Author's note: So I have recently started playing Syndicate again, and finally wanted to put the stories in my head into written words. I had this idea of putting one shots together in a story bundle, so please look forward to more chapters. I hope I managed to show/capture a more personal side of Evie and Henry as they develop their romantic relationship and grow closer together over the course of the story.
You never really have a day off when it comes to freeing London from Templar control, but it's good to take a few hours off once in a while. For Evie, a few hours off means catching up on some reading, preferably in silence.
Her favourite reading spot in the train hideout is the big armchair by the fireplace. It's the quietest spot on the train, when Jacob isn't around, that is. Today is, unfortunately, one of those days where Jacob is not only present, but more annoying than usual. She could hear him in the next carriage boasting about a half-baked plan to disrupt Blighter territory, all while teasing the train crew and constantly badgering her to join him on what was bound to be a reckless mission. His antics pushed her patience.
Evie knew she wouldn't get any reading done in this chaos, so she opted for her second-favourite reading spot: the top of St Paul's Cathedral. Up there, she doesn't have to think about Templars, Blighters, or Starrick. Not for a few precious hours, at least. It's not that she doesn't care what happens on London's streets and in its boroughs — oh, she cares. Father always said to never let personal feelings compromise the mission, leading her to bury her feelings, as she was taught.
It's very peaceful, high up in the sky, silently watching the world go by. God forbid she'd tell Jacob about this place. No, this is her secret spot.
Evie sits down in a comfortable position with her book, removing her gloves. Turning pages is easier without them, anyway. She starts reading, her eyes gliding over the words printed on the paper, enjoying the distant sounds of the city.
An hour or so has passed when she is suddenly disturbed by a sound. She looks up from her book, a bit startled. Her eyes meet a pair of beautiful brown eyes — Henry Green's.
"Oh, Miss Frye. My apologies," Henry says a bit awkwardly. "I didn't know you'd be up here today. I'm sorry to disturb you, I should go, I…"
"No, please, stay. I don't mind," Evie replies, smiling softly.
Henry Green. A compassionate, patient, and smart man. The more time they spend together, the more she gets to know his personal and gentle side. Henry treats her with respect, like an equal. He makes her laugh, and genuinely listens to her. He offers good advice and is so easy to talk to. Damn, she has fallen hard for this man. But one mustn't let personal feelings interfere, right?
Henry sits down next to Evie. "You see, Miss Frye, I was intrigued when you spoke of seeing the sunset from St Paul's last week."
Right, she told Henry about this spot. It came up when they were casually talking about how they spend their time if they have a few hours off duty.
"I wanted to see the sunset with my own eyes. You implied you'd continue your reading on the train when I left today, so I…" Henry trails off.
"Ah yes," Evie laughs, "that was the plan. But then Jacob happened." She and Henry both laugh.
"May I inquire as to what book you're currently reading, Miss Frye?" Henry asks, pointing at the book she's holding.
"The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins," she says. "It's a mystery novel about the theft of a precious Indian diamond here in Britain. I think you would enjoy it very much as well." She hands the book to Henry for him to take a closer look. Their hands briefly touch, and Evie feels a flutter in her stomach.
"It sounds as though I would," he says.
Hues of orange, red, and yellow start to colour the London sky as the sun sets. "It's beautiful, isn't it?" Evie says, pointing to the sunset, looking into the distance.
As the words leave her mouth, Henry slightly turns towards her and looks at her, taking in the details of her side profile — the way the soft light of the setting sun highlights her determined expression, how her gaze seems fixed beyond the horizon, lost in thought. Mesmerised by the sunset, Evie doesn't seem to notice, which allows Henry to study her more closely, his heart stirred by the quiet strength she exudes. For a brief moment, he wonders if she ever lets her guard down, even in peaceful moments like this. He admires her resolve, but he can't help but wish he could be someone she could turn to, someone she could allow herself to rely on.
"Yes, very beautiful," he says, staring for just a second too long.
A few days later, Henry finds a neatly wrapped parcel on the counter in his shop. There is a note attached to it: I hope you enjoy it as much as I have – Evie. Henry unwraps the parcel. It's Evie's copy of The Moonstone. He quietly takes a seat behind the counter and begins reading the first page.
