Chapter Text
Hades could watch his wife forever and never be tired of the sight.
She’d fallen asleep somewhere close to late evening the night before, about what was the midway point in their journey. Sun was beginning to peek through the cracks in the blinds, shedding soft morning light into the private train compartment. The steady thrum of the steam engine had been a constant since they boarded and it just now began to seep back into his conscious thought. Persephone didn’t seem bothered, face half buried in pillows with the sunlight streaming across her exposed flesh. A goddess wrapped in those sheets, he thought briefly. Far too good for him - and she’d nearly been lost to him. The idea still kept him awake at night, hence why he’d been up half the night watching her sleep, the steady rise and fall with each breath to remind him she was very much alive and warm and in his bed - even if it wasn’t their bed back home.
Rubbing a hand across his eyes, Hades checked his watch on the bedside table. Early morning. Too early. Another few hours before they’d be close to New Oreleans - enough to let Persephone sleep in, the both of them to grab breakfast. After they reached the platform no doubt it would be noise and music and whatever Hermes had planned so Hades intended to enjoy the peace of the morning while he still could.
Warm fingers reached across his chest, splaying across his skin before the fingers continued until a soft arm was wrapped around his middle. His wife nuzzled her face into his shoulder and he tilted his head to press a kiss to her unruly curls, pulling her closer into his embrace (but mindful of her shoulder, which he knew still caused her fits at times). She gave a soft hum of contentment though she seemed to be floating in the realm between sleep and awake. Who was he to mind? Mornings had gotten significantly better since he’d been married and that one was no exception. For most of his adult life, Hades had assumed he’d be spending it alone. Especially once he’d gotten in with the underground sort and worked his way up. What woman would be mad enough to marry him? An occasional girl in his bed suited him just fine, nothing lasting - far too dangerous to get attached.
And for as long as he’d lived his life in darkness, Persephone had come blazing in like a bright and beautiful sun, reaching even the darkest corners of his mind. He’d fallen hard . Somehow she found a liking to him, too. He’d been expecting her to run off the second things got a bit edgy, but she’d stayed. Not only that, but had thrown herself straight into the fray. Saved his life. Agreed to marry him. Spending the rest of his life with her at his side, waking up like this every morning? That was something he could get used to. That he had gotten used to.
“You’re thinkin’ too loud.” Persephone murmured, pulling him from his thoughts suddenly. He glanced down: her eyes were still closed, but her thumb was rubbing soft circles on his chest.
“Sorry.” He remarked lowly, voice only the scraps of a rumble that early in the morning. “Go back to sleep. Got a while to go yet.”
He heard her make a noise somewhere in the back of her throat as she shifted, face nuzzling further into his neck and her leg winding itself between his own. Laying her claim, clearly. Often they fell asleep in a similar fashion and it never bothered him; having Persephone close gave him more peace of mind. Obliging in her silent demand, Hades wrapped his arms around his wife and pulled her closer. Much as he wanted to let the ambience of the train lull him back to sleep, his mind was already on the run with his thoughts and refused to be stopped. Pity.
He felt Persephone’s breath fall back into a steady rhythm of sleep, and Hades watched the soft rise and fall of her chest for several long minutes. This bit of a getaway would be good for both of them, a chance to recoup before trying to sort out the logistics of their continued work. Clubs would pop up in the city again of course, but there was a lot of rumbling in the ranks. Worry. Discouragement. He understood them, and shared them. Even before Ares’ attempts at . . . well, everything - Hades had heard the whispers of prohibition potentially being ended. Under discussion, at least. If it came true, most of his work would be a moot point. Granted he could provide alcohol to licensed establishments, but often the cargo that came in wasn’t perfectly refined. What was to stop other companies from starting their own productions and distributions with finer filtered spirits and better aged liquors?
It would provide a less dangerous choice of profession, were it to come to fruition. And it wasn’t as if he and Persephone were hurt for money - he had funds to last them well enough into the grave and any heirs thereafter. Still, that wasn’t to say his business wouldn’t be undermined by better, proper companies . . . maybe he’d retire after all. But he also felt a sense of duty to the veritable underworld of citizens in the black markets and other related businesses that relied on his influence and command of the parts of the city that the fancy politicians didn’t want anything to do with.
