thedispatch | (no subject)

[ Leaning into the kiss allows her reprieve, even if for that fleeting moment. Once they've both made it to the cart, she's quick to nestle against him-- and then falters. She won't be able to do that in public, she must remember... With a huff, she scoots to put some space between them. ]

[ There's a brief look around to make certain no one is there to see them. Then he takes Grell's hand in his, giving it a short but reassuring squeeze. Without even a glance back towards his home, William gives order to the horses to start them on their way.

The night sky is out by the time they reach the docks, which gives them perfect cover to dispose of the man's body. Unfortunately, the chest is not salvageable with the blood that's stained it, so they don't even bother opening it before pushing it off the end of the dock. With no one around to see them, William takes a few minutes to stare out across the Thames. ]

Rot in hell, bastard.

[ Grell mutters, crouching as she watches the water settle. It's an enormous relief, this moment of quiet in the still night air. ]

So... Where have you always dreamt of going?

[ Had he ever really thought on it? Seems not. ]

France would be the shortest trip.

[ Looking up at him, she breathes a snerk. ]

Well, we're not to be scrutinized there, if what I've heard is true. Aside from being English.

Perhaps that is the best choice, then. As far as your first point goes. Do you know the language, at all?

I could navigate a cosmetics shop, but I don't believe that's what you were hoping to hear.

[ A hum. ]

[ That gets her a side eye and a frown. ]

No. I am limited on my own knowledge of it, as well.

[ A frustrated huff indicates that maybe another country will be equally as hard to settle down and make a new life in. ]

[ A content little smile is all she gives, in return, as she reaches up to take his hand. ]

Thankfully, you are a very talented violinist. Your music will speak for you.

[ His frown fades at the compliment. ]

Do you think I should persu it?

Absolutely, yes.

[ Using her grip on his hand, she helps herself up to face him. ]

If we're to start over, we might as well choose to do what brings us happiness, font you think?

[ He hums in agreement, nodding briefly. ]

What will you choose, then?

[ Eyes venturing wayward, she thinks for the briefest moment-- and then, chuckles a bit, in spite of herself. ]

I'll be an actress.

I would have guessed theatre, in some form.

[ It's a nice feeling, getting to know someone so well. Grell's quickly become the closest person in his life. It makes William wonder why he'd been so hesitant to open up to people before. ]

[ That only brings warmth to her eyes. ]

Of course you'd know.

[ That smile fades just so, as she takes another look around. ]

We should go, I think...

We should.

[ He lets go of her hand and mounts the carriage once more. ]

You will have to direct me towards the warehouse. Unless you've thought of somewhere else.

[ Climbing up after, she pulls her coat in tighter against herself. ]

Perhaps the warehouse is a bit much. They'll have to figure out where to begin looking first... What if we were to travel as far as we could stand it tonight and stay at an Inn? Catch a boat by morning?

Honestly, my thought was that I would attend work tomorrow. As a means of clearing any initial suspicion. Not that they have much reason to do so, but it would avoid having anyone visit our home to ask if we knew anything about his disappearance. They would simply ask me at work.

[ It will be a lesson on keeping the truth a secret and lying through his teeth for the first time ever, but if it's what he must do, he will do it. ]

The warehouse may be our best option, for tonight.

[ Brows knotting, she breathes a worried sigh, but nods. ]

Alright.

[ And so, she points the way. ]

We will leave promptly after I'm finished.

[ A bit of reassurance as he steers the horses in the proper direction. Once they arrive, William looks for where he can rest the carriage mostly out of sight. ]

We should be able to take the entire cart inside. I'll just need to see the lock.

[ As she remembers, it is a code-based padlock - and the code has not changed, either. In fact, it's likely been unused in several years, as it takes some effort to maneuver and unlock at all.

With a grunt, she fights the door's wheels to get rolling, but once she gets it far enough, she'll wave William through with a puff of breath. ]

[ Good, he thinks. Best to keep as out of sight as possible, that includes the horses. And perhaps the animals will stay a bit warmer being out of the cold wind outside. Once he has them settled, he briefly looks around the warehouse, surveying its contents. What's more important, though, is where they can huddle up for the night and attempt to get some rest. ]

I will get out the blankets. We will certainly need them, tonight.

[ There are several old boxes coated in dust, but nothing very spectacular. Grell seems intent on poking through them, though. ]

That would be perfect, darling.

[ She calls to him quietly whilst she rummages-- and a few minutes later, returns with a few crate lids. Stacking them on top of one another, she dusts off her hands, meeting William's gaze in passing. ]

You know, for a fire.

I suppose we must.

[ While she gets the fire going, William will spread a few blankets on the floor to act as makeshift bedding. ]

I think a motel bed will be rather welcome after tonight.

[ He's certain he'll regret choosing to go into work after a night spent sleeping on the floor. ]

Perhaps we will treat ourselves to a decent one.

[ While preparing the bedding, he might come across the dress that he had made for her, wrapped up as neatly and tightly as she could manage.

Grell flushes with a guilty little smile. ]

Sorry. I thought you would scold me for wanting to bring it.