Chapter Twenty-Four: Grifters
She should have told them, she knew that much as she paced up and down her hotel room, dressed up in her formal gear, all backless gown and heels. Stacy, Eddie and Hacker. She should have told them. Looked at her watch. Was already ten minutes late to dinner. Should have told them. Should have told them that she'd become a potential liability.
So, why hadn't she?
The main reason was one of pure selfishness. This was her first big score, her first big chance, her first opportunity to prove that she could actually do this. All these long years of dreaming about playing the long con and she had finally got there, and now this? Darcy again? Wrong Darcy, yes, but still she could almost see his ghost all around her, penetrating the very air. She wasn't going to let that man ruin this for her, she couldn't. Finally she had a crew, a good crew of experienced grifters who had trusted her, took her under their wing, taught her more about the game than she could have imagined. Now her position with them was under threat. If she told them, the best case scenario would be that they'd freeze her out of the score. They'd have no choice. Worst case they'd walk away completely and Lizzy would be to blame for ruining their comeback con. Her and her past. She'd be seen as a liability, the trust she'd built would be shattered and they may well kick her out. It's not an exaggeration. All grifters were inherently selfish, friendship meant very little in this game that was for sure. So yes, Lizzy had clicked with Stacy, Eddie and Hacker, but they wouldn't risk their crew, their money, shit maybe even their freedom for her.
Should have told them.
Why hadn't she?
Secondly, and perhaps more pertinent, was the fact that just because Georgiana Darcy was here, it wasn't likely to be a problem anyway. She didn't know Lizzy, no-one here did, and there could be a hundred reasons she was at Pemberley. Maybe Catherine had had a change of heart, allowed the blameless Georgiana to stay despite her brother's betrayal, maybe Georgiana had just stayed anyway under the radar, maybe she just wandered in every now and again, sheltered by the clearly devoted Mrs Reynolds. Just because she was here didn't mean….. No, he'd been caught. Lizzy had seen it with her own eyes. He'd all but admitted it to her, said that he'd be going away for a long time. But then again, he was so relaxed, all of them had been. Caroline, Charlie, Richard, they'd all been so fucking cool, as if spending the next ten years in prison was little but a minor inconvenience. Grifters were all selfish people, as she said, but they hadn't come close to cracking, hadn't seemed to even entertain the notion of giving up each other in exchange for a pass. Maybe they were the exception that proves the rule. Or maybe, just maybe….. No. He'd been caught. She'd seen it with her own eyes.
Hadn't she?
Should have told them.
But she hadn't.
Fifteen minutes late.
The only thing to do was press on, pretend that nothing had happened and pray that she could get through the next two days without any hitches. It would be fine. In all likelihood she wouldn't see Georgiana Darcy again and the Gardiner's would never find out. It was time to put on the game face. She was here to do a job, time to do it.
Just as she was steeling herself, her phone rang. Glanced at it and saw that it was Jane. Fuck it, she thought, she was breaking all her new crews rules anyway so might as well break this one. No contact with the outside world during the con, that was law. But just hearing Jane's voice could soothe her, and she needed that right now. Just thirty seconds of that angelic tone before she walked into the lion's den.
Should have told them.
But she hadn't.
Shouldn't have answered the phone.
But she did.
"Jane? You know I'm working….."
"Yes I know," Jane replied quickly and Lizzy immediately knew that something was wrong. "It's just… it's Lydia."
"Fucking Lydia," Lizzy sighed. "What the fuck has she done now?"
"Nothing," Jane puffed out. "That's the point. No-one's seen her in weeks."
"And since when was this new? That girl disappears more often than a bloke when he hears the word 'commitment'. She'll turn up in a couple of days when she's short of readies."
"Maybe, but I've been hearing some shit, Lizzy…"
"Look, Jane," Lizzy interrupted, pinching the bridge of her nose. "I don't have time for this, I'm late as it is. Lydia's Lydia, she can take care of herself."
"She's sixteen, Lizzy," Jane said sternly. "I know it's easy to forget, but she's still a child and we're responsible for her!"
"Why?" Lizzy half shouted, her temper let out. "Why am I responsible for her? Because Frances decided to take her in? It wasn't my decision, I didn't have a say. Because we used to run with the same people? I'm not involved in that anymore, I've got my own shit! And it's a little bigger than finding out which loser Lydia's decided to fuck for a couple of weeks!"
