Edie

Edie

SasatheShy

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Chapter Thirteen: The Little Spy

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The weather that following evening was exceptionally warm. Aleah wore a nice red dress with white lace with red gloves and boots. Over this she had on her simple brown robe in order to hide her identity. She had the hood of the robe on over her hair again as she stared up at the Pig’s Thigh Inn. She wrapped her arms around her stomach, feeling nauseous. She knew Verity stood right behind her. Aleah only awaited her older sister’s orders, though a part of her did not think this was such a good idea.

“Now then,” she heard Verity coo into her ear. “You know what to do, sister. Do whatever it takes to find out about this girl…”

Shivering, Aleah tensed up. She turned to face her sister. “Verity -- I --”

Verity glared down at her sister. “You are not backing down on me, I hope?”

Quickly, Aleah shook her head. She hugged her sister, and sighed. “I’m not backing down, Verity. I just -- what if I can’t find out anything?”

“Aleah, Aleah, Aleah,” sighed Verity. She pushed Aleah off of her and looked down at her. A comparison would show that to Aleah, Verity was a giant. She could easily break Aleah like a twig, if she wished to. “Now, we’ve talked about this, sister. You will not set foot outside of this inn until you’ve gathered me some information.” She leaned down, glaring at her sister. “And if you come out of there empty-handed, I’ll beat you to the point of ugliness, and then no man will want you. Do you want that, my loving sister?”

“N -- no,” Aleah trembled.

“Good,” Verity hissed. “Then go in there, and don’t come back out without having something for me. I’ll be back at Cain‘s, and I don’t want to see your face at all.”

Frowning, Aleah bowed her head, nodding. She listened as her sister stepped away. Lifting her head, she watched as Verity went down the street. Aleah felt miserable -- but, turning she did as she was told. She’d be a spy for her sister. Reaching a hand out, she turned the handle and entered the inn.

--

The inn bustled with life. Aleah did not think it’d be this crowded come nighttime, but it was filled with men and ladies. She looked around, and soon spotted an empty table. She went to fetch it for herself. She sat down and saw a woman coming over to her.

“Hello cutie,” she smiled. “Needing a room, or…?”

Aleah shook her head. “No room…” she said softly. “Um -- could I order something?”

“Sure thing,” smiled the lady. “I’ll bring you a menu.”

As she watched the lady walk off, Aleah looked around for any signs of that woman she had seen. It was awfully crowded, and the foul smell of ale was making her even more queasy. She sighed as she leaned back, closing her eyes.

What was she to do?

“Here you are.”

Opening her eyes, Aleah thanked the lady as she took the small menu. She stared down at it and opened it. Her eyes blinked at the different selections… Soups, stews, salads, and more. It all looked tasty. She decided she might as well eat, since Verity had not allowed her to beforehand. She looked up at the lady. “Could I have a moment?”

“Sure thing,” she said. “I’ll come back in a few…”

Resting the menu on the table, Aleah looked about. She felt useless. What exactly was it she was looking for? And why did she have to tell Verity she had seen Cain with some mysterious woman? Aleah did not even get a clear view of her face. She only caught a glimpse of the sexy red dress and curly brown hair. She was certain the woman had to work here, but for which days and for how long? Only two out of many questions Aleah had to ask herself… Perhaps she could find some answers, but if she asked the wrong crowd, it could lead to trouble for her.

For now, she decided she’d go ahead and eat. When the woman returned, Aleah ordered a warm pumpkin soup with breadsticks. She leaned back as she sipped on her glass of water, doing best to ignore stares from the many drunk men sitting around her. She’d not give in so easily, especially if they cannot give her the information she needed. And because she was scared.

Leaning back, Aleah had waited a good fifteen minutes before her order arrived. She stared down at the steamy orange soup. Beside it sat a small plate with three breadsticks resting on top of it. The aromas smelled delightful. Aleah no longer felt ill, thanks to these smells. She looked up as the woman gave her a sensual smile.

“Enjoy, sweetie,” she said as she turned and headed over to a group of men.

“Thank you,” Aleah whispered.

Taking the provided wooden spoon in hand, Aleah started stirring the soup as she looked about. Not much was happening. Lifting the spoon, she blew on the soup and took a sip. It was creamy and delicious. She took another sip, following another. As she sat there, two beautiful women entered the area from the backdoor.

Amana sighed as she went upstairs with Edie. She turned to her, smiling. “Thanks for helping me with some of these larger orders.”

“It’s fine, Amana,” smiled Edie.

It had been a long day for the both of them. Two of Edie’s best assistants had not been in the last two days due to being ill. And they were short on hands. Edie carried two trays as Amana held onto one. Amana walked with her up to a table near Aleah’s.

