[ Glow ] ~ Anthony Lockwood x OC

XXI - Yellow Vans

DEPRAC. That's what was waiting for the team once they got outside; yellow vans and men in grey hazmat suits. Daniel let out a groan as they were forced outside by DEPRAC agents, wanting nothing more than to be closer to Anthony because she knew it'd make her feel safe. "We're agents. This is our job." George protested as they were shoved out the doors to Combe Carey.

"We are employed to be here. You've no right to do this." Lockwood added, looking from his team over to Barnes and Wade standing in front of them. They didn't look very happy, though when their gaze landed on Daniel it seemed they only got further upset and ever so slightly worried. 

"I gave you an order not to work." Barnes stated simply, directing his words at Lockwood. 

"Yes, sir. You did. And I understand that-" 

"Shut up." 

"I knew you couldn't follow the rules, for even one night. But you'll listen now. Anthony Lockwood, George Karin, Lucy Carlyle," Barnes seemed to hesitate, grimacing slightly when he got to Daniel. "Daniel Aiken, I'm arresting you for conducting an unlicensed psychical investigation in direct violation of a DEPRAC ruling." 

"We just survived an attempted murder." Lockwood's words were panted, heavy. "John Fairfax killed Annabel Ward, and he brought us here to kill us too. And this is the same John Fairfax who your department has been hand in glove with for the last decade." Daniel frowned at Lockwood's tone, placing a careful hand on his shoulder in attempts to calm him down a bit. 

"Sir, it's true. He just strangled her and left her to rot in that chimney." Lucy butt in. 

"And why would I believe a word you say, Carlyle?" 

"Barnes, she's telling the truth." Daniel's voice was small, smoke in her lungs and a slight hiss to her breaths. She wasn't in very good shape. Instead of looking at Daniel as she talked, Barnes instead sent a disapproving glare in Anthony's direction as if it were his fault she'd been hurt.

"Sir, they're not lying. We have proof." George huffed, moving to dig through his pocket and Daniel couldn't help but grimace. Their picture proving that Fairfax and Ward knew each other wouldn't hold up well with the law, she knew how this worked. "This entire job was a trap. Ask Ellie. She heard Fairfax confess too." 

Barnes took the photo, looking over for it. "Well, if this is true, that means-"

"Inspector Barnes." Quill Kipps, he smirked as his eyes ran over Daniel's bruised state and she nearly growled at him. Hmm. . .maybe George was right. Maybe she was a psychopath. "Sorry to interrupt, sir. The deputy commissioner has just arrived." 

Barnes looked like he was fighting with his thoughts for a moment before he waved at Lockwood & Co. "Get 'em in the van." He ordered, moving to leave. 

"Inspector- Inspector you have to believe me."

Daniel pushes the unfamiliar hands off of her, glaring at the person who's attached to them. "I can walk myself." 

Barnes gave the DEPRAC employee a harsh nod, assuring that she was fine to walk without being forced in the direction. She walked in front of her team, Lockwood close to her back as she climbed into the van. He held his hand planted against the van, keeping a barrier between Daniel and Quill Kipps. 

"They're saying you killed Sir John Fairfax." Kipps grinned slightly with his words. "Guess you'll make the papers after all."

"What are you even doing here?" George asked as he clambered into the van behind Lucy.

"I'm Fittes's special liaison. We help keep an eye out for rogue agents. Nice knowing you." Kipps called as he slid the DEPRAC van door closed. 

Anthony stood, slamming his fist into the barred door that stood between them and the driver's seat. "I'll go to the papers." He breathed out heavily as he started to pace the length of their makeshift cell. "I'll ruin them. I'll tell everyone."