There was a pause on the other end of the line before Jane's voice, normally so sweet and melodic, came back through, sounding colder than it ever had.
"So that's how it is, huh? You're done with us now you've found a better class of criminal?"
Lizzy sighed, knowing she'd gone too far. Maybe she did think like that sometimes, maybe she did feel her past was a weight dragging her down, but she shouldn't. After all they'd done for her, Jane, Tommo, even fucking Frances, it wouldn't be right. God, she was an arsehole.
"No," she breathed out after a while. "I'm sorry Jane, it's been a tough day. Ok, tell me what's going on, but be quick."
As she was saying this, she was startled by the TV turning on in her room, a message appearing on the screen in big letters. 'WTF?'. Fucking Hacker, he could manipulate anything with a cable. Her absence had been noted and she was clearly beginning to panic her crew.
"Really quick, Jane."
"Alright, we'll deal with your spiraling ego another time. Simply put, Kitty told me that Lydia's been dealing."
"Dealing?" Lizzy replied, slightly shocked but not in the least bit surprised. Lydia was Lydia after all.
"Yeah, and I'm worried. Dealing and then she disappears….."
"You're overreacting. Jesus, I used to deal a bit of weed every now and again when money was tight, so did you if I remember correctly….."
"I don't think it's just a bit of weed. Last time I saw her she had a bundle of cash on her and just laughed at me when I asked her where it came from."
The same message popped up on the TV screen. She had to go.
"Look, Jane, calm down. I'm coming back in a couple of days and I promise I'll find her and talk to her, but I can't do this right now. Chances are she'll be at the Jack Hammer tonight anyway, cheap drinks on a Friday night innit?"
"Maybe," Jane replied, unconvinced. "I'll go down and see."
"I have to go. Stop fucking worrying."
She hung up the phone and looked in the mirror. Saw the worry lines on her face. That wouldn't do. She was Anna Hayward now, not Lizzy Bennet.
No.
She was Anna Hayward now. Not Lizzy Walker.
"There you are, Anna," Hugo stood up from his chair and kissed her on both cheeks. "We were about to send out a search party!"
"I'm so sorry everyone!" she effused, sitting down on the chair Hugo had gentlemanly pulled out for her with a grateful smile. "I was in the bath and it was just so relaxing, I just couldn't bring myself to get out!"
"What do you need to relax from?" Hugo laughed. "No offence, Anna, but your life isn't exactly taxing!"
"That's his polite way of saying you should get off your arse and get a job." Peter said sternly, shooting her a displeased glance. Lizzy knew the true meaning of his words and his look. He was annoyed at her and they would be having words later. Eddie was always harder on her than the others, and although it grated on Lizzy, after all she could admit that her ego was pretty big and didn't like to be knocked, she still recognized that she needed someone like him. Someone who wouldn't give it to her easy.
"I'm trying, Daddy!" Lizzy replied, getting lost in Anna Hayward. "It's not my fault that no-one wants to hire me…"
"Well if you'd tried harder in school then maybe you'd actually have some qualifications. God we wasted so much money on your education…"
"That's enough, Peter," Rosa put her hand on his arm. "We're here on Hugo's invitation, let's not bore him with our family drama."
"Oh, don't stop on my account," Hugo chuckled. "Holidays are built for family arguments."
"Well, not this one," Rosa laughed. "Not another cross word from you, Peter. And, Anna, you know how rude it is to keep people waiting. We raised you better than that."
"Sorry mum." Lizzy cast her eyes down, acting the chastised daughter.
"Hey, don't worry, kid," Hugo whispered to her. "I could never be annoyed at you."
"Thank you, Hugo," she beamed, before looking around the table. "I thought your friends were going to be here…."
"Oh, they decided to stay in town tonight. Peter and I escaped as soon as we heard the words 'strip club'. They're good people though, just get carried away sometimes. You know what bankers are like!"
"But not you?" Rosa asked.
"Not anymore," Hugo shook his head. "Besides, I'd much rather spend the evening with you at this beautiful place. I must admit, I had reservations about basing ourselves here, but it is truly magnificent! Certainly a hidden treasure! And the casino looks every bit as good. I'm looking forward to hitting the tables later."
"Should be good fun," Peter nodded, earning a sharp glance from his wife. "But of course, I will be gambling responsibly."