“Here we are,” Edie said to them.

Blinking, Aleah turned to the two women. Her eyes fell over Amana, then on Edie. At once, Aleah found her eyes widening to the size of saucers. She only saw the back of this woman, but that is all it took. That matching curly hair… That skin. That -- was it her?

Turning, Edie noticed this strange woman staring at her. Thinking the woman needed assistance, Edie walked up to her. “Is there anything I can get for you?”

“Uh…” Aleah flustered. She looked up at Edie. “W -- well, I am looking for a woman.”

“Oh?” Edie pondered. She smiled at Aleah. “Well, do you know her name?”

“I do not,” Aleah answered. “Truthfully, I have never met her before. But you see, I think she may have been with a -- a friend of mine, per say. I just wanted to find her and talk to her.”

Edie was a bit confused. She was not sure how to help this lady. Putting her hands behind her back, Edie gave her an apologetic shrug. “Well, I am sorry. I am only the cook. I wish I could help you, but I hardly come up here.”

Aleah gaped. She looked down for a moment. This lady was the cook, then? Well, she could not possibly be the woman Aleah had seen.

Right?

“Thank you,” Aleah said softly. As she looked up, she watched Edie bow before turning back to the other woman.

“Amana,” Edie said. “I need to return to the kitchen. Can you handle things up here now?”

“Yes,” Amana smiled. “Thank you, Edie.”

This just did not make sense. Those curly brown hairs looked so much like the woman’s Aleah had seen that night. But -- it had been dark. Aleah was not even sure of the woman’s appearance. She began feeling as if telling Verity about what she had seen was nothing more but a large mistake. Now, she was stuck there. She could not return home, for she knew what awaited her if she returned with zero information. The past scars and bruises she had received still hid underneath her dress. And those that had healed still tainted her mind.

She looked ahead, watching the curly-haired woman leave. Even if she was this secret lady, Aleah knew she could not do anything. She had to gather information.. And she’d start with this Amana.

“Miss?” Aleah called to her.

Turning, Amana smiled and took Edie’s previous position. “Yes?”

“T -- that woman that was up here with you,” Aleah began, though she could sense her own nervousness. “S -- she told me she is the cook.”

Amana nodded her head. “That she is. Is anything wrong with your meal?”

“Oh no,” Aleah said as she shook her head. “The meal’s fine. Wonderful, in fact. I was wondering if…?”

At that moment, Aleah was interrupted by abrupt howling. Amana turned to find some men starting a fistfight. Gasping, Amana quickly left to find Tonisha or Leigh. She had only given Aleah a second’s apology before running downstairs.

Aleah quickly stood back as the two men had their fistfight. She watched as Amana returned with two women and a man.

“There!” Amana pointed. She had brought Tonisha and Lavan with her. Edie had heard the ruckus, coming up on her own. She watched on as Lavan went to break the two drunken men apart.

“Hey!” he shouted. He grabbed them. “Enough! There are ladies present.”

“Fuck off,” cried out one man with a rough beard. He had already had a single tooth punched out of his bleeding mouth. It now rested on the floor. He pushed Lavan to the ground, causing Edie to gasp.

“Stop this!” Tonisha shouted. “Out of my inn! Now! You’ll pay for this mess!”

Lavan groaned as Roddy, Blythe, and Pip raced downstairs. The two men rushed over to aid Lavan. Once he was back on his feet, the three grabbed the two bawlers and forced the bloody men to continue their fight outside. Tonisha, however, would not let them leave until she got coins for the damages to the table and chairs they had been sitting in. When the coins rested in her hands, Roddy and Lavan threw them out.

The place began settling back down. Aleah let out a sigh as she watched Edie hug this Lavan. She raised a brow, confused. Turning her head, she recognized the man named Pip. He had greeted her the last time she had been in there. She stepped forward, noticing that he seemed to be friend’s with the man talking with Edie.

And this gave Aleah an idea.

She stood back as Edie and Lavan went back downstairs. Tonisha and Amana soon followed. Taking this opportunity, Aleah walked up to Pip. He was standing next to his two comrades, but Aleah was certain she could get them to leave. “Um… Excuse me?”

The three turned their heads on her. Pip recognized her effortlessly.

“Oh, hi again.” Pip smiled at her. He eyed his friends, asking them for privacy. Blythe obliged. She took Roddy’s arm and dragged him back upstairs to their guest room. Pip looked back down at Aleah. “I never thought I’d see you again… Well, this is a surprise.”

“I’m sorry I ran out on you,” she said. She pulled off her hood, revealing her true colors to Pip.

“It’s all right,” he said. He tensed up a bit from her beauty.

