The Lost Boy

Pemberley Revisited. [Marni and The Lost Boy]

"Well, I can assure you - that I do mind the solitude." Matilda smiled, "So, keep conversing or I shall probably pass out."

Arthur returned the smile. Even in this short period of time with her, the memories of those pleasurable weeks in Bath flooded back to him. As fast as those happy memories arrived, were they quickly replaced by regret. Three years had gone by; he had not once expressed his fondness nor desire to meet her since saying his farewell. He did not write nor seek her out when he arrived back in the country. To be honest, Matilda did not even enter his mind as soon as he stepped onto the ship, and when he was posted to Appleby, Matilda was far from his mind. For all he knew, she could be already spoken for and set to be married.

"Alice, my friend. She was dancing with one of your officers. What's his name? I know that she will repeat it to me constantly over the coming weeks, so I think it would make sense to get a headstart."

Arthur paused momentarily. He had no interest in spending the limited time they had together discussing the character of a potential suitor for her friend. However, to humour her, he answered her question.

“Alice, I presume is the brunette that helped you to the carriage. Lieutenant Barnes is his name. A fine officer from a good family. Now is he a scoundrel? Well whether he would be a scoundrel before or after a potential marriage is really determined by the size of her dowry.”

If she was from a wealthy family then Barnes would see her as marriageable material.

He did not like to speak ill of his friend Lieutenant Barnes. He was a courageous and loyal soldier who had on numerous occasions put his life on the line for his fellow soldiers, including himself. But the truth be told, as it was with many gentlemen and officers, he often allowed his hormones to think for themselves.

Wanting to direct the conversation away from the exploits of his younger officer he turned the question back onto Matilda.

“How about yourself Matilda, are there any terrible scoundrels in your life?”

Pemberley Revisited. [Marni and The Lost Boy]

As soon as Matilda sat down opposite him, Arthur closed the door and called out for the driver to depart.

"Well, I am pleased that I am better company, but I doubt that very much at this current moment. I feel as though I am ninety years old."

As tempting as it was to fire back a quick retort regarding the company of Mrs Hollyworth, the reality was, as insufferable as she can be, her Husband had been a dear and close friend since he had joined the Army ten years ago.

The truth is, even in her discomfort, Arthur would rather spend the evening in the presence of Matilda Farr than anyone else in that Hall. Even if she didn’t utter a word, he would take pleasure in assisting her in her discomfort.

“Don’t think of yourself so lowly Miss Farr. I am certain that even at ninety, you would be splendid company.”

Arthur noticed the apparent discomfort on her face, the puffed cheeks and laboured breathing as she took a seat. Even in the pain she did not complain nor did her charm leave her.

“But of course, if you are not inclined to converse, please do not do so for my sake. I myself do not mind the silence”

Pemberley Revisited. [Marni and The Lost Boy]

"You aren't in a hurry, are you?" Matilda asked the Major with a smirk on her lips. Her question was playful and warm, a stark contrast to the stiff formalities that Arthur was accustomed to at these events.

“No, not at all Miss Farr,” Arthur said, not sure how to respond. Pausing for a second and lowering his voice so only she could hear. “Unless if you are in a hurry I can always swing you over my shoulder and march you out,” he said with a slight smile. As soon as the words left his mouth he regretted what he said; not sure if a joke in jest would be appropriate for a time like this. Not wanting to wait for a response he led the way to the awaiting carriage. All this time ignoring the onlooking smile of the Colonel.

Arthur made it to the carriage first and awaited for Matilda to slowly make her way to him with the Brunette assisting her along the way. The evening sun had just set, bathing the outside air in an orange hue and painting the sky a myriad of shades of purple, oranges and red. As Matilda approached he opened the carriage door.

"Are you sure that you don't mind leaving so early? I don't want to inconvenience you."

Truth be told, he welcomed the opportunity to leave the awkwardness and formality of the event. He had came at the request of his Commanding Officer to introduce himself to the local Landowners of Appleby. Furthermore, the only person in that Hall of any interest to him was now boarding a carriage to go home.

