The Crimson Feather (11/12)

[london9calling]

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Sehun smoothed his hand over his cheek, flinching at the raised line. He would be lucky if it didn’t leave a scar. The least Victoria could have done is scratch him on the cheek that was already sporting a fresh bruise from Minseok’s goodbye an hour before. If his face was going to be a mess it was better for only half of it to be momentarily ruined.

Yet he took the punch in stride (he deserved it) and the scratch was, well that – that was part of taking someone along for the ride, quite unwillingly. Even now the woman was glaring at him from across the carriage. She looked half crazed, her hair mussed up and her eyes red from crying.

“We’re here.” Tao called from the driver’s box as the carriage came to a slow halt.

Sehun had been surprised Tao hadn’t landed a punch on him as well when he had come looking for his help. His boyfriend had been silent at first, then let out a tirade of accusations and disappointment. Sehun had shoved the letter from Minseok his way and without another word Tao had agreed to help. Sehun was thankful he had asked for the note, knowing full well Tao wouldn’t help him but he would help Minseok if asked.

When the carriage door opened Victoria tried to make a run for it. She tripped over her dress and would have met the paving stones face first if Tao hadn’t caught her.

Tao scooped her up into his arms before turning towards the building. Victoria kicked and struggled to no avail. Her hands were bound and a kerchief was tied around her mouth.

“You brought them to a BROTHEL?!” Tao looked from the building to Sehun.

Sehun shrugged, knowing there was nothing he could say to lessen the fact he had not only kidnapped two children but stowed them away in a house of ill repute.

“Minseok should have done more than punch you.”

Sehun remained silent as he opened the door for Tao, beckoning him to enter.

***

Jongdae eyed the man. Was he armed? If they rushed him could they take him down? He was a big person, muscular and rough looking. Probably called the shadiest parts of the east end home. He watched them as he leaned against the cavern wall, his arms folded, emphasizing his muscles.

“Don’t think about it,” Heechul whispered. Jongdae looked at his boyfriend, quirking an eyebrow. Heechul gestured with a nod of his head. Jongdae let his eyes fall on Kyungsoo. The valet had tears streaming down his face. Jongin looked only marginally better, his face contorted in an expression of despair as he watched Kyungsoo cry. There was still the matter of their hands being tied. It would be a foolish pursuit.

“They can’t fight and I sure as hell can’t help you.” Heechul exhaled sharply.

Jongdae knew Heechul was right. Even a four against one fight would likely end poorly for them not to mention who else may be lurking once they leave the caverns.

Minutes passed in silence. Jongdae hugged his legs to his chest, staring straight ahead. When the cavern door open he jumped from the unexpected noise.

Siwon strolled in. With a flick of his wrist the guard departed.

“Come to keep us company? You couldn’t resist my pretty face, could you?” Heechul deadpanned.

“Hm, of course, I am here for your beauty.” Siwon pulled up a chair.

Heechul stopped spouting nonsense and Siwon remained silent. The seconds dragged on before he spoke.

“I can’t see the harm in telling you what is going to happen, seeing as this shall be your last night on this earth.” Siwon leaned forward, his eyes trained on Jongdae. “In two days the Prince Regent will be dead and any support for the royal family will begin to crumble.”

Jongdae knew what he was referring to. “You are going to release the letter.”

“Among other things.” Siwon smiled. “It shall be a toppling of everything wrong with this country. The greed, the hierarchy, the hatred of the working class.”

“Who are you working for?”

“Two men who are worth a thousand of your class.”

“Kyuhyun and Changmin.” Jongdae knew it. It had to be.

Siwon shrugged. “Perhaps.”

“You are all mad.” Jongdae spat.

“And you, sir, are the worst investigator that the Home Office has ever employed. I am simply amazed at your incompetency.”

Jongdae saw the flash of movement out of the corner of his eye, a blur went past him. It took a second to understand what was happening. Heechul had rushed forward, launching himself at Siwon.

Jongdae stood and ran towards the melee, throwing himself into the scuffle. “Run!” He called over his shoulder to Kyungsoo and Jongin, hoping at least two of them would escape.

***

Luhan was busy rubbing small circles on his husband’s back when Tao entered the upstairs room. The twins were asleep on the floor. When Tao spotted them he stepped back as if he was afraid.

“She is here,” Tao whispered before retreating back down the stairs.

