#when the empire was ultimately surprised by the worst of his crimes enough times over that he was able to commit them all | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

comixconnection · 3 years

Text

Choose Your Three Free Comics!

At long, long last...Free Comic Book Day is here! Unlike the usual “first Saturday in May” celebration that has defined the even in normal years, due to issues with the ongoing pandemic the folks in charge have decided to move this year’s celebration back to August 14th. Want a sneak-peak at the books...?

The following titles will be available at Comix Connection on Aug 14th (while supplies last!). Everybody gets to pick three! Unlike previous years, we will NOT be accepting FOOD DONATIONS in exchange for additional comics. Instead we will be collecting monetary donations to give to the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank. For every DOLLAR donates, you may select an additional free comic book!

We know the line for the FCBD comics can get long (if you want to come in and shop first, you can skip the line and head straight inside!) so in an effort to both entertain you while you’re in that long line and to help it go a little faster by giving you a preview of the various titles so you can decide ahead of time what looks good, the Comix Connection Counter Monkeys have read and reviewed all of the available FCBD books! Take a peek!

CHOOSE YOUR FREE COMICS:

One hundred years before the Skywalker Saga began, the Jedi Knights were the guardians of peace and justice in the galaxy! In this prelude to the ongoing Star Wars: High Republic Adventures comic series, follow padawans Ram Jomaram, Lula Talisola, and Zeen Mrala as they try to save Lonisa City from the dreaded Nihil. Also read the beginning of Star Wars: High Republic Adventures #1! [All Ages]

“Two brand-new adventures from the world of Avatar: The Last Airbender! In Clearing the Air, Tenzin attempts to teach his rambunctious children a lesson Aang taught him about how to resolve conflicts. In Match Makers, Iroh runs into some trouble with a few friends...that just might lead him to something fun he’s been trying to hide from!” [All Ages]

Who Sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott? gives a sample of the upcoming graphic novel by the same name, a tale telling the true story of the “Mother of the Civil Rights Movement,” Rosa Parks! This excerpt features the immediate aftermath of Rosa’s arrest, and her decision to start a legal battle that would change the course of American freedom! [All Ages]

“There's nothing better than a beautiful sunny day reading comics, so join us for a look at this summer's fantastic all-ages reads, courtesy of Oni Press! From the gentle, magical worlds of The Tea Dragon Tapestry (by K. O'Neill) and The Sprite and the Gardner (by Rii Abrego and Joe Whitt), the adventurous magical mystery of Mooncakes (by Suzanne Walker and Wendy Xu), and the action-packed Jonna and the Unpossible Monsters (Chris and Laura Samnee), there's something for everyone. Sneak a peek at these four fantastic fantasy graphic novels!” [All Ages]

Sonic is 30 years old! Celebrate the anniversary of the world’s fastest hedgehog with this peek into the ongoing Sonic comic series. Things get meta when Amy Rose starts drawing a comic about Sonic, Tails, and their friends...but what will Sonic think when he finds out he’s been turned into a comic book? Prepare for the big 30th Anniversary Sonic Celebration here! [All Ages]

It's the crisis of infinite Archies! Celebrate 80 years of the Riverdale Gang with this tale featuring a dimension-hopping Archie Andrews in his quest to save the multiverse. Then, witness Archie go toe-to-toe with... himself?! May the best Archie win! Plus, get a preview of the newest Archie One-Shot in shops! This title includes several versions of Archie (from classic to TV to horror) and showcases his evolution as a character over eight decades, all while being a tie-in to the company's 80th Anniversary plans. [All Ages]

“Despite the pandemic and the swirl of world events, back issue comics are booming! It's not all record prices (though there are many) or bargain basement deals, but rather it's many different categories! The team that brings you The Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide shines the spotlight on this exciting part of the universe of comic books. Includes tips on how to collect, care for your comics, and preserve them, among other things.” [All Ages]

“Get a sneak peek at book four in the bestselling InvestiGators series! With agent Brash trapped in a mysterious coma, the technicians at S.U.I.T. have designed the ultimate replacement: RoboBrash! This high-tech replica has been programmed with all of the original Brash's crime-fighting skills and know-how--but it seems he's got a few bugs in his system! Will Mango and his new partner be enough to stop the giant ants that are on a rampage in the city? Orchestrated by the spaced-out villain, Maestronaut, and Houdino, the dinosaur escape artist, it seems criminals are certainly upping the ANT-e!” [All Ages]

“My name is Grace, not ‘Kyle's little sister’!” Having a good-looking, friendly, outgoing older brother sucks--especially when you're the total opposite: someone who likes staying home and playing video games. Your parents like him better (even if they deny it!) and everyone calls you "Kyle's little sister" while looking disappointed that you're not more like him. Grace was really hoping she'd get to go to a different middle school, but no such luck. At least she has her friends...until he finds a way to ruin that, too! What will Grace have to do to get out of his shadow?! [All Ages]

Jewish mythology has it that when God created the universe, He left one corner of it unfinished. Opinion is divided on why, but everyone agrees that the Unfinished Corner is a dangerous place full of monsters. Twelve-year-old Miriam is too busy preparing for her Bat Mitzvah to care about the Unfished Corner. She spends her days wrestling with whether she even wants to be Jewish--until a peculiar angel appears, whisking her, her two best friends, and her worst frenemy off to this monstrous land with one mission: finish the Unfinished Corner. [All Ages]

“The City of Gloomhaven isn't "safe" at the best of times, but lately, more folks than usual seem to be disappearing. In a city paralyzed by an unknown menace, only one adventuring crew will do: The Jaws of the Lion! Based on the hit games, Gloomhaven and Jaws of the Lion from Cephalofair Games, comes a fantasy adventure with humor and heart.” [All Ages]

The Last Kids on Earth and their friends each tell their own best story of the Monster Apocalypse, including Jack's high-stakes baseball game, Globlet's attempt to take over the world, Quint's bad-day-away invention, Dirk's bragain with a witch, and June and Skaelka's creepy carnival--plus a surprise story from some bad guys on the run... [All Ages]

Being the new kid is tough, even for a superhero/ward and heir to a billionaire, Damian Wayne (aka Robin)! Join Damian as he struggles to learn patience and understanding from the students at Gotham Metro Academy, including star student and all-around Great Guy, Howard! Plus, an adventure of Amethyst, princess of the mystical realm of Gemworld by bestselling authors Shannon Hale and Dean Hale! [All Ages]

To celebrate the new animated TV series premiering on Nickelodeon Fall 2021, Papercutz is releasing a new series of graphic novels entitled The Smurfs Tales. Preview it here with a number of silly short Smurfs Tales, with a back-up appearance by one of Peyo’s other beloved creations: Johan and Peewit, the young page and the court jester. [All Ages]

In Edge of Balance, a new High Republic story set in the wake of the Hyperspace Disaster, meet new Jedi and their enemies 100 years before the events of the Skywalker Saga! Young Jedi Knight Lily Tora-Asi is assigned to help displaced civilians relocate to Banchii in the Outer Rim. She and her padawans will face more threats there than just anxious settlers, from the insidious Drengir to the Nihil! And in Guardian of the Whills, encounter Baze and Chirrut before they join the Rebellion against the Empire in Rogue One! Presiding over the Kyber Temple on Jedha, the Guardians of the Whills had hoped to maintain the balance despite the growing presence of the Empire in their Holy City. Yet when a rebel named Saw Gerrera appears, Baze and Chirrut must decide if they're willing to compromise for peace, or if Saw's plan is too dangerous to risk. Read the first chapter of these two new Star Wars Manga Graphic Novels here! [Teen]

