Sometimes the only option...
Much as he hated it, he’d had to wait before attempting to contact Anthony Goldstein. He’d needed to ensure the stage was set to pay the man without a paper trail and set up a time where Kiss would not be with him to meet with the murderer. There was no way he was letting that man anywhere near Reese’s little girl. It was bad enough he needed to rely on the man to get Reese. Assuming he agreed. Assuming he even showed. Assuming he’d kept his Liberi silver. There were a lot of ways this could fall apart, but it was the only chance he had to get her back.
Sitting in the shadows of the dingy pub, Miles kept an eye on the time. The message he’d sent had been brief and to the point. Business proposition. MacIntyre’s Inn. Muggle London. April 20th. 2 p.m. Bletchley As the appointed hour approached, Miles did his best not to fidget. There was so much riding on this. What would he do if Goldstein didn’t show?
Anthony had been surprised to find a message waiting for him on the silver he had long ago left in a desk drawer. It was incredible that he had seen the message on time at all, considering. Planning on making a list of things he needed from the grocer down the street his hand brushed the warm time piece as he had been rummaging in the drawer for a quill.
Initially he’d been shocked to find a message from his former solicitor and wondered if it were some form of trap. He’d quickly dismissed that idea. It was rather late in the game for any ruse of that sort and he couldn’t figure law enforcement using the Liberi’s silver. In the few hours he’d had before the scheduled meet he’d grown curious at Bletchley’s proposition.
Anthony walked into MacIntyre’s and paused for a moment, looking for Miles. He knew he wouldn’t have any help from the barrister, he wouldn’t recognize him with the polyjuice he’d taken. Recognizing Bletchley in the darkened corner booth he moved to sit across from him.
He could only assume that the man across from him was Anthony Goldstein, but Miles was loathe to begin their discussion without ascertaining that fact for sure. “It was good of you to come. Can I buy you a drink?”
Anthony shook his head. “No, thank you.”
Miles’ lips thinned in mild frustration when it became clear Goldstein wasn’t going to offer anything more. “I wasn’t sure I’d be able to reach you. I’m glad your contact information hasn’t changed.”
Smiling at the look on Miles face Anthony gave in. “You know you’re lucky. I only got that message a few hours ago. Pure chance, I haven’t worn it in over a year.” Anthony’s eyes flitted cautiously across the pub’s interior before looking back at the man before him. He didn’t think much had changed in the man’s appearance from the trial three years prior. A little worn around the eyes as if he’d gotten a poor nights sleep, maybe.
Relaxing minutely now that he knew the man across from him was the one he’d sought out, Miles took a sip of his beer. “Excellent timing. The job I’d like to hire you for is very time sensitive. It will require your particular skills as well as the safe return of precious cargo.”
Anthony nodded, wondering a bit how Miles had come to him. “I’m curious, what made you come to me?” He wasn’t oblivious to how the world must see him- a deranged madman. He acquiesced that for a period of time the description wasn’t entirely off. It had only been in the last year that he pulled himself back together.
Miles snorted. “Just how many people do you suppose I know with your... specialization? It’s very important that the man I need you to visit never be allowed to harm anyone again. He’s taken a very dear friend of mine. He’s hurting her in ways I do not care to contemplate, and he’s left her child to be brought up parentless. I want him gone and I want her back.” His voice had started out even and calm, but by the end of his appeal urgency had edged in, coloring his tone.
Anthony shrugged, unperturbed. “Surely in your line of work I’m not the only one you’ve met with my... specialization.” He thought for a moment on the proposition Miles had brought up. He had to admit his appetite had been whetted at least a little. It wasn’t his usual method to go on rescue missions but even so, it did sound as if the man in question was his type.
“I’ll need all the information you have on this man before I agree.”
Running through all that Pansy had shared with him - the trafficking of women and girls, the secret society, Reese’s treatment as a pet of sorts - Miles wondered at the wisdom of sending this man to penetrate Klaus’ security, kill him, and save Reese. There just wasn’t another option. “I would prefer if Reese did not have to witness his end, but the prime objectives here are her safe retrieval and the removal of the threat he poses to her. He cannot be allowed to survive and she must not be harmed any more than she already has.”
Anthony slowly nodded in understanding as he thought of what this would mean for him. Obviously it would be dangerous but he couldn’t pretend it would keep him from going through with it. As with anything he did he firmly believed if he planned carefully and stuck to it he’d remain safe. It was why he always had so many rules to follow- they kept him alive. A rescue mission was something new, though. Keeping the girl alive, protecting whatever innocence she had left was a bit trickier than anything he’d done before. It made him a little wary about the job but the idea seemed too enticing to pass up. A sex trafficking ring. If he played it right, this wouldn’t end with Klaus.
“This is everything you know of Klaus? Any pictures, known coordinates? I’ll need everything you have.”
Slipping a folder across the table, Miles passed off the only additional information he possessed. It wasn’t a lot. “There’s a basic description that I was able to get from Reese’s house elf and a few other details about his home in Amsterdam. The best avenue to find him will likely be through this trafficking ring.”