Hades wasn’t sure what he wanted more - a normal life, or business as usual.
At least prohibition wouldn’t be overturned immediately; it would take time. They had time to figure out things, to find work arounds. If it even passed - the government liked to take their damn time in doing anything, he knew. This little detour of a vacation wouldn’t hurt their timeline. In fact, it would probably help them both think a little clearer. His mind still felt clouded by Ares and Athena, the near loss of Persephone - all of it crowding in and refusing to leave. A cacophony of memories. In truth, they’d never had a decent break from the shit hitting the fan so constantly.
Hades didn’t fall back to sleep, but lingered in a space in between awake and asleep with no real concept of time. Content with mulling over his thoughts and memories and sorting them into their usual boxes, his mind neat and tidy. When he looked back to his watch again, it was nearly an hour later and the sun had shifted slightly so the rays peeking around the drawn together curtains were bigger and somewhat brighter. It took some convincing for him to gently try and remove himself from Persephone’s embrace; he’d let her sleep while he dressed and tried to do something about the five o’clock shadow at his jawline. Not that the compartment offered a plethora of amenities, but he’d make do.
Voices in the hall alerted him that other passengers were up and about, passing by to the dining car to grab breakfast. He glanced back at Persephone, who had curled around his pillow in his absence. The sheets had fallen down to bunch at her waist, exposing the vast expanse of her beautiful, freckled skin. And the nasty looking injury on her shoulder that was close to being a permanent scar, it’s edges still a bit of an angry red. He winced at the sight of it, heart aching that she had come to harm. As he’d promised her before, he’d be willing to step back whole-heartedly in order to keep her safe, to lessen the risk. If he’d lost her - he couldn’t fathom it. Persephone had easily become his entire world .
By the time he’d popped into the small, adjoining compartment that served as a bathroom to quickly shave, Persephone had risen and looked every part of a freshly born goddess, wrapped in sheets and peering through the curtains to try and figure out where they were.
“You’ve got time. Schedule says another two hours. If you want to get dressed, I’ll grab us breakfast?” He offered quietly, and she smiles hazily.
“Breakfast in bed?” She asked, voice thick with her sleep. “What’d I do to deserve such a treatment?” Even still, he could hear the amusement in her tone. Hades dropped a kiss to the top of her head.
“Reckon whatever I did to deserve you as my wife.” He murmured, and slipped out of the compartment. The blinds were open to reveal the passing landscape, full of the type of greenery they didn’t often get in the city. Passing by a few other passengers in the narrow hall, he made his way toward the dining car he and Persephone had just eaten at last evening. It would be nice to enjoy breakfast alone before they were accosted on all sides by the roar of another city. A welcome one, but he couldn’t deny enjoying the peace the train journey had afforded the both of them.
By the time the train began to roll up to the station, they’d demolished breakfast and Persephone had donned a silvery-blue dress for their first day in a new city. After the train, the sheer madness of the platform was almost shocking - families greeting one another, people hurrying to make it to their own platforms, the usual business that came with train stations. Hermes hadn’t mentioned in his letter if he intended to meet them at the station and idly, Hades stretched his neck to look around to try and spot the man, to no avail. Not that he was confident in being able to find him in such a chaotic scene, but it was Persephone who spotted Hermes first, grinning like a madman.
“Sister!” He cried, moving forward to sweep her into a hug. She laughed, hugging him fiercely in return.
“Look at you, livin’ it up!” Persephone grinned, pressing a half hearted kiss to his cheek. “Surprised you ain’t got this whole town in your pocket.”
“Who says I don’t?” He winked, extending a hand to Hades next. “Good to see you too, boss. Surprised you found the time to get away.”
“Didn’t have the choice once my very convincing wife had her say.” He remarked dryly, casting Persephone a look - she only smiled innocently, looking very much as if she didn’t regret it one bit. As if she would.
“Course not. You need a break anyway. What I hear, it’s been a hell of a past few months for you two.” Hermes arched a brow, glancing between the pair of them.
“Could say that.” Persephone replied. “Now you gonna show us this town or let us stand here all damn day?”
“Oh, I’ve missed you, girl.”
