Rusts Shab

Lucian stayed with Elizabeth until 18:20 and then hurried to 'Upper Helen-Cross Street' to meet with Lucy.

He arrived ten minutes later and knocked on the door of her house/office.

Knock

She opened the door, a bit annoyed, and said, "You're late."

He shrugged, "Sorry, I had to take care of something," and stepped inside.

They both sat down, and as usual, she asked, "Coffee, tea, or water?"

He couldn't resist a small jest, teasing her, "Knife."

Her eyes narrowed in mock anger at his joke, and she retorted, "Coffee it is."

After she prepared two cups of coffee and settled down, she outlined their plan to ensure they were aligned, saying, "Once we've finished our coffee, we'll proceed to Rusts Shab. I'll be stationed outside, and if I hear any signs of trouble within, I'll swiftly join you. Did you bring the core?"

He nodded in affirmation while she spoke, assuring her, "Yes, it's safely tucked in my pocket. Rest assured, I wouldn't overlook such an important item."

Then she advised, "Make sure to wear your revolver, just in case."

He lifted the right side of his long black suit jacket, revealing the revolver holstered at his side. "I only have two bullets left, though," he mentioned.

She glanced over, considering his words, and responded, "For now, it should suffice. It's an added layer of safety."

They sipped their coffee, the quietude enveloping them before they headed off to Lethorn Street.

...

"I'll stay outside. If anything happens, call for me. Alright?" Lucy instructed.

She concealed herself in the shadows where the lamplight barely reached, while Lucian entered the bar.

Inside, a crowd of people, mostly from the lower class, filled the space. Their raucous singing created a somewhat discordant, drunken chorus, "Oh, bring me the whiskey. Bring me its shine. So I can forget about the day. And go on with life..."

Do they not have anything better to do than work and drink? he pondered, but then a wave of sympathy washed over him as he realized that not everyone is fortunate enough to lead a comfortable life. He knew this all too well, considering his own struggles back on Earth.

He settled into a corner of the bar, the air heavy with the mingling scents of sweat and alcohol, making it hard to catch a breath.

A brusque worker approached him, demanding, "What'll it be, fella?"

"I'll take your cheapest alcoholic drink," he ordered.

The worker grunted in acknowledgment and went to fetch the requested drink.

As Lucian scanned the room, he felt a subtle response from the core in his pocket, a faint glow catching his eye.

It's reacting. There must be a Bart in here.

He began to discreetly assess the patrons, categorizing them based on appearance and behavior. "That group is likely not involved. This man seems an unlikely suspect. Those ladies over there, judging by their flirtatious demeanor, are probably... working girls."

The worker brought the drink and placed it on the table, offering a cheeky remark, "What's a gentleman like you doing here? Escaping the watchful eyes of a wife, are we? Haha."

Lucian leveled a steady gaze at the worker and replied, "Just enjoying a few drinks. Times have been tight financially." He followed up with, "How much does the drink cost?"

The worker gave an understanding nod, answering first then stating, "1 sunti two sunts. Alright. If you're in need of some company, just give me a shout. I'll arrange for some girls," before taking the money and returning to his duties.

Lucian couldn't help but wonder, "Are such things common here?"

He took a drag of his cigarette, relishing in its aroma as it provided some relief from the bar's unpleasant odor. A sip of the drink, however, nearly had him spitting it out in distaste.

"What the hell is this? It's awful."

Leaving the drink untouched, he decided to let it be and instead finished his cigarette, taking his time before strolling around the bar. As he moved, he kept an eye on the slight variations in the glow emanating from the core in his pocket. The crowded bar made it difficult to pinpoint anyone who might belong to the Bart family.

He stepped out of the bar, his improved night vision making it easy to spot Lucy, even in the shadows.

"The drink in there is awful. It almost made me vomit," he commented.

Lucy remained composed, her focus on the task at hand. "What about the Barts?"

Realizing his initial approach was off, Lucian suggested an alternative plan. "I can't pinpoint them inside due to the crowd. How about we wait outside and see if the core reacts to anyone leaving?"

Lucy considered this but voiced her concerns, "Staying outside isn't safe. They might spot us."

"Fair point. What's the next move Detective?" Lucian deferred to her expertise.

Lucy outlined a strategic plan, "We'll return during the day. I'll take one corner, you take another. If they make a move, we'll be ready. If they follow, we'll lead them to a secure meeting location."

Lucian couldn't help but be impressed, "You truly are an outstanding detective."

...

At home:

"Brother, you came late again," remarked Henry.

"Yes, I had to work. You didn't come in the morning, haha," Lucian replied.

"Well, yes, I wrote you a letter. I hope you found it," mentioned Henry.

"Yes, I have," affirmed Lucian.

Then, with a mix of anxiety and joy, Henry prepared to share his news, "Brother, take a seat. You'll need it."

Lucian listened, slightly confused, "What is it? Did something happen?"

Henry kept it mysterious, a slight smile playing on his lips.

Lucian was left dumbfounded, unsure of what was coming.

"I'll be a father. Victoria is pregnant!" Henry exclaimed, finally revealing the mystery.

Lucian's face lit up in surprise, "Really? You'll be a father. And I'll become an uncle!"

Henry went over to his brother, placed both hands on his shoulders, and said, "Yes! She's three months along."

To think that I'll become an uncle, I'm overjoyed. Victoria is good to him, from what I've seen. But... I can't help but worry. What if something happens to Henry, or to both of them? I need to end this matter quickly.