Thief: Lock and Key Chapter 3, a thief: the dark project fanfic

The next handful of days passed by in a relative blur. Baron Northcrest was still completely unaware that an item had been pilfered directly from his library and Elizabeth wasn't too keen on informing him. She had informed Charlotte of her latest run in with this Master Thief and both women were a bit perplexed regarding his parting words. Charlotte was certain he was just trying to charm his way out of harm's reach but, as her lady pointed out, he had ample opportunity to take off and disappear into the night. Be he a blankhand, though, at least his heart wasn't completely charred and rotten. It had been ten days since seeing her shadow in the library and Elizabeth itched to dive out into Stonemarket once more for a longer stint, if just to see if she could draw him out. She had only stopped by the Crippled Burrick for a hot meal and a chance to eavesdrop on its patrons. Elizabeth sarcastically thought about ambling by the first place they'd met but dismissed that idea as quickly as it came on. She wasn't about to tempt fate there.

Rain pelted the city for the past week and clouds clung to the high rooftops. The streets were completely barren. Barely anyone braved the cold, wet weather unless absolutely necessary. Elizabeth stepped out onto her balcony and kept just under the short awning that covered it, peering out over the city. Even the birds had left the skies to go home to roost. The guards patrolling the manor grounds were still around however. They hadn't taken note of the thief's arrival either, thank the gods. The added security would have further tightened the cage around Elizabeth, enhancing her ever growing claustrophobia.

"Ma'am, come inside!" Charlotte's voice drew her out of her reverie and Elizabeth glanced over her shoulder. "You'll catch cold standing out there in just your night things." Her handmaid quickly stepped out onto the balcony with her, draping a fur coat around her lady's shoulders. Elizabeth hadn't realized how cold she'd gotten until Charlotte arrived and thanked the other woman quietly. "Don't tell me you were looking for him." They did well to not mention the thief directly. When they had to, they simply referred to him as a potential suitor.

Elizabeth couldn't help but roll her eyes and shook her head as she went back inside, relishing the warmth of her room. "No, I wasn't," she replied, giving Charlotte a look. Her maid merely gave her a look, arched an eyebrow and closed the double doors shut behind her as she followed suite.

"Mhm. Miss, I hate to say it but you're a terrible liar," Charlotte said, her tone playful. The lock clicked home and Charlotte went to add another log to the roaring fireplace.

"It's a good thing I wasn't lying then," her lady retorted, pulling a short laugh from Charlotte. Elizabeth pulled the fur coat tighter about her and cast another look out the paned doors.

"Miss? Oh, Lizzie, you really shouldn't get involved with that man," Charlotte spoke, seeming to have caught the longing in Elizabeth's gaze which flicked back to settle on her handmaid. Charlotte glanced at the bedroom door and lowered her voice as she continued speaking. "It's not right for a lady to have relations with a… a… rogue like that." She felt the need to pause to search for a polite term for her shadow. "Yes, he did spare your life, twice now, but what happens if you run into him a third time, hm? What then?"

"Lottie, it's not like I'm a threat to the man," Elizabeth countered, dropping her voice to just above a whisper, and threw her arms wide.

Charlotte straightened up and placed her fists on her hip, fixing Elizabeth with a pointed look. "Lizzie, are you forgetting that you are a lady of the Northcrests? And, might I remind you, living under the Baron Northcrest's roof? The Northcrests-"

"-Are a very influential family and their coffers run deep," Elizabeth cut in, a bit sharper than she'd intended. "Yes, I'm well aware of that fact every bloody day. At least he doesn't look at me like I'm some fragile sort of thing that'll break if turned wrong or like I'm a piece of meat like those other men do. I'm not that fragile. If it were up to me, I'd leave that name behind and disappear into the country."

"With your mystery man in tow?" Charlotte sighed and let her arms hang by her sides. "I know the family name has been like a stain on your life but you can't just vanish into the night like that."

"I wouldn't leave without you and Janneson, if he's willing. Have you heard much from your husband since we've settled here?" Elizabeth asked softly. The subject of her handmaid's own husband was a sore one at best and an open, festering wound at worst.

"I received a letter from him last week. The day your thief broke into the library, actually. He assures me that everything is fine. He's keeping busy and is missing me every day I'm gone." Charlotte cupped her elbows and sucked on her bottom lip. "I could've sworn that I caught a hint of perfume on the page itself." Elizabeth tilted her head, brows furrowing. "Just a hint before it wafted away. It might've merely been my imagination, Lizzie, but… I worry." The maid turned to face her. "Before we left, a few days prior actually, I caught him in close talks with Lady Derrimore. On more than one occasion. I'm probably just being paranoid but everyone in town is well aware she's recently divorced and on the prowl. I just know she's about to sink her nasty claws into Jane."