A man standing just behind Hermes that Hades hadn’t noticed stepped forward to collect their luggage, while Hermes tucked his arm in Persephone’s and began to lead them out of the station. The peace that had been on the train was shattered, and Hades felt himself be wrapped back up in the fast pace, blaring noise of the city. New Orleans had a different feel to it, though - one he took in as the man loaded their luggage into a waiting car. It wasn’t as bland and grey as the city he called home; bright colors in every direction, with music drifting in from one of the nearby buildings. It was sunny and warm and he squinted against it until Persephone handed him sunglasses from her purse - his, that he must have forgotten. She pulled her own from her bag and donned them as Hermes opened the car door for them.
“I already got the day planned out. You two can rest up from the travel, I got you set up in a nice room that overlooks a courtyard. Dinner tonight, and a show. There’s a friend of mine I’d like to introduce you to that’ll be meetin’ us.” Hermes explained.
“You got yourself set up real nice down here.” Persephone mused, leaning forward in her seat to better reach Hermes, who sat in the front with his companion driving.
“You know me, can’t stay bored. Got a good little club goin’ - room on my stage if you get inspired, sister.”
“You want me to work on my vacation? You got nerve.” But Persephone was grinning, and Hades knew without a doubt she’d sing a song or two. Not that he’d mind, either - watching his wife perform was always a treasure. It’s how they’d met, after all. Not to mention she was talented as all get out in general. Maybe if he retired, Persephone could return to performing full time. She loved it enough, and neither of them had any other obligations to tie them down - that was a conversation for later, perhaps. After vacation. She’d been determined to beat work out of his head while they were in New Orleans and while Hades felt it was impossible to ever stop thinking of business, he’d try. For her.
Hades was quiet as the pair chatted, catching up, Persephone filling him in on her brush with death. He could see the concern in Hermes’ eyes, the relief a second later. His gaze strayed to the landscape of the city as it passed by the car windows, perfectly bright and warm. Everything their city was not. Maybe Persephone would like to live in a place like New Orleans - another conversation for another time. After everything, Hades would happily give his work up if it meant her happiness and safety.
Hermes lived in what seemed like a popular part of town, rows of other homes neatly lined but somehow each with their own character. Long and narrow townhouses, neatly kept and with what seemed like no yard at all. Persephone slipped her hand into his once they were out of the car, her expression one of absolute contentment. The vacation would definitely do them both some good.
“Get in here, then! Make moon eyes at each other later.”
Even after the train journey, both he and Persephone had lingering tiredness and neither were ashamed to sleep off some of the exhaustion with the knowledge it would be a late night if Hermes had anything to say of it. Their room was large and spacious and as promised, there was a tiny balcony that faced a private courtyard that had been hidden from the street. Persephone had thrown open the balcony doors to let the air in, reveling in the breeze that made the curtains dance.
“Who d’you think this friend of his is?” Hades asked as he rummages in a half unpacked suitcase for something to wear for dinner.
“Knowin’ Hermes? Could be anyone. Reckon he knows everyone in town already.”
“Girlfriend?” Hades offered. “Boyfriend?”
“Mhm - no doubt. Which means you’d better behave.”
Hades arched a brow at his wife, who mirrored the expression right back.
“Me? Behave? Considerin’ the last time we went out to dinner with someone else we were shot at and you ran headfirst into it --”
“I was helpin’!” Persephone protested. “Besides, what’s the chance of that happenin’ again?”
“Depends on how much you believe in coincidence.”
She swatted him in the chest as she passed to search through her own suitcase for a pair of shoes. Hades chuckled; granted, he hoped never to have such an evening again. Not worth it.
Dinner was at a rather ritzy joint, an elegant place with an air of wealth about it that Hades knew well. Even so, there was lively music and some were dancing together on an open part of the floor near a small stage where a jazz trio were playing. Despite appearances, things weren’t entirely insufferable in the place. Clearly New Orleans wasn’t as filled with snob-nosed high brows as home was. Hermes checked his pocketwatch as they were led to a table near the stage, which was empty - which would not have been strange, but Hermes had said his mysterious friend would be meeting them at the restaurant.
“Surprised this ain’t your place, given your tastes.” Persephone mused to Hermes as they sat. Hades watched as Hermes didn’t immediately reply - it was just a split second of hesitation, a flash of concern in Hermes’ gaze that Hades had never seen before. It was gone in an instant, replaced by a flashy smile and a laugh at Persephone’s comment. If she had seen the hesitation, she didn’t say anything, and Hades decided perhaps it would do well to keep an eye on Hermes the rest of the evening.
