[ Glow ] ~ Anthony Lockwood x OC

XLX - Dark Waters

"The docks are always mucky." Daniel sighed, walking hand in hand with her boss. He had a bright smile on his face, because when did he not have a huge smile during dire situations, while the three of them jogged the final steps toward Florence and George.

"You're late." George spat out.

"Sorry, things got a bit weird." Lucy defended, slightly out of breath. 

"We were hunted." Daniel smiled.

"What?!" George nearly scoffed. "Psycho. . ." He muttered, off put by her smile. "Did you get the Dulac book?"

"Yeah, course we did. Now, what's the plan?" Anthony asked.

"Well, the auction's starting any minute and Winkman's locked down all the streets around it. So, basically, we're screwed."

"Oh, have a little faith, George. London ain't just streets, you know. Now stay close and no talking." Florence walked past Daniel and Lockwood, the other four following close behind. They found themself on a small fisher boat, Flo at the wheel. 

"I don't know why I didn't think of this." Anthony chuckled.

"It's what you pay me for, Locky." She responded. The group remained quiet as they pulled up to the side of a building Flo docked the boat along the side of the river underneath a bridge. 

"Is this it? Looks deserted." George whispered, looking around. 

"That gangway takes you to the back of Fothergill's. No entrance from the street, but there's a hatch into the basement. It's unlocked. I've made sure." Flo looked Anthony straight in his eyes. "Get in, get out, and get back. But give me a warning. 'Cause I can't wait out here. It's way too exposed." Flo shook her head gently. "Radio me." She handed Lockwood a radio.

"You're the best, Flo." He responded with a gentle nod, grabbing the handle of the boat and stepping up to get out. 

"Hold up. I need one of you to stay. Whatever you do in there, you'll be coming out hot. If we're gonna get away quick enough, I need someone else doing this shit." She informed, pulling on a thick rope."

"We could draw straws. . ." Lucy looked wearily at Anthony, while Daniel rolled her eyes. She wasn't staying. No fucking way. She stepped up, using Anthony's arm as a handle, and stepped onto the dry land. 

"Don't be kind. It's unbearable. It's clearly me." George snarked out, handing the bag to Lockwood. 

"You don't mind?" 

"Of course I mind. But, who gives a shit? This is Bickerstaff's bone glass. We have to get it." Lucy nodded at George's words, moving over toward Lockwood and Daniel. "Don't mess this up." 

Their boss gave a grin before nodding and stepping up next to Daniel. 

"Be careful." Florence warned just as Lucy was getting off the boat. "They're a lot worse than ghosts." 

"Don't I know it." Daniel muttered, smiling and saluting at Florence and George before the three walked off toward the alley. They jogged across a bridge, Daniel right behind Lockwood. Turning a corner, the three teens found themselves at a side window covered by wooden shutters that Anthony pried open. Just like Flo promised, it was unlocked. 

Lockwood threw his bag down before jumping in himself. He took Daniel's hand, helping her hop down into the cellar like room, taking Lucy's bag. They closed the shutters behind themselves, trying to leave no trace that would alert anyone to their presence, and started gearing up. 

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Word Count - 566

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Published - January 26, 2025

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