"Too right you will," Rosa patted him on the arm. "Anyway, now my daughter has finally graced us with her presence, shall we order?"
The evening progressed, Lizzy getting immersed in Anna Hayward. The conversation flowed freely, and in the parts where 'Anna' wasn't required to speak, she whiled away the time watching Eddie and Stacy at work. They truly were remarkable grifters, every conversation they started had a point to it, whether it was turning it back to the horse or vaguely alluding to their supposed financial troubles. It was done so subtly, so instinctively, it was art. From her side, she also was playing it well, she embodied Anna with such natural ease now, the lies dripping from her. It was so much fun, it was such a rush. How could he ever have wanted to give this up, she thought as she went about her business, before checking herself.
Wasn't thinking about that. Wasn't thinking about him.
Or at least, she was trying her very best not to. It was still there, still so present, those lingering fears. Found her eyes occasionally running away from her, looking round the room desperate not to see Georgiana Darcy's smirking face. So far, so good. Shook herself from it. Job to do. Job to do.
"Absolutely delicious!" Hugo smacked his lips a couple of hours after they had sat down, a clean plate of dessert in front of him. "You know, they've got a multi Michelin star chef in here? It's the gift that keeps giving!"
"It was indeed wonderful." Rosa agreed.
"Yes, thank you again, Hugo," Peter clapped the man on the shoulder. "You are a good friend. Not many young men would turn down their friends and a strip club to sit here with some disgraced family."
"Nonsense," Hugo waved him off. "And I'm not such a young man anymore. You must think of me as remarkably old, Anna."
"Not at all, Hugo," she smiled sweetly. "You look much younger than you actually are."
"A backwards compliment if I've ever heard one!" Hugo cried dramatically, mock clutching his heart.
"I didn't mean… didn't mean…" she stuttered, mortified. Jokes like that went over Anna Hayward's head…..
"Relax, I'm just teasing," Hugo kissed her hand. "So, what say we hit the tables?"
By now, Lizzy was used to Pemberley taking her breath away, so she was unsurprised by her reaction as they entered the casino through the oak double doors. It was a proper casino. A proper old school 1950's gambling hall. It wasn't grand or flashy like Rosings, wasn't tacky and cheap like most of Vegas, it was just so …. right. So different to what she had expected, but in other ways, exactly what she had expected. The tables and wheels were all beaten and weathered like old beloved antiques and the staff were dressed in 50's Hollywood attire, all suits and bowties for the men and cocktail dresses for the women. The place was packed out, but not so much that it was a problem. The atmosphere was one of fun and celebration, a coming together of people. Could see the cynicism behind the arrangements, of course she could. An atmosphere like this made it less about the gambling, less about the winning and losing, more about the memories they were making with each other. Loosened people up, broke down their guards, making them not care so much about the money they were throwing away. But despite this, Lizzy could still appreciate it all. It truly was another world.
"Ah, Mr Chamberlain! The Haywards!" they were greeted enthusiastically by Mrs Reynolds as soon as they stepped in. "The rest of your party not with you?"
"They are truly missing out!" Hugo effused, looking round in wonderment. "This place, Mrs Reynolds….. Well words do not suffice!"
"Such a charmer, you!" Mrs Reynolds slapped him playfully on the arm, before giving him a cheeky smile. "Oh, if I was but twenty years younger….."
They all collapsed into laughter at the old woman's joke. She was something special alright, the Darcy's had lucked out with her. Maybe that's why she was still here, maybe even Lady Catherine De Bourgh could look beyond her usual disdain and see that Mrs Reynolds was an asset worth keeping. She'd wager that people came back to visit this place just for her.
After recovering and exchanging some more banter, they allowed her to lead them to one of the roulette wheels, Hugo's preferred choice of game. Mrs Reynolds departed with a smile, but not before slipping 'Anna' a couple of hundred pound chips. God, how did this place function as a business if she gave away money like that? If Catherine found out, she'd go apocalyptic, Lizzy laughed to herself.
However, she soon forgot such things and continued to play her part. Lost the chips almost straight away, obviously, Anna Hayward didn't know what she was doing in a casino. Almost hurt Lizzy a bit to act like such a naive child, but the pound signs popping up in her head soon put paid to that line of thought. Busied herself by following Hugo around like a devoted puppy, cheering him on at the tables. He was up as well, and thoroughly enjoying himself, his cheeks going rosy as his whisky was filled up time and again. This was good, this was how they needed him. Relaxed, having fun with his new friends, as he consciously or subconsciously established the hierarchy of their relationship. He was at the top, he was doing them the favours, they were his grateful subjects. It was perfect.