He checked his watch twice more as they waited for Hermes’ friend to join them, but it became clear they were not going to show for dinner.
“She’s just runnin’ late, I’m sure. Girl would be late to her own funeral.” Hermes muttered, frowning at his watch for the third time. “We’d best eat. She’ll meet us at the theater, I reckon.”
Hades didn’t think Hermes’ voice sounded so convinced. Persephone seemed to pick up on it this time as well, taking her husband’s hand beneath the table with a sideways glance. Neither of them dared ask, only smiled and agreed. Even if Hades had a rather queer feeling buried in his gut. Something was off. It wasn’t like Hermes to be so concerned, either. Especially when he was attempting to hide that concern. Perhaps it was nothing, but the feeling in his gut told him otherwise. And Hades had learned to trust his gut in his many, many years. Even Persephone - who arguably knew Hermes better than Hades did - seemed slightly cautious of the tone that Hermes had adopted.
Dinner was quiet after that. Little conversation. Which was strange - as close as Persephone and Hermes were to each other, Hermes seemed uneager to engage in any talking, alternating between glancing toward the door and his pocketwatch. Persephone kept hold of Hades’ hand beneath the table, squeezing his every once in a while as they both tried to decipher what had Hermes so vexed besides the absence of his lady friend.
The theatre was not far from the restaurant, so they could walk together along the sidewalk. Others were out and about, enjoying the evening. The sun was just starting to set, beautiful colors bleeding across the skyline to make the buildings appear as if they were on fire. The air was starting to cool off from the humid heat of the day - it would be a lovely night after they exited the theatre.
Hermes’ friend was not there, either.
The concern was definitely clear on his face this time, Hades noted. While getting their tickets from the box office, he asked if any messages had been left for him - and no, nothing.
“If you’re that worried, why don’t we skip the show and check on her?” Persephone offered as Hermes crossed the lobby back to them. “Clearly she means somethin’ to you.”
“She’s . . . a friend of mine. Close. We’re close. And she ain’t usually this late without lettin’ me know.” Hermes sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. “She’s - she’s been in with the wrong sort of crowd before and I worry.”
“Then we’ll go.” Hades rumbled. “Make sure she’s alright. You ain’t gonna be able to focus on a show if you’re worried about her anyway.”
Persephone shot him a look. Hades frowned.
“Hades is right. You know where she lives?” Persephone asked.
Hermes nodded slowly. It was settled, then. Clearly Hermes was concerned and while Hades was sure his friend was alright, that funny feeling had returned to his stomach again. Uncertainty. Worry. An overall bad feeling.
“I ain’t ever seen him so torn up.” Persephone remarked quietly as they walked. Hermes seemed to not want to wait for the car, instead preferring to walk to wherever it was his friend lived. Hades hummed a quiet agreement.
“You think it’s more than just this girl?” Hades asked her, his fingers tightening in hers briefly.
“I don’t know. But it worries me. He doesn’t - he doesn’t seem like himself. I noticed it when we got here.” Persephone continued, and Hades felt that gut feeling of his twist it’s way more firmly into his belly. He hadn’t wanted to say it, but Hermes had been overly charismatic - Hades had put it off to him not seeing Persephone in a while, but now he wondered if perhaps Hermes was hiding something. Or trying to ignore something while they were in town.
The sun had set, and the streetlamps had come on. They were fewer and fewer as they walked away from the center of activity in town. There were still people, but the buildings were less fancy. Less life radiating from them. More residential. Still charming, but not quite n the way that the area Hermes lived in. Hades kept one eye over his shoulder, always on edge. Not quite trusting. It wasn’t a terrible neighbor or anything to force him on edge, that was Hades own instinct. His arm slipped around Persephone’s waist protectively and while she glanced up at him, didn’t pull away. As if she could sense whatever bad feeling lingering as well.
Hermes stopped at an apartment building that had a breezeway as an entrance rather than a door. It led to a communal courtyard where the front doors all faced inward, numbered in fading, peeling paint. The courtyard looked well-kept at least. A few children’s toys gave away the notion that there were families that lived in some of the apartments as well. Hades’s gaze swept the entire area while Hermes went to a door numbered as apartment 3, and knocked lightly.
