Ripper Street

I Need Light

      East London 1889,
      Whitechapel

The room was in chaos as men and women shouted and cheered at the two men fighting in the ring. The room was hot, compared to the cool winter air that awaited outside. Smoke, sweat, and the smell of beer filled the air, caused by all the bodies gathered together to watch a good fight.

As everyone cheered and betting away their wagers, one stood to the back of the room, not commencing with the chaos. The figure leaned their back against the wall, arms crossed over their chest. Deep blue eyes searched around the room, studying the people.

Their eyes soon met those of their fellow comrade who too was under cover in the room of gamblers. Giving a nod to one another, the figure pulled their hat down to shadow over their face, tucking a few stray chestnut curls under the cap.

The two men fought mercilessly in the ring, tossing and throwing each other around. One man head butted the other before throwing him across the ring. The man picked up a tooth.

"Yours, shitspade." The figure smirked to themselves at the mans words.

"He's tasty, all right. Where'd you find him?"

"I looked. Wasn't too hard. Fighters, whores, if flesh is what you seek, there's no shortage in these parts." Said the figures companion to a gambler.

The gambler looked to the man fighting in the ring.

"Falls when he's bid?" He asked the figures companion.

"Money's right, he'll give you his mother and sister, too."

"I like him." He chuckled evilly.

"One! You're gone!" Yelled the referee as the other man couldn't get back up.

The crowed cheered as the referee grabbed the mans arm.

"Your champion this night!"

"Nice going Bennet." Said the figure, their smirk still proud on their lips as they watched from afar.

"You little streak of piss!" The figures head jerked up as they looked over to their companion. The man held a boy by the throat, a boy who was also a friend of the figure. The man pulled out a knife, holding it to the boy's throat.

"I've gutted younger for less, do you hear?" The boy looked terrified as he turned his head away from the cool metal held against his skin.

"Let me." The companion made his way to the boy and punched him in his gut, he hunched over and grunted from the sudden pain.

He grabbed he boy by his collar and dragged him away from the man and towards the back wall. The figure made their way through the crowed towards the two.

"This had better be good."

"Reid?" The figure spoke as they made it to them.

"They found a tart, sir. Up on Folgate. She's been ripped, inspector." The figure looked from the boy to Reid. Reid looked to be in shock at the words he had just heard.

"He's back."

~~~~

The three sat in a police buggy, making their way from the fight house.

"Hobbs, You did right. Cecil Smeaton's greed will keep him warm for a day or two." Reid said to the boy, he nodded his head in acknowledgment as he buttoned his uniform back up.

"And you will take a fall for him tomorrow." Reid Said to Bennet who was sat across from him.

"Yes, sir." The figure helped Bennet clean the blood off his face as they sat beside him.