At Ms. Dvorak's apartment; New London, Britannia:
George: Huh? What? (to Mrs. Esterly) OH! Mrs. Esterly? How did you get in here? Is something wrong?
Mrs. Esterly (to George): It wasn't that difficult, dear. Margeaux has been using the same tricks for years. She really should update some of those tripwires. Never you mind. I'm afraid we have to lay low for a while, sweetie. They're looking for you again.
George (to Mrs. Esterly): Oh? Is it Mister Smith & his gang?
Mrs. Esterly (to George): No, dear. It looks like the company is trying to find you again. Now, we can't go back to my place, I'm afraid, but we have a few options. There's a house in the Tombs we could borrow, or you could stay with my friend Edith and her boys, she's an ex-Sinn Féin operative, so you'll be perfectly safe with her. Or, you could hide out at the Longfellow inn for a bit.
George (to Mrs. Esterly): Oh, um, wherever you think is best, Mrs. Esterly.
Mrs. Esterly (to George): It's six one way and half a dozen another, dear. Where would you like to go? The house in the Tombs might be a bit lonely...
George (to Mrs. Esterly): Heh. The Inn will be fine... But, I think you already knew that.
Mrs. Esterly (to George): I couldn't know for certain, dear. After all, you might heartily enjoy football hooligans and cabbage.
George (to Mrs. Esterly): Well, I DO enjoy cabbage... But, the soccer hooligans not so much.
Mrs. Esterly (to George): Oh, not the way Edith makes it. She boils all the taste right out of it. I think it's because she has so few of her teeth... If you're all packed, I have a cab waiting downstairs. I do hope Mrs. Longfellow has the tea I like on hand.
George (to Mrs. Esterly): I'm ready... So, Father is working on the gateway device again, huh?
Mrs. Esterly (to George): I'm afraid so, dear.
George (to Mrs. Esterly): And, he still thinks he needs me... Mister Tesla told me that I would be safe & that Father couldn't complete it. That's why I've been hiding & working for Ms. Dvorak. This bloody well sucks.
Mrs. Esterly (to George): I'm very sorry, dear. Hopefully this will all die down in a little while. If things get a little too heated, we have other options, but I don't think it will come to that.
George (to Mrs. Esterly): Okay, I've trusted you & Ms. Dvorak, this far and I don't really see any other option.
Mrs. Esterly (to George): I know it hasn't been easy, dear. We are trying to make it as painless as we can for you. Now, how about we stop all this gloomy talk, and get a nice strong cup of tea, some scones and some clotted cream?
George (to Mrs. Esterly): ... That sounds nice. Thank you.
A short time later, at the Longfellow Inn; New London, Britannia:
Charles (to Mrs. Esterly & George): ... Good morning, Mrs. Esterly. Mr. Fitzroy. Are you picking something up, or would you like a table?
George (to Charles): ... Good morning, Mister Turner.
Mrs. Esterly (to Charles & George): We'll have a table if you don't mind, Mr. Turner. Mr. Fitzroy will be staying at the inn for a while. I believe Mrs. Longfellow knows all about it already.
George (to Mrs. Esterly & Charles): I'm sure Mister Turner is just thrilled to be stuck with me.
Charles (to George): Of course I'm not upset that you're... (to Mrs. Esterly) Beg your pardon, ma'am. Please have a seat. I'll go get you some tea.
Mrs. Esterly (to Charles): Thank you, dear. (to George) You shouldn't tease him while he's working, Mr. Fitzroy. That isn't fair.
George (to Mrs. Esterly): I'm sorry, Mrs. Esterly. He's just always so serious, it's hard not to tease him.
Mrs. Esterly (to George): He is at that, isn't he? He seems like a sweet young man, but I don't think I've ever seen him laugh. Pity, isn't it?
George (to Mrs. Esterly): He laughs, not often. He laughed quite a bit when we were at the theater. He's got a nice laugh. A nice smile, too... Oh... Pardon me... Is it warm in here?
Mrs. Esterly (to George): Is it? I've got a bit of a chill, but that's what happens as you get older. The English damp settles right in your bones. Well, I'm glad to hear he smiles at least a little bit. It's a terrible thing when someone so young lets life make them dour.
Charles (to Mrs. Esterly & George): Excuse the intrusion, ma'am, sir. Here's your tea. I'm very sorry for the wait. Mrs. Longfellow took the liberty of starting your breakfast. I hope you don't mind. She said she knew just the thing you need.
