Rue: Web of Deceit - Part 16

Life, Failure / Mishap

As Rue returns from the mansion of The Machinist, they overhear a conversation between The Spider and a man named 'Marcus', who's apparently been spying on them.

It takes Rue a little over an hour to get back to the Six-Nines, not letting go of the briefcase with the fifty-thousand in for a second, meticulously safeguarding the large sum of cash. They smile at Doug on the way in, handing him one of the cinnamon pastries before going up the stairs towards the office and knocking on the door.   Doug's happy moans, as he chows down on the pastry with all the passion of a steamy romance, slowly fade away as Rue makes their way upstairs. Even for someone with senses as acute as theirs, Rue is uncomfortably alert as they scour their surroundings for anyone who may want to intercept their delivery. It probably did nothing to help them look inconspicuous, but at this point it didn't really matter. No-one was about to steal from the Spider when so deeply entrenched in his very own web.   They hastily make their way towards Aloysius' office, but stop before knocking, their enhanced hearing picking up on the tail end of a phone call, "And you didn't hear what they were talking about?" Comes the Spider's voice, clearly over his hangover and annoyed as all Hell, "Fucking Detectives..." he sighs heavily before continuing, "Guess I'll have to orchestrate a test of her allegiance then. Thanks for the heads up, Marcus."   Their heart sinks in their chest at the conversation. They had hoped that they had proven their worth enough to not get followed around on every job, but apparently Marcus was once again tailing them and ratting them out. They'd have to find out who he was to ensure that they could spot him next time. If there would be a next time, that is. For the time being, they would have to come up with a way to get out of this mess. Swallowing thickly, Rue knocks on the door to the office, waiting to be let in.   "Come in." Creel's voice echoes from within the dank and decrepit office. As Rue enters, they can see the dark look in their employer's eyes. The Spider's predatory leer had always made Rue's skin crawl, but this time was different. Like every thought in his twisted head was tainted with venom. It didn't last though, and after a moment his usual demeanour returned with the flash of his yellowed teeth in that same filthy grin, "Well done, Rue," he says after a moment, "I trust Master Manchen wasn't too much trouble?"   Though his demeanour has shifted, the initial glare has left their throat dry, their heart racing nervously. Rue had caught a glimpse of the true monster just now, the one that people warned them to stay away from, and it wasn't something they could shake off easily.   ''Not at all.'' They confirm, wondering if Aloysius noticed the faint tremor in their voice. They take a step towards the desk, placing the briefcase on top. They put in the code and open it, turning it over for Creel to inspect.   "Briefcase full of cash. What a classic," he says, leaning forward and taking two bound stacks of bills out of the pile, and limply throwing them onto the table, "Your cut."   He sits back and lights a cigar as he waits for Rue to take the money, "I hear you had a meeting of sorts with our favourite detective," he says, the exasperation heavy in his voice, "He still looking for that missing bimbo?"   Rue takes the money from the table and slips it into their pocket, ''Actually, he wanted to speak to me about something else,'' They begin, acting nonplussed. ''Some drugged up guys attempted to rob a small shop on Christmas Day, I just happened to be there when it went down. He wanted my account of the events.''   "Oh really?" He says, raising a brow, "They've got missing persons detectives working robberies now?"   ''He seemed to show an interest in the Railyard when I was tailing him,'' Rue shrugs, keeping a straight face. ''Maybe he's just the type to take on more work in his free time.''   "Fucking good Samaritans," Creel spits, his ire now firmly directed towards the detective. Rue can't help but notice he seems more irritated by the idea of Alec's altruism than by his meddling in his business. As if the very notion offended him somehow, "Alright, listen up. I may have one more job for you in the next couple of days. Keep your phone on and be ready. I'll be in touch."   After what they overheard earlier, Rue can't help but wonder exactly what kind of job they might be getting thrown at them. Whatever it is, it won't be good, ''Of course,'' They say, ''I'll be ready whenever.'' They leave the office shortly after, rushing down the stairs and away from the Six-Nines as quickly as they can, desperate to get some distance from the club and its frightening owner.   They continue walking aimlessly, their hands tucked into the pockets of their coat as they ponder their options. They'd have to get a message to Detective Upton soon to warn him, but they also couldn't risk Creel finding out about any further correspondence. Despite their mulling, their senses are on high alert for anyone following them, making them wary of the smallest noise, the faintest shadows causing them to flinch.   After a while, Rue makes their way into a small café near the Railyard, ordering a hot chocolate and settling in one of the booths by the windows. Though it causes them some discomfort, they continue to keep their senses focused, trying to discern any sounds or smells that might tip them off to who Marcus might be. As the server brings their drink, they subtly snatch a pen from the pocket in her apron.   They leisurely sip the hot chocolate, watching the people passing on the streets, only disappearing to the toilet momentarily to write a note on the back of the receipt: "I’m being watched. Told Creel that Upton was looking into robbery at Chapman Bargains (Xmas day). Can’t meet like today again, will need to find another way. Rue."   The sun is starting to set by the time that they move again, holding the crumpled up receipt in their hand as they exit the shop. They can feel a headache coming on from the overwhelming smells and sounds, but they hone in on the familiar scent of daisies not too far off.   As they enter the Railyard again, Rue immediately feels more secure. If this Marcus guy was following them, it'd be pretty easy to spot the one guy that doesn't belong among the drug addicts and homeless people of the rail cars. Their nose leads them towards one of the open areas of the settlement, wherein they spot a familiar purple-haired woman, sat on a box opposite an elderly man, playing what appears to be chess. The pieces and board they're using seem mismatched, with a few wood pieces, a few plastic, and at least one glass rook by the look of it. Jasmine rubs her chin as she contemplates her next move, completely oblivious to Rue and their concerns.   As they crouch down to re-tie the laces on their boots, they drop the crumpled up piece of paper on the ground. They keep their distance as they continue walking, using their telekinesis to slowly roll the paper towards Jasmine. Once it’s at their feet, they keep observing the game from the corner of their eye. As Jasmine moves her hand just above a pawn, Rue seizes the opportunity and uses their power to knock over the piece, helping it roll off the board and onto the ground, right next to the receipt.   Their heart is racing as they watch her reach for the pawn, waiting until her hand is reaching just above it before telekinetically pushing the paper against their palm. Before Jasmine can make eye contact with them, Rue carries on walking, cautious that Marcus might still be nearby.   Satisfied that they've passed on the message and that Jasmine, reliable as she is, would endeavour to deliver it safely, Rue began to make their way out of the Railyard once again, wary at every turn that Spider's spy could be hidden around any corner.   It never takes long for Spider to decide he wants something else and, that evening Rue gets another message: "Your next job, little morsel. 57 Ruthbridge Road. Be there at 10pm on the 5th. Don't let me down."   To be continued...