"Charlotte, I'm sure she's only asking for architectural advice," Elizabeth stepped forward to place a reassuring hand on the other woman's shoulder and squeezed it once. "Remember, she was looking for quotes for that new greenhouse she was wanting to add to her property. He must be doing just that."

Charlotte still wasn't entirely convinced. "Perhaps. It's just that Jane has been talking a lot about children lately. We've tried every tonic and potion the doctors have suggested to us but nothing took."

"What about adoption?"

Charlotte snorted derisively and laughed without humor. "Please. Jane wants blood children. An adopted babe he'd consider to be illegitimate and nothing more than an extra mouth to feed and clothe. No, I worry he's going to stray. I might not have a husband when we return."

"Would it really be such a bad thing for you two to separate? You did have a prenup agreement, right?" Elizabeth guided her friend over to one of two recliners positioned by the fire. Charlotte sat down on the soft cushion and brushed out her apron while Elizabeth pulled her chair closer. This had been a conversation they'd had countless times before with the outcome never really changing by the end.

"We did. We do. I wouldn't take a major financial loss. It's just…" Charlotte's hands fluttered about in her lap like frightened birds as she stared into the fire. "It's just that not many men care for a divorced woman these days. Unless she's worth pursuing."

"Then those men aren't worth a damn," Elizabeth said simply. Charlotte's mouth twitched up slightly. "What about Jonathan, the guard here? He seems to be a nice lad. He's obviously got a stable job and he's not at all like those barheads I ran into. Plus he's a pretty decent arms teacher."

"Oh! That's right." Charlotte lightly bounced her palms flat on her knees, quickly changing the subject. "I forgot to ask how your lessons were going. The captain hasn't asked too many questions?"

Elizabeth shook her head, a few loose strands of hair tumbling over her shoulder. "No. I merely cited I wanted a bit of exercise and to test my hand at a new challenge. He about laughed me out of his office before I showed him my skill with a bow. I wouldn't be able to carry that weapon around without drawing attention but a dagger or a small sword I could hide in my skirts if I were to venture out into the cold dark world," she explained, exaggerating her voice a little at the end. "I think he's just wanting to bet how long I'll last till I call it quits. Probably thinks that, after I chip a nail or cut my palm, I'll run crying back inside." Elizabeth blew a loud raspberry at that and Charlotte snickered. "Fat chance that'll happen. I want to at least get to the point I can hold my own, disarm or stun my opponent and then run like hell."

"I won't be surprised if he and the other men have a tally going to see when you'll quit," the maid chuckled.

"All the more reason for me to keep at it! Maybe, by the end of it, I can claim it all for myself. And cut you and Johnny boy some of the profit." Elizabeth grinned broadly, happy to see her friend in better spirits. She then tapped a slippered foot as a thought occurred to her. "Hm. Maybe I can see if Jonathan can find me a short bow. Something a little more travel sized that I can hide under my skirts while I go out. At least until I get more proficient with the blades," she added quickly upon seeing her maid's face.

"I'd rather you not but… if it protects you, I won't fault you for it," Charlotte allowed then stood up with a soft groan. "I'd prefer it if you didn't keep wandering outside the gates but it's better than seeing you locked up in here. You've been happier since that first day, those arsehole guards notwithstanding. And at least the Baron keeps a fairly regular schedule. Now, Lizzie, if you'll excuse me, I need to head down to the kitchen to see if they require my aid. If you do go out, at least let Jonathan know before you leave."

"If I decide to, I will. Frankly, I'm not too sure I want to deal with the rain. Wandering around in cold clothes isn't exactly comfortable. Should it let up enough, I just may." After bidding her farewell, Charlotte stepped out of the room, the door clicking softly shut behind her. Once her maid was gone, Elizabeth glanced back toward her balcony door. It seemed to be pouring down even harder this time around and there was a low rumble of thunder in the background. She wouldn't chance it today as much as she would've liked to. Nor did she the next day or the day after that. The storm cloud lingered over the city longer than anticipated until the cloud cover broke, giving the denizens a small respite a fourth day in.

There was still a gray haze that practically blanketed the entire area. Elizabeth figured this would be a good time to strike and broke out the plainest clothes she had, settling on a drab dark brown dress with a cloak to clasp at her throat. Just as she was throwing the attire on, a knock could be heard at her door. Her heart nearly leapt out of her mouth. Is it the Baron? Shit. What if he sees me like this? What-?

"Lizzie, it's just me. I just had an idea!" It was only Charlotte. Elizabeth let out a sigh of relief, her limbs feeling a bit shaky as the adrenaline shot through her system. She finished tugging the dress into place before opening the door. Charlotte opened her mouth to continue before taking stock of her lady's appearance.

"Seems I wasn't the only one who wanted to go out," the maid remarked as she entered the room.

"Is that so?" Elizabeth leaned back on her bed side for balance as she pulled on a pair of warm leggings and socks. The rain may have stopped for now but that didn't mean the cold vanished.