Mrs Reynolds found them about an hour later at the blackjack table and held court with them for a little while, even taking the dealers place for a bit with some amusing results, misdeals and wrong payouts. It all added to the vibe of the place and didn't come close to being as annoying as it should. It didn't last forever though, and Mrs Reynolds rushed off with a wide smile on her face and a quick wave after a member of staff whispered something in her ear. They carried on, Hugo, losing at a more frequent rate at the blackjack, but he took it well. She'd never liked Blackjack herself, contrary to popular opinion it was the rare card game you couldn't cheat….
It was all going so well.
Until it wasn't.
It was as if she knew before it happened. As if she had felt it, the prickle on her neck, the sweat on her brow, the sudden nervousness and anticipation. Could have put it down to a last minute crisis of confidence, but she knew herself better than that. No, something was about to happen. Something big.
Eyes sought the doors as they opened.
Eyes locked on to William Darcy as he strode in the room.
She stared and she stared. Darcy was here, at Pemberley. Walking as a free man.
"What's wrong, Anna, what are you staring at?" Hugo followed her gaze before laughing, misinterpreting her gaze. "Oh, and I thought I was your type! I had the wedding theme picked out and everything! And now you turn around and stare at another man like that? It wounds me to say that he is a very good looking gentleman, I applaud your choice."
It took every ounce of her to tear her eyes away and remain in character, play it off.
"He is very handsome," she nervously giggled, her mind a mess of panic alarms and simmering emotion. "Anyway, come on, Hugo, stick or twist?"
Hugo went back to the game, Lizzy perched next to him. She had to get out of there, she was about to be blown. But how? Just excuse herself? No, Eddie and Stacy would know that something was up, they were already giving her confused glances. She couldn't signal them, and besides she was too frozen to do anything anyway. So, for some reason, she just sat down, awaited her fate, and stared. Didn't even try to process just how he was here, no, she just stared.
She stared as Will Darcy was kissed on both cheeks by Mrs Reynolds, as she pinched his face and roared with laughter at his words. Stared at the warmth exuding from him in the older woman's presence. Stared as he greeted his staff with handshakes, hugs and kisses. Stared as he began to work his way around the room, getting closer and closer to their table, greeting everyone with a wide smile and a conversation. This was not the Will Darcy she knew, this was the Will Darcy that was the greatest con man of his generation. A man at such ease in a room, a man who was charming and funny, attentive and giving, a man who was making the guests feel even more at home than they already did. A man a million miles away from the real him. Stared at his form itself, his immaculate smart/casual look, his messier than she remembered hair, the way he walked and the way the corners of his mouth turned up in a half smile. The way his eyes were always focused on who he was talking to, never wandering, never shifting. The way he was getting closer and closer.
The way he was now here, standing in front of them.
The way he looked at her for the first time.
The way he didn't show a flicker.
"Good evening ladies and gentlemen," Darcy smiled at them all, clapping the young dealer on the back. "Is young Tony here treating you well?"
"A good lad this one." Hugo nodded, completely oblivious to the tension exuding from the girl sitting inches away from him.
"That he is, I'm glad to hear it. Are you enjoying your time at Pemberley?"
"Oh, it's wonderful, sir!" Hugo chimed. "Truly magnificent. One of the best hotels I've ever stayed in and I've stayed all over the world, all the big names. I truly believe that this is the most unique of places!"
"Excellent," Darcy smiled widely. "Well, if you need anything, my name's Will Darcy and I'm the owner, feel free to ask for me, or just come up to me if I'm around. I'm always happy to help out our guests. Speaking of, these glasses look a little empty. Tony, could you get another round of drinks over here, on the house?"
"Of course, sir. Anything for you?"
"Single malt, Old Pulteney."
"Make that two, dear boy," Hugo interrupted. "Peter?"
"Sounds grand."
