Ms. Dvorak (to Charles): Excuse me, young man. Is Miss Persephone about?
Charles (to Ms. Dvorak): I can certainly check, miss. May I ask who is calling?
Ms. Dvorak (to Charles): Oh, aren't you a sweet & proper young man! I'm Ms. Dvorak, I'm an old friend of the family, specifically her Aunt Poppy.
Charles (to Ms. Dvorak): Thank you, Ms. Dvorak. I'll see if she's available. Please have a seat. May I get you anything?
Ms. Dvorak (to Charles): A cup of tea with a spot of whiskey to keep the chill off would be just heavenly, dear.
Charles (to Ms. Dvorak): Very good. I'll be back with it straight away.
Ms. Dvorak (to Charles): Thank you, dear.
A few minutes later, in the kitchen:
Charles (to Persephone): Miss Persephone? There's a Ms. Dvorak here to see you. She said she's an old friend of Mrs. Potter.
Persephone (to Charles): Really? ... I wonder what that old battleaxe wants. It's never good. Last time she complained about the toughness of the steak, all the while stuffing her bag with biscuits. If she wasn't such an old friend of my aunt's, I'm sure Da would have banned her by now.
Charles (to Persephone): Should I give her an extra shot of whiskey to make her a little more sociable?
Persephone (to Charles): That's not such a bad idea. Tell her I'll be right out. Oh! And, keep an eye on the cutlery.
Charles (to Persephone): Hee hee. Of course.
A moment later, in the dining area:
Charles (to Ms. Dvorak): I'm very sorry to keep you waiting, Ms. Dvorak. Let me get that place setting out of your way. Persephone will be right out.
Ms. Dvorak (to Charles): Thank you... Hmmm, you're one of Smith's lads, aren't you? I think I've seen you in Liverpool skulking about the docks. You don't mean trouble for the Longfellows, do you?
Charles (to Ms. Dvorak): Of course not! I'm... I'm not with the Smith Gang any longer. I owe the Longfellow family a great debt. I would never, EVER do anything to make trouble for them.
Ms. Dvorak (to Charles): That's very good to hear... Hmmm, you're not the Turner boy, by any chance, are you?
Charles (to Ms. Dvorak): How do you know who I am?
Ms. Dvorak (to Charles): It's my business to know things, dear. You best be careful. Smith's not very happy with you. You might want to give back whatever it is you took with you when you ran off. He'll probably leave you alone, then... Probably.
Charles (to Ms. Dvorak): I can't, Ms. Dvorak. And I know it's only a matter of time before he finds me... I promise I won't be here when he does.
Ms. Dvorak (to Charles): Dear boy, that's not what I'm saying. Here's my address. Come round the house, sometime & I'll help you out of this pickle.
Persephone (to Ms. Dvorak): Ms. Dvorak! Hello! What can I do for you?
Charles (to Ms. Dvorak & Persephone): I do hope you ladies will excuse me. I really should see to the kitchen. Ms. Dvorak, it was a pleasure.
Ms. Dvorak (to Persephone): Persephone dear, no need to feign your delight to see me. I'm an old woman, not an idiot. I've come to find out about the young CLANNG officer that had been sniffing around. Is he back? (to Charles) Please, remember what I told you, young man.
Persephone (to Ms. Dvorak): Lieutenant Kingsley? No, not yet. But, I believe he'll be returning soon. He's no longer with them, by the by.
Ms. Dvorak (to Persephone): ... A leopard does not change his shorts, my dear. He may not be with CLANNG any longer, but that's no reason to trust him.
Persephone (to Ms. Dvorak): I think you mean spots, ma'am.
Ms. Dvorak (to Persephone): Don't play stupid, young lady. You know what I meant. When he comes a-calling, I would very much like to be informed. I have some questions for him. Will you please send someone to fetch me if he makes an appearance?
Persephone (to Ms. Dvorak): Oh, alright. I will.
Ms. Dvorak (to Persephone): You're not just saying that to humor me, are you, dear?
Persephone (to Ms. Dvorak): No, no. I promise I will let you know as soon as he shows up.
Ms. Dvorak (to Persephone): Thank you. Now, I really should be going. It was nice seeing you. Give my regards to your parents.
Persephone (to Ms. Dvorak): I will. Goodbye, Ms. Dvorak.