"Yes! The Baron has tasked several of us, myself included, to head out into the market to stock up on supplies. The others shouldn't recognize you since he has most of the staff constantly rotating out. I swear that man's paranoid. But anyway, you and I can finally take a trip out ourselves. Jonathan's no doubt already informed and I've told the Baron your monthly has put you out for the rest of the day. You're stocked up on water and food and he should be none the wiser."

Elizabeth glanced up from tying one her boots to look at her friend and arched a brow. "You're awfully peppy about this. I thought you didn't like me running around out there."

"Well… yes but this time will be different. It'll just be the two of us this time. Just like old times before we came to this rain-cursed city."

"Hm. I have been meaning to take a trip to the local apothecary shop. I'm running low on my tonic and it feels like my actual monthly is just around the bend." Elizabeth grimaced, pressing a light hand to her lower belly before finishing up with her shoes.

Charlotte winced in sympathy. "All the more reason for us to head out then. Are you ready?"

Elizabeth quickly nabbed her dagger off its place from under her pillow, fastening it to a holder on her belt, and cloak then both ladies quickly exited the manor. Most of the other servants had already left by then and those that remained hardly made note of the two as they stepped out onto the cobblestoned street. A few vendors braved the break in the storm by setting up shop and began to hawk their wares loudly as the women passed them by. A town crier was belting out about something regarding an incoming plague and doom to the city. Seemed every town had its local lunatic spouting out nonsensicals. Charlotte held her lady's hand tightly as they wove down the road, the pathways transitioning into stone to dirt and back.

They browsed a grocer to pick up a few luxury items to then have them delivered later to the manor door before browsing the local meat market. As Charlotte haggled over the price of a certain cut of beef, the hairs on the back of Elizabeth's neck began to stand on end. She felt eyes on her just then but wasn't sure where the owner was. She also couldn't tell if it was her shadow or someone more nefarious. She kept her coin purse tucked securely in a hidden skirt pocket she'd added a week ago and did her best to not let on that she knew she was being watched. As she half listened to Charlotte's conversation and the butcher growing a tad weary, Elizabeth let her gaze casually glide across the small market. She tried not to settle on anyone in particular but couldn't spot her watcher.

Biting her tongue, Elizabeth tuned fully back into Charlotte's chatter but it seemed they'd both finally reached an agreement. As with the last few stops, it, too, was to be dropped off at Northcrest Manor. At least they wouldn't be laden down with various packages.

"Well, I've about ticked off all the items on my list," her maid announced after looking over a slip of paper she'd pulled from her pocket. "You said you needed to visit the apothecary?'

"Yes." Elizabeth paused to take stock of the nearby signage, using it as an excuse to look about her surroundings discreetly once more. She was growing increasingly frustrated she couldn't spot whoever was spying on her when Elizabeth half glanced over her shoulder. Before the figure could dart back down an adjacent corridor, Elizabeth finally caught sight of whom she presumed to be her spy. She saw parts of them before they vanished completely but what little she did see was enough to go on. It was either a woman with close cropped hair or a young boy with a dark hood over their head. The bottom half of their trousers were filthy and she could've sworn there was a bracer of knives on their belt but couldn't confirm if that were true. Were they being followed? This certainly wasn't the man who she met in the library. Quite the opposite. Still, Elizabeth forced a smile onto her face, located the right direction to their next stop and looped her arm with Charlotte's.

"It really is nice for us both to get out, isn't it?" Elizabeth commented as they trudged down one path. The shop windows were lit up in an attempt to entice shoppers inside if just to warm up and browse.

"It is now that the rain's let up some," Charlotte replied before jerking her head back slightly when Elizabeth tilted hers towards the maid.

"Don't make it obvious. Act normal," Elizabeth murmured with a calm she didn't feel. "I think we're being followed."

"What." The single word sounded like a squeak.

"Shh. Breathe. I think they've been tailing us since the meat market. Maybe before then. I don't know."

"And it's not…"

"No, I'm fairly certain it's not. It's either a young man or a woman with short hair. It might just be another blackhand. Let's hurry onto the apothecary's."

Charlotte hardly needed to be told twice as the pair picked up their pace. Her maid's grip tightened on Elizabeth's bicep, her nails digging in through the fabric as they walked. Elizabeth strained her senses as much as she could and thought she heard the sound of footsteps nearby when they finally arrived at their destination. Elizabeth pressed down on the handle and pulled the door open, letting her maid go first before following suite. Once inside, the cheery atmosphere and the heady smell of drying herbs calmed her down a smidge. An old woman stood behind the counter reading a book. She was dressed in a beige dress with a lavender colored cardigan that looked to be hand woven. The shopkeeper looked up at their approach and gave them both a welcoming smile.