“At least Sehun did something right,” Minseok mumbled as he stood. He held out his hand to help Luhan up from where they had been seated on the floor.

When Minseok had told Luhan that Sehun had been sent to fetch Victoria – by force – he had worried that the man would disappear and never complete the job.

“He let me punch him, even said thank you afterwards.” Minseok had reported. Luhan had wished he could have been there to land a punch on Sehun’s face as well.

The couple tiptoed down the stairs in order to not wake the twins. Once they left the room, locking the door behind them, Tao waved them over to another room.

“She has a lot of fight in her.” Tao reported as he opened the door. One look at Sehun and Luhan could believe it. A nasty red welt covered his cheek, his other was a dark purple.

“You did marvelous work, dear.” Luhan patted Minseok’s back as they walked into the room.

“I tried,” Minseok drawled.

“Just as I promised.” Sehun gestured towards the bound woman.

Minseok untied the kerchief, Victoria sputtering and coughing once her mouth was freed from the restraint.

“How dare you!” She stared daggers into Minseok.

“Oh, but I dared.”

Luhan hid his smirk. Minseok was sexy when he was witty. Well, he was normally sexy but he was…Luhan snapped out of it. It was no time to be thinking about Minseok’s level of sexiness.

“It turns out, Victoria, your brother had something to do with my children going missing after all. Do you care to tell me what is really going on now?”

Victoria pursed her lips.

“Have it your way.” Minseok picked up the kerchief and tied it around her mouth. She tried to struggle but Sehun held her.

“Tao, I need you to send a message to the Comte. If he ever wants to see his sister again he best entertain the idea of meeting me - sooner rather than later.”

***

Jongin ran. The adrenaline coursed through him as he rushed towards the door. He couldn’t be sure what was on the other side – who might be waiting for them. All he knew is that he needed to make sure Kyungsoo was safe, that he needed to know that Kyungsoo was out of harm’s way.

He was a few feet from the entrance when it was thrown open. The burly guard from before stood in the doorway. Jongin pushed Kyungsoo behind him, ready to take the brunt of whatever the man was going to dole out. He would do whatever he could to make sure Kyungsoo wasn’t injured, that he had a chance to escape.

“Where do you think you are going?” The guard cracked his knuckles.

Jongin rushed him, knowing it was a losing battle but having little choice.

The guard collapsed forward seconds before Jongin was about to slam into him, his body landing on the cavern floor with a thud. The shock had Jongin toppling backwards, falling down himself.

“We should ‘ave known better than to let you out of our sights.” A familiar voice drawled from the open doorway.

Jongin could scarcely believe his eyes.

***

“A fine evening, is it not?” A puff of smoke rose into the night.

The Comte nodded. He stared out towards the gardens. Torches lit the stone pathways. It was a marvelous sight yet it paled in comparison to the grandeur of the mansion.

“I hate to be a bore, old boy, but I must inquire after-“

“I am working on it.” The comte cut off the question. He didn’t have anything new to report. He didn’t have any idea where Sehun had disappeared to, he had no luck finding the children either.

“You know that the longer this takes the less faith I have in you.”

“Why are they so important to you?” Kris tore his gaze away from the gardens, fixing his eyes on the man next to him. “Why do you care about the children?”

“Because he cares.” The man turned around and looked into the drawing room. Kris didn’t have to follow his gaze to know who he was staring at. Changmin.

***

“What now?” Tao sat on the edge of the chair, looking from Minseok to Luhan. “I delivered the message but he was not at home.”

“We need to find Jongdae.” Luhan stated firmly.

“I can go,” Tao volunteered readily.

“We should be getting home.” Minseok looked to the sleeping children. He considered if they would be safe if they returned to the townhouse. He couldn’t be sure if the Comte would try to kidnap the children from the home if they returned. “I am not sure if it is safe.”

“Stay. I will go the home office.” Tao reassured them.

“Thank you, Tao, for everything.” Minseok was truly grateful for his help.

“It is the least I could do, considering.”

Minseok didn’t have to ask what he meant. Sehun, he was referring to Sehun.

***

Tao found Sehun downstairs, keeping watch over Victoria. It had been quite the feat to convince the brothel Madame to agree to let the keep the woman there. After Minseok paid her a hefty sum she was more agreeable to the idea.

“We need to talk.” Tao knew it was going to be difficult if not downright painful. Yet it needed to be done.

