Anonymous

Chapter Two

You posted yourself on the northern side of Southwark and waited with vigilant anticipation. The sun had set long ago, taking with it what little heat it had bothered to provide on the cloudy afternoon. A sea of endless gray covered the skies, blocking out any signs of a moon and stars. The air smelled of musky smog and damp earth, a bitter note that clung to your senses.

You had been sitting in the cold for what felt like an eternity, the autumn air settling down into the center of your bones. Autumn was a strangely beautiful season, making death look like an art, bursting the landscape in orange and red hues.

You listened as another train passed without your intended target on board. You looked over the papers again, memorizing his features until you could see them with your eyes closed. He was only two decades old but he was already making quite the impact. His twin sister, Evie, was also making a name for herself and it would be wise to eliminate them both if possible.

You desperately hoped they were all asleep and you could give the twins a quick and painless end. You wanted nothing more than for the nightmare to finally be behind you. Perhaps the moment it was over and Katie was released, you could leave London once and for all. You could settle down in some small farm town and pretend none of it ever happened, live a simple and uneventful life.

You stuffed the papers back into your waistcoat and stared out over at the dilapidated homes that lined the train tracks. Another train was nearing. You rolled your eyes closed, listening to the grinding and groaning of the large train.

You looked over its front end, noting its distinct appearance, and lifted up onto the balls of your feet. This was it, your last chance at redeeming yourself and freeing Katie from the Templars. Even if they didn't release her you had to try. And if push came to shove, you would kill everyone who stood in your way to returning her home. You owed her that much. You owed Beth even more.

You perched on the edge of the metal structure, looking down upon the train as it was passing under. You leapt down upon it and rolled, muffling the noise as best you could in timing with the loud scream of the train's whistle. You steadied yourself back onto your feet, cringing at the harsh cold. It seemed even worse on the back of the train, the chilly winds passing through the thin layers of your attire, simple cloth and leather.

You stealthily worked your way across the massive serpentine structure, steadying yourself whenever it would jolt. You kneeled down on the next cart and peered into the window, finding your target asleep on the couch. You stalked over towards the front of the cart and dropped down in a hushed thump.

You glanced about for any curious eyes, taking down a deep and slow breath to prepare yourself. You were going to take another life, adding another name to a long list of names. Jacob Frye, you guilted to yourself. His name was Jacob Frye. But this didn't stop you as you pulled the dagger from your belt. You stalked through the small cart, taking in its details as quickly as possible.

Your eyes caught sight of a large board on the wall across from the couch, filled with names and details of their crimes. He was aiming high with plans to eliminate the people in power, the very people who abused that power, including your employer. This Jacob Frye, this upstart had rescued Sam and the others from the Blighters. He risked his life to help a bunch of kids. He was tearing down London's corruption one borough at a time. And here you were about to take his life.

You looked over your shoulder at him, at the hat resting messily on the top of his head. The sketch didn't quite do him justice. He looked less of a criminal and more like a lost puppy in need of a home. His clothes told a different story, leather and metal strapped onto his shoulder and arm. He was armed and just as ready to kill as you were.