#when they are just bothering sex workers or poor people selling drugs in the streets with 0 empathy

[andrewknightley]

the problem is that i loooooveeee buddy cops movie dinamics but i am tired of cops (except of course hot fuzz) but where do i get this kind of buddy duo dinamic guys where. i accept recommendations

[shippingeruri]

Dirt & Velvet - Victorian Age AU fic [UPDATE]

Dirt & Velvet - Victorian Age AU fic [UPDATE] - better late than never :D

Chapter 4 of Dirt & Velvet.

Levi and Farlan have an evening out together and the new Chief Police Inspector bears a secret that Levi discovers on their first encounter.

Read the whole fic on AO3

Read the chapter on AO3

~~~

The night was silent besides the steady rain against the small windows and some occasionally thunders roaring through the darkness that was just broken for split seconds by lightening.

When Levi woke up, he didn't bother to get a fire going, he would leave soon. After he had dressed decently, had a bit of bread for breakfast and packed everything he'd need for a day on the other side of the city, he took his umbrella and left.

The people in the streets of Whitechapel gave him quite a look as he walked towards the bigger roads, all dressed in fine clothing, tailored to his body, supporting every feature.

“Mayfair, Sir? That's quite a ride with the streets covered in mud.”, the coachman informed him after Levi had let him know his destination.

“I'm well aware of the distance and the conditions of the streets.”, he just smiled decisive as he got in.

He wanted to see Farlan. They hadn't seen each other since around Levi's birthday and it always was a pleasure to spend time with his oldest friend. Although Farlan definitely was the luckier of the two. And although Levi lived a lie for his friend. Out of respect and also fear. He wouldn't want to lose him as a friend.

Their journey went through the whole city.  Despite the heavy rain London was as busy as usual. Umbrellas in front of buildings provided little dry spots where those poor bastards without an umbrella on their own were seeking shelter.

Everyone was following their daily business, merchants selling all kinds of things one might need or not. Paper boys announcing the headlines which Levi didn't hear through the rain, bakers trying to keep their freshly baked bread dry.

Soho was heard before they even got near. The hordes of people living here, near the rich west and always hoping to be lucky enough to get their share of the luxury next to them, were something that Levi tried to avoid by all means.

“Go round the National Gallery, please”, Levi lifted his voice after he knocked against the cabin. His heart rate went up, just by imagining the crowds pushed in too narrow streets.

“Will make sure, Sir.”, the coachman replied and Levi could hear the irritation in his voice. It would make the journey more expensive but it was worth every shilling.  

About half an hour later Levi paid the coachman and tried to avoid the puddles that made no difference between the poor east and the well off west.

As he stood in front of the impressive house which Farlan had been living in with his adoptive parents, Levi pressed his lips together while knocking against the door with the heavy and massive iron ring.

Continue with your web of lies and everything will work out fine.

His smile was practised, his gestures trained. The story in his mind soaked through his reality.

“Mister Levi! What a pleasant surprise to see you!”, he was greeted by the maid of the house.

Levi lifted his hat, giving her a gentle smile. “Good day madame. I wanted to see Farlan, if there's any chance that he's here at the moment?”

“Oh, yes. Please come in. I'll inform the young master about your arrival. Would you like a cup of tea?”, he was invited in.

“A cup of tea would be more than welcomed. Thank you, my dear.”, Levi replied as he sat down in the entrance hall.

The maid went upstairs and only a minute later she returned with Farlan by her side.

“Levi! What are you doing here?”, his friend asked while coming closer with a wide smile.

“I was in the area, signing another contract, and so I thought I'd go visit my oldest friend.”, Levi said and they both hugged each other.

“It's good to see you. Have you grown since I last saw you?”, Farlan asked chuckling.

“No, I did not. And right now I'm considering if it's good to see you.”, Levi replied while his eyes narrowed and he pulled back.

They looked at each other for a moment before they simultaneously started to laugh.

The tee was brought and they sat down again.

“Another contract, eh? So your import business is going well?”, Farlan asked, his eyes fixed on his friend.

Levi only nodded, taking a sip from the steaming hot cup.

“I envy you. You've accomplished so much on your own. And I just was lucky enough to got adopted any now I'm just the rich kid in a family that is active in politics. How boring is that. But you Levi, you really made it.”, Farlan nodded, his voice reflected the respect he had for his friend.

“At least you were lucky enough to escape the orphanage sooner than me.”, Levi smiled.

My torment after you were gone is something I can not tell you...

“Indeed...”, Farlan agreed and leaned back in his chair. “Oh! Since you sometimes have business in Whitechapel and leave near the area... do you have any information about that … serial killer over there?”, Farlan asked while his eyes widened.