“Miss Farr, I know no one there tonight except yourself and my fellow Officers, and quite frankly you are far more pleasant company than any of them.”

Seeing her hesitate infront of the step onto the carriage, Arthur climbed in first and outstretched his hand.

The Perfect Family [The Lost Boy x Marnimoo]

Josh walked into the living room and collapsed onto the couch next to Alix. On the grand scheme of things, he had finished far more deadlier and physically demanding days on a monthly basis. But no job had the emotional turmoil and consequences than today. He had hoped secretly hoped his wife had already made it to bed asleep so he didn’t have to go through the agony of confronting her.

“I’m sorry,” he said breaking the silence, not having the confidence to look at her.

He sat there in silence, not sure what to say.

“I really fucked up. I should have been honest with you.”

He paused momentarily staring at some invisible mark on the wall.

“I was scared..." He buried his face into his hands. How did his life end up like this. Every wrong decision, every lie, every job for the mafia had been compounding until it all exploded into what had transpired today.

"This isn’t an excuse... but I was scared of losing you. Alix, I kill people for a living. I.. I just didn’t see how you could love me after knowing that.”

He remained rooted on the couch, too afraid to look at her.

Pemberley Revisited. [Marni and The Lost Boy]

Arthur glared at the onlookers in content; even after the initial commotion the crowd did not disperse. Were their lives so dull and so meaningless, that a young woman spraining her ankle has suddenly become the talk of the evening thought Arthur.

The Colonel, overhearing the exchange between Mr Farr and his Daughter, stepped forward to interject.

“Mr Farr, I’m sure it would be of no inconvenience for my Major to escort Miss Farr home. We are strangers and guests here, and will not be missed like yourself and young Henry. Unless of course Miss Farr has no objections?” The Colonel asked glancing down at Matilda.

As he asked, one of the men that had caused the scene motioned to Arthur that the Carriage had arrived from the near by stable and ready to depart.

“No not at all. It would be a pleasure to escort Miss Farr,” He replied as he motioned for the young brunette to assist Matilda. Not wanting to cause further embarrassment and feed the gossips further ammunition by carrying the blonde to the carriage.

The Perfect Family [The Lost Boy x Marnimoo]

Josh allowed Alix to storm off. He had neither the energy nor the resolve to turn this into a full blown screaming match. The reality is, she was right; it is his mess to clean up. He grabbed a pen and scribbled down a note and left it on the counter where she would see it.

Off to fix this mess...
Will be home late

Grabbing the keys he left the house, got into the BMW and drove off.

He wasn’t stupid. Rocking up to a police station to confess to over 60 murders would see him spend life in prison. But not all cops see the world in black or white. One such cop was Detective Jimmy Cooper of Special Branch. Eight months previously the Russian Mob caught wind of him attempting to solicit information from some of the more disgruntled associates of the Mob. The Boss had been concerned that the identities of many of associates had been revealed so he hired Josh, an outsider, to look into the matter. Detective Cooper wasn’t a stupid man, he was just a man of routine. At 5:42 every Weekday evening, he walked through the same park on his way home. Today was no different.

Josh White waited for him at the park bench with a rolled up newspaper on his lap. Right on time the Detective rounded the bend and made his way through the park. The 40 year old in his cheap suit, yet alert confident walk, his demeanor screamed police. Just as the detective was about to pass him Josh called out.

“Mr Cooper, can I have a minute of your time.”

The detective stopped and turned to the man on the park bench.

“Who’s asking.”

“You may call me Mr Black. Now please take a seat. I won’t take more than a minute.” Josh responded as he patted the seat next to him.

Josh had to give the man credit. The detective did not outwardly react but remained calm.
“I’m sorry but I think you’ve got the wrong man.”

“No I haven’t Charles,” Josh responded in a think Russian accent, using the alias that Cooper used when dealing with the Mob.

Cooper stiffened. His calm demeanour now replaced with a heightened alertness.

“Detective Cooper, I have a proposition that will benefit us both, so please take a seat.”

Curiosity got the better of him and the detective took a seat next to the Russian.

“What the fuck do you want?”