A moment later, in the kitchen:
Persephone: Oooo, that woman is so infuriating. (to Charles) I'm sorry, Charles... What can I help you with?
Charles (to Persephone): Oh! Miss Persephone! I... Yes. Of course. Could you get the stew started, please?
Persephone (to Charles): Sure... What's wrong, Charles? Did the old bat rattle you? She does that.
Charles (to Persephone): ... She did. I'm sorry.
Persephone (to Charles): It's alright. Do you need to take a moment to collect yourself?
Charles (to Persephone): Yes, please. She said... It appears that the Smith Gang is looking for me. I'm not sure I should... I may have to leave.
Persephone (to Charles): Don't be silly, Charles. You belong here.
Charles (to Persephone): I don't want to cause trouble for your family, Miss Persephone.
Persephone (to Charles): You're part of the family now, Charles... And, we protect our own.
Charles (to Persephone): ... Thank you. I don't think I'll ever be able to properly express my gratitude. I apologize for getting upset.
Persephone (to Charles): You're allowed to get upset, Charles... Here, If you'll excuse me for being so forward. You look like you could use a hug.
Charles (to Persephone): Oh! Th-thank you.
A moment later:
Persephone (to Charles): Um... Are you going to let go any time soon, Charles? I kinda need to stir the stew.
Charles (to Persephone): Oh! I'm.. Excuse me. I'm sorry.
Persephone (to Charles): Heehee, it's okay.
A short time later, at Aiden's house; New London, Britannia:
Mrs. Esterly (to Aiden): Here you are, Master Aiden.
Aiden (to Mrs. Esterly): Oh? What's this, Mrs. Esterly?
Mrs. Esterly (to Aiden): A cup of tea and some headache powders. No need to pretend that you're not hungover, dear.
Aiden (to Mrs. Esterly): Heh... I never could hide things from you. Thank you.
Mrs. Esterly (to Aiden): Hee hee. And yet you still try. Nathaniel is making the tea. So why were you out drinking by yourself, dear?
Aiden (to Mrs. Esterly): It wasn't my intention when I went out yesterday. However, I ran into Roland and a cohort of his outside the Diogenes club. He apparently, was quite dismayed to see me alive... On the plus side, the blacklisting has been rescinded. I'm sure that will be a great relief to many of the agents on the other side. I'll have to get up with Victor at some point & pass on the good news.
Mrs. Esterly (to Aiden): Roland always was an idiot.
Aiden (to Mrs. Esterly): Heh. Thank you, Mrs. Esterly. With but a few words, you have made me feel infinitely better.
Mrs. Esterly (to Aiden): Hee hee. Of course, dear. I suppose we should prep ourselves for a visit from your father then.
Aiden (to Mrs. Esterly): Really? Should Nate & I go out of town for a bit? :-P
Mrs. Esterly (to Aiden): Well, that's up to you dear. Hee. If you don't want to see your father, I certainly wouldn't blame you.
Aiden (to Mrs. Esterly): No, it'll be fine... I'm sure he'll simply voice what a disappointment I am & then go on his not so merry way.
Mrs. Esterly (to Aiden): I expect we'll see him around supper. I'll start a lamb roast. Don't worry, dear. We'll keep Nathaniel out of his way.
Aiden (to Mrs. Esterly): Thank you... This is exactly why I wanted to stay on the other side with Nate. So, we could avoid this sort of thing. I hate having to hide my relationship with him. I'm not ashamed. I just don't want to lose everything... I feel like such a coward.
Mrs. Esterly (to Aiden): And you shouldn't have to, dear. There are times I really don't care for your father… If you do want to tell him, I don't think now would be a good time for Nathaniel. He's a bit distressed by this whole situation, and your father can be a trial even at the best of times.
Aiden (to Mrs. Esterly): You're right. I should probably go talk to Nate & let him know what's going on. I don't want him stumbling down into this family drama unawares.
Mrs. Esterly (to Aiden): Of course. Come here, dear. I know it's silly of me, but I always thought of you and your brothers as my own. And all I want is for you to be happy. Such a pity about Roland, isn't it?
Aiden (to Mrs. Esterly): Heh. Thank you, Mrs. Esterly... And, I've always thought of you quite fondly, as well.
Mrs. Esterly (to Aiden): I know you have, dear. Hee hee. You've always been a bit of a soft touch, haven't you?