“No I don't. In fact, I wasn't aware that this is now a serial killer, I thought he only killed one poor soul.”, Levi replied.

“Oh no, Levi. Haven't you read the paper today? He killed another girl, within three days, he killed two young, beautiful girls in the streets of Whitechapel. Both sex workers. The newspaper say it has to be the same killer for both from what the police has found out so far.”, Farlan explained and Levi lifted his eyebrows.

“I haven't read the newspaper today... so this is new information for me.”

“Well, now you know. So better be careful when you have business over there.”, Farlan chuckled.

“I'm neither young, nor beautiful nor a girl. And I certainly do not sell my body to some disgusting, filthy men.”, Levi declared and Farlan lifted his eyebrows.

“You turned 30, Levi. That's not exactly old. You are certainly not a girl but – pardon me to say it so bluntly – you do indeed have an interesting face.”, Farlan smirked.

“Stop with that. Please.”, Levi sighed and took a deep breath. “What are your plans for tonight? Would you fancy to.... go over to Covent Garden?”, Levi asked and the corners of his mouth went up.

“Covent garden and Miss Nanaba's house would definitely be something very nice for tonight. But unfortunately I have to attend a banquet at Scotland Yard over at Westminster. You can join me there if you like.”, Farlan suggested and took a sip from his tea.

“A banquet? Doesn't the police have something better to do?”, Levi asked as his right eyebrow went up. “You just told me they now have a serial killer instead of a murderer.”

“I'm pretty sure they would have better things to do... but Zackly found a new man for Whitechapel, a Chief Police Inspector, one rank below the old Pixis but about half his age. He wants to give this man a welcome party with a few higher ups, some politicians, important people and my father. But since he's indispensable at the moment, I'll go.”, Farlan explained.

A new high rank for Leman Street? Levi was curious. His people hadn't told him anything about this but neither was he informed about the second murder. He could only profit from knowing the new face in Whitechapel and maybe he could also get other information of interest.

“And since I'm your best friend, I won't let you go alone then.”, Levi agreed and drunk from his tea.

“I knew I could rely on you, Levi.”, Farlan smiled and cleared his throat before lowering his voice. “Should it get too boring over there, I have something good for us.”, he smirked and Levi raised his eyebrows with a smile.

Something good meant opium. Not that diluted shit you got on the streets of Soho, around Kings Cross and in Whitechapel. But the good, clean, pure thing. Imported and of high quality. A single gram cost a fortune.

They started to smoke the cheap shit when they were still teenagers and while Farlan, especially after he got adopted, only smoked it occasionally, Levi soon found himself addicted to the black drug. He never tried to lie to himself about it but he would not want that Farlan was aware of this situation.

Levi could afford it. In his teens he had stolen money or food and sold it and then he had bought the cheap stuff to smoke it. The sweet scent while inhaling the numbing drug also stimulated his senses and also could explain his disliking in alcohol.

He used to make little portions after he grounded the drug and then smoked it with tobacco in rolled cigarettes. A habit he had dropped as soon as he had more money and could afford to smoke it in a opium pipe. That was also when he discovered that he had only consumed the weaker form of the drug before.

The real deal was the raw opium gathered from the dried milk of the capsules of the flower. When harvested at the right time, skilled people could transform it into high quality opium. The best came from Asia because of the climate and it cost a lot.

But this was the thing that Farlan preferred and whenever he somehow obtained it, he would invite Levi. Farlan has always been more of a social person than Levi and while the dark haired would rather get wasted in his apartment, Farlan would like to go out and do something while being high.

They spent the afternoon with tea and biscuits and made a short stop at a nearby tailor. Farlan always wanted to give Levi tailored clothing as a present and Levi was the last to deny.

A dark grey suit, some new shirts and a pair of leather gloves, all could be picked up in two weeks after the tailor had taken Levi's measurements. Farlan felt proud, as always, as he paid half of the money in advance already.

They sat down in the luxurious carriage and while Farlan's personal coachman brought them closer to Westminster, the rain got a bit lighter.

“How's Isabel doing?”, Farlan asked as he leaned back relaxed against the dark purple back rest.

I was wondering when he would ask.

“I try to see her as often as possible. But since she still prefers to stay at different places and not settle down, it's quite an adventure to find her. Lately she's been around Piccadilly Circus a lot.”, Levi explained and took a deep breath. “But it's been two weeks since I last saw her.”

“Our Isabel, still the same.”, Farlan smiled.

“Yes, still the same untamable madcap but she's doing fine. Although I'm a bit concerned since she told me that she got quite a few offers for jobs.”, Levi continued.

