They continued their discussion until they both agreed that it would be best for Lucy to handle the official report.
Lucian was hesitant to investigate it himself, recognizing the potential danger it posed. Despite having a plan and possessing unique abilities, he was resolute in his decision not to resort to lethal force against the Barts.
He hoped the Sunners would take swift action, as time was of the essence. If the matter remained unresolved in the next six days, the bodyguards' protection for Henry and the others would be in jeopardy.
Over the course of three days, he found himself consumed with worry, contemplating whether any progress had been made. He repeatedly inquired with Lucy, but even she lacked insider knowledge about the Sunners, not being an official member herself.
In the meantime, he embraced more performance opportunities, gladly accepting them due to his need for funds. This was essential to settle his debt with Whitebeard for the bullets and to have some emergency cash on hand for unforeseen circumstances.
With a growing repertoire of successful performances for both nobility and the middle class, he was earning recognition as a professional pianist.
Then came the fourth day, Friday, 20th August, at his residence:
As we approach the final three days of the bodyguards' assignment, I've yet to hear any updates from Lucy. It's almost as if the Sunners don't consider this case a priority.
During my time with Henry and Elizabeth, I never once detected the presence of the hired bodyguards. They truly are skilled.
I think a visit to Rusts Shab is in order. I won't mention it to Lucy. She would likely advise patience and trust in their process.
I can't remain idle any longer; it's time for action.
...
At Rusts Shab, 14:30:
Lucian sat inside, awaiting the Bart waiter to approach and take his order. A wisp of smoke curled from his cigarette, adding to the bustling atmosphere of the place.
The Friday rush was in full swing. Workers from the early shift had concluded their duties, converging here with hopes of revelry until the stroke of midnight.
Finally, the waiter arrived, offering a familiar greeting. "It's you again. You didn't show up that night."
Lucian responded with a nonchalant shrug, rummaging through his pockets and retrieving four valling notes.
"I didn't have any funds at the time. But I do now."
The waiter's eyes widened in surprise at the sight of the money Lucian produced.
"I see. Well, Maria has already been used, and her rate is now 5 valka notes. Would you still like her?"
Lucian nodded and ventured cautiously, "By the way, what's your name?"
The waiter hesitated for a moment, deliberating on whether to disclose it before finally offering, "William. And you?"
I can't reveal my real name, especially as Lucian Wright. That would likely lead to a confrontation on the spot.
Thinking quickly, Lucian provided his name from earth, "Victor."
Then, almost as if driven by urgency, he continued, "I want her tonight. I'm willing to pay 7 valka notes. I can't wait any longer. I'll settle the payment now and return at 18:00," as he handed the money to William.
William chuckled, "Haha. Certainly, Victor. I'll make sure she's prepped especially for you. She'll be in the same room as last time."
The waiter, William, departed, leaving Lucian to his contemplation.
William Bart. If that's even his real name...
There's substantial circumstantial evidence for the Sunners to intervene. Two instances of Bart deaths, the second likely resulting in the accumulation of a core, indicating their Believer involvement. Add to that Lucy's report of their illegal business or involvement in one.
I'm uncertain whether I should bring Lucy into this. Tonight, I'll go alone. I'll inquire with the girl, seeking information about them, and I'll offer her compensation. That way, she'll remain quiet.
I'm inclined to seek Selena's help, but dealing with her has been increasingly challenging. It feels as if she deliberately conceals information, only to reveal it when it suits her agenda, attempting to earn my trust in the process.
"I'm not as easily deceived as I was when I first arrived in this world." he whispered.
...
Lethorn Street, House Number 5, 17:50:
As dusk settled, Lucian stood before the house, contemplating what to do if things took a wrong turn.
The door creaked open, revealing a disheveled man who asked cautiously, "Why are you here? This is private property."
Lucian met his gaze and replied, "Umm, I have an appointment at 18:00?"
The man assessed him and gestured for him to enter.
