Chapter Text
Jack Dawkins was pacing again. This had become quite a usual sight over the past few weeks, trapped in a cell with only Fagin for company. The pacing helped keep his mind from going mad, and really there wasn't much else to do. His hands were still caked with Belle's blood, and the irons over his wrists were rubbing and chafing.
What had began as another mindless, empty day was turned on it's head when the Governor appeared at the entrance to the cell. Jack stopped in his tracks, his palms sweaty and legs weak.
"Doctor Dawkins." Was all the Governor said, his hands shaky. There were great purple bags under his eyes, and he looked far paler than the last time Jack had seen him.
"Governor." Jack replied, exchanging a weighted look with Fagin, who was picking at his coat seams. There was no reason for the Governor to be here. If they were going to hang them, it would be a priest to take their last words. If they were going to transport them to the prison colony proper, it would be guards. If they were going to pardon them- however unlikely that may be- then it would be a judge.
The Governor opened his mouth as if to speak, but closed again. Visibly steeling himself, his voice was clearer than Jack had ever heard it when he finally spoke. "Someone has tried to murder my Belle."
Jack felt his heart skip a beat, his eyes going wide, and his hands shaking slightly. "What?"
"Twice, someone has broken in to our home and attacked her. It's a miracle they did not succeed."
"Why are you telling me this, sir?" Was all Jack said, his mind working at double the pace to try and comprehend how someone could ever want to hurt Belle. Belle.
"She can't stay here, Dr Dawkins. Not on this colony. There's nowhere for her to hide. But if we send her to friends or family in London, she will be equally as exposed. Everyone would know where she had gone, and I'm afraid her assassin would follow."
"You can't be suggesting..."
"I am. You and your... uncle... take her to London. Hide her. You know how."
"With all due respect, you don't want her to live like that. You don't know what it was like- you don't even know what I've done."
"I don't believe that it was you who killed Gaines. I do believe that it was you and your 'uncle' who were behind the recent robberies. I do believe that it is not the first time you have done such things. I also know you love my daughter. My wife does not believe it, she thinks you were taking advantage, but I disagree. She cannot stay here."
Both Jack and the Governor looked at each other for several seconds in silence. The Governor's tone had been pleading, he was desperate. But Jack knew what life would await them if they went to London. It was the life he had been running from for the last fifteen years.
Maybe it was time to stop running.
"Dodge. You know he's right." To everyone's surprise, it was Fagin who had spoken. "Your fancy skirt can't stay 'ere. We can't stay 'ere neither. There's a few of our hidey-holes nobody but us know about."
When Jack turned back to look at him, Fagin's expression was soft. All the fight went out of him at once, his shoulders slumping, the manacles on his wrists feeling heavier than ever. "Alright. Fine. I agree."
The tension bled from the Governor's shoulders and a visible sigh of relief escaped his lips. "Thank you. If you keep her safe, I will personally pardon you of any and all crimes you may have committed, and grant you the piece of land that used to belong to Lord Rutherford."
Jack's eyes went wide- it was a very sizable piece of land, and with it status that may allow him to marry Belle. He suspects that may be the point. "How long should we stay away for?"
"At least three years, I should think. At the end of that time, I will leave a message with Lord Fox, Belle's uncle. She will know where to find him." The Governor replied, his poise regained. "The Lady Theresa will sail tonight, there will be a place for the two of you and Belle upon it."
With that, the Governor opened the cell door and gestured for Jack to step forward, before unlocking the manacles. Fagin got up and followed him, his presence behind him almost comforting. The Governor showed them to a room with a basin where he could finally wash the blood off of his hands, and get changed into an innocuous looking suit.
"I have brought your things from the hospital- I don't want to advertise that you are out of prison until you are long gone. I have also added some money, to keep you going for a while."
"Thank you, sir."
"Please keep my daughter safe, Dr Dawkins. That is all I ask."
"I'll do my best."
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A few hours later, when the sun was inching its way even further towards the glimmering wavers, Jack and Fagin walked towards the Lady Theresa berthed in the dock. There were several sailors wandering to and fro, making sure the last of the cargo was secured. The sight of the organised chaos soothed Jack in a way few things did- that was the effects of almost fifteen years in the navy, he supposed. Fagin, however, was clearly wary.
"You alright, Fagin?" Jack asked, concerned.
"Don't worry about me, Dodge. It's just that my last trip on a boat wasn't exactly... prime accommodation. "
Jack fell silent for a moment, remembering the state Fagin was in when he first came to the colony. "Let's hope the return trip will be better." Was what he finally decided on as a reply, inciting a laugh from Fagin.
As the two approached the ship, a glimmer of blonde hair caught his eye. Her look was as fierce as ever, dressed in a dark blue dress of lesser quality than what he had seen her in before. If anything, he thought the plainer dress simply showcased her beauty.
Belle.