"Welcome, ladies. My name is Anna-Marie. You may call me Anne. To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?" the woman said by way of greeting.

"I'm running low on my monthly tonics and need to stock back up on some," Elizabeth said as Charlotte began to peruse the shelves nearby, no doubt trying to keep an eye out for their tail. "I was wondering if you had one that could help with both cramping and regulating my cycle? And perhaps another as a means of birth control?"

The old woman set her book down, letting a dried daisy mark her place, tapped a long thin finger on her chin in thought as her gaze flicked about the store before nodding once. "I may have just the thing." Striding out from around the counter, Anne went over to one of the far walls and opened the glass door dresser that took up a bulk of the space. "Hm. It looks like I may have only a six month supply for your monthly, my dear. And two vials to prevent pregnancy."

"I'll take them. Please."

"Not looking to chance bringing a babe into this world just yet?"

"Not yet, ma'am." Elizabeth smiled politely as the shopkeep began to carefully package the glass bottles. They clinked together softly as she rearranged them neatly in a box padded with straw and cotton. Elizabeth handed over her payment, doing her best to keep from revealing the secret pocket on her person.

"All right. You should be well set on your way. Would you like me to hold on to these trinkets until you're ready to head for home or have them delivered?" Anne asked, patting the box lightly. "It will cost extra for the delivery fee."

"If you could please have them delivered to Baron Northcrest's, I'd greatly appreciate it." Elizabeth had already fished out the additional coin, ignoring the old woman's searching gaze. The shopkeep nodded before calling out towards the back, "Tommy! Got a delivery for you!" A pasty, freckled youth of about fifteen with a dark mat of hair on his head quickly stumbled out from the back stockroom. "Make sure this box makes it to the Northcrest Manor, my boy. And please remember to not run. These bottles are glass and it'll take time to make replacements for this dear woman should they break."

The boy held his arms out to accept the package. "Yes, Nana." Without so much as a backwards glance, the youth left out of the shop quick as a cat. "All right, my dear, that box should be there by the time you both arrive back home," Anne said, smiling a little. Both Elizabeth and Charlotte thanked her before leaving themselves.

"At least I now know where to go when I need to restock," Elizabeth muttered as soon as the door closed. "Did you see the look she gave me? It was like she thought I was screwing the Baron myself or the damned Captain of the Watch." She shook her head as the pair turned off onto a path back to the main square.

"I know. At least she didn't ask more questions beyond that one," Charlotte replied, looping her arm back through her lady's. Her fist suddenly clenched around Elizabeth's captured limb, drawing the other woman's attention. "I heard something," Charlotte hissed. Overhead, the first fat drops of rain began to fall, drumming out a slow, steady beat on the rooftops and stone around them. "Let's-Let's move. Maybe I heard it wrong." As before, they both picked up their pace, winding through the paths and keeping a sharp ear out as they walked. Elizabeth heard it then, too. Footsteps above them. The wood creaked just enough to alert her. Spotting a sign that pointed off towards the docks and, thus, to another tavern, Elizabeth steered them both down the alley.

Their own footsteps smacked onto the wooden pier louder than necessary, drowning out their tail's. Elizabeth didn't dare glance back as they both rushed for the first floor door to the Siren's Rest. Trying and failing to not pant with exertion, Elizabeth and Charlotte composed themselves quickly and took stock of the tavern's interior. The usual sort of foreigners could be easily picked out by the bar. Their gaze was distant and the barkeeper kept their glasses full. Bawdy music filtered down from above and few patrons gave the women wary looks as they took an open booth.

"You know they may just wait us out," Charlotte whispered as they looked over the single menu on the table.

"Yes, or they might get impatient and either grow tired and leave or try something out in the open. At least then we'll have witnesses," Elizabeth countered.

"Or they might decide to take a seat at your booth," came a familiar male voice. Charlotte let out a tiny shriek of surprise and Elizabeth jerked back, the menu nearly flying from her hands. Sitting down beside Charlotte was her shadow, the Master Thief. A burst of female laughter sounded off behind them as a new woman came sauntering into view. This had to be their tail! The Master Thief's next words confirmed it.

"Erin, what were you doing just a few minutes ago?" her shadow demanded in an exasperated tone, his voice muffled by his half mask.

"I was just having a bit of fun, Garrett. Nothing to worry about," the woman, Erin, countered with a cocky grin as she flopped down next to Elizabeth. She rested both forearms on the table, seemingly taking up more space than was necessary.

"Mhm." Clearly the other thief wasn't convinced.

"Oh, come on. It was just a little chase. Wasn't like I was going to rob them or anything."

"Wait. You were the one tailing us?" Charlotte's voice rose up in anger at the revelation. Erin merely smiled lazily at her. "Girl, I have half a mind to-"

"To what?" The younger thief had a knife in hand faster than either lady could blink. Charlotte's gaze dropped to the knifepoint then back at Erin who blinked at her, awaiting a reply.

