Rookery ~ Assassin's Creed Syndicate

Chapter Nineteen

Back at the train, I threw my elbows onto the table Jacob was working at and placed my head on top of my hands.

"So, what plans does Mr Frye have for today?" He looked up, then back down again.

"You look ridiculous." I smacked him. "If you must know, I am off to speak with an ally. A Mr Charles Darwin. He has been giving me information on the Soothing Syrup. Today should be the day that we shut down production once and for all." He grinned. "Come along, if you like." I stood straight again.

"Alright. Where will we find this Darwin?"

"Let me take you there." He held an arm out towards the door. "After you, Miss Faraday."

~~

Jacob stopped the carriage just outside of a set of large gates. A man with a white beard stood on the path, waving at us.

"Mr Frye!" He called. We both got down. His eyes went to me, eyeing me up. "Who is this?"

"Carina Faraday. She is an ally, Mr Darwin, don't you worry." Darwin nodded.

"I trust that you had a productive meeting with Mr Owen?"

"Oh, yes. We had the most wonderful chat. We found out that the man behind Starrick's Soothing Syrup is John Elliotson." Again, Darwin glanced at me. I folded my arms over my chest.

"Doctor Elliotson? I haven't heard that name in a long while. He was a brilliant specialist, before he became obsessed with phrenology and mesmerism. It ruined his career." He clapped his hands together and rubbed his palms together. "Well, how shall we proceed?"

"With all respect, Mr Darwin, I think it would be best that you stayed here." I stated.

"I agree. I believe we should proceed alone, Carina and I. After all, we wouldn't want to attract any unwanted attention."

"Sounds very wise." Darwin began to walk away and patted both of our shoulders. "Good luck, my children. Oh, and should the two of you find yourselves with any free time, please do call on me." He smiled and whisked away.

"How odd." I muttered. Jacob chuckled beside me then patted my shoulder.

"Come along, then. We should visit the University College Hospital."

"Where did you get that address?"

"It seems as if I may have learnt to read within this past week." I pulled myself onto the seat of a carriage and gestured for Jacob to drive us. He sat up beside me and started the horses with a quick jolt of the leather reins. "Are you alright?"

"Of course I am. Why wouldn't I be?" I gave an awkward smile, then turned my head away from Jacob. "I am just fine." A surge of tears sprang into my eyes. I felt a slight warmth at my knee and looked to see Jacob's thick hand there. He smiled a genuine smile - not like mine.

"I am here for you if you need to talk." I mirrored his facial expression, even though I was slightly terrified for our safety since he only held the reins with one hand.

"Thank you." He moved his hand away and I inwardly sighed in relief when he grabbed the reins again. "Now, where is this hospital?"

"About ten minutes away now. Why?"

"Just asking." I pulled my knees up onto the seat beside me and leaned my back against Jacob's shoulder. "Wake me up when we get there."

A firm slap to my shoulder woke me up. I glared at Jacob who was smirking.

"We are here. Come on, let's find a way in." He offered a hand to help me down. I kicked it away and jumped from the seat. I followed him up to the front of the building.