George (to Charles): ... Thank you. (to Mrs. Esterly) Was he behind me that whole time?
Mrs. Esterly (to George): Hee hee hee. Oh no, of course not. I would have let you know. You're blushing, dear.
George (to Mrs. Esterly): If you'll excuse me for a moment, Mrs. Esterly, I think I need some fresh air.
Mrs. Esterly (to George): Of course. Take your time.
A few minutes later:
Charles (to George): Oh! Here you are, Mr. Fitzroy. Your breakfast is getting cold.
George (to Charles): Oh! Right, of course. I was just getting some fresh air. You didn't have to come out and tell me, Mister Turner, but I do appreciate it.
Charles (to George): It wasn't any trouble, sir. I did... I mean, I'm terribly sorry if I upset you the other day. That wasn't my intention. I didn't realize... Well, I didn't realize quite a lot of things, so I wanted to apologize... I should let you get back to your meal. Excuse me.
George (to Charles): Wait. Don't go, yet. Please?
Charles (to George): Yes?
George (to Charles): Oh, um, Mister Turn-- Charles, I really like you, quite a bit in fact. I feel that I should apologize for my behavior as of late. It's alright if you don't like me in the same way. I can live with that, but since I'll be staying here for awhile, could we, at least, be friends? I know I pick on you & tease you a bit and have given you no reason to, but I would like that very much... And, I really need to stop babbling.
Charles (to George): I like you very much, Mr..., um, George. I, um, I quite enjoy spending time with you, and, if you're amenable, I would like to continue to do so. And I do think you are a very pretty... Um, excuse me. I didn't mean to say that, sir. It just... Excuse me. Again, I'm sorry for my behavior. I was... I was rather hurt you thought I didn't enjoy spending time with you.
George (to Charles): Don't apologize. I like it when you say that stuff.
Charles (to George): Oh. Um, that's... Very good, sir. I.... I don't know what to say.
George (to Charles): Heehee, it's okay... I should get back to my breakfast. Will you meet me later?
Charles (to George): Oh! Yes! I should get back to work. Yes, I can when I'm not needed in the kitchen. I mean, I would like that.
George (to Charles): Good. I'll see you later.
A moment later:
George (to Mrs. Esterly): I'm sorry I was gone so long. Ooo, blueberry pancakes.
Mrs. Esterly (to George): I was wondering when you were going to come wandering back, dear. Breakfast is always better warm. You look like you're in a good mood.
George (to Mrs. Esterly): I am very much so... I don't mind the cold pancakes.
Mrs. Esterly (to George): I'm glad Mr. Turner was able to find you. He was quite concerned you would end up with cold food.
George (to Mrs. Esterly): Yes, he's very thoughtful, like that. :-)
Mrs. Esterly (to George): Hee hee. I'm glad to hear it. I have to get going, dear. I still have supper to prep, and I do want to make sure Nathaniel is still at home where he belongs. If you need anything alt all, please send word with Charles or Persephone. Best if you avoid the house for now.
George (to Mrs. Esterly): Yes, ma'am. Thank you for everything, Mrs. Esterly.
An hour or so later, at Aiden's house; New London, Britannia:
Persephone: Oooo, my head... Hello? Anyone out there? Let me out. Nathaniel Jones, I'm going to smack you so hard your ears are going to bleed!
Mrs. Esterly (to Persephone): Persephone!?! What on earth are you doing in there?
Persephone (to Mrs. Esterly): Nate ambushed me a couple hours ago & threw me in here. Where is he? Is he back from wherever he went? I'm gonna kill him!
Mrs. Esterly (to Persephone): Not yet, dear, and you may have to wait your turn to cause him bodily harm. Did he say anything to you? Sit down. Here. Let me get you a cuppa.
Persephone (to Mrs. Esterly): Only that he was very sorry, right before he whacked me in the back of the head. What on earth is going on?
Mrs. Esterly (to Persephone): I'm not entirely sure. Master Aiden mentioned that Delphine Delacroix grabbed him off the street last night, and asked him to find someone for her. Obviously something about it rattled him... I really dislike not having all the information.
Persephone (to Mrs. Esterly): ... I bet he's gone back to West Piedmont.
Mrs. Esterly (to Persephone): What makes you say that, dear?
