Below The Surface - A Lackadaisy Fanfiction

Ashes

The atmosphere within the dim office was nerve wracking, yet that was nothing new for Lacrimosa Ambrose. She knew exactly how to establish fear into those who she considered prey. The girl in front of her was no exception. Especially with looking so familiar, it drove Lacrimosa up the walls. Now, she had a bloodlust, the more days passed. Soon, the event at the Lackadaisy speakeasy will arrive, and she will have her ways. More murders than ever...if Heller doesn't ruin it. She thought bitterly, biting back the urge to grimace.

"So, Esther...you're looking for someone near and dear to you?" She exhaled some cigarette smoke, sneering, and then her mouth curled into a crooked grin.

"Yes...that is correct."

Esther was: she had traveled all the way from New York to St. Louis in hopes of seeing family. Her brother, no less.

Yes: Esther Heller, twenty six years old, was on a mission to find Mordecai. Yes, she had received letters upon letters from Mordecai, and they would more than definitely keep in touch. However, she needed to speak with him on urgent matters. She just came from New York, and was downright dedicated. Though, she wasn't the one Lacrimosa called to finish a job...she just happened to run into her jazz lounge: The Siren's Pier.

"How come I've never seen your pretty little face around?~" Lacrimosa leaned forward. Esther raised a brow, frowning deeply.

"I'm from New York, ma'am. I came with my sister, but she's currently waiting outside of the office as we speak." She sat up straighter.

"How old is she?" Lacrimosa drew in another breath, another intake of smoke.

"Twenty one."

"Ah, young girl. Is she fancying anyone at the moment?"

Esther frowned, eyebrows furrowing. "That much is none of your concern."

"Mhh, a pity." Lacrimosa frowned, leaning back. "...you and your sister are looking for your brother?"

"Yes ma'am."

"Call me Lacrimosa, sweetheart."

"...alright, Lacrimosa."

Lacrimosa grinned at Esther. "Say, tell me your name: last name." She examined the female tuxedo cat in front of her. She looked at her dark, low-braided hair, her black, circular glasses, her white undershirt with slacks, the black shoes, and the dark trench coat adorned. This made Lacrimosa's eyes glare with fury now. Not another one, she pondered hatefully, we don't need another damn Heller.

"...Heller. Esther Heller." Esther set her hands in her lap.

"Oh, your brother is here." Lacrimosa tried to keep up the sweet facade. Now at this, Esther perked up.

"Actually? You aren't bluffing?" She wanted confirmation, speaking in a brash tone. It was not to be rude: she just hadn't seen her brother in forever.

"I wouldn't bluff." Lacrimosa pressed her hands to her own chest. "How long has it been since you saw dear ole brother Mordecai?~" She was very much mocking her now.

"He left New York seven years ago, leaving Mom, Rose and I. We hadn't expected him to leave, but...nonetheless he was persistent with keeping in touch with the family. I do not blame him one bit. However, this does not excuse the fact that he abandoned us." Esther confirmed curtly.

"Of course, of course," Lacrimosa drawled, "but what I can confirm is that he's working for smuggling alcohol~" She leaned forward again.

"...he's what." Esther's pupils slit at a violent speed.

"Ohh, yes, I'm afraid." Lacrimosa frowned, pretending to be wounded. "Smuggling it into the Maribel Hotel. He even used to do this for Lackadaisy!"

"...he could have died. Does he not realize how stupid that is?! Just going willy–nilly and—" Esther cut herself off. She scowled at the woman in front of her, now rising to her feet. "I request the address for Maribel Hotel. Immediately."

Lacrimosa grinned, writing down the address on a piece of paper. She gave it to Esther. Esther snatched it with a furious haste, gripping it while mumbling a quick thank you. She had rushed out of the office.

"Rose, get up: we found Mordecai." She narrowed her eyes. Rose Heller, twenty one, immediately stood up and nodded.

"Where did you find him?" She asked, moving closer to Esther. Both of them left at a quick pace now, staring at the paper in Esther's hands.

"Maribel Hotel: come on. We're getting a cab." She was urgent about this.

"Gotcha!" Rose held Esther's hand, eyes lighting up. She let out a little squeal, beaming. "Can't wait to see Mordecai again!"

The two rushed out of the jazz lounge. Silas perked up, watching them incredulously.

"Patrons?" He turned to Mandisa.

"Visitors." She corrected him.

"Ah."

"But I don't think this is gonna be good, with how fast they're going."

"No," Silas sighed, clinking martini glasses with Mandisa, "no it will not."

"This is gonna be one long day..." Mandisa huffed, sitting back.

And she was right.

****

Lacrimosa, meanwhile, leaned back in her chair. She made sure her door was closed before calling her little "patron" again. "I need you here quicker," She chided, "the Heller sisters are on their way."

"I'm three minutes from the lounge, ma'am." The voice cut in.

"Excellent. Don't dilly-dally."

"Oh trust me, I won't."

"It'll all be over soon, thanks to you, mei deliciae~" Lacrimosa purred, playing with a rose. She tapped her cigarette, and the embers dropped onto the rose petal, making it light up in a gentle flame and crumble, decay and burn away. "...it's time to make some changes. Starting with the little Golden Boy~"

"...don't worry. I'll make sure he, Roark, Calvin, Ivy, and the Savoys are dealt with." The voice continued with an edge to her tones. "...this place is gonna go down in flames. I'll burn all the ashes down."

"Good." Lacrimosa's eyes narrowed, glowing. "Don't disappoint me. Get over here quick."

"...I won't disappoint you." And with that, the girl Lacrimosa talked to hung up.

"Good," Lacrimosa deadpanned, "very good. I don't want anything else to happen." She gazed at the bulletin board with the Marigold and Daisy gangs, and their photos pinned. She pulled out a knife from her desk, sauntering over to the bulletin board, and stabbing it with her knife. She aimed directly for Mordecai's picture. She exhaled her smoke, and it made her look sadistic, almost dragon–like. Then, she gave a sadistic grin.

"It'll take one thing before that boy starts crumbling."