The Known/Unknown Quantity

Chapter 185: I Know What You Are. I Know Where You Came From

Chapter 185: I Know What You Are. I Know Where You Came From

Two sets of people went about their business this morning.

One waited for the other to proceed in their direction. And their encounter would be an exchange of information, and maybe, more inquiry.

Also, a visitor who was quickly wearing out his welcome.

The two boys wanted to cover their ears. The jabber of this guest was excessive, and grating.

"I didn't –ing sign up for this," Greasy grumbled, trying to tune out the ceaseless nattering.

"Agreed," Warlock griped wearily. "But he won't be our problem for long. Then it gets interesting."

Greasy kicked the steps of the bandstand. "You expectin' a show?"

"With all that's happened?" Warlock grinned with spiteful glee. "With good ol' Uncle having to deal with this guy?" He thumbed the excessive talker over his shoulder. "I can't wait."

"Woll, wait no longer, nephews," Crowley interrupted, appearing out of nowhere. "No better time than the present."

Warlock's grin shrunk sourly at being caught unaware. Crowley's face made home for the grin, brandishing it as if to say, yes, I can see the scoreboard in your head.

"The present," Greasy told him bluntly, unperturbed by his miraculous entry. "The only time to do anything with."

The demon cocked his head, impressed. "My, my, young man. You amaze with your insight."

"Because I come off fick?" Greasy scowled dully.

"Don't take it as an insult," Crowley shrugged, stuffing his hands in his pockets. "Take my advice, and embrace the disguise."

The boy stared at him, and jerked a nod, then added," You know what else about time?"

"Much, but I'm standing on pins and needles to hear your acumen."

"No sense in worrying about things too much, when time carries us forward. Two hours. Fifteen minutes. Years and years. Sooner or later, time carries us all from one place to the next."

"Wonderful. Brilliant. And where will time carry you today?"

"Away from this asshole, if we're lucky," Warlock interjected. "Can we get this over with? We have places to be."

The demon bit his tongue, and waited.

"They're waiting for us, those little kids," Warlock added, suddenly serious.

The demon stood in front of the boys, studying the rich young man. Amazing where time can take you indeed.

With that, Crowley motioned them away, and the boys gratefully parted like a curtain and tore down to the sidewalk. In their wake, Aziraphale appeared, gliding and knitting his hands, his head turned upward to the visitor, his eyes wide with in trepidation.

"You ready for this, angel?" Crowley leaned to him as they both inspected the waiting figure sitting in the stand.

"No better time than the present," the angel joked nervously. Then his brow fell. "Funny. I was so looking forward to this. And now it's a bit daunting."

"I can come with you."

"No, no, I'm fine." Aziraphale laid a hand on his dark sleeve and flickered a smile to him. "Angel business. I'm ready."