Josh slid the newspaper over to him. “Open it up.” The detective obliged him and opened up the newspaper to the photos and documents that were shoved in. He quickly closed the paper and turned to him.

“What do you want? Money? A kinghthood? A pat on the fucking back?”

“I want a clean slate and a new identity of my choosing,” Josh responded. “In exchange I’ll give you enough evidence to lock that man up for life.”

Cooper opened the paper and turned to the photo that Josh had placed. There was no doubt about it, it was Dimitri Romanov, the current head of the Russian Mob in Britain exiting a well known underground casino run by the Russians. Though not good enough to send him to prison, it is enough to connect him to illegal activities and to convince Special Branch to further their investigations into Dimitri Romanov.

“I need to make a call,” Cooper said as he stood up. “I’ll meet you back here in thirty minutes.”

With that, the detective walked off and followed the path through the park. Josh, not one to just wait for a dozen cops to be called in made his way to the corner of the street overlooking the park and the major road waiting for the Detective to return.

Just as Cooper promised, he returned 30 minutes later with a small poodle in tow. He stood by an old oak tree holding the leash while trying to light a cigarette. As Josh approached the Detective looked up.

“Mr Black I hope you know what you are doing.” He paused as he took a puff of his cigarette. “If we are to do this, we will do this my way,” Cooper said as he passed the burner phone to Josh.
“I’ll give you a clean slate and new identity but first I want so much evidence on Dimitri Romanov that I can bury him six feet deep in his own shit. And if he’s bought out every judge this side of the channel, then I want you to put a fucking bullet in his head.”

Josh nodded and pocketed the burner cell that cooper had handed to him.

“One last thing Mr Black.” Cooper took a step closer. “If you visit me again like this I’ll chuck you in a fucking prison for the rest of your god damn life.”

Josh laughed.

“Oh Cooper. Don’t fuck with me. You have no fucking idea who I am.”

With that he turned and left the detective.

On a Friday night, Josh knew exactly where Yuri Ivanov would be. He had known the man since his Army days; Sergeant Yuri Ivanov of the Russian Spetsnaz. He had left Russia for London a year before he did. It was through Yuri, his relationship with the Russian Mob began. After 11 years, Yuri had now progressed to be the Boss’ key enforcer and right hand man to help govern operations from London. The underground Casino was quiet, with the evening crowd yet to arrive for another hour or so. At the back overlooking the floor was Yuri’s office.

“Nikolai!” The Russian yelled with his arms outstretched as Josh entered the empty Casino. Even as charming and welcoming as Yuri like to portray himself, there was no doubt in Josh’s mind, that his old friend was deadly. At 6”2 and a medium athletic build, the 45 year old was born and bred in violence. His Mother was a prostitute in Moscow, and by the time she committed suicide when Yuri was 12, he was practically looking after his younger siblings on his own on the rough streets of Moscow. As soon as he could, he joined the Russian Army followed by the Russian Special Forces, the Spetsnaz.

“What brings Nikolai to our humble abode? Has your woman finally kicked you to the curb?” Yuri laughed as he embraced Josh in a big bear hug. Josh glanced round the casino to the other Russian associates curious by the stranger their boss had just welcomed in.

“Let’s talk in private Yuri.”

“Straight to the point. No bullshit. I like that in a man,” Yuri replied as he led Josh to his office at the back. The office was a small yet tidy affair that had tinted windows that allowed the Russian to see inside the Casino floor from his desk. He went over to the small bar in the corner and poured two glasses of vodka and handed one to Josh.

“I’ve been trying to get you to visit for nearly two years. So my dear friend, what can I help you with, as I presume that would be the only reason why you’re here?” Yuri walked over and lent against the heavy desk sipping his vodka.

“I remember just before you left Russia, you wouldn’t stop bleating on about Martha wanting you to be home more often. Then you left the military and found your way here.”

“That and the pay was shit. But please carry on,” Yuri said motioning for Nikolai to continue.

“I need something stable. Money is good, but the hours are shit and the jobs are getting riskier.”

Yuri finished is drink and moved back to the bar to pour himself another one.