Farlan raised his eyebrows. “What kind of jobs?”

“Sex work mostly but some of those people try to catch her with becoming a singer or dancer. And we both know how much she would love to do that. So I'll try to give her a talk on that again.”

“So she's still out there, pick pocketing people? And is this street entertainment still a thing?”, Farlan asked.

“Yes, both. Her juggling skills have improved quite a lot and it's stunning to watch her. She makes good money with it.”, Levi explained further as the Thames came in sight.

Farlan let out a sigh. “I see... but still I would wish for her to do something else. She will get dead sick when she stays on the streets during this weather.”

“I agree and I already tried talking to her... but she wants to keep her independence.”

“Stubborn girl.”, Farlan laughed.

“She sure is but I'll try my best to talk with her about the situation again.”

“Hopefully she'll listen to you. She always respected you way more than me and since I got adopted by this family, she would no longer see me as the brother-like figure as before.”, Farlan's voice hinted sadness.

Levi pressed his lips together for a moment. It was true.

Isabel had looked up to both of them when they were in the same orphanage. She had come there when she was about five years old and Farlan and Levi immediately became her big brothers. They would stick together, help each other, be there for each other. And only a few years later Farlan got adopted, the trio ripped apart.

Levi and Isabel had been closer than ever before and Farlan, who was only 14 years old at that time, didn't know how to contact his two friends, once he was gone. Only when he turned 18 he somehow got in contact with the orphanage again. Right in time, since Levi was to leave the institution. Too many young children that needed a shelter made it necessary that the 16 year old boy had to leave.

And I was the luckiest person in the world when I could leave this fucked up place.

Since then, Levi and Farlan had kept vivid contact as much as possible. Isabel, who had to stay at the orphanage a few more years, felt left alone and Levi visited her almost every day. He wanted to be a constant in her life and give her a positive example besides his life going downward from the very beginning.

Neither Farlan nor Isabel were aware of Levi's source of income. Both thought he'd started to work at a small store and slowly made his way into trading business. He told these lies with so much belief that they never doubted him.

His reality was far less convenient. He had to steal, started to learn how to cheat on card games and barely made it from day to day. He had slept in run down places, as long as he had his opium, he wouldn't care. It always numbed his thoughts, inspired his mind and let him dream. Dream of a better life, of places he never had seen.

Something that very regularly came across his mind when he smoked opium was the ocean. He had never seen it in person.

And I probably never will. I'm stuck in this shit hole.

When a fight at a pub had gotten out of hand, someone noticed Levi's agility and determination and before he realised what was going on, Levi had started at the very bottom of organised crime. Beating people, blackmailing people, collecting money, getting information. It paid off very well.

His morals were almost non existent since his whole life was marked by the absence of morals and so he would do almost everything. However, one thing that he would never do was to sell his body. Neither to women nor to men. The first had always hurt him. His mother might have been the only one who had hurt him involuntarily with her death.

He could hardly remember her. And it hurt. He felt guilty for not being able to remember her face, her hair, her eyes, her touch. But he was just three years old when she passed away. Unfortunately he still was able to clearly remember her coughing and the blood all over their little apartment. In the end she didn't even have the strength to leave the bed and Levi was just sitting there, touching her cold, sweaty skin as she had taken her last breaths.

He had been sitting by his mother's corpse for a few days without food. All they had in the apartment was rotten or had started to go mouldy. They couldn't afford firewood and the apartment was moist from the very day they had moved in.

When a lady from the same floor let herself in their apartment she quickly pulled Levi away from his mother's rotting body, calling a doctor and giving the small child to the Jewish orphanage a few streets away.

Only when Levi was older he fully understood that his mother had died from tuberculosis and that he was lucky to still be alive. When he thought about that he had been sitting on his dead mother's bed for a few days, he felt sick. And again he was ashamed for not being able to clearly remember her face.

The women later on in his life hadn't made him very eager to attach himself to one of them again. Beating him, laughing at him and also abusing him. So he had no interest in dealing with them, even though more than a hand full had approached him to buy his body for a night.  

And men... well, there might have been a few that he had been curious about but those were men he voluntarily showed an interest in. For money he could and would never let one of those dirty, old bastards lay a single finger on him.

I'd rather smoke less opium than selling my body.