Persephone (to Mrs. Esterly): Well, if he's really rattled, he might want to be somewhere he feels safe and Zoe and family are over there. Or he's run off and is trying to be a hero.
Mrs. Esterly (to Persephone): With that boy, one is as likely as the other. Will you do me a favor, dear? Could you get over to West Piedmont to see if that's where he's run off to. I'll check with a few people on the streets to see if he's wandering about.
Persephone (to Mrs. Esterly): Of course. I should be able to get a hold of Victor & get a lift. I'll be back as quick as I can... Hopefully, before Aiden comes home.
Mrs. Esterly (to Persephone): Thank you, dear.
A few minutes later:
Persephone (to Victor): Victor, can you hear me?
Victor (to Persephone): Seph? What's up? ... Wait. Did you do something?
Persephone (to Victor): What!?! No. Why is that the first thing you ask? Wait. Don't answer that... It's Nate. Something happened last night that freaked him out & he shoved me in a closet & took off. Mrs. Esterly asked me to crossover and see if he's over there. Can I get a lift?
Victor (to Persephone): ... Well, shit. Are you someplace I can skip to?
Persephone (to Victor): Yes, I'm in the back garden at Aiden's house.
Victor (to Persephone): Right. Be there in a few seconds.
Persephone (to Victor): Perfect!
A short time later, at Poppy & Vincent's apartment; West Piedmont:
Victor: Mom? Zoe? Who's home?
Zoe (to Victor): Big brother! Woohoo! You're home! What's wrong? You look upset… or possibly irritated. Mom, Dad & Lucas are over at Emma & Eep's.
Victor (to Persephone): Shit. (to Zoe) I don't suppose Nate is here, is he?
Zoe (to Victor & Persephone): No… Should he be? What's going on?
Victor (to Zoe): Uhhh... He hit Seph on the back of the head, locked her in a closet, and ran off.
Persephone (to Victor & Zoe): It was really inconvenient.
Zoe (to Victor & Persephone): Oh… Did you guys check his apartment?
Victor (to Zoe & Persephone): Not yet. That's stop #2. Seph thought he might have come here. You don't *know* anything about this, do you, Zoe?
Zoe (to Victor): What do you mean? (to Persephone) Seph, you should go check the balcony… There's something out there you might like.
Persephone (to Zoe & Victor): Oh, really? I'll give… Be right back.
Victor (to Zoe): Alright. What the hell is going on?
Zoe (to Victor): Shhhhh, he showed up a little while ago. He's asleep in my room. He didn't tell me what happened, yet.
Victor (to Zoe): So why the secrecy? And why can't Seph know? What the ruddy hell is going on?
Zoe (to Victor): I don't know. But, something happened to upset him… I think he ran into Carver. It's the only explanation.
Victor (to Zoe): Oh. Well... That would be enough to scare the hell out of anyone. ... He didn't need to hit Seph over the head, however. I can buy you a few more hours with him if you want it, but Mrs. Esterly is looking for him. He doesn't have much time. She is cross. Very, very cross.
Zoe (to Victor): Okay, I'll deal with it. I'll get him to go back I promise. Tell Mrs. Esterly that he's okay & I'll bring him home.
Victor (to Zoe): I will. I'll buy you as much time as I can, OK? (to Persephone) Seph? Ready to head out?
Persephone (to Victor): Yeah, of course. (to Zoe) You know, Zoe, I wasn't really going to hurt him.
Zoe (to Victor): Thank you, big brother. (to Persephone) I know. He's freaked. I'm sure he'll feel terrible about it later.
Victor (to Zoe): You're welcome. Give me a hug, shortcake. I'll come visit soon.
Zoe (to Victor): You better.
A few minutes later:
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Nate?
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Hey. I'm up... Calvary starting to look for me?
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Yeah. Are you going to tell me what's going on? I was guessing you ran into Carver, but is that actually it?
Nathaniel (to Zoe): ... That's part of it. He spotted me going to a pub, and got REAL interested in me. I gotta get going. I didn't mean to stay this long, but I was fucking exhausted. I just wanted to say... Heh. Nothing. Guess I felt like I needed a friend for a bit. I'll see you later, shortcake.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Whoa, whoa… What's up? You came here, crashed in my room. You better explain yourself.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): There's not much to explain. I ran into someone who knew me. Sort of. Just made a couple of things make sense, that's all.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Like what? You want to live in my room and be a closet goblin?
