Legacy // H.S

36.

'Everyone knows about it

From the Queen of England to the Hounds of Hell'

*

'Good to see you again, Atlas.'

Niall stands on the corner outside the Tower of London, a cigarette perched between his lips as he shields under a shop front from the rain. Still keeping up the disguise, he's dressed in his uniform as a cleaner of the building. He snuck away from his duties, taking a conveniently scheduled fifteen-minute break to meet me outside and discuss our strategy.

Today I'll be fronting as a maintenance worker, visiting the tunnels under the Tower to ensure they're clear for our heist. The heist that is now just three weeks away. Everything else is prepared, this is just a final confirmation that we're ready. In truth, we know the tunnels are clear and the entrances are easy to slip in and out of, but it's best to make sure. Considering a mole is still in our ranks, any piece of information could get to Hugo, and this isn't one we can afford to let slip.

'Uniform suits you, Niall,' I say, eyeing up the slightly dishevelled nature of his hair and the shirt that's been incorrectly buttoned. 'Who was it this time? Another cleaner or a steward?' I ask.

He laughs and shrugs his shoulders. Always a lady's man, Niall, and he likes to make sure everyone knows it. 'Actually, the head of cleaning. She's a fox.' He winks at me, then exhales some smoke as I roll my eyes. 'Got to find some entertainment in this place. They're just willing participants.'

'In her office or a supply closet?' I continue. His antics never fail to make me smile. At least one of us is having a good time.

He sucks in a sharp breath, looking away from me for a moment. 'By the bins this time. No cameras.'

'You're relentless!'

'Just eager, Atlas. Always eager.'

Even midweek, the Tower is busy today. Mainly tourists that have chosen a ridiculous time to visit us during the late winter months, and school students here on mandated trips that they'd all rather avoid. The rain has caused most people to sit in the cafes surrounding the building, with a few office working individuals pacing between them looking for the best seat as they carry their work through their break. That's one thing I don't miss about working a standard 9-5; the mundane conversations about emails and calls that seem to follow you until you're home.

Still, seeing the Tower always leaves me feeling slightly breathless. Excitement coursing through my veins, an adrenaline that has my heart beating faster, and an insatiable hunger for what's inside those walls. The first time I came here with Harry, it felt like the start of something truly wonderful. The promise of greatness. Since then, we've had far too many hurdles to jump over, often forgetting what brought us together in the first place, but standing here, everything is as fresh as the first blooming flower of spring.

Niall finishes his cigarette, throwing it to the floor and crushing it under his shoe. He pushes his hands into his pocket, hoping to bring some warmth to them. 'What's the plan, then? We can go from there.'

I check the watch on my wrist, currently covered by the thick layered gear I'm having to wear for the job. 'I'm set to meet them in about fifteen minutes. Having to do some routine checks around the site first, but Liam told me what questions they'll ask and how to answer them. Then, we'll head to the Crown Jewels rooms, where the public will be kept out of for some time. Checking the locks, down the tunnels, and so on. We should be checking all the exits, too, so I'm just making sure they match up with the plans that Liam has.'