Lizzy cringed as she heard Eddie speak up. She was studiously avoiding looking at her crew, dreaded what she might find. She'd told them almost everything about this man, not that he needed much introduction to fellow grifters. Even in the States, Darcy's myth was legendary. They'd been stunned when Lizzy had told them how she had accidentally become involved in one of his scores, worried that going to Pemberley was too risky, but Lizzy had convinced them. Said that he was in prison, that she'd watched him go down. Said that there was nothing to worry about. Well, how wrong she had been.
"I'll just go and ask Emily to take over…" Tony the dealer was saying, snapping Lizzy out of her reverie.
"No, no. I'll deal, and get one for yourself as well" Darcy smiled at him, picking up the deck, spinning it around in his fingers a couple of times and then shuffling expertly, ignoring the machine that was supposed to do it for him. "So, to whom do I have the pleasure?"
"Hugo Chamberlain," Hugo confidently thrust out his hand, Darcy shaking it with a slight smirk that Lizzy knew no-one other than she would pick up on. "And these are my friends."
"Peter Hayward," Eddie introduced, any unease he felt masked. "And this is my wife…."
"Perfectly capable of introducing myself, Peter," Stacy cut him off with a sharp look to go with her words. "Rosa Hayward."
This was it then.
"Anna Hayward." she shook his hand, feeling that familiarity surge through her body. That electricity, that hate, that warmth… Looked down.
"Oh poor Anna!" Hugo laughed obliviously, before lowering his voice to a mock whisper. "Sorry, Mr Darcy, she has been staring at you ever since you walked in! I think she has a crush!"
"Oh stop it, Hugo!" Stacy came to her rescue. "Don't embarrass the poor girl!"
"Sorry, sorry."
Lizzy chanced another glance at Darcy, he was laughing along good naturedly, unruffled.
"I'm sure I'm far too old to be the object of Miss Hayward's affections," he laughed, "But you do look exceptionally beautiful tonight. As do you, Mrs Hayward. So, what brings you to sunny Scotland?"
"The races, good man!" Hugo exclaimed, by now quite drunk. "What else is there?"
"What else indeed," Darcy smiled, dealing the cards out. "Well, if you're at the Edinburgh meet tomorrow, I may see you down there. A few friends and I plan to make a day of it. Mr Chamberlain?"
"Stick," Hugo answered after a quick glance at his cards. "You must come up to our box, Mr Darcy, let us thank you for your hospitality!"
"I would be honoured if time allows it," Darcy nodded, showing the cards. "Twenty."
"Blackjack!" Hugo grinned as he flipped his cards.
"Well done Mr Chamberlain. Ah, excellent, Tony…"
Lizzy accepted the glass of wine from the dealer, her head spinning and all over the place. Darcy was covering for her then. If Lizzy didn't know better she'd think he didn't even recognize her. But she did. Know better. And it didn't matter, cover or not. She was blown either way.
"Cheers everybody," Darcy raised his glass, downing his in one. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go check on the other guests. Have a good evening and I might see you all tomorrow. Remember, if you need anything, just ask."
With that and a last smile, he was gone, sweeping away from them as composed and cool as ever. Finally, Lizzy glanced at Stacy and Eddie, who were avoiding eye contact. But Lizzy could tell. Stacy had a crease in her brow and Eddie was clenching his fist until his knuckles were white. They were angry. They were scared.
"A charming fellow," Hugo mused at Darcy's retreating figure. "I approve even more now, Anna!"
"Don't be silly, Hugo," Lizzy smiled sweetly, but she knew she had to get out of there. Now. "Anyway, it's getting late and I want to make sure I get my beauty sleep before the races tomorrow. I think I'm going to go to bed."
"I'll walk you." Hugo said, his voice tinged with a little disappointment at his fun being cut short.
"No, no," Stacy stood up. "You boys enjoy yourself for a while longer. It's past time I retired as well."
"If you're sure…"
"Of course. But, Peter, be careful ok?"
"Of course."
"Good. Goodnight you two."
Lizzy said her goodbyes and let Stacy grab her arm and lead her from the room. Looked around to make sure they were alone in the foyer.
"Look, St…."
"Not here." Stacy hissed, her voice laced with anger.
They made their way to their room in silence, Lizzy feeling smaller and smaller as the silence continued. It wasn't her fault, not really. How could she have seen this coming? But that didn't matter, she'd given assurances and they hadn't held. That was on her. Reached her door.
"I'll come back for you when Eddie gets back." Stacy said shortly, shoving her into the room and shutting the door, leaving Lizzy alone.