Aiden (to Mrs. Esterly): I'm not sure that's something you should tell young men... Even, if it's a true, Mrs. Esterly.
Mrs. Esterly (to Aiden): Hee hee. Sorry, dear. If you'll excuse me, I have to go roust Nathaniel out of my kitchen and cook a bloody lamb shank.
Aiden (to Mrs. Esterly): Of course.
A few moments later:
Mrs. Esterly (to Nathaniel): ... And don't make me tell you twice, young man!
Nathaniel (to Mrs. Esterly): Alright! Alright! Jesus!
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Got yourself exiled from the kitchen, huh?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Yeah. Mrs. Esterly is kind of a tyrant, you know?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): When it comes to the kitchen, yes... Um, I need to tell you something, Nate.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Oh. That doesn't sound good. Oh god... What happened? Is everyone OK?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Everything is alright. It's just that there's a very good chance that my father will be making an appearance this evening...
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Oh. Oh! Shit. Are you alright?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Yes, it's just that Roland probably told our father that I was back in town, so he'll probably stop by. You may want to make yourself scarce... I hate to ask but I don't want you caught up in this family drama.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Oh. Yeah. Of course. Heh. Somehow, I don't think your dad and I are gonna get along. Um... Where should I go?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): You could hang out on the second floor or perhaps Mrs. Esterly would let you stay in her apartment. Or you could visit Persephone at the inn, if you feel like getting out and about.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Oh... Yeah. Um, I guess I should probably get outta the house before I go weird, huh? Weirder.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Heh. Probably... I believe tonight's special at the inn is Beef Stew. It's always quite delicious.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Yeah... I think I can handle that. You gonna be alright having to deal with your dad?
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Yes. He'll more than likely talk at me for an hour. Praise Mrs. Esterly for her cooking & invite her to work for him again at the family home. She'll say no. We'll have dessert & then he'll leave.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Gee. Sounds like fun. You sure you don't want me to hang out? You could tell him I'm the new stable boy. :-P
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Heh... Very funny. We don't have a stable here. Besides, do you really want to meet my father?
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Wait. So stable boy ISN'T a euphemism for a rich person's live-in lover? Heh. I'm just kidding. I wanna do whatever's gonna make this easier for you. Shit's complicated enough right now.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): Head to the inn & I'll come get you after my father has left. I'll make it up to you later. I promise.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Fuck yeah, you will. Gimme a kiss. I'll see you soon, alright? I love you.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): I love you, too.
Meanwhile, at Mouse & Eep's house, West Piedmont:
Gabriel (to Eep): Dad! DAD! So... if SOMEone found, oh.. a lizard. Just.. hangin' out and stuff. Would that someone be able to keep the lizard?
Eep (to Gabriel): Where did you find a lizard, Gabe?
Gabriel (to Eep): ... Outside… while I was playing. Under th... BESIDE the stairs. He's really cool! He has a bright blue tail!
Eep (to Gabriel): What has your mother told you about playing under the stairs? It's not nice to keep a wild animal as a pet. They don't like it.
Gabriel (to Eep): ... She says not to because it's dirty and there's bugs. Which is silly because the bugs are the best part!
Eep (to Gabriel): How about we take a bunch of pictures of the lizard instead, and then we let him go?
Gabriel (to Eep): I guess we could take some pictures... if I can't keep him. And name him Steve. And have him live in an aquarium. And feeds him bugs. From.. not under the stairs.
Eep (to Gabriel): Do you remember what happened when we went to visit your grandpa, and he let you catch all those lizards and put them in a tank? None of them would eat and we had to let them go before they all starved.
A couple hours later, at the Longfellow Inn; New London, Britannia:
Sylvester (to Persephone): Good afternoon, Miss Longfellow! Am I too early for dinner?
Persephone (to Sylvester): Dinner's not quite ready, Lieuten-- Mister Kingsley, but it shouldn't be too long. Have a seat. I'll get you a drink.
Sylvester (to Persephone): Thank you.
A few minutes later, in the kitchen:
Nathaniel (to Persephone): Hey, um, Persephone? Is it OK if I, um, hang out here for a little bit?
Persephone (to Nathaniel): Sure it is, Nate... I'm in the middle of getting dinner out so I'm a little busy. Pull up a stool or grab an apron.
Nathaniel (to Persephone): Need a hand?