Anthony’s eyes flitted around the bar before he pulled the file over to him and opened it, reading over the dossier quickly. “There’s not much here to go off of.” He closed the file and set it beside him on the booth. “You realize this isn’t going to be quick or easy. I’m going to have to find him, study his habits, find a way to intercept the girl and dispose of him. He looks like an important man who won’t often be alone or without magical wards.”
Miles ran a hand over his face. He knew the information he had was hardly comprehensive, but this was the best shot he had. A lot relied on the ‘skills’ of the man across from him, a man he didn’t trust but who he would be forced to rely on just the same if he was going to get Reese away from her tormentor. “I know. Obviously I want it done as quickly as possible, but more important is that it’s done properly - with Reese safe and Klaus eliminated. Money is not an issue. I can pay you for the trouble.”
Anthony is silent for a moment before he pulls a piece of parchment and a quill from the breast pocket of his jacket and writes an amount down, sliding it across the table to Miles. “I’ll do it for this amount and I’ll do it my way. I don’t want any messages or inquiries via the silver. If I need to get into contact with you, I will.”
Glancing down at the parchment, Miles nodded slowly. The amount was considerable, but he could manage it, even without dipping into Reese’s estate. The inability to inquire as to the progress made him uneasy, though. “Half up front and half upon completion. I won’t contact you, but I want updates at a minimum of once every week. For this sum, I think I deserve to be kept abreast of your progress.”
“Alright,” Anthony nodded, picking up the file next to him. He supposed that while weekly updates would get tiring, they were better than Bletchley asking to come along. “I’ll send you the location of where to leave the money. Anything else I should be made aware of?”
“No, I’ll await your message.” It wasn’t an easy thing, trusting a man he knew to be skirting the edge of sanity with a penchant for murder to bring Reese home. If there was any other way, Miles would take it, but the Aurors’ hands were tied and he knew his own limitations. Legal maneuvering was one thing, but he’d have no chance against a man like Klaus on his own.
Looking intently at the man across from him, familiar despite the stranger’s face he wore, Miles spoke earnestly. “Be kind to her. I don’t care how horrible you make the end for Klaus, but be kind to Reese no matter what.”
Anthony studied Miles for a moment. The desperation in the man was evident. He knew he had to be the man’s last chance- his best chance with all the legal roadblocks in front of him. Even though he agreed to save the girl, he knew he didn’t sign on because of her. It was Klaus he really wanted, Klaus he needed to find.
“Okay,” Anthony said quietly, appeasingly.
He didn’t know whether he believed Goldstein, but there was nothing more he could do. Rising from the table, Miles held out his hand. “I appreciate your assistance.”
Anthony hesitated a moment before shaking the man’s hand. He wasn’t usually one for physical contact when it came to these sort of dark dealings. “I’ll be in touch.”
Summary: Miles seeks Anthony's assistance with Lukas Klaus.
Sitting in the shadows of the dingy pub, Miles kept an eye on the time. The message he’d sent had been brief and to the point. Business proposition. MacIntyre’s Inn. Muggle London. April 20th. 2 p.m. Bletchley As the appointed hour approached, Miles did his best not to fidget. There was so much riding on this. What would he do if Goldstein didn’t show?
Anthony had been surprised to find a message waiting for him on the silver he had long ago left in a desk drawer. It was incredible that he had seen the message on time at all, considering. Planning on making a list of things he needed from the grocer down the street his hand brushed the warm time piece as he had been rummaging in the drawer for a quill.
Initially he’d been shocked to find a message from his former solicitor and wondered if it were some form of trap. He’d quickly dismissed that idea. It was rather late in the game for any ruse of that sort and he couldn’t figure law enforcement using the Liberi’s silver. In the few hours he’d had before the scheduled meet he’d grown curious at Bletchley’s proposition.
Anthony walked into MacIntyre’s and paused for a moment, looking for Miles. He knew he wouldn’t have any help from the barrister, he wouldn’t recognize him with the polyjuice he’d taken. Recognizing Bletchley in the darkened corner booth he moved to sit across from him.
He could only assume that the man across from him was Anthony Goldstein, but Miles was loathe to begin their discussion without ascertaining that fact for sure. “It was good of you to come. Can I buy you a drink?”
Anthony shook his head. “No, thank you.”
Miles’ lips thinned in mild frustration when it became clear Goldstein wasn’t going to offer anything more. “I wasn’t sure I’d be able to reach you. I’m glad your contact information hasn’t changed.”
Smiling at the look on Miles face Anthony gave in. “You know you’re lucky. I only got that message a few hours ago. Pure chance, I haven’t worn it in over a year.” Anthony’s eyes flitted cautiously across the pub’s interior before looking back at the man before him. He didn’t think much had changed in the man’s appearance from the trial three years prior. A little worn around the eyes as if he’d gotten a poor nights sleep, maybe.
Relaxing minutely now that he knew the man across from him was the one he’d sought out, Miles took a sip of his beer. “Excellent timing. The job I’d like to hire you for is very time sensitive. It will require your particular skills as well as the safe return of precious cargo.”
