Certain Men of a Certain Business

Bentham was anything unlike London, nor it was any place familiar for Blitz and Kassick. The two were following Hammond from the docks and into the city streets. God knows where on earth this stranger was taking them to.

The city streets were made out of stone, one characteristic that reminded the two about London, though Blitz could clearly see some pipes going along some buildings, some were in alleyways to the point where he saw kids his age try to climb them.

Smoke appeared in the sky and while it wasn't dark enough to block the sun, it was dark enough to give the feeling of it might rain. Blitz continued to see many passersby, some were rambling on the streets, and some places such as restaurants and bars were open late at night. Others were closed for the evening.

His focus soon turned to a couple of older boys mocking another. One of the older boys that had a bowler hat took out what seemed like a metal ball from his coat, before he threw it onto the ground and the ball took out an electric shockwave, which didn't harm his victim but it was enough to make him wet his pants and he and his posse laughed at the sight.

Seeing the electric ball made Blitz look down at his hands once more. Electricity flowing through his veins with his eyes now feeling itchy. As he rubbed them with his hands he could hear some statics. He jumped and clenched onto Kassick.

"Hmm?",Hammond said, noticing the surprised Blitz. "I suppose this place is all new for you eh Blitz?"

Blitz nodded as Hammond chuckled. "Don't worry, we're almost there"

"Tell me Hammond. What kind of business do you run?". Kassick asked as the trio stopped at a bar called the Blackbird's Nest.

Hammond went inside and the two followed suit. The inside of the bar was decorated with wooden chairs, wooden stools and a bar which the table seemed to be more shinier than the chairs. Sitting in the chairs were various individuals. Some had bowler hats, some hat top hats, and some had no headwear at all. In addition, many of their clothes seemed to be worn and dirty.

"To be blunt, we're handymen", Hammond said pointing out to some men who greeted the two. "Most of our operations work in the countryside of Bentham, since there's another dock there that's infested with the rich.

"I see", Kassick said as Blitz showed himself.

"Oi Hammond who's the smiley and the kid here?", asked one thug with a bald head. He was wearing a dirty red shirt with black suspenders. His apparent question made others laugh and chuckle with amusement whilst Blitz was looked at him in confusion.

"Call me smiley again and I'll make sure this corkscrew twists your throat." Kassick said, getting a hold of a corkscrew before approaching the thug.

"Now that's creative!"

"You want a piece of me smiley? I'm more than happy to make sure my fists meet your face."

"I'd love to see you try" Kassick with a grin. His scar colliding with his smile, causing some patrons to look in horror.

"Hey no fighting in here. That's the policy, and there's a kid here nonetheless", said the barman who noticed Blitz trying to sit on a stool. "Here let me help." He went over to the boy and picked him up, placing him on the stool.

"So Hammond. These two new?", the same bald headed thug asked.

"That's right Smitty. This is Kassick, and the kid over there is Blitz." Hammond replied.

"Huh, I wonder how these two will work", Smitty asked after looking at Blitz who was now drinking a glass of water. He turned his attention to Kassick. "Can you rob a coach?"

"Can you sit on a stool and drink?" Kassick asked with a grin once more, causing the patrons to 'Ooooo' in amusement.

"You're a pretty funny guy Kassick." Smitty commented. "Maybe a sick one too." He then approached the boy on the stool, taking another stool and sitting next to him. "Tell me kid, what are you gonna get out of this? Just the money?"

"I'm looking for my brother". Blitz took out a photograph of Little Oliver. "He was taken from me."

"And Hammond here said you'll find him"

"That I did, but I did not say Blitz will do this sort of work". Hammond said, causing the said boy and Kassick to look at him. Kassick stared at the highwayman with glaring eyes.

"Didn't you say you guys are highwaymen?"

"We are, but Blitz is far too young to be robbing stagecoaches. We're criminals yes but we aren't stupid. However, I do have some other work for Blitz."

This perked the boy's ears up as he went down the stool and went up to Hammond. "How can I help sir?"

"You seem eager." Hammond commented.

"He's looking for his brother you dumb shag. Why do you think we agreed to work for you?"

"Keep your anger in a bunch Kassick. I was getting to that, but first we need to get you two some new clothes." Hammond replied. "Especially you, Blitz. Crikey, who the hell allowed you to wear a shirt that isn't your size?"

This made everyone laugh within the bar, except Kassick. What a town this place was going to be. He later noticed Blitz yawning.

"Any place for us to sleep?"

"You're in luck, we still have some spare beds upstairs" said the barman. "Just don't cause a ruckus."