"Erin, play nice," Garrett said in a low, warning tone. He leaned over and plucked the dagger out of his counterpart's hand, placing it into an open sheath. "Threatening innocent women is unbecoming. Threatening potential clients even more so. Now, wait here. I'll be back."

"So, when I do it, it's 'unbecoming' but when you do it, it's all part of the job?" Erin shot back. A weary sigh left the Master Thief. It was obvious this was a conversation they'd had before.

As he stood, Garrett fixed his partner with a pointed look which Erin ignored rather easily by picking at her nails with yet another knife before his piercing gaze flicked to Elizabeth. One of her eyebrows rose up as if daring him to say something. She hated to admit she felt a bit disappointed when he hadn't as he stepped away from the booth. Before Elizabeth could see where he was going, Erin's face filled her view. The girl had to be nearly ten years her junior. Dark circles rimmed her dark eyes and her cheeks looked a little gaunt but she was faring better than most blackhands here.

"All right. So. You're the fabled cousin to the Baron. What's your angle here?" the young thief demanded once Garrett was out of earshot. She gingerly dug her knife under her thumb nail. Elizabeth's eyes dropped to it, feeling uncomfortable. Before Elizabeth could answer, Erin continued, pointing the small blade at her while the thief talked. "Uh uh. Don't play with me. I know you've been poking your nose around places you shouldn't. Did Northcrest put you up to this?"

Elizabeth glared at the woman and, very carefully, placed the back of her hand against one side of the knife aimed at her and steered it away toward the table. "I've got no angle. And keep your damned voice down. I was only looking for information. I wasn't going to do anything with it."

Erin snorted and rolled her eyes, tapping the knife's tip against the table. "That's a load of bullshit. Information is power. Tonight's gutter shite could be tomorrow's Captain of the Watch with a few well placed words. Or swiped papers. Try again."

Elizabeth placed a hand on her chest. "Why in the blazes would I lie to someone affiliated with the city's most notorious thief? I may have my moments but I'm not stupid. Besides, my dear cousin could give two shits about me. If memory serves, I'm supposed to be locked up tight in that manor right now. He wouldn't let me go out here willingly. And, in case your mentor failed to mention to you, I had my chance to even attempt to call the guard on him. He stopped by the Baron's library nearly two weeks ago. Northcrest has no idea he was even there."

Erin opened her lips to respond but came up short. Her eyes narrowed a fraction at the woman in front of her, Charlotte watching them both in silence. The thief shut her mouth before opening it once more, her voice a whisper. "Garrett told me there was no one in the library when he went. Why would he-?"

"Time to go." Garrett's voice snapped all three back to reality and Charlotte shot him a glare.

"We really need to get you a blasted bell," the maid muttered under her breath.

"That would defeat the entire purpose of being a thief," Garrett replied rather dryly before handing over a piece of folded parchment to Erin who took it, peeling back one corner to peek its contents then stuffed it into her shirt. "Erin, I need you to scout out ahead. I'll join you shortly." The dismissal was very clear given his tone and body language. The young thief huffed out a sigh before scooching her way out of the booth.

"First, you'd like to have me close by. Then, you're sending me off on my own to do your dirty work. You really gotta pick one, Garrett." She then held both hands up, palms forward in a placating gesture. "Don't be too late. No, wait, actually do. I'll have more fun without you." Elizabeth glanced up at Garrett as he braced an arm on the table near her. It seemed to take a monumental effort to keep from rolling his eyes. His gaze soon turned to Elizabeth's maid who took it as her own cue to step away.

"I, uh, need to use the bathroom," Charlotte announced quickly as she left the booth.

"Avoid stall three. It clogs," were Erin's parting words to them as she exited the Siren. Garrett took up Charlotte's place across from Elizabeth as the maid's footsteps retreated fast. The Master Thief steepled his fingers on the table's surface and studied Elizabeth who only stared right back at him with her arms crossed.

"So. You really don't have an angle," he said, breaking the silence after a moment. He'd been eavesdropping their conversation. Of course. Elizabeth shook her head.

"Like I told her," Elizabeth paused to nod her head back the way Erin went, "I don't. I know neither of you have no reason to believe me. I don't blame you if you don't." She lowered her voice then. "I know me being related to the Northcrests doesn't quite help my position but the Baron doesn't give a damn about me. All he's worried about is me tarnishing his hard fought reputation.

"Is that so?"

"I'm labeled an eccentric and it's meant more as an insult than anything else. If me being nearly in my thirties, unmarried with a preference for archery over doily making, so be it."

"You shoot." It wasn't a question. He seemed almost mildly amused by the fact. Given her dainty looking fingers and slight stature perhaps he didn't believe her.

