Tides of deception ✺ Outlander/Stephen Bonnet Fanfic

♤35. No less treacherous

As the afternoon sunlight cast its gentle glow across London, Stephen prepared for his meeting with Bertie. He knew the task would be challenging, but he could sense a change in Bertie's tone lately-a growing trust, almost as if Stephen had become more than just another hired blade. He straightened his collar, giving himself one final glance in the small cabin mirror. Whatever the mission, he would face it with all the focus and cunning it required.

Once in the carriage, the familiar streets of London unraveled before him, the air alive with the hum of vendors calling their wares, the clatter of hooves on cobblestones, and the murmur of passersby dressed in fine silks and linens. The city, bustling as it was, had an energy he'd grown to enjoy. He let himself absorb the sights, the chaos somehow grounding him as they wound through the maze of streets.

Finally, the carriage came to a halt outside Bertie's grand townhome. With its elegant stone façade and tall windows, the residence spoke of refined but understated wealth-a fitting reflection of the man himself. The butler led Stephen through the hall and up the staircase to a spacious study lined with leather-bound books, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the busy street below.

Bertie stood by a marble fireplace, a glass of brandy in hand. His gaze lifted as Stephen entered, a small, approving smile curving his lips.

"Stephen," he greeted, gesturing for him to sit. "I trust your time in France was enlightening?"

"Enlightening enough," Stephen replied, taking the seat across from Bertie, noting the rich, dark wood of the furniture and the smell of aged books and polished leather that filled the room.

Bertie's sharp eyes assessed him. "Good, because your next task will require every ounce of your knowledge... and more." He set down his glass, folding his hands. "The next assignment is here in London-a world apart from the open seas but no less treacherous, I assure you."

Stephen leaned forward, his eyes narrowing slightly as he listened. He could feel the weight in Bertie's tone, the layers of significance beneath it.

Bertie continued, his voice lowering. "There's a family, the Hawthornes. On the surface, they're well-respected in society, known patrons of the arts and generous donors to causes around London." His gaze darkened. "But I have it on good authority that they're not as clean as they appear. Rumor has it they've been quietly funding pirates, buying protection to keep their shipping empire unchallenged."

Stephen absorbed the words, piecing together the layers of what Bertie was asking. A noble family suspected of dealings with pirates. It was a bold and dangerous position to hold in London's high society, where allegiances shifted as swiftly as the tides.

"You want us to get close to them?" Stephen asked, understanding beginning to dawn.

Bertie nodded, leaning back with a glint of approval in his eyes. "Precisely. You'll live in one of my residences, I need you and your wife to infiltrate their circle, gain their trust. I trust you know how delicate this is-the Hawthornes have strong ties, and they'll sense a stranger's motives in a heartbeat."

Stephen's jaw tensed as he nodded, the weight of the task settling heavily on his shoulders. Navigating high society was worlds apart from commanding a ship; it demanded subtleties, manners, a game of words and deception rather than force. And with Maria by his side, it would be all the more complex.

Bertie's gaze softened a touch, an unspoken respect passing between them. "Stephen, I wouldn't entrust this task to just anyone. But I believe in your... resourcefulness." He allowed a faint smile. "And your restraint."

Stephen returned the smile with a faint one of his own, knowing the compliment was rare. "And what are you expecting we uncover, beyond their involvement with pirates?"