On the street, The Tombs; New London, Britannia:
Nathaniel (to Charles): We've been at this for hours, Chuck. How much longer are you plannin' on lookin' for this kid? It's not like this is an awesome neighborhood to spend your Sunday in you know. It's obvious he don't wanna be found.
Charles (to Nathaniel): For the love of... My name is NOT "Chuck," Mr. Jones. I want to find Smitty if I can because... I'm think he's sick. If you don't want to be here, no one is forcing you.
Amunet (to Charles & Nathaniel): Could you both shut the bloody hell up? I found someone who might know where he's hiding.
Nathaniel (to Amunet & Charles): Yeah, yeah. If that's the fucking case, let's get to it. We've had fucking eyes on us for two blocks at least.
Charles (to Nathaniel & Amunet): What!?! What the 'ell are you banging on about?
Amunet (to Charles & Nathaniel): Look, if you don't want my help. I'll happily leave you to it... There are, at least, three people tailing us. It's why I circled around earlier.
Nathaniel (to Amunet & Charles): ... They're CLANNG. Amunet, do you think you can get you an' Charles back to the bunker without too much fuss?
Charles (to Nathaniel & Amunet): I don't think splitting up is a good idea.
Amunet (to Nathaniel & Charles): I am in agreement with Mister Turner, Nate. It is best if we stay together. We can probably take them, if need be.
Nathaniel (to Amunet & Charles): You an' me? Of course we can, but I dunno about Chuck here, an' we don't know what kinda hardware they got.
Amunet (to Nathaniel & Charles): ... Nate, I believe Mister Turner can handle himself. He was in the Smith gang, after all. Right?
Charles (to Nathaniel & Amunet): Yeah... I was. Plus, if they're ruddy CLANNG they know all about who you is, and what you can do, yeah? So shut yer ruddy soup strainer, an' come on!
Nathaniel (to Charles & Amunet): Well... Look who grew a set. Alright.
Amunet (to Nathaniel & Charles): Heh... Follow me. The young man was this way.
An hour later, at an abandoned building, The Tombs; New London, Britannia:
Nathaniel (to Charles): I don't give a good goddamn WHO you think you were two goddamn years ago, Amunet said to stay put. That's what we're doin'! So sit tight, and shut the fuck up!
Meanwhile, inside:
Smitty (to Amunet): Who in the blue blazes, is you?
Amunet (to Smitty): No one of any import. I take it you're Mister McSmitts? We've been looking for you. Mister Turner has been concerned.
Smitty (to Amunet): Can't say I know either of them names. You found your way in, so find your way back out.
Viola Locklear (to Smitty): Smitty! There's strangers out in our alley. They seem to know-- Oh, um, I'm sorry. It seems they're already here.
Smitty (to Viola): ...Yeah. I was just explainin' that they 'ave me runched up wif some other bloke. (to Amunet) You an' yer mates should go.
Amunet (to Smitty & Viola): Fine… I'm going… Look, I don't have any desire to cause you problems but Mister Turner is worried about you… What's going on?
Viola (to Amunet): Back off, lady! We take care of our own. If Smitty wants you out of here then you get the hell out of here.
Smitty (to Viola): S'alright, Vee. She'll gut you. (to Amunet) Look, miss, I appreciate Mr. Turner's concern an' all, but there's no point. I got soot wart. Afflicted area's been "removed," but it's in m'guts now. Tell Charlie t'save the food an' bed for someone who'll live long enough to appreciate it.
Viola (to Amunet): Yeah… I know all about Mister Turner's ruddy concern. He can just go and rot, for all I care.
Smitty (to Viola): Vee! Gush it. Don't play yer ace when the two'll do. (to Amunet) G'bye, miss.
Viola (to Smitty): Sorry, Smitty. (to Amunet) Go on, git.
A moment later:
Viola (to Smitty): What can I get you, love?
Smitty (to Viola): Nuffin', luv. I'm right as spring rain ... You ain't gotta stay here, you know. No one would blame you if you wanted... Heh heh. Sumthin' a bit better than all this.
Viola (to Smitty): Screw that, Smitty. The last bloke who said sumfin like that to me, took off and well-- he didn't come back for awhile. So, just hush and let me make you more comfortable. I'll be here for you until you don't need me, anymore. Ok?
Smitty (to Viola): Alright. Whatever you say. Heh. I'll be the first t' warn you though, duckie. Once I go, I ain't comin' back...
Viola (to Smitty): I know. But, at least you've always been straight forward with me… Not like some people.
Smitty (to Viola): Heh. <cough> ... Don' write off them other people just yet. They might be yer best chance fer a hot meal when I'm gone.
Viola (to Smitty): I'd rather eat dirt soup than ask bloody Mister Turner for help… I'll make sure the others are taken care of. I promise.
Smitty (to Viola): Good. S'all I ask. Thank ya', Vee.
A couple minutes later:
Amunet (to Nathaniel & Charles): … We need to go. There's nothing we can do, Mister Turner.
Charles (to Amunet): What? What the ruddy 'ell do you mean? That innit right. Lemme talk to 'im.