~~~ When they left the carriage the rain was just a faint drizzle. Yet it was cold and the Thames was in motion as heavy wind blew into their faces.

The Scotland Yard building belonged to Westminster, had the Thames right in front and was an impressive building to look at. They headed for the entrance and after they had entered Farlan was greeted right away with a deep bow from the man behind the reception.

Levi still found it fascinating that the police and other institutions already had access to electricity while the majority of the population only could dream of it.

Dimmed light shone from dark yellow light bulbs and Levi tried to pull himself together and his focus changed to the man who was now talking to them.

“Mr. Churchill. It's an honour that you could come since your father is in France at the moment. May I take your cloaks, gentlemen? Who is your guest if I may ask?”

“Thank you very much. This is Levi, my best friend. I bail for him.”, Farlan replied while he and Levi took off their cloaks.

They were hung up alongside other expensive looking cloaks from men and women alike.

“Commissioner Zackly will hold his speech in a few minutes, then the buffet will be opened. Drinks are already available. If you'd please go up to the second floor you will find the festivity room without doubt.”, they were informed and both bowed their heads.

There was no way to miss the door to the welcome party. When they climbed up the dark, massive stone stairs there was live music and chatter could be heard.

They entered a large room. Around 60 square metres, with a high ceiling. Glass decorated chandeliers with light bulbs illuminated the room and candles on tables and on the wall supported the rather cosy atmosphere. There were some high tables where people stood around and had drinks. To the left was a podium where Commissioner Zackly was preparing his speech while a small group of musicians was playing next to him. Levi had seen him before, he was the man in charge for all the police in London. Metropolitan as well as city.

On the right were several dark blue sofas, heavy black curtains separated them. Some important looking men were already sitting there, heads close together, while whispering.

Levi's gaze was wandering over the people. Men and women in all age groups, all dressed up, showing off their wealth. Only those, who were actually working at the police were dressed less pompous.

“We should get a drink, shouldn't we?”, Farlan suggested and Levi followed him to the bar that was on the opposite site of the room.

They got gin and then searched for a free table near the podium from where they could see Zackly, who would start his speech anytime.

“Oh god, I probably should know more than half of the people in this room...”, Farlan sighed as he bowed his head and smiled friendly towards anyone that greeted him across the room.

“Help me, Levi.”, he whispered.

The dark haired just hinted a smile while they clinked their glasses. “I'm quite happy with drinks, listening to the conversations going on in this room and some good stuff later on”, he let his best friend know.

The gin tasted bitter and refreshing. His throat welcomed the taste and for a moment he closed his eyes. His double life paid off once again. These people here where the complete opposite from those living in Whitechapel. And Levi always had a liking in playing different roles, in adapting himself, playing his cards right.

“Ladys and gentlemen!”, Zackly raised his voice while the music faded out and the conversations throughout the room died while all eyes focused on the stage. Grey hair, bound in a ponytail with a matching grey beard framed friendly yet sharp eyes. With a wide smile on his face he adjusted his jacket and cleared his throat.