Elizabeth looked down at her nose at the man. "Yes. I shoot. Granted, I haven't had a whole lot of time to partake in that particular hobby so I'm a bit rusty but, yes, I have been known to use a bow and arrow from time to time. My nana taught me before she passed when I was young."

"It seems you're just full of surprises." Garrett leaned back a bit in his seat.

"Mhm," she replied in a short tone. "Just wait for tomorrow. I'll be pissing out rainbows on command for sure." Movement caught her eye and she took note of a slight bounce in his shoulders. He was laughing. Lovely. "Now, I can see why your friend gets tired of you easily. At least now you're not so mysterious. I've got a name finally. I don't have to keep calling you 'Master Thief'."

"Shame. I was starting to get used to it." He'd since untangled his hands and tapped one long finger on the table. "You know, I seem to recall you owing me an answer to a question of mine." Elizabeth moved her gaze from his hands, already beginning to sketch them out in her mind, to his face and quirked an eyebrow.

"What question?"

"Why didn't you call out to the guard when he approached that night?"

"That?"

"Yes. That"

"I'd figured it would've been obvious."

"Enlighten me."

"All right." Elizabeth chewed on her bottom lip before answering. "Well, you would've either had me knocked out or dead before that man could've done anything to help or even to rally the others to come to my rescue."

Garrett hummed softly as he watched her. "You were right. That was an obvious answer but I don't believe it's the whole truth. Something tells me you held back for another reason."

Where was Charlotte when she needed a break from this conversation? Elizabeth broke the thief's gaze and fidgeted in her seat. Frankly, she was a little surprised they hadn't been approached yet for their order but, then again, perhaps the barkeeper knew to keep away from Garrett's conversations unless gestured over. The silence dragged on as the thief patiently waited. Given how still he sat, blinking occasionally, one would've mistook him for a statue. Elizabeth finally relented after a few minutes.

"Okay. Fine. I was… intrigued by you," she said at length before quickly adding, "Not infatuation, let me assure you. I'm not trying to get involved in anything. I was only… curious." Elizabeth spread her hands wide to emphasize her point before dropping them into her lap rather lamely. Garrett remained silent for far longer than she'd anticipated. She looked up at him expectantly after a moment and he'd glanced away, studying the men over by the bar.

"Most people who are 'intrigued' by me are usually fellow rivals, clients or Aristos and their watchdogs," Garrett explained, looking at her from the corner of his eye. "I'm not sure which category to put you in."

"Well, this all was a first for me, too," Elizabeth admitted, giving him a faint smile. "You're one of very few men I've met who've actually acknowledged my existence and looked at me like I was an actual person rather than a slab of meat. To even say that you remembered me from that brief encounter those weeks ago says a lot."

Garrett turned to look her fully in the face, eyes narrowing a fraction in askance. "Well, when you're, what? The fourth or fifth cousin removed in the Northcrest family, many don't really look at you. Most only care about what little that name can garner. My family isn't overtly rich but, to avoid specifics, we have enough that my dowry was settled well before I was eighteen. I know what it's like to walk around and not be truly seen."

"I remember you mentioning something like that before."

"Yes, anyway, I've taken up enough of your time." Elizabeth had then spotted Charlotte stepping out from the bathrooms across the tavern. Her maid was looking a little green about the gills. Washrooms were probably not up to her level of cleanliness. "I don't want to keep your partner waiting. Gods only know what hell she'd give me."

"I'll do what I can to keep her off your back," the thief replied as he stood as well. Charlotte quickly joined them as it was clear their conversation was drawing to a close. Garrett seemed sincere enough in that statement that Elizabeth was almost inclined to believe him. "Before you go. If you are looking to keep in contact, I'd recommend carrier birds. They're reliable and can relay messages rather quickly across the city. Watch overlooks them easily enough."

Charlotte blinked in surprise at that and looked to Elizabeth whose expression mirrored her own.

"That's… all well and good but I-I don't even know where I'd send it," Elizabeth sputtered a little.

"Leave that to me." A playful edge crept back into his tone. "Have a good evening, ladies." He dipped his head in their direction before stepping outside the tavern and into the evening air.

"You can't seriously be thinking- He just- I-" Charlotte stuttered once they exited the Siren a few moments later. She then grabbed hold of Elizabeth's arm to halt her friend. "Lizzie, you've got to think this through," her maid said in a serious tone. "This isn't like Warren Buffet when we were sixteen. That man is dangerous and he could very well be playing you as a fool! What if he's using you?"

To be fair, those worries plagued Elizabeth's mind, too, so she didn't take offense to Charlotte's choice of words. There was always that chance. "If that were the case then he wouldn't be the first man to try and use me," she retorted before going to walk once more only to be jerked back yet again.

"Elizabeth, please listen to me," Charlotte pleaded.

"Lottie, if he really wanted to, he could've forced me to tell him the location of the vault under pain of death that night he broke in. You and I've heard the rumors that have been spouted about town. It's nothing new."