Amunet (to Charles): It's soot wart, Mister Turner. There's no cure.
Charles (to Amunet): What do you mean it's...? Oh.
Amunet (to Charles): Yes. So unless you've suddenly gained some magical abilities over life & death, I suggest we go.
Nathaniel (to Charles & Amunet): ... C'mon. Let's get the fuck outta here.
Amunet (to Nathaniel): Of course…
An hour or so later, at the Longfellow bunker, The Tombs; New London, Britannia:
Amunet (to Nathaniel): … Bloody hell! Where did the boy run off to? Nate, we've got to go back.
Nathaniel (to Amunet): Oh shit fuckers! OK, I'll find him. Get back to the Bunker and round up whatever help you can muster.
Amunet (to Nathaniel): I don't think it was CLANNG, Nate. I think he went to see his friend. But, if you think it's serious, I'll get help.
Nathaniel (to Amunet): No. I think you're right. I think he just gave us the fuckin' slip. But I don't like this whole goddamn situation. Better paranoid than dead. Hopefully I'll find him, an' be back in a few shakes.
Amunet (to Nathaniel): I'll wait here, then… Try not to get yourself hurt. I don't want to deal with your husband.
Nathaniel (to Amunet): Heh. I wouldn't blame you. I'll be careful. I got too much to come home to not to be.
Meanwhile, back at an abandoned building, The Tombs; New London, Britannia:
Viola: Aaah, watch where you're going, you ruddy wanker! I'm carrying hot soup… (to Charles) Oh, it's you. What are you doing here?
Charles (to Viola): Sorry! I didn't mean to startle you... Does Smitty really got the Chimney Rot? I don't mean anyone any harm, you know. Honest.
Viola (to Charles): If you say so... And yeah, Smitty's a goner.
Charles (to Viola): ... Bloody 'ell. I mean I thought... I knew he wasn't well, but I had no idea it was... If he needs summit... You know, someplace to stay that's warm for a bit. He knows how to find us, yeah?
Viola (to Charles): Yeah, 'course... That all?
Charles (to Viola): ...Yeah. Suppose so. Same goes for you or any of th' others still about, miss.
Viola (to Charles): ... I'd rather fall into a pit of vipers, Charlie Turner, than to accept your ruddy help. I'll keep everyone safe, I promised Smitty I would. Don't you worry about us. I wouldn't want you to strain yourself.
Charles (to Viola): ...S'not my help that's being offered, really. I'm just th' cook. ...How do I know you?
Viola (to Charles): ... Two ruddy years and how quickly they forget. Do I really look that different, Charlie? You said you'd come back for me. I waited for months... I finally realized you weren't coming back & that it was up to me to rescue myself. Not really much of an improvement but at least, I'm not in the gang, anymore.
Charles (to Viola): ...Viola?! B-but, HOW? how're you HERE? In New London? ...How're you ruddy ALIVE? They said you was... Philip too! What about Philip? Where's your brother? He here too?
Viola (to Charles): He got nicked & shipped off somewheres, not sure where. He knows where to find me, if he's able. As for me being here & alive, it was no thanks to you. We scammed an old conductor for a lift on the train & jumped off when we got here. Smitty took us in when no one else wouldn't bother, so there you are.
Charles (to Viola): Th-they said you, Philip & the Olsens all got cornered by a rival kidsman's boys. Said your throats was slit. ...Bloody 'ell! Bloody 'ELL! Course he did! He wanted me, Hobbs an' Murphy t'go visit Big Ginger Tom. Course he bloody tol' me that...
Viola (to Charles): You always were a bit of a softie, Charlie.
Charles (to Viola): Wot? Soft! Just cuz I didn't care t'go 'round maiming an' murdering folk just on bloody Achilles's say so? No, no. You're ruddy right. I was bloody soft. I'm softer now... Vee, you shouldn't stay here just cuz you're mad with me. Not when there's a better option.
Viola (to Charles): Better option? That school thing sounds a bit iffy to me... 'Sides some of the kids don't want to go 'til Smitty's gone... They keep thinkin' he's gonna get better. I don't want to take away their one little bit of hope.
Charles (to Viola): ...Yeah. I shouldn't think so. I won't keep you ... I know you don't want nuthin' from the likes of me, an' I don't blame you.
Viola (to Charles): ... We'll see.
Charles (to Viola): Once I got away from the Smiths, I didn't look back real hard, did I? But if you need somefin'... You know where I am.
A few minutes later, on the street:
Charles: Bloody 'ell...
Nathaniel (to Charles): You can a fucking hard guy to track down, you know that? Come on!
Charles (to Nathaniel): M-- Mister Jones...
Nathaniel (to Charles): Don't say shit. Just move! We don't got time to stand around with our thumbs up our asses!
Charles (to Nathaniel): Don't! Don't bloody touch me! I think I can take a minute t'bloody well collect myself, yeah?
Nathaniel (to Charles): No, we really don't. Charles ... CHARLES! Goddamn it, boy!