Stepping inside, Lucian noted that the interior bore no resemblance to a typical residence. Every inch of space was utilized, with numerous compact rooms on both floors. Instead of a staircase, a ladder led to the second level.
The hallway was narrow, allowing passage for just one person. Dim, red-tinted gas lamps cast an eerie ambiance.
At the end of the hallway, the man checked some papers on a small table in the left corner and declared, "Room number 7. You can stay until tomorrow morning."
Lucian then heard sudden noises emanating from various doors, filled with moans and screams. He was uncertain about what horrors might be transpiring behind those doors.
Maybe they're harming them?, he speculated.
Lucian proceeded to check the numbered doors until he found one labeled 7.
Upon entering, he discovered the young girl mentioned by William, Maria, sitting on the bed, her demeanor conveying intense fear, as if she were deeply traumatized.
The room was minuscule, accommodating only a modest mattress placed on the floor. It was visibly soiled with an array of stains, including disconcerting brown splotches, likely dried blood.
As Lucian closed the door, Maria's body quivered and trembled in response to the sound.
"It's okay, I won't hurt you," he reassured her.
Maria remained silent, distrust etched across her face. She began to remove her stained dress, starting with the first layer.
Lucian swiftly intervened, readjusting the dress and stating, "No. Stop. I didn't come here for this, trust me. I'm a reporter."
She stared in shock, uncertain of what fate awaited her or whether she could trust Lucian.
Lucian retrieved three valka notes from his pocket, placing them gently into her hands. "I'm here to expose them. Keep this money for yourself. In return, I want you to tell me everything about them."
Fear now consumed her expression, her head jerking rapidly from side to side in a desperate plea not to proceed.
"It's okay. You'll be safe. They can't hurt you anymore if I succeed," he affirmed.
Maria met his gaze, her eyes now filled with newfound hope, and finally uttered, "Please. Help me."
Lucian's empathetic gaze held back tears as he spoke with a trembling voice. "Tell me everything you know."
Maria patted the bed, indicating for him to sit first. He complied, and she began speaking, punctuating her words with pauses as she gathered herself. "They... They kidnapped me. I was walking down the street at night, and they... and they..." Tears began streaming down her face.
Lucian embraced her, offering solace. "It'll be all right. Once I expose them, nothing bad will happen to you or anyone else in here."
Her head rested on his shoulder, voice trembling as she recounted, "They put a cloth over my head, grabbed me, and took me somewhere where I was held for I don't know how long... Then I opened my eyes, and I was here. The man was telling me how I need to act. And if I disobeyed him, he would hurt me."
Lucian adjusted his position slightly, prompting her to look at him. "Can you describe the man?"
"No, I only remember him having a mark on his left hand. As if it was burned on him. A circle," she recalled.
Lucian listened intently, and a realization washed over him. A mark. On the left hand. William Bart?
He inquired, "Do you recall anything else? Anyone else you might have seen?"
Maria found herself submerged in somber recollections, each face passing through this room, the pain she endured, her cries falling on deaf ears.
Lucian, observing her distress, reassured, "It's alright. You don't have to share."
Abrupt, thunderous blows reverberated outside, as if the front door were under siege.
Boom Boom
Then a resounding crash surged down the narrow corridor, echoing its way to the far end.
Maria instinctively retreated to the room's furthest corner, apprehensive of the impending turmoil.
Meanwhile, Lucian rose to his feet, approaching the door with cautious intent. He began to open it slowly, peering through the narrow gap to glean a glimpse of the ensuing chaos.
Just as his eye met the fissure, the door swung wide open with force, exposing him to an unforeseen threat. Standing before him was a middle-aged man bedecked in an elegant light gray suit, complemented by a matching tophat. Both were embellished with accents of rich golden yellow. Lucian's gaze swept from the man's meticulously tailored attire to the accessories adorning his form—a revolver holster secured to one side, a sheathed knife on the other.
The man's countenance bore a striking edge, his eyes a piercing shade of yellow. His hair, a dark brown, cascaded into an extended goatee beard of a matching hue.