It wouldn’t be the Teen Titans without heightened teenage emotions and romance! Fan favorites Beast Boy and Raven are travelling away from the dwellings they know to find homes they can feel comfortable in. Along the way, their paths cross, sparks fly, and even a destiny or two might be found. [Teen]

“Street Fighter heads back to school, as the world's young fighters flex both their academic and martial arts prowess! Fan favorites Sakura, Ibuki, Karin, Makoto, and Elena come face-to-face with a new challenger - the leather-clad, motorcycle-riding Akira! It's a square-off of (rival) schools in this action-packed one-shot!” [Teen]

[NOT FINAL ART] “This Fall, jump on board here as VALIANT UPRISING overthrows the status quo with new titles, new creators, and new takes on Valiant's most iconic characters! The VALIANT UPRISING FCBD SPECIAL features: A brand new X-O MANOWAR story from Harvey Award-winning writer Dennis Hopeless and breakout star Emilio Laiso. It's the perfect jumping-on point as Valiant's flagship hero prepares to "Upgrade the World"! Then, get a special advance preview of THE HARBINGER #1, an all-new series from co-writers Jackson Lanzing and Colin Kelly join superstar artist Robbi Rodriguez that promises to take Valiant's psiot rebel in a vivid new direction! Plus, find out how the world's greatest spy responds to being unmasked, hunted, and trapped in a first look at NINJAK #1, the pulse-pounding thrill ride from Ringo Award-winning writer Jeff Parker and legendary artist Javier Pulido. Finally, get a sneak peek from writer Cullen Bunn and artist Jon Davis-Hunt of what's to come when SHADOWMAN returns!” [Teen]

Three epic new Marvel moments begin here! Read the beginning of the upcoming Spider-Man Beyond story that will be starting in Amazing Spider-Man #75! Big changes are coming to everyone’s friendly neighborhood Spider-Man...but are they for good, or ill? Also discover the new Venom series, which will take spider symbiosis to whole new levels in the wake of King In Black. And last, sneak a peek at the Luke Cage: City On Fire mini-series, which will pit Luke against not just the Kingpin, but Daredevil too! [Teen]

Gotham is under attack, and it’s by the people claiming to keep it safe! Billionaire Simon Saint has slowly been taking over the institutions of Gotham with his insidious private security Magistrate program. Meanwhile, Batman finds his mind infected by Scarecrow’s fear gas, forcing him to question every decision he makes. It is all leading to the DC-spanning event FEAR STATE that will rock Gotham to its core. Plus, read a preview of Oscar-winning screenwriter John Ridely’s I Am Batman series in which the sons of Lucius Fox struggle with the legacy of both their father and Bruce Wayne as they take up the cowl to defend Gotham. [Teen]

Who is Avenger Prime? And what has spurred the chronal collapse that has them sending their army of Deathloks out to save all of space and time? Discover the start of the end here! Then, journey into the unknown with the Incredible Hulk! Bruce Banner never wanted to smash, he wanted to discover. Now, it’s finally time for the Hulk to expand his horizons with Operation: Smashtronaut! [Teen]

In this story from Critical Role, explore a small but important corner from the adventures of the Mighty Nein. Then, in The Witcher, it's an original tale featuring the iconic witcher himself, Geralt! Created in close collaboration with CD Projekt Red! [Teen]

A fascinating graphic adaptation of historian Timothy Snyder’s book On Tyranny, a collections of essays and reflections on lessons from history and how they can help America steer away from the course of authoritarianism. Recommended for anyone looking to learn more about how tyrants all through history have manipulated people and systems to take away the freedoms of others. [Teen]

“Side A: "BLACK: Interlude" What else was going on the night Kareem Jenkins was shot by police and discovered only Black people have superpowers? Find out in this FCBD one-shot! Side B: "CALEXIT: Hollywood Babylon" Once California refused to be ruled by the US government, its resistance fighters became overnight celebrities. Zora used her infamy for recruiting, but Emmie-X has other ideas.” [Mature]

In 2019, James Tynion IV (Batman) and Werther Dell'Edera (Briggs Land) introduced the world to Erica Slaughter, the iconic monster hunter who came to Archer's Peak, Wisconsin to save the town's children from the monsters only she can see. But Erica is not the only member of the House of Slaughter... With nearly half a million copies sold, Something is Killing the Children has become a true comic phenomenon and this Free Comic Book Day you are invited to enter the House of Slaughter...if you dare. [Teen]

Crewed by teenage geniuses frozen in cryosleep, the JEMISON is on a mission to terraform other worlds and provide hope for the human race. But when the ship is mysteriously stopped over a planet that isn't on any of their maps, the crew finds themselves suddenly awoken ten years early. One half remains behind to try and assess the damage and the other is dispatched to the planet below to figure out the answer to a perilous question: What stopped the ship, and is it friend or foe? [Teen]

As the earth dies, salvation is offered to five thousand children who will be spirited away from our planet’s apocalypse -- but what of the other children, still hoping to find one of the bracelets that give them their ticket off planet? In this wistful one-shot from the sci-fi hit We Live, go into the Broken Lands with a group of friends...but there are four of them, and only one bracelet to be found. How will they decide who gets to leave? Then, preview the Rainbow Bridge graphic novel where Andy has to help his beloved dog Rocket save eternity! [Teen]

“The comic adventures of Max, Chloe, and Rachel from the award-winning video game Life Is Strange continue in this exclusive lead-in to an epic new story arc! This FCBD special features the first comic book appearance of an all-new character who will feature heavily in the Life is Strange universe in 2021! This FCBD issue contains exclusive original material!” [Teen]

“To reclaim the Dungeon that fell to the scheming William Delacour, the plan is simple: Marvin the dragon, Isis, and Herbert the duck must find some magic “fugus purit” and use it to dislodge the current occupants of the fortress. But is this really the Guardian's plan? Our heroes will have to fight against everyone to save the Dungeon. Meanwhile, will Marvin succeed in his engagement blast-of-firebreath 'Tong Deum'? Preview the new series here!” [Teen]

See the next chapter of the super-powered scifi epic The Resistance, and then meeet the “Moths”: a subset of the super-powered Reborn. The pandemic that granted the Reborn their gifts during The Great Death gave power to people like Emily Kai and the rest of the Moths, too...but the moment they use their gifts, their clock starts ticking and they have six months to live. Also, get a sneak-peek at the just-released Not All Robots futuristic techno-depressive-thriller! [Teen]

The second semester of School for Extraterrestrial Girls is in session! Peer into the lives of Tara Smith (fire lizard!), Misako Sato (extra-dimensional fairy!), Summer Cortez (pink tentacle void beast!), and Ekaterina and Zvenislava (anthropomorphic Russian kittens!). They’re all normal teenage girls...except that they’re all aliens stuck on Earth, and since Tara partially destroyed their old school they’ve been sent to bunk at the School for Extraterrestrial Boys while it’s repaired...that’ll go fine, right? Read the first issue here! [Teen]

This official spinoff manga of Rent-A-Girlfriend, the rom-com turned hit anime, features fan-favorite Sumi, the shy girl longing to come out of her shell. Written and illustrated by original creator Reiji Miyajima! Catch up on the manga before the Rent-A-Girlfriend anime returns for a second season, coming soon! [Teen]

Zom 100 is a violent and funny take on the zombie apocalypse! Its main character, Akira, is so depressed in his soul-crushing job that he uses the undead hordes as motivation to finally complete his bucket list! Also included is a sample of the hit fantasy manga Demon Slayer. [Teen]