Persephone (to Nathaniel): Oh, that would be great. Thank you! We've got a packed house tonight. If you could bring this food out to the 2 tables by the windows & then help me with the cooking. Da & Charles have their hands full at the bar.
Nathaniel (to Persephone): Yeah. No problem. You guys are fucking busy, huh? Be right back.
Persephone (to Nathaniel): Yeah, there was a football match, earlier. We always get the hooligans in afterwards... Da loves it.
A moment later, in the dining area:
Charles (to Nathaniel): Mr. Jones?! What on earth are you doing here?
Nathaniel (to Charles): Hey, Chuck! At the moment? Waiting tables.
Charles (to Nathaniel): That is NOT my name.
Sylvester (to Charles): Excuse me, Mister Turner. Could I get another pint of Bitters?
Nathaniel (to Sylvester & Charles): Holy fucking god...
Sylvester (to Nathaniel): I beg your pardon, young sir.
Charles (to Nathaniel): Mr. Jones! (to Sylvester) I am terribly sorry, Mr. Kingsley. He's new. I'll get you another pint in just a moment.
Sylvester (to Charles): It's alright, Mister Turner. I'll go back to my table. (to Nathaniel) I am very sorry for startling you.
Charles (to Nathaniel): Come on!
Nathaniel (to Sylvester & Charles): Yeah...
A moment later, in the kitchen:
Charles (to Nathaniel): What on earth is wrong with you, Mr. Jones? You can't use that kind of language in front of the customers! Although, I don't think this crowd will notice much. Or care. (to Persephone) Please keep him in the kitchen, miss.
Persephone (to Charles): Oh, alright… (to Nathaniel) Nate, what happened? Are you okay?
Nathaniel (to Persephone): What? Oh. Sorry. It's just... One of the customers out there looked... He looked just like--like Tim.
Persephone (to Nathaniel): Tim?
Nathaniel (to Persephone): … My ex-boyfriend. He was, um, he was murdered a little while ago. ...Christ. Sorry. Uh...what do you need me to do?
Persephone (to Nathaniel): Oh, I'm sorry, Nate... If you can stir that pot while I finish these pies... Did no one tell you about the doubles?
Nathaniel (to Persephone): No. I knew about it. I, um, I ran into Aiden's double. I think. I know it wasn't Tim. He was older, for one. It was just... It was just a shock. I'm alright.
Persephone (to Nathaniel): ... Oh. Heehee. Sorry, I was distracted by the thought of two Aidens. :-P It looks like we should be slowing down now & be able to eat something ourselves.
Nathaniel (to Persephone): He wasn't much like Aiden. I mean, not other than visually... Which is REALLY fucking distracting now that you point it out.
Persephone (to Nathaniel): Bloody hell, can you imagine two of him? ... Oh, sorry.
Nathaniel (to Persephone): Heh. Yes. With distinct fucking clarity. :-P
Persephone (to Nathaniel): Heehee... You've got a nice smile, Nate. You should think about doing that more often. Here, have some stew.
Nathaniel (to Persephone): Oh. Um... Thanks. I'm trying, you know? And thanks for the stew. Smells good.
Persephone (to Nathaniel): I'm glad to hear it... It's nice to see you happy.
Nathaniel (to Persephone): Yeah. Again, fucking trying. Be easier if Hiiri would stop fucking me in the goddamn ear for whatever fucking reason.
Persephone (to Nathaniel): I certainly understand that... So, what brings you here? I can't imagine you actually wanting to come & help. :-p
Nathaniel (to Persephone): Aiden figured his dad was gonna stop by to give him a hard time for not being dead.
Persephone (to Nathaniel): Oh, Mister Wilkes is a bit of a bear... Well, I was trying to think of something nice to say but I'm drawing a blank.
Nathaniel (to Persephone): Heh. Yeah. That's kind of the impression I got. And honestly, it was nice to have something to fucking do.
Persephone (to Nathaniel): Well, I'm grateful for the help. Any time you feel the urge, you're more than welcome.
Nathaniel (to Persephone): Heh. Don't fucking tempt me.
Persephone (to Nathaniel): Heehee.
In the dining area:
Sylvester (to Charles): Mister Turner, do you think it's safe for me to go ask Miss Longfellow to go for a stroll around the pond?
Charles (to Sylvester): I'm sure I don't know, Mister Kingsley. Please excuse me. I have work to do.