“So you want to take that offer I gave you two years ago?”

Josh nodded.

“Better late than never. I still have the same problem. The boys that are coming through these days are shit. A bunch of pussies with dog shit for brains. I can’t fix what’s between their ears, but at the very least I can turn them into men. Old Ivan is still training the lads these days but he’s gone soft. Monday to Friday from 7 to 4 I need you to turn these pussies into men. Except for the occasional night or weekend job I might need you for, you can have the evenings and weekends at home.”

He lifted his glass with a smile on his face.

“Are you sure you want in? I can’t pay you the same rate, but I’ll give you 20 thousand quid a month.”

Josh raised his glass and agreed to those terms.

“One last thing, Martha is putting on a little something tomorrow for our Daughter’s 7th birthday. The Boss will be there. Bring your family, he will appreciate that.”

Josh hesitated.
“Yuri... You see my family doesn’t get involved in those sort of things.”

Yuri’s warm smile vanished. Placing the glass on his desk he walked over to Josh. His eyes now cold as he stared straight at him.

“You are either all in or you’re not. If you want a fucking job then go work at the pub across the road. This is the only thing that’s keeping us from ripping each other’s throats out, the fact that we are Family.”

Yuri paused momentarily to take a sip from his glass.

“So will I see you and your family Tomorrow then?” Yuri asked and he offered his hand.

Josh nodded in response and shook the outstretched hand.

.
.
.

It was late when Josh finally made it back into the house. The deed was done. There was no going back.

Pemberley Revisited. [Marni and The Lost Boy]

The song came to an end as George and Arthur started talking about their mutual acquaintance with Eleanor and her family, along with Arthur's own connection to Matilda three years ago in Bath. Out of the corner of his eye he saw the incident transpire and Miss Farr fall to the floor. Almost immediately all eyes was on Matilda, with even some of the musicians pausing to see what had transpired. As her daughter failed to stand, George quickly made his way to Matilda, with the Colonel and Bradford following behind him.

As Mr Farr bent down to help his daughter, onlookers slowly crowded in to get a better look. Arthur couldn’t help but notice a fervent muttering and quiet giggles from the growing crowd. The two men who appear to be the source of the commotion just stood their shocked. Probably more stunned at the young brunette chastising their foolishness rather than the consequences of what they had done. Seeing that the young woman wasn’t going to get up on her own, Major Bradford took the initiative and turned to the two men.

“Well don’t just stand there, go fetch Miss Farr a seat.” He snapped and then turned his attention to his companion.
“Go call for Miss Farr’s carriage immediately.”

The two of them remained where they stood.

“Excuse me, but who do you think you are?” the sturdier of the two responded. Arthur stiffened in anger.

“You fool. Look at what you have done,” spat Arthur, as he motioned to Matilda. He clenched his fist in anger.

“You have embarrassed Miss Farr in front of her peers, and you have the audacity to stand and watch like a blithering fool. How dare you call yourself a man and then show outward display of dishonor to this woman who has caused you no harm.”

The two men went from shock to be rebuked by a stranger, to anger to be mocked so openly. The larger of the two opened his mouth to respond but paused momentarily as he saw several more Officers make their way to the commotion. Conceding defeat, the two of them left humiliated to fetch a seat and call the carriage.

Arthur took a step back as the chair was delivered and Matilda was helped onto the seat by her Father and Alice. As he calmed himself down, he just wanted to disappear into the crowd.

“That could have gone better,” the Colonel whispered in his ear as Arthur stood by his side.

Pemberley Revisited. [Marni and The Lost Boy]

"Well, Major. I should probably leave you in peace.."

Arthur said his farewell and watched her dragged by Henry onto the floor as the new dance began. He stood and watched as the couples made their way into the centre of the Hall. Dotted among the dancers were several of the officers in their red jackets. As the music began the couples moved as one around the Hall. Matilda’s comment stung. Was he really that unpleasant to be with? From what he remembered of his interactions with Miss Far, that it was one of stimulating conversations and the four of them playing cards well into the night. Now three years later, after a meagre minute of conversing with him, she looked for an opportunity to dance with her brother. Surely he must be such unpleasant company for it to end in such way.