“Known as the the Weakest Hunter of All Mankind, E-rank hunter Jinwoo Sung's contribution to raids amounts to trying not to get killed. Unfortunately, between his mother's hospital bills, his sister's tuition, and his own lack of job prospects, he has no choice but to continue to put his life on the line. So when an opportunity arises for a bigger payout, he takes it...only to come face-to-face with a being whose power outranks anything he's ever seen! With the party leader missing an arm and the only healer a quivering mess, can Jinwoo somehow find them a way out?” [Teen]

In the small Pennsylvania town of White Ash, there isn’t much going on aside from mining...and keeping the fact that there are elves and dwarves living in the town secret, of course! In this pre-launch of Season Two of the ongoing series, a romantic rendezvous for the grieving dwarf Alex and mischievous elf Lillian doesn’t go as planned...with potentially disastrous consequences! Also read a preview of The Game, a new series where your every action affects impacts the score of your life! Plus a sneak-peak at some vampiric troubles in colonial America in Stake! [Teen]

World of Zorro gives readers a peak at the upcoming titles for the legendary masked swashbuckler, both new stories (that range from the familiar to supernatural horror) as well as newly-translated classic tales! [Teen]

For FREE COMIC BOOK DAY, enjoy this special expanded edition of the hit IMAGE series, STRAY DOGS! Stray Dogs is a comic thriller that features art inspired by classic Don Bluth-style animation, telling the story of a group of dogs brought together by a mysterious loner. Rather than behave like four-legged humans, the brilliance of Stray Dogs is that it gets inside the heads of its canine characters, showing the human world from their perspective. Unique, entertaining, and creepy. [Teen]

The undead Vampirella has been around since 1969, and as the celebrations of her 50th anniversary draw to a close, Dynamite presents a reprint of the first issue of their series that kicked-off her modern adventures! [Teen+]

Take an inside look at everyone’s favorite bipedal shark god, King Shark (aka Nanaue)! Suicide Squad’s many-toothed muscle is currently inside Belle Reve prison, but he won’t remain there for long. PLUS: a sneak peak at the just-released Suicide Squad miniseries Get Joker! [Mature]

“After 20 years of antics coming out of Sunnyvale trailer park, the underground TV phenomenon Trailer Park Boys is finally coming to comics! Full of short stories and activity pages, several of comics' finest join to create a series of comic book specials in 2021 and beyond honoring Ricky, Bubbles and Julian and everything fans have come to love about the series.” [Mature]

Fungirl is a humor comic that is as unpredictable and hilarious as it is observant and smart. Cartoonist Elizabeth Pich’s creation does as much smashing the patriarchy as she does dreaming of delicious donuts and being spit on by llamas. [Mature]

“Tensions between the clans are high, so when Cecily Bain, an enforcer for the Twin Cities' vampiric elite, takes a mysterious new vampire under her wing she finds herself in over her head and dragged into a massive undead conspiracy! Meanwhile, on the outskirts of the city, a rebellious found-family of clan-less vampire cast-outs investigates a vicious killing.” [Mature]

“Preview the forthcoming full color, original Space Pirate Captain Harlock series from ABLAZE, personally overseen by the legendary Leiji Matsumoto! In this brand-new Captain Harlock adventure, planet Earth is threatened by an upcoming invasion by the Sylvidres and despite being banished as a pirate, Captain Harlock won't give up trying to save the world. Will Captain Harlock and his crew manage to solve this mystery and save the Earth from yet another menace? Also includes teasers for 3 highly anticipated upcoming manga/manhwa releases from ABLAZE, including The Breaker Vol 1 omnibus (critically acclaimed martial arts manhwa), Versus Fighting Story Vol 1 (Capcom e-sports shonen manga) and Crueler Than Dead Vol 1 (zombie horror seinen manga).” [Mature]

“An evil so profound it threatens all mankind... the mightiest heroes on the planet uniting to defend us all... a secret crisis of such utter finality that a countdown to civil or infinite war seems unavoidable... but have you ever wondered what really happens during Crossovers? The Seven, Payback, Teenage Kix, Fantastico and every other supe on Earth team up for an annual event like no other... and where the supes go, can a certain "five complications and a dog" be far behind? Vought-American prepare to make their move, in a story that will change the world of the Boys forever: Herogasm #1. The first-ever Boys spin-off mini-series features the pairing of Ennis with Hitman artist John McCrea and covers by Boys artist and co-creator Darick Robertson!” [Mature]

“The most eagerly-anticipated series of 2021 gets the FCBD treatment with this ALL-NEW "bonus" issue of the series! Featuring 33 pages of comics produced exclusively for FCBD, from the creator of Hip Hop Family Tree and X-Men: Grand Design, designed as a perfect entry point for new readers and a must-have for those already on board. Aided by the anonymous dark web and nearly untraceable crypto-currency, there has emerged a subculture of criminals who live-stream and patronize webcam murders for entertainment. Who are the murderers? Who are the victims? Who is the audience? How do we stop it? An outlaw, splatterpunk masterpiece, as seen on Piskor's YouTube channel sensation, Cartoonist Kayfabe!” [Mature]

“An award-winning comic and soon to be Netflix anime series! When dusk arrives in the city of Manila, that's when you become the most likely prey of the underworld. Kidnappers and thieves will be the least of your worries. Beware the criminals that can't be bound with handcuffs nor harmed with bullets. Beware the ones that crave your blood, those who hold your heart ransom, and the ones that come to steal your soul. When crime takes a turn for the weird, the police call Alexandra Trese. Featuring a preview from TRESE Vol 2: Unreported Murders, a section on the forthcoming Netflix TRESE anime series launching this summer (including an interview with Director Jay Oliva), bonus pages with w/ background about the monsters of Philippine myth as told by TRESE creators Budjette Tan and Kajo Baldisimo, and a teaser on TRESE Vol 3: Mass Murders, coming this Sept from ABLAZE!” [Mature]

“2000 AD Presents All-Star Judge Dredd is a thrill-powered showcase of the past and shocking present of the iconic lawman of the future! Witness the birth of the world of Judge Dredd in an incendiary preview of upcoming prequel graphic novel Dreadnoughts by Michael Carroll with art by Watchmen's John Higgins. Fan-favourite Judge Hershey travels to the ends of the earth to dispense her own brand of justice in long-anticipated blockbuster spin-off, Hershey: Disease by Rob Williams (Suicide Squad) and Simon Fraser (Doctor Who). Along-side these teases for Fall 2021 epics enjoy a bone-rattling all new stand-alone Dredd caper from elite writer Al Ewing (Immortal Hulk, Marvel's Empyre) and Caspar Wijngaard (Star Wars, Home Sick Pilots)!” [Teen]

“Four titanic tales of pure fun and entertainment for everyone to enjoy! First up. It's no dog and pony show here! Bringing back the iconic puppets from the San Francisco Bay Area "Charlie and Humphrey"!! The modern-day Gumby and Pokey! A true love for al ages featuring a tale by Justin Sane and John Hageman! Next up is "Red Dawn" Written and created by Brandon McKinney, with inks by Bill Anderson and vibrant colors from Ross Hughes!! The government has created the first "controlled" superhero doing the bidding of a shadow operation until things go bad leaving our hero to blame and now on the run. The following story is only exclusive to this FCBD edition. Written by Greg Boucher and illustrated by Victor Moya they bring you "Rock and Roll Biographies: FIGHt" See how a troubled Rob Halford leaves the world biggest heavy metal band to form his own supergroup and take metal back!! Our last preview is written by Mel Smith, illustrated by Frank Cirocco/Alex Sheikman and hand colored by Gerhard! "Becoming Frankenstein" takes down the journey of a troubled Victor Frankenstein as he grieves the loss of his mother while harvesting the body parts of victims to create life again for his monster! Learn the tales of the victims and who they were before they became what becomes Frankenstein's ultimate creation! : This will be the only edition to feature this Rock and Roll Biographies story featuring FIGHT “ [Mature]

Enjoyed your Free Comic Book Day books? Want to read more? Let your friendly neighborhood Comix Connection Counter Monkey know which ones caught your eye, and we’ll be happy to direct you to the next part of the story!