“Today is a special day for Scotland Yard. Not only have all of you found your way here”, a short pause with some chuckles from the audience.

Tck... those smugged pigs.

“Today I want to give our new Chief Police Inspector the chance to get to know you while you can get to know him. Alongside Chief Police Inspector Dot Pixis, whom you might all know, we have Chief Police Inspector Erwin Smith joining us for our office in Leman Street from tomorrow on.”, Zackly's voice sounded excited.

“You might think that this is not worth this party, but I think it is. Erwin Smith was one of the brightest heads on the south coast and barely someone with his rank voluntarily would ask to work in Whitechapel. But this man did. And he earns all of our respect for doing so. Please welcome, Chief Police Inspector Erwin Smith!”, Zackly's voice almost cracked in excitement.

Applause covered the room and Levi clapped his hands a few times before he put his glass to his lips again. His eyes wandered over the audience real quick before someone else climbed up the podium after Zackly had left.

The tall blonde who got on the podium wore a well tailored suit, his legs seemed endlessly long in the grey cloth that was pinstriped in black. A matching grey pinstriped jacket lay perfectly over his wide shoulders and as he turned around he was adjusting the white collar of his buttoned shirt before his fingers run over his silver grey cravat.

Levi didn't move. His eyes were all fixed on that man whose presence filled the room. Something Levi hadn't experienced in a long time. His fingers were still holding the glass to his lips but he didn't drink, he just was examining the man's face.

Blue eyes. Blue eyes like he had never seen them before or at least he couldn't remember. An intense gaze, friendly, respectful, humble yet confident. His eyes were framed by impressive eyebrows. Bushy, dominant, yet well formed and perfectly supplementing the strictly parted blonde hair and neatly trimmed sideburns.

His cheekbones gave his face an even more unique frame. They made him interesting. In a way, Levi hadn't thought about a man in a long time. His jawline was clear cut, strong and the overall expression of a good looking man with a brilliant mind was underlined by the witty smile that crossed his lips.

Levi found himself staring, staring like an uncivilized, rude boy from the streets. The blue eyes examined the audience for a moment – this man knows how to set up a scene – their eyes met for a split second.

Fuck.

Drowning. The feeling of drowning overcame Levi. Soaked in to this extraordinary blue eyes. Although it wasn't even a full second, Levi felt his jaws pressing together, while his heart rate rose – he tried to control himself again, finally forcing himself to drink from the glass he had been holding for far too long now. And while he was at it, he emptied the gin in one rush.

One or two glasses were appropriate but he would rather numb his mind with opium and its sweet scent than with alcohol.

The glass found his was on the table and Levi gulped heavily while he pulled out his rolling papers and tobacco. A bad habit he couldn't get rid of since he had started with opium mixed with tobacco and his body got used to all the shit in there. But he would still buy scented tobacco so he wouldn't smell bad. Lavender it was this time.

“Thank you very much for your kind words, Commissioner Zackly.”, the new Chief Police Inspector started with a friendly tone. His voice was heavy, his accent clearly from the south. The baritone pitch fitted his appearance of a big, strong man. Yet his body language was conflicting.

Were his hands shaking? Also, his eyes seemed to be wandering off and his mind getting distracted by something or someone in the room.

“I'm neither a man of many words nor am I a man of great words. I'd just like to thank everyone for coming here tonight. I feel honoured by this warm welcome and I'm looking forward to fulfil my duty as new member at Leman Street police station with all my heart.”, the blonde spoke while his body language now left no doubt about his upright morals.

Strong and tall, every little detail was perfect. Like the chain that led from his trousers to the chest pocket of his west and obviously hinted a watch. Or his tie that lay neatly around his neck and was a blend of grey and silver, perfectly highlighting the dark pinstripes on his jacket and trousers. His bright eyes got everyone's attention in the room and the involuntarily performance with his eyebrows that seemed to underline everything he said was what really got Levi.