An hour or so later, in Longfellow bunker, The Tombs; New London, Britannia:
Nathaniel: Hello? Amunet? Aunt Poppy? Where the good goddamn is everyone?
Amunet (to Nathaniel): Hush. Your aunt & Fiona went out to deal with your tails. I was told to wait here for your return. So, calm down.
Nathaniel (to Amunet): I fuckin' lost Charles.
Amunet (to Nathaniel): ... How on earth did you do that? I thought you were supposed to be good at that sort of thing.
Nathaniel (to Amunet): I am! ...Well, I usually am. He pulled outta my grasp and was down an alley before I could grab him.
Amunet (to Nathaniel): Shit... Well, he's on his own. We can't keep running around looking for the little twit. I need to get back. I've got work.
A few minutes later:
Nathaniel (to George): I'm sorry, George. I haven't been able to find hide nor hair of Charles... I'm sure he'll be bacl soon.
George (to Nathaniel): What!?! Take me to the last place you saw him, right now!
Nathaniel (to George): ... Alright. I probably shouldn't. 'Specially not at night, but... I'd be demanding the same thing if Aiden were missing. Come on.
George (to Nathaniel): Less talking and more walking, Nate… I'll find him on my own, if I have to.
A short time later, in the street, The Tombs; New London, Britannia:
George (to Nathaniel): … So, what happened? Why did you get separated? I thought you went out to look for that Smitty bloke.
Nathaniel (to George): I caught up with him here. He was upset about somethin'. I was gonna get us home, but he ran off down that alley. Amunet found him, but he didn't wanna come back with us. Seems like he's dying. Charles gave us the slip, the first time, and he went to talk Smitty.
George (to Nathaniel): Okay... Thank you. You can head back. I'll find him.
Nathaniel (to George): … I'm sure you will. You positive you don't want me sticking around in case you need a quick ride home?
George (to Nathaniel): Yeah... If he's upset, the last person he needs to see is one the people he freaked in front of. I'll be fine, I promise.
Nathaniel (to George): ... Fair enough. Here. If you need to get out fast, gimme a call, OK?
George (to Nathaniel): Besides, I'm sure your family will be wondering where you are. I wouldn't want to get on Lily's bad side. ;-p
Nathaniel (to George): You're welcome. Be careful, and stay frosty.
George (to Nathaniel): I will. Thank you again.
A short time later:
George (to Charles): Charles? I know you're up there... Are you alright? Are you hurt or something?
Charles (to George): ... George? Bloody 'ell... I'm here. How did you know where to find me?
George (to Charles): ... If I told you I'd have to kill you. Heh... Your lapel pin, it's a tracker. Miss Poppy suggested it. I'm glad she did. Are you okay? Everyone's been worried about you.. Well, mostly Mister Jones. Who I probably owe a big apology to, later.
Charles (to George): Oh... Shit. I... I didn't mean to be such a bother. I just needed to shake the cobwebs outta my head. Smitty's got the soot wart, an' one of his group knew me. From two years ago... I promised her and her brother I'd get them outta the gang when when I left. I didn't. Obviously.
George (to Charles): ... Makes sense you needing a good hideout for a bit but taking off when folks have been known to grab you. Not smart.
Charles (to George): Heh... No. I suppose not. I'll keep that in mind for next time. ...Sorry I missed making supper.
George (to Charles): I'm sure someone else took care of it. I'm just glad you're okay... So, who was this girl to upset you so much?
Charles (to George): Yeah. I ain't hurt... This is bloody embarrassin', innit? You having t'come fetch me cuz I ran off like a scared rabbit. Vee, Viola, I mean. She an' her brother used t'be my mates. They fell in with Smitty after running off. Seems Phil's been shipped off after he got collared, an' from the looks she was givin' me, Vee's 'oping I get gutted an' die good an' slow... I thought they was both dead.
George (to Charles): Heh... I'm sure she doesn't want you to die. Probably just hurt a lot. C'mon, let's get home.
Charles (to George): Yeah... Thank you for coming to find me, Wildcat. I'd have slunk home soon enough. But after that, it's nice to feel wanted.
George (to Charles): Heh. I only came to find you because who would make the scones if you weren't around, Charlie? :-P
Charles (to George): Heh... Does it make me shallow if I don't care WHY you want me, so long as you do?
George (to Charles): Heh. Probably... But, I won't complain. :-P
Charles (to George): I should get back to the Bunker and get started on the scones, if that's the case. ...Do you see my tie?
George (to Charles): Is that it over there?
Charles (to George): Yes! Thank goodness. I lost the top button on my shirt, and I haven't gotten around to replacing it yet. Heh. The tie is the only thing keeping my collar closed at the moment.
George (to Charles): Heh. I don't think you'll start a scandal if your collar is open... But, we could certainly start one if you'd like.
Charles (to George): Oh! Um... Heh. I know I won't cause a scandal it's just that I want to, um, you know. Cover the thing. Th-- the tattoo... That's a bit... Heh heh. Um. That is VERY distracting.
George (to Charles): Good.