Anthony nodded, wondering a bit how Miles had come to him. “I’m curious, what made you come to me?” He wasn’t oblivious to how the world must see him- a deranged madman. He acquiesced that for a period of time the description wasn’t entirely off. It had only been in the last year that he pulled himself back together.
Miles snorted. “Just how many people do you suppose I know with your... specialization? It’s very important that the man I need you to visit never be allowed to harm anyone again. He’s taken a very dear friend of mine. He’s hurting her in ways I do not care to contemplate, and he’s left her child to be brought up parentless. I want him gone and I want her back.” His voice had started out even and calm, but by the end of his appeal urgency had edged in, coloring his tone.
Anthony shrugged, unperturbed. “Surely in your line of work I’m not the only one you’ve met with my... specialization.” He thought for a moment on the proposition Miles had brought up. He had to admit his appetite had been whetted at least a little. It wasn’t his usual method to go on rescue missions but even so, it did sound as if the man in question was his type.
“I’ll need all the information you have on this man before I agree.”
Running through all that Pansy had shared with him - the trafficking of women and girls, the secret society, Reese’s treatment as a pet of sorts - Miles wondered at the wisdom of sending this man to penetrate Klaus’ security, kill him, and save Reese. There just wasn’t another option. “I would prefer if Reese did not have to witness his end, but the prime objectives here are her safe retrieval and the removal of the threat he poses to her. He cannot be allowed to survive and she must not be harmed any more than she already has.”
Anthony slowly nodded in understanding as he thought of what this would mean for him. Obviously it would be dangerous but he couldn’t pretend it would keep him from going through with it. As with anything he did he firmly believed if he planned carefully and stuck to it he’d remain safe. It was why he always had so many rules to follow- they kept him alive. A rescue mission was something new, though. Keeping the girl alive, protecting whatever innocence she had left was a bit trickier than anything he’d done before. It made him a little wary about the job but the idea seemed too enticing to pass up. A sex trafficking ring. If he played it right, this wouldn’t end with Klaus.
“This is everything you know of Klaus? Any pictures, known coordinates? I’ll need everything you have.”
Slipping a folder across the table, Miles passed off the only additional information he possessed. It wasn’t a lot. “There’s a basic description that I was able to get from Reese’s house elf and a few other details about his home in Amsterdam. The best avenue to find him will likely be through this trafficking ring.”
Anthony’s eyes flitted around the bar before he pulled the file over to him and opened it, reading over the dossier quickly. “There’s not much here to go off of.” He closed the file and set it beside him on the booth. “You realize this isn’t going to be quick or easy. I’m going to have to find him, study his habits, find a way to intercept the girl and dispose of him. He looks like an important man who won’t often be alone or without magical wards.”
Miles ran a hand over his face. He knew the information he had was hardly comprehensive, but this was the best shot he had. A lot relied on the ‘skills’ of the man across from him, a man he didn’t trust but who he would be forced to rely on just the same if he was going to get Reese away from her tormentor. “I know. Obviously I want it done as quickly as possible, but more important is that it’s done properly - with Reese safe and Klaus eliminated. Money is not an issue. I can pay you for the trouble.”
Anthony is silent for a moment before he pulls a piece of parchment and a quill from the breast pocket of his jacket and writes an amount down, sliding it across the table to Miles. “I’ll do it for this amount and I’ll do it my way. I don’t want any messages or inquiries via the silver. If I need to get into contact with you, I will.”
Glancing down at the parchment, Miles nodded slowly. The amount was considerable, but he could manage it, even without dipping into Reese’s estate. The inability to inquire as to the progress made him uneasy, though. “Half up front and half upon completion. I won’t contact you, but I want updates at a minimum of once every week. For this sum, I think I deserve to be kept abreast of your progress.”
“Alright,” Anthony nodded, picking up the file next to him. He supposed that while weekly updates would get tiring, they were better than Bletchley asking to come along. “I’ll send you the location of where to leave the money. Anything else I should be made aware of?”
“No, I’ll await your message.” It wasn’t an easy thing, trusting a man he knew to be skirting the edge of sanity with a penchant for murder to bring Reese home. If there was any other way, Miles would take it, but the Aurors’ hands were tied and he knew his own limitations. Legal maneuvering was one thing, but he’d have no chance against a man like Klaus on his own.
Looking intently at the man across from him, familiar despite the stranger’s face he wore, Miles spoke earnestly. “Be kind to her. I don’t care how horrible you make the end for Klaus, but be kind to Reese no matter what.”
Anthony studied Miles for a moment. The desperation in the man was evident. He knew he had to be the man’s last chance- his best chance with all the legal roadblocks in front of him. Even though he agreed to save the girl, he knew he didn’t sign on because of her. It was Klaus he really wanted, Klaus he needed to find.
“Okay,” Anthony said quietly, appeasingly.
He didn’t know whether he believed Goldstein, but there was nothing more he could do. Rising from the table, Miles held out his hand. “I appreciate your assistance.”
Anthony hesitated a moment before shaking the man’s hand. He wasn’t usually one for physical contact when it came to these sort of dark dealings. “I’ll be in touch.”
Summary: Miles seeks Anthony's assistance with Lukas Klaus.