Sehun didn’t protest, he followed Tao out of the room.

They found one of the side rooms empty, a small space that would offer them a measure of privacy.

“You are breaking it off.” Sehun spoke as soon as they were alone, out of earshot of the girls who were drifting down the long hall, prospective clients on their arms.

Tao swallowed. He felt the tears begin to well. He never thought, never wanted this day to come. It had been four years together, four years that had seen its fair share of complications. Sehun had once been engaged to Minseok. Tao was a servant. There was so much that had been against them yet their love for each other had seen them through, right or wrong. But now, now Tao couldn’t.

“Sehun…” Tao’s voice was low and full of emotion.

“I know I made a mistake.” Sehun was crying, letting the tears flow as he looked into Tao’s eyes. “It is all I do. The Earl of Pressley’s son is a marvelous fuck up, always has been.”

“Why then, why do you continue to do such things? Sehun they are children! D’Adderleigh’s children.” Tao couldn’t reconcile Sehun’s reasoning.

“Perhaps I thought I could be the hero for once. That I would save the day.” Sehun shook his head. “Foolish to entertain such thoughts.”

“I love you but I cannot turn a blind eye to your actions.” It hurt, the pain was physical as well as emotional. “I am going to look for a new employer.”

“Fine.” Sehun’s shoulders sagged.

Tao couldn’t stay a second longer. He turned around and strode out of the room. It was the hardest thing he had ever done in his life.

***

“I am afraid,” Minseok admitted, moving closer to Luhan.

Luhan wrapped his arms around his husband, pulling him close. It had been an hour since Tao had returned, announcing Jongdae was nowhere to be found.

“So am I.” Luhan looked towards the two sleeping children next to him. The bed was thankfully big enough for the four of them.

“I won’t sleep tonight.”

“Neither will I.” There wouldn’t be sleep for either man. If the Comte valued his sister he would meet them at dawn. If he did not show…Luhan tightened his hold on Minseok. He didn’t want to imagine the alternative.
***

The Comte tapped his cane against the wet grass. The sun was beginning to rise, fog hung heavy in the air. One check of his pocket watch and he knew he was early. Yet how could he not be early. They had Victoria.

He cursed under his breath for having been stupid enough to not see it coming. Of course Sehun disappearing with the children should have told him worse was yet to come. Thankfully he still had some leverage thanks to four men who were currently being held captive.

When the carriage rolled along the narrow pathways of the park he knew it was them. D’Adderleigh and Easton and whatever ruffians they associated themselves with. He grasped his cane, waiting.

When the carriage slowed to a stop Kris felt in his pocket, relishing in the extra security the small pistol provided.

Luhan alighted the carriage first, followed by D’Adderleigh. So they had come alone, only a hired carriage driver to back them up? How delightful.

“Comte.” Luhan sounded so sure of himself. Kris had to hold back the smile that threatened to show. They must not know of Jongdae’s capture.

“Gentlemen.” Kris tipped his hat. “I dare say this is a rather uncomfortable meeting for all of us.”

D’Adderleigh’s eyes raked up and down, appraising him.

“We have Victoria. If you value your sister I suggest you make plans to come with us.” D’Adderleigh, always the overconfident one.

“Ah, but what of your friends? I do believe they may be in a spot of danger.” The Comte had hated groveling towards others over the last few months but he had done it – and it had apparently paid off. When he had been informed of Jongdae’s capture he knew he had just what he needed to get his sister back. “In fact your precious valet is there too. Ah, it would be a shame if they were to come to harm.”

It seemed to work. He could see the slight tightening of Minseok’s jaw. Luhan’s posture stiffened. So they had no idea.

“I don’t believe you,” Easton countered.

“Something tells me you do. Now bring my sister here or you shall never see them again.” Kris spoke firmly.

“Tis a terrifying thought.” Eason seemed to recover from his momentary show of weakness. He braced his hands on his hips. “I should have known better than to threaten you.”

D’Adderleigh’s words were all sarcasm. Kris narrowed his eyes. What game were they playing?

“Aye, you are a right funny Frenchman, aren’t you?” The voice was close, very close. The Comte whirled around to see who had dared sneak up on him.

He caught the sight of a tall, scruffy looking man. A fleeting image before his world went dark.

***

Jongdae scowled at the man.