“Actually,” she whispered. “I was wondering if you might be able to help me?” She looked at him calmly as she took his hand. She ushered him over to her table, having him sit with her. She pushed away her half-eaten soup. It was still warm, but she was no longer hungry.

“Are you all right?” Pip was concerned. This lady seemed too fancy to be wandering this inn alone. Just exactly was it that made her be in such a place? He wanted to help her, he knew, and he hoped that he could.

“Yes,” she replied. “I am fine. I am just -- well, there is someone I am searching for. A woman -- no older than I. I think that she may come here often, and I am curious because I -- well, I saw her with my sister‘s fiancée.”

Pip nodded his head. “Well, I don’t know how much I can do to help. I usually spend most of my time outside this place.”

“Oh.” Aleah sighed as she stared at him. “Well, maybe you can help because I think the woman I saw with my friend was -- that cook lady.”

“Edie?” Pip asked.

“Is that her name?” Aleah smiled and nodded her head. “Well, you see -- I don’t know if it was her or not, but she did look a lot like the lady I saw with -- well, do you know…?” She had hoped to struck gold on this; however, just as she was about to finish asking Pip her question, she jumped as a strong hand touched her shoulder. Turning, Aleah gaped as she stared up into the face of Cain.

“Aleah…” he said softly. “What ever are you doing here?” He turned his head, eying Pip. The dirty hunter seemed frightened of him, which did not bother the captain.

“C -- Captain Cain,” Aleah gaped.

“I think you should come with me,” he said as he forced her to her feet. To his side stood Hyatt. The ugly man was eager to stay, but he had the feeling his captain wasn’t too happy with finding Aleah at this place.

“Hey,” said Pip, growing some balls as he faced Cain. “Who are you to treat a lady like that?”

Cain glared over at Pip. Hyatt stood tall as he glared over Pip. “Watch your tongue!”

Pip took a step back. This caused Hyatt to laugh out loud. Cain turned to his third best henchman.

“Hyatt, forget about him,” said Cain. “We’re leaving.”

Frowning, Aleah had no choice but to follow. She gave Pip an apologetic shrug as she was led away.

--

Aleah remained quiet, even as Cain and she entered Cain’s home. She kept her head bowed as he dragged her down the halls. Hyatt stayed put to keep on guard. He snorted at Aleah, watching her from behind as she and Cain rounded a corner.

She knew where he was taking her. Verity’s room was in this direction. She had the feeling Cain was just as intelligent as he seemed. Something about the Pig’s Thigh Inn he wanted kept secret, and Verity had spilled to him that he was seen with his mysterious woman. She kept her head bowed as they reached the large, golden door. She shook as Cain opened it wide, not bothering to knock.

Verity stood there, just pulling up a strap of her nightdress. She quickly turned, ready to shout at whoever dared enter her bedroom. However, seeing Cain standing there next to Aleah made her hold her tongue.

“Cain?” she gaped. “You’re -- back so soon?”

At first, Cain said nothing. He only closed the door behind them as he shoved Aleah to the side. Aleah stumbled, but she managed to catch herself, and not fall. She pushed her back against the wall, keeping her head lowered. She could hear Cain’s strong boots pound against the ground as he stepped up to Verity.

“I did not want to stay away for long,” Cain spoke up.

“Hmm,” Verity sneered. “I wonder why?”

Putting both hands behind him, Cain made sure to keep a straight posture as he glared at Verity. “And I wonder why I found Aleah all on her lonesome at Pig’s Thigh Inn?”

Shrugging her shoulders, Verity pushed her braid over her shoulder. “She was supposed to be running an errand for me. But what about you, Cain? Why in hell were you at that inn? Hmm? Were you there -- to see someone, perhaps?”

“It is not your concern,” Cain said calmly. “Not yours; not your sister’s; not anyone’s. I thought I‘ve made that clear?”

“Well, you haven’t.” Verity stood, then, just as tall as the captain. The two stared each other down as Aleah stayed out of it.

Aleah felt awful. She looked away from them, knowing now that she was in trouble with both Cain and her sister. All she had wanted was to help. She loved her sister. She wanted to help her sister turn back into her old self. But -- at this point, Aleah wasn’t sure if that was even possible.

At that time, she heard chuckling. She looked up, seeing Cain obnoxiously laughing at Verity. He shook his head and brushed back at his well-combed bangs.

“What’s so funny?” snarled Verity.

“Forgive me,” he chuckled. “I just -- find it intriguing how someone of your status is challenging me.” His chuckling ceased. He glared down at her. “It is rather amusing how you think you have power built like mine… But I think you’re forgetting, Verity, that if not for me, you and your frail sister would be living on the streets wearing nothing but rags.”