“So before I bore you all to death and you all have to stand around much longer – let's get to know each other better while we enjoy the buffet, that Commissioner Zackly has arranged for us.”, Erwin Smith said and made a gesture towards the richly covered tables that haven't even gotten Levi's attention yet.

He was no good eater, never had been. Food merely got him excited liked other people and especially Farlan right now next to him. His friend’s eyes widened but then Chief Police Inspector Smith had his attention again.

While the people in the room gave the blonde a welcoming applause, he was smiling. It was a humble smile, the corners of his mouth merely lifted, nasal wings widened. But what struck Levi were his eyes. The blue seemed so vivid, so alive, so full of life. And again their eyes met for a second while the tall men left the podium.

A shiver went down Levi's spine

What an impressive man.

“The police spent quite some pounds here, look at that roast beef.”, Farlan interrupted Levi's focus on the blonde.

The dark haired gave a grunting noise that hinted his non existing interest in the buffet.

Farlan emptied his drink and grabbed Levi's hand. The smaller one knew that he could escape the grip but there was no need to make a scene. Farlan was the one who had brought him here so he would stay with him.

While Farlan filled his plate with everything he could get a hand on, Levi examined the people.

Many of them police, without doubt. Others were politicians, like Farlan's family, others were just some important business people or simply enough lucky to have money.

Besides the police, Levi didn't have much respect for the people present. The police were the only ones with something close to morals and who actually worked for the people of London. The simple people.

At least in Leman Street. The police in Westminster was something completely different.

Levi spotted one of the high ranks from the west. Nile Dawk. He hated that guy. Since Farlan was living in that area, Levi has had the honour to talk to this man already. Just looking at him made his blood boil.

He was one of those cowards that would rather get bribe before getting his hands dirty. That sorry excuse of a beard made him question if this man even owned a mirror and what annoyed him even more was the fact, that he had brought along his two kids.

Last time he had seen him, he had only had a daughter but now there was small boy clinging to his wife's hand.

“Are you not going to try the buffet?”, Farlan asked and waved around with a piece of meat on his fork.

“No, thank you. I'm fine. I'll get us more drinks?”, Levi suggested and Farlan nodded while he pointed towards the sofas near the entrance.

More people now wanted to get a drink and so Levi queued up with them. Just when it was his turn, someone placed a hand on his shoulder and rose his voice to get the barkeepers attention.

“Two bottles of gin, the good one. Commissioner Zackly and I will have some private conversations upstairs.”

Levi froze. The big, warm hand on his shoulder came completely out of nowhere and he felt the urge to pull away his shoulder, to get rid of the unwanted touch. Yet, when he turned his head to give the culprit a look, he froze again.

Those damn blue eyes looked down on him. The Chief Police Inspector was much bigger than it had seemed on the podium and he was so close that Levi could smell his scent. Heavy and wooden. Freshly bathed and shaven. A scent of lavender, vetiver and lemon.  

“Oh, pardon me, Sir. I didn't mean to be rude.”, the blonde said, his hand still on Levi's shoulder. His breath hinting that the had already had some more gin.

Levi couldn't reply or react properly. He was too shocked, too surprised, so he just narrowed his eyes and pressed his lips together while his right hand run through his hair.

The blonde rose his eyebrows and a smile crossed his lips.

Why are you smiling now?

Levi licked his lips before he found his voice again.

“If we wouldn't be in the headquarters of Scotland Yard but in a pub in Whitechapel, you might've a broken wrist now, Chief Police Inspector Smith. No, pardon me. You might not have it, you would certainly have it.”, Levi spoke with low voice, assured and yet he was hinting a smile.

The taller one was certainly confused about Levi's tone and his wording. The blonde was blinking, his eyes focusing on his own hand for a second. Slowly he pulled back and straightened his jacket.

“Thank you for the warning. I would indeed prefer to not have my wrist broken.”, he lowered his head a bit.

“A man from Whitechapel? A colleague of mine who I've not yet been informed about?”, he asked and curiosity spoke honest from his voice and eyes.

“A man from Whitechapel indeed. But none of your colleagues. Sorry, if I have to disappoint you.”, Levi smirked back.

They both still were pretty close to each other, yet Levi had no urge to bring distance between them. The blonde smelled good, looked good and dressed well.