Ms. Dvorak (to Sylvester): Don't look so sad, dear. I'll go for a walk with you... Or more to the point, you'll be coming with me.
Sylvester (to Ms. Dvorak): Well, judging by the size of the weapon you're holding, I don't have much of a choice, do I?
Ms. Dvorak (to Sylvester): No, you don't, dear. Come with me.
A short time later, in the kitchen:
Persephone (to Charles): How's the front looking, Charles? We've got everything caught up back here.
Charles(to Persephone): Everything is under control, Miss Persephone. It's just the late night lingerers now. We've got another hour or two before they start singing, I think. Do you need help with the dishes, Miss? I think Mr. Longfellow has everything under control.
Persephone (to Charles): I wouldn't mind the help with the dishes... (to Nathaniel) Unless you want to help? :-p
Nathaniel (to Persephone): Sure. What else am I doing? (to Charles) Shove over, Chuck.
Persephone (to Charles): He's just saying that to be funny, Charles. (to Nathaniel) Nate, he prefers Charles.
Charles (to Persephone): He knows, Miss Persephone. Unfortunately, I am quite familiar with Mr. Jones's sense of humor.
Nathaniel (to Persephone): Heh. I was the one who found him in a crate on Victor's ship. (to Charles) Wasn't I, Chuck?
Aiden (to Nathaniel, Persephone & Charles): There you are! Hello, Mister Turner, Persephone. Are you ready to head home, Nate?
Persephone (to Aiden): Oh hello, Aiden. Have you come to take your wayward lover home?
Aiden (to Persephone): You could say that.
Charles (to Aiden): Nice to see you again, Mr. Wilkes. If you're able, will you please collect Mr. Jones? He's been swearing at our customers.
Nathaniel (to Aiden): Heh. And driving Chuck crazy. Hey! How're you holding up?
Charles (to Aiden, Nathaniel & Persephone): Yes. There is that.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): As fine as can be expected. (to Persephone) Thank you for keeping Nate occupied for a bit, Seph.
Persephone (to Aiden & Nathaniel): It was our pleasure. Now, go! Get out of here, you two. And, let me & Charles get this place in put back in order.
Aiden (to Persephone): Heh. Yes, ma'am.
Nathaniel (to Persephone): Thanks again, Seph. If you need help, lemme know. What the fuck else am I doing worth while?
Persephone (to Nathaniel): Heh. I can think a few things you could be doing but I don't want upset the other two. ;-p (to Aiden) Heehee, the look on your face is absolutely priceless.
Nathaniel (to Persephone): Ha ha ha! Oh. Oh shit! (to Aiden) Come on. Let's get outta here. I don't like the way Chuck is eyeballing the knives.
Aiden (to Nathaniel): After you. (to Persephone & Charles) Good night to you both!
A moment later:
Persephone: Well, that was something... (to Charles) Is there a bottle of Da's booze around here?
Charles (to Persephone): I'm sure there is, miss, but are you sure you don't want something more, um... We have sherry and wine here in the kitchen.
Persephone (to Charles): A glass of wine will have to do... I don't want to end up blind, just so that I can forget for a bit. Besides, Da's booze is awful.
Charles (to Persephone): I'm sure he'll... I'm afraid it is. Sit down, Miss Persephone. Allow me to get that for you… Here you are. Are you alright?
Persephone (to Charles): I'm just being a sappy girl. You don't want to hear about it.
Charles (to Persephone): I'm sorry, Miss Persephone. I know it doesn't mean very much, but I think very highly of you.
Persephone (to Charles): It actually means a lot, Charles. Thank you.
Charles (to Persephone): You're very welcome. I'm going to help your father finish cleaning the front. You may leave the rest of the kitchen to me. I'm sorry I was rude to Mr. Kingsley. I just... I don't trust him very much. No matter how much he claims to have reformed.
Persephone (to Charles): It's alright. I don't really trust him, either... I just kinda miss being someone's sweetheart. I'll take care of the kitchen, it'll be a good distraction.
Charles (to Persephone): Yes, Miss. It's... I hope you don't mind my saying so, but I find it quite unlikely you'll stay sweetheart free for long. And I should think you can do a good deal better than a two-faced CLANNG lieutenant. ... Good night, Miss.
Persephone (to Charles): ... Good night, Charles.