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Heh. Well, hell. That sure sounds tempting as shit. No, I'm just... I'm gonna see if I can set some things right, and then... I dunno. I'll... I'll figure that out when it's done.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Set things right. What do you mean? What are you up to?
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Fucking Delphine is trying to use me to find some kid. Either cause she thinks I'm a dick or cause she's gonna dump my dead ass in a pond after I do what she wants cause she doesn't think anyone will miss me. I wanna know why.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Do you really think that's such a good idea? Delphine is a nasty piece of work in any timeline.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): She's got my scent now. I'm not sure I could get rid of her if I tried. I figure the further I stay away from the people who actually know where Georgette is, the better.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Nate, Mrs. Esterly is very cross with you. Do you really think she would let you be somewhere if she thought it was endangering this Georgette person?
Nathaniel (to Zoe): She's right, you know.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): ... Who's right? What do you think she's right about?
Nathaniel (to Zoe): ... Delphine. I AM a dick. If you and Aiden and Mrs. Esterly all knew me as well as y'all think you do, you wouldn't let me anywhere near you. I haven't got time for this. I've gotta go. Take it easy, alright?
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Whoa, whoa. Nate! You're not a dick... Normally.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): You don't know that. That other version of me, HE wasn't a dick, but you know jack shit about me. Delphine drugged me to take me to that meeting. It scared the fucking shit outta me, and you know what my response was?
Zoe (to Nathaniel): To swear & be an ass?
Nathaniel (to Zoe): No. I threatened to cut her open. And I fucking meant it.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): ... Oh... Well, that's a bit of a surprise. Nate, do you know who I am? I mean, really am?
Nathaniel (to Zoe): That's not the same fucking thing, and you know it.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): I did some really horrible things before I found my family. Not Hiiri, me. So, don't talk to me about it not being the same. I know I wasn't completely myself nor were you, but you really have got to get over it.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Yeah, well... You aren't the only one. So... what? What the fuck SHOULD I do?
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Go back to Mrs. Esterly & fucking forgive yourself, okay? You have the chance to be a better version of you. Stop punishing yourself & live your life.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): ... Shit.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Now, what?
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Mrs. Esterly is going to pull out my fucking teeth. Seph'll probably strap me down and help her.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): I really doubt that Aiden will let that happen to you. I'm sure he likes your teeth where they are.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Heh. Let's fucking hope so. I'll go back, alright? You can stop using your best Mom Face on me.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): It's not a mom face.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): No? What kinda fucking face would you call it, then?
Zoe (to Nathaniel): I don't know but, I just want you to be okay.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Yeah... I know you do. S'probably why I showed up here. Somewhere in the back of my stupid fucking brain, I knew if anyone could talk me outta doing something stupid and then disappearing, it was you. I, uh, I guess I wanted you talk me outta it.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): That's what friends are for, dumbass.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): You gonna cup my balls while you say all that saccharine-ass shit to me? Gimme a hug, half pint. If I'm fucking gumming my food next time you see me, I'm blaming you entirely for convincing me to go back.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Heh. I'm sure Aiden would like that... Stop being melodramatic, you drama queen.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): Yeah. Yeah. I'll see you later.
Zoe (to Nathaniel): Bye... I love you, Nate & I'm glad you didn't do anything stupid.
Nathaniel (to Zoe): ...Thanks. Likewise. I'm glad I didn't do anything stupid too. I, uh, I think.
A short time later, at Aiden's house; New London, Britannia:
Mrs. Esterly (to Nathaniel): Nathaniel Zachariah Jones! You had better have a ruddy good explanation as to why you hit poor Persephone in the head, and then ran off like a robber in the night. I have a mind to bloody well break both your knees so I know you'll stay put!
Nathaniel (to Mrs. Esterly): Ouch. OUCH! Mr's Esterly! That ear is fucking attached!
Mrs. Esterly (to Nathaniel): You answer me with that smart mouth again, young man, and it won't be! You march yourself upstairs this instant.
Nathaniel (to Mrs. Esterly): But...
Mrs. Esterly (to Nathaniel): I said *this instant*, Mr. Jones. Ooo! I have never had to hold with such bloody insolence under MY roof in all my life.
Nathaniel (to Mrs. Esterly): Yes, ma'am.