He reached forward, grabbing Verity at the neck. Aleah jumped as her sister gasped loudly.

“C -- Cain,” Verity choked. She felt his fingers tightening around her skin as he leaned his head inches in front of hers.

“If you’ve forgotten,” he whispered, “Here’s the deal. I save you and your sister from what should have been your fate. I welcome you into my home, and I even ask you to be my wife. Here, you and your sister get everything your hearts’ desire. However, and here’s where you listen very carefully, you are to both keep out of my business. It does not concern either of you… And if you fail to acknowledge this again, then you really will find yourselves begging for coins on the streets using your fucking pussies. Do I make myself clear?”

“C -- crystal, dear…” Verity sneered. She gasped as he released her. She felt the warmth on her neck, and brought her fingers up to feel his prints. She bowed her head, this time, not wanting to look at him.

“Good,” he said. He turned and eyed Aleah before walking over to the door and opening it. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have some work to do.” He slammed the door on his way out.

Taking a deep breath, Aleah leaned back. She closed her eyes, trying hard not to cry. Soon, she felt her sister’s fingertips grazing her cheek. She opened her eyes immediately, and she stared up at Verity. She felt as if she could sink into the wall at any given second.

“Did you find out anything?” Verity asked.

Surprised, Aleah looked down. “N -- no…”

“Disappointing.” Verity turned her back on her sister. She walked over to her mirror and continued to prep herself for bed.

Wiping at her nose, Aleah pushed off the wall. “Um, sister…? What about Cain’s warning?”

Sighing, Verity turned to her sister. “Cain does not frighten me. And he shouldn’t frighten you, either. He was only bluffing, really. I assure you.”

“Bluffing?” Aleah was so unsure. Cain did not seem like the type to simply bluff. He was always distinct at what he said, and she did not want to anger him again. Crossing her arms, Aleah rubbed them with her opposite hands, suddenly feeling chilly. “She couldn’t of been the right -- woman…”

It was far too late when Aleah realized she had spilled information that may be plausible. She gulped as Verity’s head slowly turned to her, glaring.

“What?” Verity slowly stood to her feet. “A woman?”

“N -- nothing,” Aleah shook.

“Don’t lie to me sister.” Verity sighed. She walked up to Aleah. “You told me you didn’t find anything out.”

“But I didn’t,” Aleah sniffed. “I only saw a woman that sort of looked like the one I saw. That’s all. Well, I also talked to this man for a minute, but that was when Cain came in.”

“A man?” Verity put a hand to her heart, acting shocked. “Sister, you were supposed to be hunting for that woman, and yet you were with a man?”

“It wasn’t like that!” Aleah shouted. Gaping, she covered her mouth and looked down. She shook her head. “I thought he could provide me information.”

Keeping her eyes off of her sister, Aleah could feel Verity’s sneaky arms wrapping around her, pulling her into a hug. Aleah trembled a bit, but she soon hugged her sister back. “You’re not mad?”

Verity’s left hand reached up. It started brushing at Aleah’s hair, pulling tangles loose. “Mad? No. A bit disappointed? Yes. But don’t you worry, Aleah. I think you actually did something right.”

“I -- did?”

“Oh yes,” Very snickered. She pushed at her sister’s shoulder, gleaming down at her. “If this man you’ve met could quite possibly know the woman we seek, then perhaps we could compel him into telling us what we need to know.”

Aleah stared up at her sister, not sure if she liked where this was going. “W -- what do you have in mind?”

“You’ll see,” Verity grinned. “For sister, you shall be the main plot of my plan.”

“M -- me?” Aleah asked. “But what else can I do? I -- I don’t know what use I am to you, sister.”

“Your part will be easy. Do not worry. For now, go and get some sleep. Alright?”

Lowering her head, Aleah bowed. She turned and left her sister’s bedroom. Once she was alone in the hallway, she slumped against the wall and buried her face into her hands. She shook her head as the tears she had been keeping in finally poured down her cheeks. All she could think about was wanting to help her sister, even if Verity had changed.

Wiping at her eyes, Aleah turned and looked up to find Mark rounding the corner. She gaped as he looked up from a paper in one of his hands. He eyed her and raised a brow. “Are you okay?”

Shocked, Aleah quickly turned and fled. She raced away, leaving behind a bewildered Mark. He cocked his head, but he continued with his work, not bothering to deal with Aleah. She was merely a guest in this place, since her sister was going to marry the captain. Mark continued on his way, rounding a different corner, not realizing Aleah was still there, watching him.

Aleah sighed. She rubbed the back of her hand beneath her nose as she eyed Mark.

“Someday…” she whispered. “Someday I’ll have my sister back, and -- and I’ll have the man of my dreams.”