Why am I thinking this?

“And would this man from Whitechapel care to introduce himself? I'm pretty sure that we will cross each other's paths more than once since Whitechapel is quite the nest. And since I was introduced to everyone, it would only be fair if I would not have to call you Mister Wristbreaker.”, Erwin chuckled.

Levi breathed out amused, the corners of his mouth now also wandering up.

“It's more or less your duty to know the people of your district, right?”, Levi asked as he fell his knees going soft.

Shit. What the hell is going on?

“You could say that... but you don't have to feel forced to tell me. I will find out on my own, should I really want to know your name. I just wanted to give you a fair chance to prevent me from calling you Mister Wristbreaker.”, the blonde smiled again.

“Well, I believe that the new Chief Police Inspector, Mister Erwin Smith from Eastbourne now had enough fun with this situation. Levi, the name's Levi.”

“Levi. Nothing more? So just Mister Levi then?”, the new member of Leman Street asked, surprised about his inconvenient way to introduce himself.

“You're correct, Mister Smith.”, Levi lifted his chin.

Blue eyes gave him a warm smile.

“I'm relieved that my miserable first impression doesn't seem to last.”, the blonde smiled.

Your very first impression was stunning, you idiot.

“I don't want to take any more of your time. I'm glad that you wouldn't be too upset about my … way to handle a situation like this in another environment.”

“Absolutely not. Although I would handle a situation like this differently, I can understand why it upset you.”, a gentle and apologizing smile followed. “And now I'm off to some … rather unpleasant conversations. I hope we get to talk to another again, Mister Levi.”

“Enjoy your evening, Mister Smith.”, Levi ended the conversation while the well dressed man reached for the bottles on the counter next to Levi. A shiver down his spine, the second time this evening.

A gentle smile from those beautiful blue eyes, nasal wings widened by both men as they seemed to inhale deeply.

And then the moment was gone. Mister Smith was gone and Levi took two Gin and returned to Farlan who was waiting at the sofas.

“What took you so long?”, he asked with way too much food in his mouth and Levi gave him a look.

“Sorry.”, Farlan murmured after he had gulped down a whole lot.

“Don't say you're sorry when you are not.”

The evening went on without further special events. Farlan had some conversations, Levi tried to wander around as much as possible, eavesdropping and just getting an idea of the general chit chat of the west.

When midnight came close, Farlan seemed pretty desperate about the whole situation. He still carried the well packed opium in his pocket, a pipe on the inside of his jacket.

When they decided to leave, Farlan nevertheless had to say some special good byes and Levi took the chance to finally eat something from the buffet. He took up a plate and was looking for something that didn't look too gross or as if everyone had touched it already.

“Bring those plates downstairs.”, a harsh voice ordered him and Levi pulled back his head.

His eyes found a big man with a black suit.

“Are you deaf, boy? Bring that downstairs now.”, he was ordered again.

Levi hesitated for a moment. Did this guy really think he was one of them waiters? Who did he think he was to order me around?

But within a split second Levi smiled modestly.

“Yes, of course.”, he agreed and took another almost empty plate before heading for the door.

This was his chance to have a look around in offices he would never be able to enter.  The hallway was empty besides some waiters mounting plates and so he headed right for the stairs.

His feet carried him through the entrance area directly into the heart of Scotland Yard. A big office, lots of tables. Nothing of interest for him. He wanted to find an archive or the office of one of the higher ups, Zackly maybe?

While his eyes scanned the name plates on the doors a noise interrupted him. He narrowed his eyebrows, turned his head to the right. One of the office doors was not fully closed and muffled sounds could be heard from the inside.

Out of sheer curiosity Levi came closer. Every step silent on the dark wooden floor.

When he finally was able to have a glimpse inside, the corners of his mouth went up along with his eyebrows.

This is very interesting.

What he saw was clear, no room for interpretation. Erwin Smith, the new Chief Police Inspector, had his hands on Nile Dawk's wife. Their lips were united, passionate moans filled the air as the walnut brown haired woman held on to Smith's jacket with one hand. The other one held a good fist full of his blonde locks and pulled him close.