#free comic book day #fcbd #fcbd 2021 #free comic book day 2021 #comixevent #comixmech #comixyork

4 notes · View notes

ruinouss-archived · 3 years

Text

Dossier

Disclaimer: This contains the basics that mainly center around a more modern world. Any verse specifics can be found under her VERSES page.

The backstory TL;DR of her bio is at the bottom. Backstory tws: child/domestic abuse mention, alcohol, drugs, and death.

Mini Ref - Other Visuals - Tattoo and Scar Guide (coming soon)

General

Name: Faye Rivera

Nicknames: Red, that bitch

Race: Human (most verses)

Age: 28

Gender: Cis-Female

Orientation: Demiromantic pansexual

DoB: May 3rd

Occupation: Gun for hire

Appearance

Height: 5'3"

Body Type: Hourglass

Skin Tone: Tanned

Hair: Reddish Brown

Eyes: Heterochromia blue (left) & brown (right)

Notable features: Freckles over bridge of nose, beauty mark on left jaw, notch in right ear, scar across right side of neck, and small ones scattered over body

Modifications: Three piercings in right ear, five piercings in left ear, behind left ear, and on her left hip/thigh.

Face Claim: Adria Arjona

Personal

Skills: Expert hand to hand combat, expert marksmanship, expert swordsmanship, first aid, cooking, minor mechanical knowledge, minor hacking knowledge

Weapons: Dual swords/daggers, hidden blades, retractable bo-staff, dual pistols, various other weapons depending on the job

Likes: Cooking/eating, drawing/painting, danger, drinking, the ocean, music (listening and playing)

Dislikes: Authority, failing, spiders (borderline phobia), being alone, losing her temper

Fears: Blackout darkness, claustrophobia

Family: Fiona Rivera (mother), Ryder Rivera (older brother), Cesar Steele (father), Joseph Duvall (Mentor/adoptive father)

Personality: Upon first impression Faye comes off as a cocky, audacious smartass with a death wish. She lives life to the fullest and tends to be rather reckless in some of her actions. But don’t let this fool you, she’s very calculating in her risks and has at least two back up plans already in the works. She’s slow to trust and can come off as a bit callous in some of her mannerisms and responses and her chaotic neutral disposition can prove unfavorable if a higher bidder comes along. It’s a cruel world and she’s learned the hard way to do the double cross first. She’s constantly looking for the next job/adventure and can find the silver lining in even the most bleak of situations. Her mouth tends to operate faster than her mind which often gets her into some sticky situations but she’s learned to adapt and roll with the punches. Literally and figuratively. If one manages to tolerate her and stick around long enough to gain her trust they’ll earn themselves a friend who’ll gladly trade her life for theirs. They’ll also learn there’s more to her than meets the eye. And as a final warning, be mindful as she has a nasty temper that can get the best of her in the blink of an eye.

Bio: Ever since she was born, life was difficult to put it simply. Her father, Cesar, was a cruel man who took over a criminal empire at a young age. Her mother was forced to be his property in exchange for her sister’s life. He found his men to have too many morals and decided to treat his two children as experiments, forcing them to commit heinous acts at a young age and severely and inhumanely punishing them when they disobeyed. Faye got the worst of it as her she got his tenacious and rebellious spirit. Her mother did what she could to protect her children, attempting many times to escape with her children. Each failed escape ended with a worse punishment that only fueled a fire and hatred for the man. It wasn’t until she was around eight and her brother was eleven that they finally got their chance to escape. A highly trained mercenary had been hired to infiltrate Cesar’s domain and gather what intel he could. Upon discovering the family, he decided to assist them in escaping, believing Faye’s mother, Fiona, would be able to divulge valuable information. It was an escape as Cesar always seemed to be a step ahead. They managed to escape the compound but didn’t get very far before Cesar had tracked them down. The mercenary, Joseph, was badly injured during the firefight, leaving the three basically defenseless. In a last ditch effort, Fiona gave her life to save her children. Faye and her brother took to the woods, using their smaller size to their advantage as night fell. Assuming they’d succumb to the elements, Cesar gave up the chase and returned to his base of operations. The pair waited for hours before finally moving, knowing there was nothing else but to look forward. Eventually they came across train tracks and followed it to a city where they survived in the slums by stealing and taking advantage of anyone that crossed their path. Over a year passed before their luck took a curious turn. Faye was attempting to pickpocket a stranger when they managed to catch her by her wrist. To both their surprise it turned out to be the same mercenary who had rescued her and her brother. He had survived his injuries that fateful night and spent days searching for them before ending up in the city. He decided to offer her a deal; he would adopt her and her brother but they’d have to follow his every command or they could remain on the streets where eventually their luck would run out. At the thought of becoming mercenaries themselves and avenging their mother, they agreed. The following years were exhausting and difficult as they went through rigorous training to prepare themselves for the cruelty of the world while also having to balance school work. When their vindictive intentions came to light, Joseph confronted them with him and Ryder having a huge falling out who refused to bow down. A fight ensued but Joseph was quick to put Ryder back into his place, showing their was still much the eighteen year old could learn. This only upset Ryder who took off, leaving Faye to train alone. Despite the pain she felt from her brother’s abrupt disappearance she remained with Joseph, continuing to learn the trade and feeling the first sting of betrayal. They had been on a mission when one of their comrades double crossed them for a large cut. While they managed to complete the mission, Joseph suffered injuries that required him to retire. Faye continued on and when she was twenty-one fell in love with a man named Ethan who showed her an even more lucrative world dealing in the underworld. She ignored her father’s warnings and pleas to not go down that path, running off with Ethan who manipulated into doing just about anything. A few years went by before she was ultimately betrayed by Ethan who attempted to kill her, slicing her neck and setting the building they were in on file. Miraculously, Faye managed to survive and pull herself out where she was able to get medical help in the nick of time. Her father came to visit where they reconciled. However, it was a short lived reunion as Ethan had heard of Faye’s survival and sent some men to dispose of her. Joseph was killed protecting his daughter. Grief stricken, Faye gave in to her rage and spent the next several months tracking Ethan and anyone associated with him down before brutally killing them. Unable to properly cope with her grief and pain, she dissociated, becoming a living weapon. She reached out to contacts in the underworld, taking damn near every job offered to her no matter how gruesome or cruel the specifics might’ve been. She turned to alcohol and drugs to help dull her senses. This continued for about a year until her brother managed to track her down. It was a rough month as he forced her to detox and face what had happened and what she’d been doing the past year before finally bringing her back to normal. He helped her grieve and the two caught up where she learned he had in fact killed their father and took over the criminal empire, changing things so it was mainly just guns and drugs they dealt with. He’d always kept an eye on her but it wasn’t until she really went off the rails that he decided to step in. Ryder remained with Faye, accompanying her on a few missions and showing her a few of his contacts that assisted in more training and fine tuning her abilities. He stayed until he was certain she wouldn’t slip back into a dark place. The two remained in contact and Faye continued working as a gun for hire with jobs ranging from being a body guard to contract killer. She remained rather neutral with the jobs she took, only stating killing animals and most children were off the table. Old habits died hard and she found herself finding some comfort in alcohol on the lonely nights. TL;DR: Father was a crime lord and murdered her mother in front of her and her brother as they were trying to escape. The siblings lived on the streets for a year before a mercenary took them in. She trained with him even after her adoptive father and brother had a falling out and her brother left. She eventually ran off with some guy who manipulated her and introduced her to the underworld before eventually betraying her. She managed to survive and reconciled with her father right before her ex’s men tried killing her and instead ended up killing her adoptive father. This sent her in a rage where she hunted down her ex and his associates. After successfully killing them, she was unable to cope with the guilt that came with her father’s death. She cut herself off from her emotions and started taking just about any job even if it meant killing innocent. This continued until her brother decided to step in and try and get her back on the right track. When he managed to break through they caught up and she learned he’d killed their father and had taken over the criminal business with some changes. They remained in touch and eventually Faye started working as a gun for hire again, taking jobs that ranged from being a body guard to a contract killer with a slightly better moral compass than before.

