat. Artemis didn't know it but he just convinced Betsy that he was a good man. Leaning forward she whispered, "So you gonna kiss me?"

"No," he growled.

Betsy saw the conflict in Artemis eyes. He wanted to kiss her even if he wouldn't admit it. She could see it in the way his pupils dilated and his way his breathing increased when she leaned towards him. It was too bad that he wouldn't allow anyone to get close to him. He was absolutely furious with her but he hadn't hurt her. She knew he was trying to chase her away but it wasn't going to work. Betsy didn't care how long it took she was going to break through that wall of ice that surrounded his heart.

Betsy knew that she often appeared foolish. People assumed that because she was always happy she must be stupid. But Betsy wasn't foolish or stupid and she was a very good judge of character. She knew that there was an incredible person under Artemis' cold exterior. All her life Betsy had known who was her friend and who was not. She was never wrong. She couldn't explain but she knew that Artemis and Anna were her friends and that Jarlaxle was not. It was even stranger considering that Jarlaxle had been kind to her and Artemis had just tried to strangle her.

Betsy pouted and fluttered her eyelashes, "Then I guess I will have to kiss you," she told him and pressed her lips against his.

Artemis was speechless. The woman had a death wish. Grabbing her shoulders he pushed her away, "Do you want to die?" he asked. Betsy turned big sad puppy dog eyes on him. Artemis scowled at her. The worst part of this whole fiasco was that he had wanted to return the kiss. Why would he want to kiss such an outlandish female? She was irritating, pushy, had no sense of self preservation and couldn't speak her own language. She was also ridiculously happy and incredibly lovely. He stared into her soft brown eyes.

Intending to teach her a lesson Artemis threw her down and pinned her against the bed with his body. "So, do you still want to kiss me?" he snarled bringing his face close to hers.

"Absolutely!" Betsy exclaimed wriggling her hand free and sliding it between them to touch him.

Artemis couldn't hide his shock when Betsy slid her hand along rapidly hardening flesh between his legs.

"What is wrong with you?" Artemis asked rolling away from her. "If you want someone to indulge your lust, talk to Jarlaxle. I am sure he will oblige," he said.

Betsy's smile disappeared at the mention of Jarlaxle's name. "He gives me the heebie-jeebies." When Artemis stared at her blankly she told him, "Jarlaxle is not my friend and he is not your friend. I'm not sure that he is anyone's friend." All humor had left her eyes.

"Why do you think that?" Artemis asked. For once the constant frown was replaced by an expression of curiosity. Betsy avoided his eyes which only made him more curious.

"I can't explain it, but you shouldn't trust him. He'll turn on you," Betsy looked him square in the eye. "I'm never wrong about these things," she said quietly.

Artemis stared at her in surprise. "Jarlaxle is a drow," he reminded her.

"What's a drow?" Betsy asked.

Artemis reeled in shock. This outrageous woman that he had taken for a fool had known the truth of Jarlaxle without ever having heard of the drow. "Drow means dark elf," he said staring at her.

Betsy's face was serious as she met his stare, "You're not traveling with him by choice, are you baby," she said quietly. It was a statement not a question. Artemis continued to stare at her. How did she know that?

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During the following weeks the influenza ravaged the city. Panic gripped the city. People avoided each other on the street terrified of contracting the deadly disease. As the numbers of dead increased people began stealing coffins and when the coffins ran out they stole cardboard boxes.

The morgues rapidly overflowed prompting the use of school auditoriums to store the bodies. As burying the dead became more and more difficult the bodies were stacked outside like cordwood. Occasionally children could be seen playing around the stacks of bodies unaware of what lay inside the boxes.

The death toll became so great that wagons were sent to collect the bodies which were then buried in mass graves. Every day the newspaper would tell them that the worst was over. But the numbers continued to climb. The influenza hit frighteningly fast. A person could wake up healthy and be dead by afternoon. Nobody knew where it came from or how to stop it. Doctors watched helplessly as their patients drowned in their own blood. Makeshift hospital tents were quickly erected but couldn't keep up with the climbing number of infected people.

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"Where are my clothes?" Artemis asked a familiar scowl spreading across his face. He had never been naked so long in his entire life. He thought about just walking around naked but the way Betsy ogled him made him decide against it. The final straw had been when she tried to give him a sponge bath.

"I got you some new duds bunny," Betsy said carrying over a pile of clothes. Artemis glared at her. "Come on baby, you'll look so dapper," she cajoled. He growled at her and took the clothes.

"Out," Artemis barked pointing to the door.

Betsy sighed. "Oh alright. Sheesh. The shower is down the hall," she told him reluctantly leaving the room.

Artemis raked a hand through his hair and wondered why he hadn't killed her. Pulling on the robe she had given him, the assassin opened the door and headed towards the shower. Seeing Anna sitting at the kitchen table with Betsy he said, "Keep her away from me," he growled before closing the bathroom door. He groaned quietly as Anna's giggle drifted through the bathroom door. How did he keep ending up in these ridiculous situations?

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"Betsy, give that poor man a rest," Anna laughed. Betsy sighed and blew a lock of platinum hair out of her eyes.

"If I give him a rest he will try to escape," Betsy explained.

It was too much. Anna laid her head on the table unable to stop giggling. Poor Artemis.

"I don't know why he is being so difficult," Betsy pouted causing Anna to laugh harder. Holding up a hand for Betsy to stop talking, Anna tried to get hold of herself.

Betsy stiffened as Jarlaxle joined them at the table. The drow gave her a charming smile, "With your permission," he said motioning towards the empty chair. Betsy immediately stood.