How had it all gone so wrong?
Sat down and let out the breath that she had been holding for what seemed like hours. Ran a hand through her hair, yanking the red wig off as she realised it was still there. This was it then. She was out of this score at least. Maybe even out of this crew. Her excuses, however true and justified, were still just that, excuses. She'd put them all at risk. All because of one man.
William Darcy.
Allowed herself to finally explore the question she'd been actively avoiding since he'd walked in the casino. Just how the hell was he here? He was supposed to be in prison, was supposed to have been caught red handed attempting to steal back Pemberley, and now he was introducing himself as the owner? Just what had happened? How had he crawled himself out of the hole he had dug himself? But what if….. Just what if…..
She was interrupted by a knock at the door.
Knew who it was.
Here we go again.
Opened the door.
"You know, for someone who despises me so much, you don't half keep showing up in my life with no explanation." Will Darcy frowned at her.
Pulled him into her room quickly, poking her head out the door to make sure no-one was watching before slamming it shut. Took a deep breath and turned around. Darcy was wandering nonchalantly around the room, not fazed in the slightest by any of it. She felt the weight of history all around them, the weight of their torrid acquaintance. What was he going to do?
He surprised her by smiling.
"So, how are you enjoying Pemberley?" he repeated his question from earlier.
"It's fine." Lizzy said shortly, narrowing her eyes.
"I'll be sure to put that on our next brochures," he joked, moving his eyes away from hers, pretending to inspect one of the paintings that adorned the wall. "Pemberley Hotel, 'it's fine'. Business will go through the roof. But, seriously, have you got everything you need?"
"Jesus Christ, fine, it's fucking beautiful ok? This whole place is amazing. You can stop fishing for compliments now."
"Thank you," Darcy laughed, looking more pleased with Lizzy's effusions than he probably should. It caused her a small smile for some reason. "I'm pleased with how it's turned out, it was quite the remodeling job when I first came back."
So they were going to dance around it then. Fine.
"Mrs Reynolds said."
"She's quite the character isn't she? No-one could ever replace my mother, but she has come close. But yes, it didn't have the best of reputations when I came in."
"She said it was seedy." Lizzy said, bluntly.
"I suppose it was a bit," Darcy frowned. "God bless my parents, but they were much more of the traditional casino mindset. A little tacky, working girls at the tables, awful shows, that kind of thing."
"It's all in the game though, right?" Lizzy argued for the sake of arguing. "Shows, working girls…"
"I thought that too at first. I saw no problem with bringing in the Eastern European girls to look pretty and make the men happy if they were being treated well enough and paid for their trouble. But then, I grew up, I saw the real world, the real consequences. You've met the woman who changed my mind completely actually."
"Oh yeah?" Lizzy questioned, confused.
"'Detective Inspector' Zampino," Darcy smirked. "You remember?"
"Detective Inspector indeed," Lizzy grumbled, not keen on being reminded of how she had been so outplayed. "Who is she? A grifter?"
"She's the grifter. You ever heard of the Belgrade Bank Job? The Nightclub Fires? The Mali Diamond Heist?"
Jesus Christ.
"She's The Italian?" Lizzy whispered in shock. "The Italian is real? I met The fucking Italian?"
"Indeed you did," Darcy chuckled. "The greatest grifter that has ever lived."
"Jesus Christ….."
"You cannot tell anybody though," Darcy caught himself quickly. "For your sake. That woman is one of the most dangerous people you'll ever meet, and she takes her privacy very seriously."
"I'll bear that in mind."
There was a pause in the conversation. Lizzy was growing more and more impatient as the time passed. When were they going to get down to it then? When were they going to stop playing these games, acting with false smiles and civility? Darcy's next question caused her to finally snap.
"So," he said. "How have you been since last we spoke?"
"Fucking hell! Drop it." Lizzy raised her voice.
"Drop what?"
"This gracious host act. I know you, Darcy, don't forget that. I know who you really are. You don't have to pretend here."
Darcy let out a relieved sigh and sank down on one of the sofa's.
"Oh, thank God!" he exclaimed. "It's so fucking tiresome. Walking around that casino, making small talk with everyone, pretending to care about their boring, normal lives. Seriously, I don't know how I can keep this up for the rest of my life."