“You want me to cut ‘is ear off?” Jongin’s older brother produced a small knife, waving it about. Jongin certainly had interesting relatives, Jongdae thought.

“Uh, no Taemin that is fine.” Jongdae waved the man away from where he hovered over Siwon.

Siwon seemed slightly relieved by Jongdae’s answer. He was sporting several bruises and a split lip, his hair was a mess and his face was pale. It served him right, Jongdae thought. He was tied to a chair, a gag in his mouth.

Jongdae was still reeling from the events of the last few hours. He had been at death’s door – they all had in that dark and ominous cavern. He was prepared for what was to come when rescue had arrived in the most unconventional of ways.

“Kibum saw you ‘ere, wasn’t about to not investigate.” The older brother – was it Minho – had explained once they were out of the tavern and on their way deeper into the east end.

It seemed that Jongin’s connections in the East End had saved them all. Jongin’s brothers had fought their way to their rescue. In the scuffle they had managed to bring Siwon with them. Jongdae was certain he could fill in a huge piece of the case if he was convinced it was worth his while.

Now Jongdae hoped that Minho was able to find Easton and D’Adderleigh. The man had assured him he could find track a rat through a rainstorm, whatever that meant. For now they were hunkered down in Jongin’s family home, the run down little shack in the poorest part of town.

Jongdae had considered going back to the Home Office, but he couldn’t be certain it was entirely safe.

“I dare say this jacket is ruined.” Heechul took a seat next to Jongdae at the long and roughly hewn kitchen table.

“I dare say it is better than being dead, old boy.” Jongdae smiled, as much of a show of gratitude at his boyfriend’s continued survival as he was likely to show for some time.

***

“They are at your house?” Minseok felt a huge flood of relief at Minho’s explanation. He had been so surprised to see the man striding through the park that morning that he found it difficult not to give it away. Yet he had kept a straight face long enough for the Comte to meet Minho, in the most stunning of ways. A swift knock to the head with a butt of a gun had rendered Kris unconscious.

Minseok had hoped that Minho’s appearance was more than just a strange coincidence, thankfully it was. Minho rattled off the whereabouts of Jongdae and the others while boasting of how well he did at finding Easton and D’Adderleigh in this “blighted city”. After loading an unconscious Comte into the carriage and driving off they needed to figure out exactly where they were going.

The twins were still back at the brothel, as was Victoria, Tao, and Sehun. Now it seemed the rest of the contingent was holed up in the East End.

After some careful deliberation Minseok asked Minho to fetch the others and bring them to the brothel. He would have to pay the Madame well for the use of her rooms but he doubted the small army of kidnapped people, home agents, and upset servants would fit in Minho and Taemin’s house.

A few hours later, as the morning sun streamed in through the few un-shuttered windows in the brothel, the rest of the party showed up.

Minseok was swept into a tight hug by Jongdae. He earned a pat on the back from Heechul. And then there was Kyungsoo. The valet burst into tears upon seeing his master.

“Sir, I am so happy you and the twins are safe,” Kyungsoo wailed.

“What about me?” Luhan asked over his shoulder.

Kyungsoo didn’t answer, he buried his head in Minseok’s shoulder as he continued to cry. Minseok shot a helpless look at Luhan who simply shrugged off the valet’s response with a smile.

***

Jongdae was thankful for Heechul now more than ever. The brothel Madame had a nervous collapse at the stream of people – some of them tied up – entering her establishment. Heechul, ever the smooth talking man – managed to calm her down. In fact Jongdae was starting to wonder if she didn’t have a bit of a crush on him the way she was “Dear Heechul this” and “Dear Heechul that”.

Kyungsoo and Jongin had promptly retreated to the upstairs rooms to be near the children, Minseok and Luhan trailing after their valets. Sehun had hung back, claiming he would keep watch over Victoria. Jongin’s brothers were busy milling about outside, muttering about not feeling quite right stepping foot in the place. That left Jongdae to interrogate the captives, a task that he was happy to embark on.

Jongdae started with Siwon. He knew that the Comte would resist divulging details of his crimes, he needed additional incentive to confess, incentive that Siwon’s confession would provide.

“You shall hang for this.” Jongdae threatened again and again, waiting for Siwon to break. When he finally did, valuing his life over any supposed loyalty to those he worked for, Jongdae had everything he needed to confront the Comte.

