Orphic | Lockwood & Co.

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐎𝐍𝐄

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𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐂𝐀𝐁 𝐑𝐎𝐋𝐋𝐄𝐃 𝐓𝐎 a stop beneath a ghost-lamp that had just flickered on. As she stepped out of the vehicle and thanked the driver, Erin Michalski could hear the mechanical hum of the appliance, the vibrant green shine of its bulbs iridescent in the still fading sunset. The sky was a cool, slate blue, fading into a heather purple that blended into a fierce crimson red on the horizon. The autumnal turn of the seasons had always brought beautiful paintings with the sky as it's canvas. It was a shame that no one particularly enjoyed sunsets anymore. It was a reminder of the onset of night, the horrors that lived in the darkness, and the terror to be faced if one wasn't careful.

With her heavy duffel bag of supplies in her right hand, her glittering rapier sitting on her hip, Erin strode across the rather deserted street alongside her employer, colleague, and best friend, Anthony Lockwood. He, too, held a duffel bag of supplies and had a rapier attached to the belt around his waist. His stride was much more of a saunter than a walk, unlike Erin, who opted for a simple strut. Wind blew, rolling fallen leaves across the asphalt at their feet.

"Let's go over our plans again," Anthony spoke as they made their way up to the location of their job for the night. It was a large, grand house made of brick and white accents in the Gothic Revival style popular throughout the London suburbs. "I'll test you on the plans in random order. As you know, we never know which one we'll need and when. It's vital we can communicate quickly and clearly in as few words as possible."

"Well, you're off to a good start," Erin muttered sarcastically. "It only took you thirty words to explain what you're about to do—which is something that I am very good at, if I must remind you."

"Don't be facetious, Erin," Anthony sighed and Erin merely gave him an innocent, wry smile. He glimpsed her and rolled his eyes playfully at her expression. "We really don't have time. Now, what's Plan C?"

"Plan C means whoever isn't in combat makes a defensive circle," Erin answered—correctly, she would add. She didn't give him a chance to ask her again; instead, she just kept going on her own. "Plan E means you fight the Visitor while I deal with the Source. Plan D is the other way round. Plan B is salt-bombs. Plan A is lavender water, and Plan F is Greek fire, which should only be used indoors under carefully controlled circumstances."

Anthony regarded her with amazement. "Ten out of ten," he complimented.

"There were only six."

"Damn." He smiled that Anthony Lockwood smile—the kind that was meant to charm and make you feel as if everything were all right. "I'll have to think of another four."

Erin raised an eyebrow, casting a sideways glance at him. "I thought you said there wasn't any time to be facetious," she pointed out.

His grin only widened as he flicked his hand up toward his eyes, checking the time on his watch. "Well, we're slightly ahead of schedule," he told her with a grin, prompting Erin to roll her own eyes playfully.