Lizzy couldn't help but laugh a little at his words as she studied him properly. Despite his protests, he looked better than the last few times she had seen him. Obviously it wasn't difficult to look better than when you were facing a long prison stretch, but it was more than that. He seemed more relaxed, at ease, less prone to glancing around every few seconds. Simply put, he seemed happier.
"I've been trying, you see." he continued, but it was almost like he was talking to himself, his eyes on his feet, his voice quiet.
"Trying what?" Lizzy asked when it became clear he wasn't going to elaborate.
"Trying to answer life's eternal question," he laughed lightly. "Who are we? Who am I? Since I walked away from the con I've been trying to work myself out. Trying to be something better I think. Making more of an effort with people, hence the 'act' as you put it. Of course, it is just that, an act, one I struggle with day to day, but I'm hoping that it'll eventually become something more. I want to be a better person, you know?"
Lizzy frowned at him, her brow creased, her heart pounding. The contradiction was that she realised talking to Will Darcy, a man she really didn't like, made her feel more alive than anything. Even more alive than playing a score. The thing that was so infuriating, so irritating, and she'd admit it, so exciting, about this seemingly forced and innocuous conversation was that she couldn't tell what was real and what was not. Darcy had told so many lies, ran so many games, that she couldn't work it out at all.
It was thrilling.
"And am I the reason for that?" she pondered, going back to their last conversation, the insults she had hurled and that had been hurled back. Had she been the one to pierce him? If it was true, how did she feel about it?
Didn't expect Darcy to laugh loudly.
"I see your ego hasn't checked itself yet," he laughed, but whereas before she would have been insulted by the comment, she now took it in the teasing manner she thought it was meant. "It may wound you to hear, but you are a reasonably small part of my history. This change has been coming for a long time, ever since my parents died perhaps, maybe even before. I'm doing this for my sister, for my friends, but most of all I'm doing it for me. So no, Lizzy, you're not the reason for it."
Didn't like the selfish feeling of disappointment that surged through her.
"I see." she muttered, not meeting his eyes. When she finally glanced at him, she saw him looking at her with a smirk, but also with a hint of confusion.
"Ok, maybe you did play a part in it," he admitted, his turn to look away. "Maybe you gave me the push I needed….."
Couldn't help the smile. Couldn't help the warmth she felt when she received a rare small one back.
The hell was wrong with her?
"About all that," she recovered. "I'm sorry for some of the things I said. I mean, you deserved most of it, but I realise now that I maybe went too far ..."
"You had the right," Darcy waved her off, the tension in the room growing to uncomfortable levels as they really got into it. "You don't need to apologise. I'm sorry for how I acted, the whole thing was a disaster that I am keen to forget. And I am also sorry that I lied to you from the off, sorry that you and Jane became more involved than you should have been. Maybe I went too far…."
"Maybe," she replied, but her tone was unconvincing. "But you were right to a certain extent, Jane helped me see that. I had to tell her, not all of it, not the parts about you, but the things relating to her. She was relieved actually. Said much the same as you, that we were grifters and couldn't be offended when it is turned on us. Yes, you honey trapped her, yes, it wasn't a nice thing to do, but what can we expect? You are grifters. We are grifters. We are not nice people."
"No, we're not." he nodded.
"Don't get me wrong," she checked herself. "I still think you're a dickhead and I'm still angry, but it's done now."
Darcy laughed again, before his eyes narrowed.
"I appreciate your honesty, if that is what it is." he frowned.
"You doubt me, Will?" she laughed.
"Of course," he admitted. "Last time we spoke, you made certain promises regarding me and my friends. So you'll forgive me my slight scepticism. What is it exactly that I have come across, Lizzy? A long con with Hugo Chamberlain as the mark? Or is it something else, is it a misdirection? Am I supposed to be distracted by the show whilst being strung along? Tell me, Lizzy, am I your mark?"
Did he find this as thrilling as her, she wondered? This back and forth, this uncertainty, this tension that came from two accomplished liars trying to work out the other. Trying to work out their true motivations. Was a single word he had spoken tonight true? Was a single word she'd spoken tonight true?
It was electric, crackling wires.
"Maybe." she smirked, not willing to give up this game and admit that he had completely and utterly caught her cold yet again.
He smiled widely, wider than she had ever seen him do before. That gave her the answer. Yeah, he was enjoying every second of this.