"He could also be playing the long con, Lizzie. I just… I know you're more curious than anything else. I just don't want you to get hurt. It's happened time and time again and I just… Gods, I want to wring their blasted necks." Charlotte had released her friend's arm only for Elizabeth to gently take up her hands and squeezed them tight.

"I know, Lottie. Trust me, I share your sentiments." Both women laughed at that. "If I begin to feel anything's out of sorts, I'll notify you immediately and cut off all contact."

"Promise?"

"Pinky promise." Elizabeth held up one hand curled into a fist with her smallest finger sticking out. Charlotte mirrored the gesture and wrapped her finger around Elizabeth's, securing that promise. It'd been a thing they'd done since they both could remember. And it always ensured they'd both keep those little oaths. In the distance the clock tower rang out the hour. Charlotte quietly counted them and swore under her breath.

"Hells. We're going to be late. We'd best get moving now or else you and I will be the only two left to return!" her maid exclaimed. Both women left the Siren quickly behind and hauled it across town back to the manor, this time without an extra set of eyes following them.

—-

"I was beginning to wonder when you'd show," Erin remarked from her spot by the rooftop chimney. She'd since thrown on a thicker cloak to ward off the rain, either stopping by her hideout or pilfering it from some unsuspecting target. "How'd your talk with your girlfriend go?" Her tone came out rather taunting as she lifted her spyglass back up to her eye to survey the home before them.

Garrett gave her a look but ignored the question. "How's security looking?" he asked as he stood beside the other thief, pulling down his face mask to draw in some fresh air. Annoyance was plain on Erin's face as he neared her space but she shrugged.

"The usual when these Aristos are expecting something fancy and new. Entry and exit points are covered. Windows looked to be locked down tight. Guard change every half hour. There's at least one dog from the sound of it. Last I saw, a scrawny man was attached to the other end of its leash. Looks like he'd get dragged down the road once the mutt saw something." Erin handed the spyglass over to Garrett who peered through it. "So, you gonna answer my question or what?"

The Master Thief's hood twitched slightly as his head turned a fraction in her direction before lowering the device. "You know I don't have to report all my going's on to you," Garrett replied with a frown.

"Oh, I'm aware," Erin grumbled, pulling her cloak tighter around her shoulders.

"Okay. I'll bite. What's eating you?" Garrett collapsed the spyglass and handed it over the woman before peering back at the large manor before them. Night was finally starting to roll in and the rain would middle their scents enough. Erring on the side of caution, however, he did stop by a black market vendor to stock up on supplies and replenish the stock Erin had taken a few nights prior. The conversation with that young Aristo left him feeling, to use Elizabeth's own words, intrigued. She certainly didn't behave like the other hoity toity types he stole from over the years and, thus far, he hadn't picked up on ill intent from her. Garrett considered himself a pretty good judge of character but he couldn't quite figure her out. Either way, he hoped to complete this job soon and make it back to the clock tower after passing by Northcrest Manor on the way back. Garrett hoped to determine which window was hers for his stunt to work. Erin's irate voice soon pulled him from his thoughts before he could delve any further.

"You told me that night in the Northcrest library that no one else was there," Erin was saying as she stood in front of the thief. "Job was simple enough and, when the power went out, your escape was pretty damned clean. No one saw you. That Aristo said otherwise. She told me you were there. I'm guessing a guard came down to check to make sure she hadn't pissed her robe when the power went out and she let the opportunity to rain hell down on your head go by. So, why lie?" Her gaze searched Garrett's own, trying to puzzle it all out before he could answer.

"It wasn't important at the time," Garrett finally said. "Alarm hadn't been pulled and she let me go."

"Not important? She's been searching around for someone fitting your description. She's been pretty subtle about it but Basso picked it up when she stopped by the Burrick a few days ago. He assumed she was looking to be a client of yours. But nope. Turns out she's a snoop related to the Baron." Erin leaned back against the dirty brick with a huff. Garrett let out a quiet sigh, fingering his half mask before tugging it into place. They needed to be moving but Erin was certainly not letting this topic go.

"I'm looking into it. I wasn't trying to keep you in the dark, Erin. She seems sincere enough after our conversation but," he paused, a short burst of air shooting out from his nose, "it seems I can't quite figure her out completely." Erin's head cocked to the side at that, brows rising up almost to her hairline.

"The great and all knowing Garrett can't figure a woman out?" she laughed, her body language relaxing a little. "Go figure."

"Yeah, yeah. Laugh it up. We can continue this little chat of ours once we're finished with the job."

"All right with me. Just… clue me in if you come across anything juicey with this lady."