"I think I will clean up the bedroom," Betsy said quickly leaving the room. Jarlaxle watched her leave.

"Have I offended your friend in some way?" The drow wondered sitting down. Anna shook her head, a confused expression on her face.

"I don't understand it. Betsy loves everyone," Anna said.

"Everyone except for me apparently," Jarlaxle said looking towards the bedroom. He stared thoughtfully at the bedroom door, he hadn't expected Betsy to be so perceptive. Betsy knew he was dangerous. It was interesting considering that he had gone out of his way to charm her. Even more fascinating was that Betsy was aware of Artemis' value. Most people didn't look past the assassin's grim angry exterior. Betsy had taken one look at Artemis and knew he was special. Jarlaxle respect for Betsy was growing. It really was too bad his charm didn't work on her. It would be shame if he had to kill her.

The dark elf's thoughts were interrupted by Anna's wide eyed stare. Curious to see what had her attention he twisted in the chair and saw Artemis.

"Artemis," The drow crowed, "Betsy has worked a miracle!" Beside him Anna started to laugh again.

"What is so funny?" Artemis growled.

Anna struggled to straighten her face but couldn't hold it and burst out laughing again, "Oh Artemis, Betsy is never going to leave you alone," she told him.

Anna was amazed at how handsome Artemis looked. Betsy had picked out a black pin-striped suit that fit the assassin like it was made for him. A black fedora was the finishing touch. With his hair neatly brushed back and his freshly trimmed goatee he cut a striking figure. The only thing that marred the picture he made was the angry scowl on his face. He looked dangerous and handsome at the same time. He would be like catnip to Betsy. Anna started giggling again.

"Indeed my friend, I believe you should give in and satisfy that poor woman," Jarlaxle grinned, "Perhaps then she would leave you in peace."

"Not you too," Artemis groaned.

"Don't despair, if you are feeling well enough we can leave for my grandparents today," Anna said soothingly to Artemis.

"Not without me you're not!" Betsy exclaimed.

"Oh no, you are staying here," Artemis informed her.

"As if!" Betsy snorted.

A short time later they left the flat with Betsy happily clinging to Artemis arm. The assassin had finally given up and let her hold his arm though he wore a distinctly sour expression.

Jarlaxle donned his mask. Once again appearing nothing more than a handsome man, he shot Anna a smile and held out his arm. Anna grinned back at him and took his arm before falling into step beside Betsy and Artemis.

"How will we travel to your grandparents?" Jarlaxle asked as moved away from the flat.

"We'll take the street car," Anna told him. The drow's eye lit up. He had seen the conveniences she was talking and had been fascinated by them. Artemis on the other hand just gave her a blank look. Unlike the drow he had not been out of the flat. Thus when the street car rumbled towards them all he could do was stare. To his credit he stepped into the car without hesitation and took a seat beside Betsy. Though Artemis was aware of the many stares sent his way he dismissed them. No one here was a threat.

As the trolley rattled and bounced along the track Anna watched the passing scenery. As they neared one of stops the trolley slowed to allow some waiting riders to board. Staring out the window Anna saw a man sitting on a bench. He was coughing so hard that he was nearly doubled over. As she watched the man tried to stand. Suddenly blood started bubbling out of his mouth. He fell to the ground. Blood leaked from his eyes and ears. Anna gasped. It was the influenza that she had brought back to Faerun.

Hearing Anna's distress Jarlaxle turned to see what had upset her. He saw the man that lay bleeding on the sidewalk.

"It's the influenza that I brought back to Faerun," Anna whispered turning to meet the drow's eyes.

Jarlaxle frowned as he looked at the dying man, "How is this influenza cured?" he asked.

Anna's eyes filled with horror, "There is no cure," she whispered. Jarlaxle stared into her tormented eyes.

"Then we should waste no time in speaking with your grandmother if we are to find a solution," the drow decided. Anna nodded not knowing what else to say.

Jarlaxle turned his face away from Anna to hide his own distress. He had no idea what to do. It was a rare and unwelcome feeling for the wily elf. One he hoped he would never feel again. The drow's thoughts were interrupted by Betsy chiding Artemis for wearing his weapons. Despite the dire situation Jarlaxle couldn't help but smile.

"I can't believe you are wearing those blasted knives again," Betsy whispered as Artemis' jeweled dagger bumped against her. At her words he turned to stare angrily at her.

"Keep it up and you won't need to worry about the influenza," Artemis quietly growled.

The rest of the trip continued peacefully enough except for Artemis threatening to choke Betsy when her feathered head band repeatedly hit him in the face.

By the time they finally reached Anna's grandparents' house she had to pull Betsy away from Artemis. The poor man looked like he was about to become unhinged. Keeping a tight grip on Betsy's arm Anna led them up the sidewalk and stopped at the front gate.

Anna's grandparents lived in a huge house that almost completely hidden by the wall that surrounded the property. Opening the gate Anna started to walk through the door when a gunshot exploded above her.

"Grandpa! It's Anna! Don't shoot!" Anna yelped diving to the sidewalk.

A deep angry voice snarled, "Anna, you stupid dame! I could've blown your fool head off."

Author's Note: The next chapter is going to be longer so it might be a couple of weeks before I post again. Though the end is in sight!

Sonra: lol I agree, but you help but love Jarlaxle!

Pho: I appreciate your feedback! The reason I write fanfiction is because I want to improve and honest feedback (as long as it's kind) is always welcome. Of course its also awesome to hear that you enjoy the story as well.

Blah: I'm glad your enjoying this! And…um…I plead the 5th.