Extras

Knows a few different languages

Claustrophobia and fear of darkness stems from being locked in a footlocker/closet/cellar as punishment from her father

Usually always has snacks on her

Sometimes gives people nicknames

Has used the pseudo name Sharon Peters (say it fast)

Has safe houses scattered all over

#Dossier

0 notes

letterfromtrenwith · 6 years

Text

Les trois Français - Ch. 10, 11 & 12

A crime/mystery AU

1793. After returning from the Americas to find only disappointment and heartbreak in Cornwall, Ross Poldark fled the place he once called home. Several years later, he leads a disordered, secretive life as one of London’s infamous Bow Street Runners, losing himself in the city’s murky alleyways and dark criminal workings.

His Aunt Agatha’s declining health finally convinces him to go back to Trenwith, the Poldark family home. There, he finds his cousin Francis, the county’s chief magistrate, embroiled in the perplexing case of the murders of three French emigres. Unable to resist the lure of a mystery, Ross must confront local politics, long-neglected friends, old enemies and lost loves in order to find the truth.

- A spy is unmasked, and the hunt for the killer becomes absolutely imperative.

Chapter 10

Ross felt as if he were slowly groping his way through a thick fog, toward some vague shape in the distance, which kept getting a little clearer but then fading away out of reach again when he got too close. When he had decided to finally return to Cornwall, he certainly hadn’t expected to end up in the middle of possibly the most perplexing criminal case of his life.

Francis, to his chagrin, had been forced to deal with some ordinary business of the estate, and was shut up in this study with the estate manager. Ross therefore sat in the parlour, brooding over a glass of Verity’s lemonade. He would have rather liked something stronger, but it was too early in the morning. He had not drunk so relatively little in years as he had since his return to Trenwith, and had to admit that he felt the better for it.

“Did – did someone really bash that poor girl’s head in?” Verity asked quietly from behind her sewing.

“Battered her, they did.” Agatha added with unnecessary relish. She had always been a morbid sort, and advanced age had not improved her.

“Do not concern yourself, Verity.”

“But – “ Before she could finish her objection, there was a brief knock on the door and a footman entered.

“Sir, Madam, Mr Warleggan is here.”

“What does that upstart want?” Agatha demanded. Evidently the strong mutual dislike between his great aunt and George had not altered over the years either. The footman, probably used to Agatha’s outbursts, ignored her.

“Mr Warleggan is here to see you and Mr Poldark, Captain. In private.”

“Well, he will have to wait for Francis. Show him in here.”

George did not look especially thrilled to be ushered into the sitting room, but greeted Ross and Verity politely, barely glancing in Agatha’s direction as she made a face at his back.

“How is Elizabeth? And the children?” Verity asked.

“The children are quite well. Elizabeth is most disturbed by the loss of Séraphine – the Comtesse – of course. She was a particular friend.”

“It is a tragedy.”

Francis’ return pre-empted any further conversation, and after George explained the purpose of his visit, the three men retired to the study.

Ross finally took a good look at the man he had once considered his worst enemy. Not at school, although they had never gotten on particularly well, a clash of personalities right from the start, which had put Francis rather in the middle. Although Ross had never liked George much, he had only truly hated him after finding out that George had married Elizabeth while he was away at war. He’d known George had feelings for Elizabeth – it had been written all over his face every time they were together – but had never considered him a true rival. Evidently, he had been wrong. For some time after he last left Cornwall, Ross had focused almost all of his ill-feeling on George – cursing him with every breath and every drink, for stealing the woman Ross loved.

Like everyone else, George had changed a great deal from the last time Ross had seen him. The quiet, withdrawn boy of their schooldays now a commanding, professional figure. Ross had seen Warleggan ships moored in London docks, and the ornate edifice of the Warleggan Bank in Truro. George had taken his father’s burgeoning business interests and transformed them into an empire. Evidently, the success agreed with him. His navy-blue coat was impeccably cut, pristine white neck-cloth secured with a silver pin.

Now, Ross found that, as with Elizabeth, his feelings towards George were not so strong as he had imagined they would be. Elizabeth was not an object to be stolen – she had freely chosen to give herself to another man, and had clearly never regretted it. Could Elizabeth have been as happy with Ross as she evidently was with George? That question could never be answered, and there was no point in dwelling on it. The fact that he and George did not especially like one another ultimately made no difference. Resenting him for winning Elizabeth would achieve nothing – just as resenting Elizabeth for moving on when she believed Ross dead would not either.

“In light of the Comtesse’s dreadful fate,” George picked a possibly imaginary mote from the brim of his hat, which rested upon his knee, “there is something very important I must tell you both.”

“You are the Admiralty’s chief agent in this county.” To George’s credit, he did not so much as flicker at Ross’ pre-emption of his statement. Ross had not been entirely certain of this conclusion, but enough so to venture it. George’s nod proved him right.

“So, Ross, you have worked me out.”

“When James Blamey told us they had a spymaster in the county, I did begin to wonder who it was. It had to be someone with sufficient connection and influence to cultivate an intelligence network, someone with contacts throughout society. Who better than a banker? Or the owner of a shipping company? There are one or two other men in the county who could possibly fit the bill, but they have neither the intelligence nor the work ethic.” It pained him just a touch to pay what were dangerously close to compliments to George, but it had to be said. George thankfully let them pass by without comment.

“You – you – what?” Ross had not shared his suspicion with Francis, lest he was wrong, and clearly his cousin had not arrived at the same conclusion. Unsurprising, given his closeness to George. He did not seem to be taking the revelation well.

“It has not been easy, Francis, keeping such – “

“You have lied to me! Spied on me?”

“No – Francis – “ Ross was almost surprised to see genuine distress on George’s face. The other man glanced sideways at Ross, clearly wishing he could have had this conversation with Francis in private. “I did not wish to deceive you – and I am sorry that I have had to – but you must understand that the utmost secrecy is vital. Considering your position, I did not want to place you in any danger, or compromise you in any way. However, I have wanted to tell you the truth for some time – our present circumstances have made it clear that there is no other option. I say that I have only acted for what I believed was the best, but I nevertheless understand if you are angered. I merely ask that you put aside that anger at least until I have helped you so far as I am able.”

“You have concealed information pertinent to these murders? You realise that could be construed as a crime?” If Ross had hoped to make George squirm, he was unfortunately to be disappointed. The discomfort George had shown while trying to placate Francis disappeared, and he fixed Ross with that disconcerting gaze – there had always been a cold steeliness behind it, which had put Ross’ back up at school, but it was now there in full force.