Four weeks prior, many of these young officers had taken part in some of the roughest skirmishes their unit have ever conducted. Lieutenant Barnes, on one particular night after watching a dear friend of his bleed to death had vowed that we will never return back to the front again. Now four weeks later he is smiling with a handsome woman on his arms as they danced. Clearly, the memory of that night was far from his mind as he laughed and flirted his way through the evening. Yet here the Major stood alone and ignored, watching the festivities from afar.

As Arthur watched the dance, his gaze kept falling upon the beautiful Miss Farr. He had contemplated taking his brother’s suggestion to court Matilda seriously. His conversations with her he found interesting and stimulating that was a change from the shallow small talk he was all too accustomed to. If he had pursued her, where would he be now?

“Major Bradford.” The Colonel’s voice behind him brought him back to reality. “My friend, I can’t leave you sulking by yourself.” He said as he slapped the Major on his back.

Bradford turned round to greet the Colonel and George who had made their way to him. Mrs Hollyworth had now left the group after sighting an old friend, which Mrs Farr saw as the perfect opportunity to take her leave.

After re-introducing himself, Arthur was pleasantly surprised by his conversation with Mr Farr. His keen interest in the progress of the war along with his intelligent and wit was a pleasant change.

Pemberley Revisited. [Marni and The Lost Boy]

Bradford turned to the young woman who had approached him. Miss Matilda Farr he had first met three years prior, a friend of his Sister-in law Mrs Eleanor Bradford. She had been a welcomed figure at the town house his Brother had rented for the season. Arthur enjoyed her company which was a nice change from the various events William and Eleanor usually try to coax him to.

At the disappointment of William and Eleanor, he did not wish to be considered as a potential suitor and felt comfortable remaining as an acquaintance for the summer. For Arthur knew his place in society and highly doubt her parents would approve his his financial standing. He may have the privilege to be the son of Charles Bradford, a wealthy landowner in the South East, but it was his Older Brother William that inherited the estate and the majority of his wealth. Charles’ younger two sons Arthur and Christopher inherited a meagre sum which was used to buy their commissions into the Army.

"You look very busy trying to avoid everyone.."

“No not at all Miss Farr. It is everyone else I believe who are avoiding me. Other than yourself of course,” Bradford replied.

Which wasn’t entirely truthful. The major had already made a mental note to avoid the excitable Mrs Hollyworth, and his surely serious demeanour didn’t exactly invite others to introduce themselves. The truth is, as Arthur watched the Ladies and Gentlemen dance, gossip and drink the night away, it felt a world away from daily life on the Peninsular. Barely four weeks prior he watched his young Lieutenant sob for his Mother as he bleed to death, and now here he is back in England living in luxury.

“So Miss Farr, how has the past few years treated you?” Bradford asked.

The Perfect Family [The Lost Boy x Marnimoo]

Seeing Alix sleepily open the study door, Josh couldn’t help but smile. Only Alix could nap in moments like these.

"I don't want you to leave."

“Then I won’t,” Josh replied.

A sense of dread and fear lifted from his shoulders. Maybe, just maybe there will be an end to all of this where Alix could forgive him.

"But is going to the Police such a good idea? From what I remember, you stated lunatics and bad men. Doesn't sound like they'd enjoy you going to the Police station, does it?" Alix continued.

“Bloody hell Alix! What do you want me to do?” Josh snapped back in desperation. “I can go kill them if that is what you want.”

Josh paused momentarily. It was a thought that hadn’t occurred to him. The thing is he had completed far harder missions in the past ten years. It wasn’t like he had to murder every Mafia member this side of the channel, just a handful of senior leaders will cause the Russians to rip themselves apart.

“Look we can just pack our bags, grab the kids and disappear.” Which was the option he preferred but then he had nothing to lose, while his wife would lose her family, friends and job overnight.

“But the most important thing Alix, can you still love me?” He asked. “Because I can’t live with the woman I love if she sees me as a monster.”