AC Syndicate: Isolated Files [OS]

By the Order of the Creed [Crossover]

[Assassin's Creed Syndicate / Peaky Blinders – 5/5]

Both remained silent in the living room, staring at each other. Neither of them really knew what the other was thinking. It was impossible to read each other. But he was sure that after this meeting, the Garrison's new waitress would put her cards on the table. She would finally reveal what he had always suspected about her: who or what she was working for? And why she was interested in the Peaky Blinders.

– I expected a bit more appreciation, she remarked, looking up. Like giving me my ring back, she gave as an example, resting her eyes on him.

Thomas didn't react any more. He continued to observe the woman standing in front of him. The silence persisted despite her words, she paced in front of him and continued, referring implicitly to the Templars:

– Not to mention their superiors, whom you strengthened with your misdeeds, and who decided to eliminate you because you were too unstable. Because at any moment, you would turn your back on them, which could compromise their project. Besides, they had promised your Peaky Blinders to this Italian mafia once you'd been eliminated.

She stopped in front of him, hands behind her back. She kept the good humour on her face.

– But I guess you're more demanding than I expected, she admitted.

The man with the blue eyes had assimilated all the information she was giving him. He was pleased to see that she was as sincere as he had sensed during the silent exchange at the gang's headquarters. 

– Oh, and you're welcome for John. It was a pleasure saving him. Even if, to thank me, he did point his gun at me.

He finally stood up, putting his free hand in his trouser pocket. He turned away from the coffee table to approach her, showing the ring at face level.

– You wouldn't have done all that to get your ring back, would you?

With these words, Thomas implied that he knew she had deliberately left the jewel in Arthur's sight, that he knew they were spying on them. Amy was pleased to see that he was as clever as his reputation suggested. These strategies that they had both foiled, but were still playing the game... that was very interesting, even attractive.And this proximity wasn't helping matters. But maybe next time. This was no time to flinch.

– I hope you have enough whisky for tonight, Mr Shelby. We're going to be doing a lot of talking.

She raised her hand to the same height as his to retrieve the ring. He let her fingertips touch his as he retrieved the ring.

Then he turned to pick up his glass and head for the sideboard. He took out a second glass, while inviting her to remove her coat and the paraphernalia on her arm. A gauntlet as ingenious as it was strange, which attracted his curiosity. But this was not the time for that. He poured the whisky into the two glasses and placed them on the coffee table while she cleared away and placed her things on a chair. Amy's glass was opposite Thomas'. This was his way of showing her that she should sit there. She complied.

Once settled, she slammed her ring on the table, keeping her fingertips on it. Thomas looked at the symbol she wanted to show him with this gesture. Then she withdrew her hand to sink into the sofa, glass of whisky in the other hand.

–  This, Mr Shelby...

– Thomas, he corrected. It seems we're going to be spending the evening together, so we might as well go by our first names.

– Very well, then. Thomas, this is the symbol of the Brotherhood I belong to. We are Assassins, and we wear this emblem to identify and recognise ourselves.