“Until very recently – by which I mean the day before yesterday – I had nothing but theories and speculation, albeit informed speculation. I could offer you no answers, but merely more questions.”

“And now?” Francis had scowled at the floor for a short while, but seemed to have calmed.

“Now I can tell you with certainty that Edouard d’Aubigné was a French spy.”

“How do you know this?” Francis’ interest seemed to have been peaked, and Ross had to admit that he felt the same way.

“I understand that James Blamey explained to you how the Admiralty discovered the existence of a spy in the district – I was opposed to his attempting to interfere in your investigation, I might add, and only partially because I knew it would have no effect.” George did not smile, but out of the corner of his eye Ross saw Francis attempt to suppress a twitch of his mouth. “The line of communication had been interrupted, but it was imperative that we identify the source. We learned the pattern of the messages – a report was made on a regular basis. Foolish, but extremely helpful to us. We were able to eliminate several suspects based upon that alone.”

“And how did you settle upon d’Aubigné?”

“Partly by that process of elimination, but there were certain other factors. One being his apparent affluence despite the state of his bank account. The other being that while intoxicated, he boasted to a…female companion that he would soon be once moe in possession of his family estate in France, which had been seized.”

“Idle talk, surely?”

“The young lady did not think so.”

“One of your agents, presumably?” Ross raised an eyebrow. He knew how well-informed whores could be – careless men would say an awful lot without their breeches on. George merely gave a noncommittal lift of his shoulders, but it was answer enough.

“We intended to feed some false information to the suspects we had, and see which pieces made it into the report. Before we could do that, d’Aubigné was murdered. Therefore, the simplest way to discern if he were the spy was to see if a report was made after his death. It was not.”

“So, d’Aubigné was the spy.”

“Yes. And a murderer. Although I believe you have already come to that conclusion.”

“The knife,” said Francis. “Yes. It was probably d’Aubigné’s. Perhaps du Pas discovered him? Or was du Pas an accomplice?”

“We have no evidence of that. Besides, he was out of the district more than once when the messages were despatched. How he discovered d’Aubigné we don’t know, but it’s reasonable to suspect that he did.”

“So,” Ross mused, “this started with three murders, which were assumed to have one murderer. But now, even with de Vayssiere discounted, we still have three murders, and at least two murderers!”

“Do you know anything of that?” Francis glanced at George. He was clearly still displeased by discovering that his friend had deceived him, but seemed to have accepted George’s request to put that to one side for the moment.

“Not exactly, but I do have something else. Another piece of evidence against d’Aubigné, but it could lead to more. A man named Jethro Dyer, with whom I believe you are familiar, Francis.”

“A suspected smuggler,” Francis glanced at Ross. “I have never been able to prove it.”

“Well, I can,” said George. “There is a man amongst his crew who reports upon his activities, and can testify to several charges. That is not the important part, however.”

“Well, what is?” Ross asked, snappishly. He doubted George was being deliberately long-winded, but he could feel himself becoming impatient. Ross had thrown himself into this case, and found nothing but frustration from the start. If George had some key to unlocking it, then he needed to stop beating around the bush.

“One night last week, while in his cups, Dyer fell to complaining that he had been cheated of a great promised payment. It seems that Dyer was approached and offered a generous sum to transport a Frenchman to Ireland. It is a circuitous route from here, of course, but it avoids the checking of papers at Liverpool and Dublin. Dyer had prepared for the journey, but his passenger never arrived – he is most put out.”

“When was this?”

“He was to depart the night of d’Aubigné’s murder. The man was fleeing discovery.”

“Which explains what d’Aubigné was doing out in the woods in the middle of the night with a bag full of gold and a roll of clothes…”

“…but not why he was brutally murdered.” Finished Francis, with a sigh.

“I have no answer for that – much to my regret.” George did look genuinely dismayed by his lack of further information. Ross recognised what he had offered already for what it partly was. By way of an apology for his deception, he had given Francis not only confirmation of du Pas’ killer, but the means to finally capture this smuggler – who furthermore may hold the key to the rest of the mystery.

“Do you know where Dyer is now?”

“Not precisely, but I have a list of known haunts, should you wish to have him arrested for questioning.” George produced a folded paper from inside his coat.

“I most certainly do.”

Chapter 11

Jethro Dyer was a florid, rotund little man whose smug, self-satisfied demeanour had only increased over the years that Francis failed to bring him to justice. He continued to grin confidently even from his perch on the rotten wooden stool in the magistrate’s court’s cells.

“So, ‘ere we are again, Mr Francis. Got yerself another fancy to ‘aul ole Dyer in, ‘ave you?”

“Yes, Mr Dyer. I have.”

“Would’a thought you’d be fed up wi’ this, now. Me gettin’ dragged in ‘ere by yer louts, not sayin’ nothin’, and you ‘avin to let me go on account o’ lack of evidence.”

“I am ‘fed up’ with that, Mr Dyer. However, that isn’t going to happen this time.”

“Oh, ain’t it? And why that be?”

“Because I have here sworn statements from three of your crew that you have been smuggling French brandy, flour, salt and assorted other goods into the country.” The smile fell off Dyer’s face. It was exactly as satisfying a sight as Francis had imagined. He heard Ross chuckle next to him.

“You’re lyin’.”

“No. You see, one of your crew was in fact loyal to the Crown, and the others are more loyal to their own miserable lives. As soon as we told them they were to be charged, they told us everything. Including where to find your goods – the cave in Ataran Cove.” Dyer blanched.

“So, I will not be letting you go. I will in fact be charging you with smuggling, handling stolen goods…and treason.”

“Treason?! I ain’t committed no treason!” Dyer’s cockiness was completely gone now.

“Have you not? You have traded with the French, and, furthermore, aided their spies in our nation.” George spoke now. Francis had agreed to his participation in this interrogation, considering he had given them Dyer in the first place. He was still displeased with George’s deception, even though he knew his friend had good reason for it. George finally giving him the means to snare Dyer also rather helped.

“Spies?! I dunno about spies!” Dyer was panicking – his normally flushed face pallid.

“You agreed to transport a Frenchman to Ireland underneath the notice of the authorities. That man was a spy.”

“I didn’t know that! I only did it fer t’money, I swear!”

“Why should we believe that?” Ross stepped forward now, leaning casually on the bars. Francis could tell this was not the first time he had adopted such an attitude. “You’ve made it your business to profit from this war, and the privations it has caused. Who knows what else you are capable of?”

“No – “

“There is a way to convince us of your innocence.” Francis said. “Tell us everything you know about the Frenchman you were to transport.”

“I don’t know anythin’!’” Dyer almost wailed. “I never met ‘im!”

“How did he contact you?” George asked.

“Some fella approached me, told me he ‘ad a Frenchman needed to get out ‘o country. Flashed me some coin, like, and promised me a pile more on the night. I didn’t ask no more questions.”

“Who was this man?” George had stepped closer to the bars, and there was a note of eagerness in his voice, although likely imperceptible to anyone who did not know him well. Francis knew what had peaked his interest – whoever this man was, he was likely the missing link in the French spy network, and a strong suspect in the murders of d’Aubigné and the Comtesse. Although, why he would kill the very man he had organised safe passage out of the country for was yet another mystery.

“I don’t know! Like I said, I didn’t ask no more questions. ‘E were local, though. Cornish, that is.” George didn’t react, unsurprisingly, but Francis saw Ross raise an eyebrow. A Cornishman, collaborating with French spies? The idea was disturbing, to say the least.