Kris tried to resist, but once he was confronted with the facts he saw the merit in divulging the criminal dealings he had been involved in.

Jongdae knew what he had to do, what they all had to do.

He would catch them all red handed, solving the case once and for all.

***

“Did they both confess?” Minseok leaned against the wall of the small room, his arms folded. Luhan was next to him, resting his head on Minseok’s shoulder. They were both exhausted, neither man had slept a wink the night before.

Jongdae sat on the edge of the bed, trying hard not to think about what had happened on the place he was sitting. They were in a brothel after all.

“Yes. We have enough to make arrests.”

“So what are we waiting for?” Minseok was confused why they were still milling about the brothel, not spring into action.

“I want to catch them red handed so to speak, old boy. We will make the arrests tomorrow at the gala, luring all of the conspirators into one place.”

“And what, pray tell, is the conspiracy?” Luhan looked as lost as Minseok felt.

“Kyuhyun and Changmin are running some sort of hellfire club, bent on toppling the monarchy and the House of Lords – starting with the Regent’s death tomorrow.” Jongdae relayed the information he had learned. “They based their operations out of a cavernous hideout near the east end.”

“The place where you were held captive,” Minseok exclaimed, piecing everything together.

“Exactly, old boy. The printing presses that have made hundreds of copies of that most scandalous letter are in the same caverns, according to Siwon. They planned on distributing the letters at the gala, following the poisoning of the Prince Regent. They were also planning on distributing them on the streets, hoping to start a revolution.”

“We must stop them! Where are the letters being kept?” Minseok couldn’t imagine the fallout if the letter was distributed throughout the city.

“In the cavern. I have two very eager men ready to replace the letters and destroy the printing plate.” Jongdae explained.

“Minho and Taemin.” Luhan guessed.

“Yes. The letter won’t see the light of day and the printing presses will no longer operate once they are done with them. They are to strike tonight. Kyuhyun and Changmin will never know what hit them until they are at the gala, staring at the wrong letters.”

Minseok tried to digest everything that Jongdae had told him. Yet it seemed like there were so many more unanswered questions. He blurted them out, rambling off what he still didn’t understand about the case. “What does the Comte have to do with it? Who murdered Angelique and what of the woman who looks like her? Why did they want the children?”

Jongdae explained as much as he knew, though there were still a few pieces missing. “The Comte is working for the French with the very specific task of helping the Club overthrow the Regent. The Club isn’t stupid, they were hesitant to trust a Frenchman like the Comte. In order to test his loyalty they wanted the twins as insurance, something they could dangle over him.”

“But the Comte all but gave them up, how were the children any sort of insurance against him acting rashly?”

“The Comte has a partner, another French agent. Her name is Marie and she is Angelique’s twin sister.” Jongdae recalled how Kris had looked pained as he had confessed the fact.

“A twin!” Minseok’s eyes widened in disbelief.

“Changmin thought that if he had the woman’s niece and nephew she would be certain to act in their best interests, which meant acting in the club’s best interests. Your children were, unfortunately, used most terribly by their maternal aunt. I dare say the woman could care very little for them to begin with so the arrangement was but a façade to gain the Club’s trust.”

“And dare I conjecture what this woman is to the Comte…”  Minseok could guess. They must be lovers. “So what do we do now? What of the home office? Is it safe?”

“I mean to visit Soo Man this afternoon and relay everything I have learned of the case. It will take someone of his position to contact the Prince Regent and engage the agents we need. Siwon was able to confirm the mole in the home office so he shall be arrested tomorrow as well. In the meantime I plan on having Soo Man funnel misinformation his way.”

“Who was it?”

“Taecyeon,” Jongdae sounded sad as he said the name. “I can’t believe I trusted someone who could be so diabolical.”

Minseok walked to the bed. Reaching his arm out, he patted his best friend on the shoulder. “You couldn’t have known.”

“I suppose,” Jongdae said quietly.

“What can we do?” Luhan asked.

“Get ready for the gala of a lifetime.” Jongdae instructed.

“Gladly.” Luhan smirked.

“Ah, one last thing – how do you think Kyungsoo feels about playing the prince regent for a few hours?”

Minseok couldn’t help but laugh. “He would hate it.”

“Good, then ask him nicely, old boy.” Jongdae chuckled, already able to imagine the reaction of Minseok’s pessimistic valet.

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