A few hours had gone by and, at this point the sky had turned a dark blue it was nearly black. Clouds were still thick overhead and a light drizzle began to fall as both Garrett and Erin exited the building, the stolen goods in tow. A large ornate painting had been cut from its frame and rolled carefully into a tube provided by their client and a handful of precious jewels had been pilfered from the target's safe. Getting in wasn't too terrible but getting out had proven to be challenging. Erin had clubbed a guard from behind, rendering him conscious, but wasn't quick enough to slow the man's descent. The dull thunk he made dropping to the floor was enough to draw his friend's attention who spied Erin attempting to drag the body into a dark spot in the room. Just before the new guard could rally the others, Garrett whacked him on the temple.

They had another close call just before leaving. The dog Erin had noted before entering the place picked up either their scent or footsteps and began to bark like mad, pulling more guards to the area. Notching a choke arrow, Garrett let the projectile fly towards the center of the group. Just as it hit the stone, a sickly green gas cloud erupted in their midst, clogging their senses long enough for both thieves to disappear into the city's depths. Once certain they weren't being followed, they stopped off at the client's meetup point and were soon rewarded. After handing over her share of the coin, Erin pocketed her earnings and made for her hideout by the canal, saying she'd see Garrett come late evening the following day.

They had quietly discussed his thoughts on this Elizabeth character on the way over to the client and Erin seemed to be placated for now. Garrett wouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth on this one. Erin could be relentless when she wanted to. Stowing away his half of their earnings, Garrett made the long, winding trek back to the clock tower for a short stop then headed for Northcrest Manor. The guards surrounding the perimeter seemed bored and tired, his favorite kind. The rain had picked up on the way over and the waterworks in the courtyard were turned on in full, drowning out any noise the guards may have heard.

He scaled a nearby wall to get to a rooftop with a decent enough vantage point and began to scan the different windows and balconies lining that side of the manor. When he didn't locate what he was searching for, he quickly changed sides until he finally spotted her. If Garrett held up his thumb, he could've easily blotted out her small white figure. He was certain it was Elizabeth as he hadn't seen any new women wandering about the Baron's place. And what woman would step out into the cold and wet at this hour? It had to be her, he was sure of it.

It took a bit of maneuvering but Garrett settled some feet below Elizabeth's balcony and unhooked a small wooden cage from his belt. Inside was a small dove, the same bird he and Basso relied upon fairly regularly. She was also the smartest out of that flock that sometimes roosted in the clock tower so he gave this task to her. After securing a piece of twine to the dove's leg, Garrett released her into the air to have her settle on the banister right outside Elizabeth's door. She must've gone inside for a moment as she hadn't approached the bird right away. Garrett expertly lobbed two pebbles over to collide with the glass and heard the door hinges squeak open loudly.

A pair of footsteps approached and he heard a soft feminine gasp before a set of hands could be seen gripping the railing and Elizabeth could be seen peering into the darkness. Garrett kept still as her gaze passed over him as she glanced downward. When she failed to locate the thief, she must've retrieved the bird and returned inside. Satisfied his message had been delivered, Garrett returned home, itching to be out of his wet leathers and drop into bed for some well earned rest.

—-

I happen to find you intriguing too.

The scrawl was small but tidy enough to read. The little bird, after allowing Elizabeth a chance to unravel the twine from her leg, bounced around on top of her desk where Elizabeth had placed her. Distractedly, Elizabeth had taken a small bit off a poppy seed muffin she'd been nibbling on and spread a few crumbs before the bird while she read the rest of Garrett's message. She felt a blush rise to her cheeks after reading that first sentence. Once composing herself, she pressed on.

This is Jenivere. She's one of the smartest I have. She'll help us communicate.

During this time, the bird, Jenivere, had gobbled up the proffered crumbs and waited expectantly on the desk, cooing softly. Grateful everyone else had already gone off to bed, Elizabeth picked up one of her sketch pads and carefully tore out a charcoal smudged strip of paper. After confirming it wouldn't be too thick to not fit in the small protective wax casing, Elizabeth got to work on her reply.

Wasn't expecting to hear back so quickly. Thank you for this. Jenivere is lovely.

While she was certain their messages wouldn't get intercepted, Elizabeth still wanted to err on the side of caution. She tapped the end of her stylus to her bottom lip in thought before placing it back on the paper.

Have to admit it was nice chatting. Hope to do it again soon?

Elizabeth chewed her lip as she stared at the words she'd just written. She hoped it wouldn't be too much of an ask and, perhaps, by then she could puzzle out just why she felt this man was so blasted intriguing. Maybe. While she shouldn't have been surprised at his skill, she did find it a tad unnerving he'd figured out which room was hers in no time flat. Well, it was only a matter of time, she reasoned. He was bound to find it anyway. When she couldn't find the words to continue, Elizabeth blew on the paper, waiting for the ink to dry before rolling it up and stuffed it into the wax roll. After tying it off onto Jenivere's tiny leg and letting the bird go, Elizabeth hoped like hell she wasn't making a terrible mistake.