Levi only observed the scene long enough to make sure that he was no witness of rape. The blonde pushed Dawk's wife against the wall, his hands were wandering all over her body, fumbling on the threads of her corsage to free her breasts.

The ivory-like skin was covered with hasty kisses, soft bites and the women threw back her head, moaning a bit too loud should one consider that her husband was in the same building.

“Mary, my beautiful Mary...”, the Chief Police Inspector moaned as his hand cupped one of the full, big breasts and started to suck on her nipple.

“Oh Erwin...”, she moaned aroused and was reaching for the man's free hand, led it to her lips and slowly let his index finger glide into her mouth.

Definitely not the first time they see each other.

When the blonde began to pull up the skirt of his lover, Levi had seen enough. That was passion, no rape. A beautiful woman cheating on her husband with the newly arrived member of the London Police? What story was behind that? How were their paths entwined?

Levi was curious. He always was interested in anything that would give him an advantage.

After he dropped off the plates in the kitchen he met Farlan were they dropped off their cloaks.

“You're smiling, what happened?”, his friend asked right away.

“I had a great evening with some gin and I'm up for the good stuff now.”, Levi replied and Farlan nodded.

“So where do you wanna go?”

“I'd still not say no to a visit at Nanaba's”, Levi smirked and Farlan tilted his head.

“Okay, let's go there then.”, he agreed

~~~

About ten minutes later the two friends left the private carriage again and knocked on the big red door while taking off their hats.

A slender, young woman with brownish hair and a dark blue dress opened and a bright smile spread across her face.

“Good evening - or night - honoured gentlemen. Please come in.”, she welcomed them with a curtsey and made room for them to come inside

“Thank you, my dear.”, Farlan replied.

“I'll inform Miss Nanaba – would you like to take a seat?”, they were asked.

“Yes, please.”

They followed her to one of the welcoming rooms where they sat down on big, luxurious sofas that fitted the richly decorated room perfect. All red and gold and heavy farbics.

“May I offer you something to drink?”, the young women asked.

“No need for that, we have something else.”, Farlan smiled as he pulled out his opium pipe and a small box. While Levi started to make small portions of the black powder, Farlan build together the pipe.

“I see. Miss Nanaba will be here with you soon.”, the rustling of fabric was heard as she left the room.

Just when Miss Nanaba entered, they both had their first few drags from the pipe. The opium started to spread through their minds and bodies.

The woman was dangerously beautiful in her own way. Fit and tough, a gentle face when she was smiling, yet Levi and Farlan alike were aware of her strength and the rigid hand with which she was leading her establishment.

“Good evening, gentlemen.”, she welcomed them with a smile and both stood up from the sofa.

“Miss Nanaba, you are beautiful as ever.”, Farlan spoke as she offered him her hand and he bowed to blow a gentle kiss on red silk gloves.

“No need to charm me, Mister F. It's late. I was about to close the door. Tell me which girls and which rooms you want so I can send the other ones home.” Her voice was clear cut, every gentleness gone.

Levi felt the opium spreading in his body, his head getting light. With a gentle smile he took her other offered hand and blew a gentle kiss on the back of her hand.

“If Susan is available?”, Farlan asked as he sat down again and took another drag from the pipe.

“She is. I'll let her arrange her room. You know she only works in her room.”, Miss Nanaba explained as she gave Levi a questioning look.

Levi's head was dizzy as he let go off Miss Nanaba's hand and sat down next to Farlan. Gin and opium mixed with to little food and the heavy scent of this place were playing on his mind. Along came the fact that his last visit here was far too long ago.

“Becky.”, he quickly decided and with an excited smile he added: “In the dungeon.”

Miss Nanaba lifted her eyebrows and Levi pulled out his purse to pay in advance. He was a regular in her dungeon and he knew he would have to pay in advance.

“That's too much.”, she noted and wanted to give him back a coin.

“No. Give Becky the rest. She'll deserve it after I'm done with her.”, Levi replied. His eyes lighted up with excitement and Farlan started to grin.

“Very well, Mister L. The dungeon it shall be then.”, she concluded and left the two of them alone.