“What else?” He demanded, interrupting George’s questioning.

“Nothin’!

“Well…” Francis thought for a moment, and then made a decision. “If you can tell me anything that leads me to capture this man, I will reduce the charges against you to merely the receiving of stolen goods.”

“Oh, sir! Thank ‘ee, sir. I be most grateful…” Dyer’s pathetic grovelling might have once pleased him, but now he had no time for it. More important fish were to be caught.

“You’ll have to give him the information first.” Ross said.

“Oh, well, I can describe him a bit, like. But – “ he desperately cut off Francis’ impending dismissal. “He did come to me again t’other day, told me the deal was still on, ‘cept I were to tek ‘im to Ireland instead.”

“When?”

“Tomorrow night.”

By a stroke of pure luck, their quarry had apparently not discovered that his intended escape had been thwarted. Fortune further smiled upon them in that he had arranged with Dyer to take a small boat out from a cove to meet the ship. He was therefore easy to find, being the only man lurking on the quiet beach at that time of night.

“I ain’t done nothing!” They were back in the cells, Dyer – now sent on to Bodmin jail to await the Assizes – replaced by a weasely little man with dirty blonde hair and a permanently shifty look.

“Sirs, meet Ted Forster. Petty thief, chancer and now, apparently, traitor.” Henshawe locked the cell door behind him.

“I ain’t no traitor!”

“Save your pathetic protests, Forster. We have testimony that you arranged for the passage of a French spy from the country. That’s quite treasonous enough, so far as I’m concerned.” Francis glared at the man – a French spy was one thing, but an Englishman turning against his own country? “You are destined for the gallows – or Botany Bay at the very least. Unless…”

“Unless wha’?!”

“Unless you tell us everything – and I mean everything – about your arrangements with Edouard d’Aubigné.”

“And if I do? You’ll save me from t’rope?”

“I will not charge you with treason. I give my word.”

“All right. I’ll tell ye.”

“You betray your cause very easily, Sir.” Ross observed.

“I ain’t got no cause! I were told I’d be paid ‘andsome if I passed on a few messages, like, so I did. Man’s got to make a living.” Francis felt bitter disgust as such a mercenary attitude, but forced himself to say calm as Forster continued. “So I did what I were asked. I met the French bloke and took ‘is papers where ‘ee told me to, brought back what other fella at port gave me – money for me and t’Frenchman, usually – and that were it for best part of year.”

“What else?” George asked sharply.

“I be gettin’ there, ‘ave a bit o’ patience.” Assured of his freedom, Forster was clearly enjoying having an audience, his earlier panic transformed into a casual bravado. “I never knew much ‘bout the fella. ‘Ee weren’t no lover of his own countrymen, ‘owever. Kept goin’ on about ‘gettin’ back what were rightfully ‘is’ or some such. I didn’t know what ‘e were on about and I din’t care to ask.”

“Did he kill du Pas?” Francis needed to know.

“That doctor? Aye, likely enough. He’d been actin’ jumpy last few weeks, said ‘e thought ‘e were bein’ followed, and I should be extra careful, like. So I were, not that I ever saw owt. Then, ‘e said he’d seen someone out and about at night, when ‘e were on his way to meet me and what not, and that ‘e were going to ‘deal with them’. Next thing I knew, it were goin’ round that doctor were dead.”

“He staged a robbery?” d’Aubigné had probably thought that taking the doctor’s bag would do the job, or perhaps he had been disturbed before he could take anything else. Either way, it made sense of the doctor’s killing. Although why had the doctor been following d’Aubigné? If he was suspicious, why not simply report him?

“Don’t know about that.”

“So, if he had eliminated du Pas, why did he want to flee?” George beat Francis to his next question.

“’E told me ‘e had been found out, and it were time to end it. ‘E would have to go and me disappear, like. I told ‘him I would, but to be honest I were ‘opin the other folk would find someone else for me to go-between for. Anyhow, I knew Dyer would take him away if ‘e were paid enough – I’d heard he’d done same for other folk seeking to stay out way of law, if ye see what I mean.” Francis knew that to be true – it was yet another thing he’d never been able to conclusively pin on Dyer. Until now.

“Who had found him out?”

“Never said who, but ‘e said someone had demanded money. Blackmail, y’see. But ‘e didn’t trust em to keep quiet if ‘e paid. Fair enough, I reckon. Not sure I would in their position.” He grinned and Francis’ distaste for the man doubled.

“So you arranged his passage. Did you steal the horse for him, too?” Ross spoke this time.

“Paid a stable boy a few coins to leave its stall open.”

“You lured him out to that clearing and killed him to save yourself.” They had agreed to hold back this accusation until they drew what they wanted out of Forster.

“What?! No! Why would I bother wi’ all the arrangements and then do ‘im in? I swear I din’t, and I can prove it! I were at t’Lantern Inn in Bodmin all night. Thought it best I weren’t about, like. Barkeep’ll tell ye!”

Chapter 12

“This is a labyrinth. Everywhere we turn – a dead end! We’ve discovered half a dozen criminals – and none of them the one we seek!” They stood in the currently empty magistrate’s court, Francis pacing in agitation. Ross sat on one of the public benches, while George lent against the wall. He had to admit that he understood Francis’ frustration. Effectively, his task was complete – he had definitively identified d’Aubigné as the spy passing important information out of Cornwall, and with the arrest of Forster, the whole line had now been rolled up. However, d’Aubigné’s murder was an unanswered question – was there another spy out there somewhere? That he had failed to detect. And Séraphine’s murder…There was no chance at all that she was involved in anything untoward – she was an innocent who had somehow become involved in something very dark indeed.

Elizabeth had become close to the young Frenchwoman, and her grief pained George deeply. He too had liked Séraphine a great deal. One evening over dinner, she had told them both the story of her escape from France – a terrifying, perilous journey conducted virtually alone when she was barely more than a girl. Her family had sent her away to save her life, and to meet such a terrible end in the very country she had fled to for her safety… George could not simply walk away from this. Whether or not Francis would let him remain was really the question.

Francis had willingly co-operated over the interrogation of Forster, however. Possibly because George had offered him a way to draw their information out of the man without allowing him to escape justice. Forster’s face when Francis told him he was under arrest for treason had been quite the picture.

“But ye said I wouldn’t be charged!”

“No. I said I wouldn’t charge you with treason. But these gentleman will.” George had waved in two Marine privates, sent by the Admiralty at his request. They would deal with the man now – and likely make him regret the very moment he decided to betray his country for a few coins.

“What did your men find in d’Aubigné’s room?” Ross asked.

“Not much. His clothes, a Latin Bible…”

“Who searched? Henshawe?”

“No – two others. Barrow and Fen.”

“Did you not tell me that all of your Constables but Henshawe are entirely useless?”

“Well, perhaps not entirely…but, yes.”

“Then, we must search his room again.” Both Poldarks turned to look at George when he spoke, and felt rather pinned by their joint gaze.

“’We?’” Francis raised an eyebrow.

“Yes.” He stood up straight. “I have investigated d’Aubigné thoroughly, more than you have, if you’ll forgive me. I also need to ascertain whether his murder points to more traitors in the district – especially considering Séraphine – the Comtesse’s words about an ‘imposter’. And, frankly, if I can help find her killer, then I intend to do so. She was Elizabeth’s friend – and mine – and an innocent young woman.”

Francis looked him straight in the eye – and nodded.

“There must be some clue here as to his blackmailer.” Francis opened and closed drawers in d’Aubigné’s bureau.