It swung open the second Hermes touched it, revealing it had not been locked. Or entirely shut.
Clearly Hades’ bad feeling had been warranted.
“Chione?” Hermes called into the open entryway. “Everythin’ alright?”
“Stop.” Hades said the second Hermes tried to enter first. Persephone grabbed Hermes’ sleeve to prevent him from entering. “Let me go first.”
“You’re not armed.” Persephone remarked dryly, using her other hand to hitch the skirt of her dress up to reveal the small, pearl handled revolver tucked neatly into her garter. Hades opened his mouth, thought better of it, and snapped it shut again. Probably better for him to ask questions later - namely why the hell she was carrying around a weapon when he hadn’t thought to bring one himself, save for the small knife always tucked into his waistband. If Hermes was surprised at all, he didn’t say a word.
Hades relented in letting Persephone go first into the apartment, but was half a step behind her - ready to jerk her out of the way of danger if he had to. It was a narrow entryway that opened into a larger, beautiful living area that was well decorated with average tastes - or had been. Everything had been turned over, rummaged through, or ripped apart in some fashion or the other. Every drawer opened, papers thrown about, everything in a worrying state of disarray.
“Chione?” Hermes called again - nothing but silence. Persephone peered into an adjoining room, but it was simply a narrow storage closet that looked as if it had been torn into as well.
“Upstairs?” Hades murmured, and Persephone nodded before she led the way up a small set of steps that curved into the floor above. Another narrow hall with doors opened to various rooms two bedrooms and another bathroom that had been equally destroyed and gone through. Whoever had done it had been in a hurry, looking for something in particular.
He had assumed the closed door at the end of the hall to be another closet - but no, another set of almost too-tiny steps. An attic, then. On a whim as Persephone and Hermes cleared the rest of the second floor, Hades flicked the light and climbed the steps slowly - it was difficult, given the space, and the air was still. Almost thick. And it reeked of something he couldn’t quite place.
As he emerged into the attic, he understood the smell. Lacquer. Paints. Turpentine. The entire space was filled with art supplies of varying mediums and canvases filled with paintings. Some looked half done. His brow furrowed - the paintings looked familiar. Uncomfortably so. He couldn’t put his finger on why just yet. He rounded a large stack of empty canvases and stopped, wincing with the discovery on the other side.
A man’s body, covered in paint and blood. A gunshot wound to his head, by the looks of it. Clearly dead.
“Up here!” He called, and there was a flurry of footsteps on the steps into the attic. Hermes appeared before Persephone, and immediately Hermes swore. Persephone lowered her gun, but not entirely. Still on edge, just like Hades. Perhaps some of his behaviors had begun to rub off on her for the better or worse.
“Is this someone you know?” Hades murmured, brows furrowed. Hermes swallowed thickly, but said nothing - in fact, it was Persephone who spoke.
“---the look of things, she might have had a few enemies. He might have been one.” Persephone was looking at one of the half finished paintings. “These are forgeries. Good ones, too.”
Hades understood why they’d looked familiar.
“Hermes, did you know she was doin’ this?” Persephone asked, frowning.
“----I told you she was in with the wrong crowd.”
“You didn’t say she was a damned forgery artist! Tell me you ain’t been involved in this too.”
Again, Hermes did not reply.
“Either way, she isn’t here. But I reckon she’s the one who shot him.” Hades muttered, running a hand across his face.
“No. She wouldn’t have.” Hermes spoke quickly. Defensively. “Whatever happened to him wasn’t her. He - I don’t recognize him.”
“It doesn’t change the fact that he’s murdered in the attic of a woman who was doing art forgeries. Ain’t as if we can call the police, is it?” Persephone said quickly. “Hermes, what have you gotten into? This ain’t like you.”
“Maybe you should just go back home. I’ll - I’ll clean this up and be right behind you. This is my mess to deal with.”
“You’re an idiot if you think we’re lettin’ you do that. Or on your own.” Hades replied sharply. “But you gotta start talkin’.”
“Tell us what you’ve gotten us into, Hermes.”
“Could take a while.”
“Good thing we got all night.”