"I'll be interested to see how this plays out then," he nodded. "Quite the crew you've assembled as well. Am I correct in thinking that that is Stacy and Eddie Gardiner down there?"
"Yes." she confirmed.
"Good grifters, good reputations. I've never had the pleasure but they made quite a name for themselves out in the States. I heard they'd hooked up with a bell man, some kid, I'm assuming that's not you?"
"No, Hakim Ali, Hacker. An absolute fucking genius. How do you know that anyway, I thought you were out of the game?"
"Almost everyone I know is a grifter," he sighed. "And the thing that grifters like to do when together is talk about other grifters, you know that. So it is inevitable that my social life still revolves around talking about grifting. I still hear all the stories."
"Socialising?" Lizzy smirked. "Since when do you socialise, Darcy?"
"It is part of my new God awful life plan," he half smiled back. "Tell me, does it ever not become a chore?"
"You'll get there." she chuckled.
Silence descended. They still hadn't answered the question, they had been dancing around it for enough time now and they both knew it. Perhaps they both wanted to pretend for a while longer, pretend that this could continue. But it couldn't.
"I'm going to need to speak to your crew." Darcy said quietly after a while.
"You are?" Lizzy sighed. "Look, can't we just pretend? Can't we just pretend that you didn't see anything? Let us get on with it, we'll be gone in a couple of days….."
"No," he interrupted her, his tone serious. "I'm afraid I cannot do that. And before your ego rears its head again, know that this isn't about you and me. Whatever I may have felt for you has no bearing on this. I am not trying to insert myself in your life because of any feelings I have had, not trying to find excuses to be around you. This is something else entirely."
"What is it then?"
"This is my home, Lizzy," he said gravely. "My sister's home, our livelihood. You and the Gardiners are playing a score in my home. That is not acceptable. Indeed, if it was anyone else I would have thrown you out as soon as I saw what you were up to, that is if I saw it right. I've sacrificed everything to get this place back, and I will not risk it for anyone. I'm out of that life, out of the game. The last thing I need to do is play host to a long con crew working a score. What if it goes wrong? What if Hugo Chamberlain works it out, calls the police? What if your cool out isn't enough and he wants to get revenge? That will lead to consequences, police attention from the very same police that have built a career off of trying to lock me up. I can't risk that. And what if, just what if, he's not the mark at all and I am?"
"A lot of what ifs." Lizzy said after a while.
"Indeed," he agreed.
"Ok then, you can meet them tonight. Stacy and Eddie will be here when Hugo goes to bed." Lizzy's mind turned quickly. She needed to delay, needed to figure out just how they could get out of this. She was determined more than ever to not let him put an end to this score. Her first score. She was going to finish it and he was going to let her. Just how she was going to achieve this she didn't know yet, but the outcome was guaranteed. She had to do this. So she had to delay and acquiesce to his demands for now.
"Fine," he stood up, his tone and features unreadable, handing her a card from his pocket. "Call this number when they are here."
She took it and nodded. Darcy gave her a small smile and made for the door.
No.
She had to know.
"How did you do it?" she called at his retreating form, the words spilling from her uncontrollably.
"Do what?" he replied, his back still to her.
"You know what."
"If you are here to con me and I'm your mark, then I'm sure you already know."
"Ah, but if you're the mark then I still have to ask you to make it look like I don't know," she smirked, the game afoot. "And if you're not the mark then I really have no idea and I'm curious. So you see, either way you have to answer."
"I do, do I?" he turned to her, the smirk on her face mirrored back.
God, were they flirting?
"Yes." she put that disturbing thought to the back of her mind quickly.
"You want to know how we did it? How I took back Pemberley?"
"Tell you what," she said, mischief in her eyes. "Just give me a clue and see if I can work it out."
Darcy appeared to think about it for a minute before shaking his head with a grin and sitting back down.
"Fine. Are you ready?" he asked.
"Of course," she sat down next to him. "Let's prove to each other just how clever we really are. So, the clue? Don't make it too easy, mind."
Darcy thought for a moment.
"Blackjack," he said slowly but with a smirk. "And I'll throw in 'Blackjack Dealer', although to be honest we did that one just cos we could."
Lizzy frowned and thought back on it. Looked and searched in her mind.
Didn't take long.
"Oh," she said quietly, as the whole narrative finally started to make sense. "You're good."
Understatement.
Will Darcy was a fucking genius.