“Or maybe it’s here.” Ross poked at the fireplace, where a few remnants of burned papers remained. The room had apparently been left untouched since d’Aubigné’s death, thankfully, although there did not seem to be much to find, unfortunately.

George opened the chest, wrinkling his nose at the thought of rifling through another man’s clothes, but resigned to the necessity of it. Under a pile of linen shirts, and a rather loudly coloured silk coat, he made a discovery.

“Francis, you really must replace your constables.” Lifting out the worn but good quality black leather bag, he dropped it on the bed, turning it so the embossed monogram was visible to the other men.

R. du Pas

“Well, that settles du Pas’ killer for certain, but it still takes us no further.” Francis sighed and rubbed his eyes, before looking down curiously as Ross to his knees to search under the bed. He rummaged for a few moments, turning up a pair of shoes, a couple of loose coins and some dust. Ross was about to withdraw when he paused, looking across the room from his position.

“What’s that? Under the bureau?” George was nearest, and crouched down to look. It was barely visible between the thick pile of the rug and the wood trim – a piece of paper. He just managed to slip two fingers into the gap to pull it out. Francis and Ross, now on his feet, came closer to read it.

“It’s in French.” Francis sounded almost disappointed. He had been a clever boy at school – and grown into an intelligent man – but languages, particularly French, had never been his strong suit.

“What’s that? ‘I know..’” George felt Ross lean closer over his shoulder, and fought the urge to cringe away. He had never especially liked people close to him, bar Elizabeth of course.

“It says: ‘I know what you have done. 50 Livre will buy my silence. The clearing in the woods – midnight on the 15th.” George read, with not a little difficulty. The writing was not neat.

“That’s the night after d’Aubigné’s murder!” cried Francis. “He was fleeing to avoid the blackmailer – just as Forster said.”

“Perhaps the blackmailer caught him doing so, “ mused Ross. “But we still don’t know who it is. It can’t be du Pas because this came after d’Aubigné killed him, if we believe everything Forster said.”

“That looks like a man’s handwriting,” said Francis, extending his hand in silent request for the note. George passed it to him. “It is very rough.”

“An uneducated hand,” agreed George. “There are several mis-spellings and errors of grammar. Which means it could not be the Comtesse either, although I should never have believed her a blackmailer.”

“Perhaps one of your people?” Ross looked at George. “Intelligencers can be just as unscrupulous as thief-takers, in my experience.”

Ross’ expression remained neutral, and his tone mild, so George could not tell if he intended some sort of slight. If he did, George was not in the mood to care.

“No. While I do not claim my people to be entirely free of sin, I am certain none would stoop to blackmail and murder. Besides which, only three people knew of d’Aubigné’s identity as the suspected spy. Myself, and my two most trusted agents.”

“How trusted?”

“With my life.” This was entirely the truth, which Ross seemed to accept. George was almost surprised, he had half-expected to be accused of blackmail himself. He would not have put it past Ross once upon a time.

“Perhaps du Pas was not involved at all.” Francis said suddenly. He had seemingly ignored Ross and George’s exchange while pondering the note again.

“Well, we know he was not involved, as such,” replied Ross. “Merely that he discovered d’Aubigné.”

“Yes, but what if he didn’t? Forster said d’Aubigné thought he was being followed by someone he had seen around at night, but du Pas had plenty of reasons to be out and about at night aside from following d’Aubigné.” George saw instantly what his friend was driving at, and by the look on Ross’ face he did too.

“It was the blackmailer following d’Aubigné, never du Pas; but d’Aubigné jumped to conclusions when he saw du Pas out in the evenings to see his patients.”

“He would have known du Pas was a doctor, but considering what he was doing, d’Aubigné was probably paranoid.” George said, closing the lid of the chest and perching on it. Francis had sat down at the desk, and Ross on the window ledge.

“The Comtesse must have been referring to the blackmailer as the ‘imposter’, although it is an odd way to phrase it,” Ross murmured thoughtfully.

“But we are back to the eternal question – who?” Francis slumped in the chair.

“Well, who did she come into contact with? George, she was friends with Elizabeth, yes? Who else would she have spent enough time with to identify as an ‘imposter’?”

“Aside from Elizabeth and myself and the Enys’, primarily the other French. Her English was good, but she was not confident. However, I cannot imagine to which of them she could have referred. The Admiralty’s agents in France made extensive enquiries into their backgrounds when the search for the spy began. So far as could be ascertained, all gave an accurate account of their credentials, even d’Aubigné.”

“But was there anything about any of them which suggested they might be capable of any of this? Perhaps it was not what you were looking for then, but…” Ross trailed off, but George knew what he was getting at. Irritatingly, he had no real answers.

“Well, many would have good reason to hate a man working for the French government – most of them lost virtually everything to the Revolution: their families and friends murdered, estates and fortunes stolen. There are some who are not capable, however – Madame de Voyer, for example, or old Pére Cornet. No others who lodge at Cusgarne – aside from the priest, there is Mlle Dieudonné, who would not have the strength to kill anyone and the Prévots, who are unlikely murderers in my opinion. The only one physically capable is the Vicomte de la Tour – had he not broken his leg falling off his horse last month.”

“So – if we do assume that the killer is one of the French, it leaves the guests at Tehidy, and the MM de Droux and Leféron.”

“So who is it?” Francis looked between them both, asking the question on all of their minds.

“We must observe them all,” Ross said. “And tomorrow, we will have the ideal opportunity.”

The Comtesse’s funeral.

It was naturally a subdued affair – not the celebration of a long life lived well, but the lamentation of a tragic one cut brutally short. Caroline Enys had ridden rough-shod over Rev Odgers objections to have Pére Cornet conduct a service for the Comtesse – insisting that as they could not protect her in life, they could at least honour her in death by having her buried as a Catholic.

“Would her killer really be so brazen as to appear at her funeral?” Francis whispered. He, George and Ross stood out in the entrance hall, removed from the rest of the mourners, gathered in Killewarren’s great hall.

“It might seem more suspicious if they did not.” Ross murmured in return.

“Do any act oddly to your eye? I cannot say I have noticed anything untoward.”

“Many of them are afraid.” George added. “They worry they might be next. I have ordered men to patrol the grounds at Cardew. Possibly unnecessarily, but if it will assuage our guests fears.”

“What if we are wrong about this? We said ourselves that the blackmailer’s hand was uneducated – what if this is some local crook?”

“Writing in French?” Ross asked, and then thought a moment. “None of the French brought servants with them, did they?”

“No,” George confirmed. “The Comtesse left those who accompanied her in London. The Prévots do have an old retainer – Marthe, I believe her name is – but she is fifty if she is a day.”

Francis blew out a breath of frustration. George shared his feelings. This killer must be caught, but there was no hint of their identity – no individual with sufficiently obvious motive. A desire for money was often a blackmailer’s lot, and many of the French were impoverished due to the theft of their property in the Revolution, but that that did not automatically make them capable of murder. Of course, the true concern was not exactly the apprehension of the killer, but that they might kill again.

Just as George had this thought, a cry came up from the hall.

“Help! Help!” He was first through the door, but was only vaguely aware of Ross and Francis following him as his focus narrowed to the scene in front of him. Elizabeth was bent double in her chair, gripping the back of it as she struggled to catch her breath, her other hand at her chest. He did not know who spoke the next words, but they turned his blood to ice.

“It’s poison! She’s been poisoned!”

#poldark #ross poldark #francis poldark #george warleggan #elizabeth warleggan #les trois francais #au #f: au #m: fic

5 notes · View notes