The Fault in his Assasin

Chapter 8- Seeking the truth

Recap

"But I didn't say we couldn't cuddle." I kissed her nose, grinning when she crinkled it in response.

"Alright. Just sleeping."

"Mhhmm." I hummed, closing my eyes. We both fell asleep.

Now on with the story!

Jo POV

When next I open my eyes, the sky beyond the windows is still dark and the fire has burned down to embers. I look over at Maggie who had rolled away from me. Only her curly hair sticks out from under the duvet. I smile and edge my way out of the bed to avoid waking her. Once my bare feet touch the cool wood, I stand and stretch. Quickly slipping on my robe, I leave Maggie's room, tiptoeing. The large house is silent and dark as I creep down the corridor to my room. Opening it the door, I only have a minute to close it before my windowpane shatters as a rock is thrown in. I barely restrain a gasp and rush over, cautiously peeking out. I seek a cloaked figure riding away on a dark horse and scowl. Perhaps just to scare me...no, a note. I think, looking at where the rock had fallen. Bending, I pick it up and untie the string that had tied the red envelope and rock together. 

Opening the envelope, I pull out the card. On it are 7 simple words: 

"Scared yet? Next time, I won't miss."

I swallow another gasp and throw both card and envelope into the fireplace. I change quickly and glance out the window. The sky is slowly lightening as the sun rises and I know I should get back to Maggie before she wakes. 

Ten minutes later, I'm back in her room, sitting in front of the fire with a cup of tea that Susan had just delivered. Maggie was still asleep and I was thinking hard over who would've delivered that note. I didn't hear my girl come up behind me. She wraps her arms around my shoulder and places a sloppy kiss on my neck before moving to sit in the other chair. She blinks sleepily and accepts the tea I hand to her. Sipping quietly, I watch her. 

"Stop watching me." She mumbled, rubbing at her eyes. She smiles at me.

I grin back. "You're too beautiful to not watch." I tease. She just laughs. "Come on, get ready, I need to take you to meet someone." I motion with my hands. She pokes her tongue out at me but moves to do as I ask.

Almost a half-hour later, we are walking down the streets of London. We reach the moderately sized townhouse and I knock. A smiling India greets me. "Jojo! It's lovely to see you." She catches Maggie's eye. "And you must be Maggie! Come in, both of you!" 

She ushers us in and French comes in, a frown in place and a sheaf of papers in hand. Upon seeing me, his frown deepens before disappearing. "Jo. Lady Walters." He nods emotionlessly. My eyes drift back to the papers and I ask him the question with my eyes. He simply shakes his head. He turns into his study but returns shortly, smiling now and empty handed. The four of us sit down to tea and I explain why I'm here, my hand in Maggie's.

"India, French...I need you to keep Maggie safe for a couple of days. Just two, maybe three." I say quickly, before Maggie can protest.

"Hey! Why, I'd be perfectly safe at the house!" She pouts.

"Not until your parents return. Please...Just do this. I'll come back as soon as I can." I say, kissing her fingers.

She pales. "You mean...are you leaving? Where are you going? Let me come with you!" She says, adamant.

"You know I can't Kitten..." 

This entire time, The other two have been silent. Now India speaks up. "Maggie...dear... Jo knows what she's taking about...and we can be friends...I'd love to get to know the woman who's captured our Jo's heart." she finishes with a smile. 

Maggie keeps her eyes on me. "Jo...Promise me you'll come home to me." I stay silent. "Jo..." She pleads.

I turn my face away from her so she can't see the lie in my eyes. "I promise." India stands to lead her out but Maggie shakes her off to give me a kiss before allowing herself to be led away. "I turn to French. "Still have my suit? And a place to change?" I ask, offering a weak smile. 

He scrubs his face. "Jo...what are you planning?" He asks. I don't answer. That's my burden. He sighs and hangs his head. 

I take his pause as an opening. "What were those papers from before?" I ask, brow furrowed.

He laughs bitterly. "You know that boy...Will, I had though I recognized him. Come." He stands, leading my to his study. Once inside, he hands me the papers. 

As I read through them, pieces of the puzzle begin to fall into place. 

French nods when I look up at him, eyes wide. "When I worked the recon mission in Budapest, I ran into him. Jo, He's always been part of Boss' network. He's an excellent sharp shooter and master of disguise. I surprised he wasn't wearing a disguise when I met him." 

I just look back down at the papers. "How...I...He seemed so...normal." I whisper. I knew who had shot at Maggie just yesterday. And who had thrown the note this morning. Anger bubbled up inside me. "Suit. Now." I growled at French. He nods and goes to a drawer, opening it and throwing the slick fabric at me. Then he leaves. I slip into the skin-tight leggings and shirt. Moving quickly, I put the invisible armor over my middle and my legs, freeing up my arms. Then the belt goes around my waist, the pouches hanging with spare arrow tips and daggers. I slip on the fingerless gloves and then tie my hair into a tight ponytail. A stray curl falls in my face but I just tuck it behind an ear. I don't have time to waste anymore. Once I'm done. I stride out of the house,  nodding to French as I go. 

I have a man to kill and another to torture.

I make my way stealthily through the dark alley's of the seedy part of London. I slip into an empty tavern and flash my dagger and the barkeep. His eyes widen and he lets me into the back room. Rolling a barrel out of the way, he reveals the secret door and I slip inside the small hallway. It is a secret passage that lets out right near Boss' office. No one knew about it save for me. Now it had come in handy. Once I reach the main complex, I hide behind the wall hanging as The study door opens. I can tell by their heavy feet that two men just walked out. 

"Aw, come on Will. Join us fer a pint!" One says, voice nasally and grating. My blood boils but I don't move. That bastard.

"Not tonight Garret. I have work to finish." Will chuckles darkly, Garret joining in. 

"I see. Paying the girls a visit...perhaps with a knife?" He asks. Their voices fade as the move down the corridor, discussing different ways to kill me and Maggie. I scowl and wait till I'm sure their gone before creeping out. I slip open the study door and step in, closing and locking the heavy wooden door behind me.

"Jo. I was expecting you darling." Boss speaks up. He's sitting comfortably in front of the fire, a glass of scotch in hand. I scowl and walk up in front of him. 

"Why? You knew what would happen but you sent me anyway." I ask. He doesn't answer for a long time. Finally I snort and drag him up. I quickly tie his hands behind his back and gag him. I kick open another secret door behind his book case and push him through. I can't risk interrogating him in the complex. I'll be taking him to one of my safe-houses. Then I'll return for Will.

Okay! So...This is a bit longer and took ages to write. First, I moved and that was...intense. I start college in another month and that's exciting! But, in the move, I lost my notebook that had my basic story board and the the original direction of the plot changed. Let me know what you guys think and where you think this'll go! I'll be back soon with Maggie's view and what happens to Boss!

Much love! <3