🪽The Scout Families, Ch. 10⚔️
"Ma'am, I assure you, we are doing everything we can to find your son."
Jean overheard Gelgar speaking to a distraught, older woman. Setting down boxes of files with Bertholt, he looked over in concern.
Grey haired, in tears, her gloved hands shaking as she accepted a tissue from the blonde.
"I know..I know you are. I just couldn't believe it when I heard the police dropped the case. Told me he must've just run away, not my Samson! I know he's out there, a mother knows these things!" She wept, and Gelgar moved to kneel in front of her. Taking her hand into his own, speaking with utter conviction.
"Mrs. Edmund, we already have a lead. Just as I promised you, we found his fingerprints at the docks this morning. I was going to call you to find out. Now, that being said, it's possible he either got on a boat, or he was running around there. Either way, we're still searching. I know it isn't much..but, it's something."
"I know detective. Thank you..so much..just.." her voice cracked, shaking her head as she struggled to find the words. "Even if it's just his body..please bring my boy home.."
Jean felt his stomach churn at the woman's words. Hearing she was losing hope, and had accepted the possibility of her son's death? It angered him. He knew these things were out of their control, but still..it was infuriating.
"That's the third missing teen this week.."
"Fifth, actually. You weren't in here yesterday. No one knows where the hell these boys are going." Bertholt sighed, the two speaking in hushed voices as they headed to the back office to keep cleaning.
Jean caught the last glance of his mother leading the woman to the front office, offering her a cup of coffee and sitting with her. Nanaba was always a tough-love kind of person, but she knew when to grant sympathy. He could see the sheen over his mother's eyes, even with her composed expression.
All of his siblings knew how deeply they were loved. And, if anything had happened to them, their entire family would rampage.
Hitch looked up from her own organizing, brushing her bangs out of her face and placing a hand on her hip.
"Don't go begging to daddy to get off of probation, Jean. You know Mr. Smith's orders for you." The blonde warned, thanking her elder brother as she was given another box. Pouring some tea for the three of them.
"Hey, Mr. Smith said I can leave the house so long as I'm with an experienced gunman. Any one of our aunts or uncles will do. And if I'm shadowing, then I can be better."
"Whoa, slow down little whiskey. Pop would snap your neck before letting any of us out right now. We're only here to gather information, and organize the cases. Occasionally make calls to clients. No investigations for any of us." Bertholt warned as he crossed his arms, watching Jean kick a filing cabinet in frustration. The older teen shook his head, placing a hand on the boy's shoulder.
"Believe me, we all wanna help with these disappearances. We're using every bit of information and network we got through the Ackermans and the club. And so far, nothing. We just have to be patient. That's all.."
"Patience. What good is Patience doing for us, when families are running around scared for their kids? Waiting makes people act out, and get themselves into trouble. Shouldn't we be putting ourselves on the line instead of risking civilians?" Jean asked with a plead in his voice, gesturing to the door behind them.
At this, Hitch and Bertholt looked at one another in concern. Sharing a glance, they knew there was some truth to their brother's words. And yet..
"Look, don't go playing the brave hero right now, Jean." Hitch sighed, placing her hands on her brother's shoulders. A gesture she learned from their mother. The young woman frowned, patting his cheek. "I know you're capable of more. But it's not worth getting yourself into further trouble. Okay?"
Jean stepped away from his sister's hold, grumbling under his breath, and returning to stacking boxes.
Down below, the speakeasy was disturbingly quiet. Dark and cold, without the light of a party, or booze being poured.
2 pairs of piercing, almost frighteningly blue eyes, sat ghostly in the dark. Illuminated by the embers of a cigar. Erwin had a look of complete displeasure, puffing smoke at a sleazy excuse of an ally before Levi and himself. His legs spread as he leaned back against the private booth. Levi beside him, his legs crossed as his arms rested behind him. A cigarello between his own lips.
Their shoddy excuse of an informant downed a shot of gin, gasping at the burn and rubbing the back of his neck.
"Now, Mr. Smith, Mr. Ackerman, I swear to ya, I got a new supplier. The deal should be closing by the end of this week. We already got the funeral home, the church, and the docks bringing in steady supply of scotch, gin, and hell, this new one will bring us that good shit from Mexico! Tequila!"
Erwin and Levi's expressions remained unchanged. Unimpressed. A sideways glance shared between them. The energy of the room was palpable. As if their annoyance was merely a block for simmering rage and violence waiting to unfold. Erwin took a puff, crossing his arms as his icy gaze met Floch's shaking pupils.
"The railroads are too regulated by police for that to be true, Mr. Forster. Now, because you're a good kid, I've been patient. However.."
Erwin began, while Levi pulled a slip of papers from his jacket. Tossing them open onto the table, they showed a series of receipts and written forms that were falsified. Floch's eyes widened in fear, his head slowly upturning as his blood ran cold.
"Your paper trail leads to bullshit, Forster. So, quit fucking lying while you still have your head on your shoulders." Levi sneered, eyes cold and grey as he cocked a gun from his pocket, pointing it directly at the teen.
The boy felt sweat drip off his forehead. Holding his hands up in defense, his voice cracked as he stuttered out in defense.
"It's not a lie! Mr. Smith, I can get you your booze by tomorrow afternoon! I swear it!"
Erwin's expression was stone. Then, he glanced at Levi, watching as the assassin holstered his gun with a "tch".
"Tomorrow. Not a day later. Go."
The boy scrambled out of his seat, rushing for the speakeasy door. The two men guarding it watching the teen with discernment.
"Follow him. Report back anything you see."
Levi commanded, watching Eld and Oluo nod, and check their weapons, before moving in silence. The raven-haired man rolled his eyes, glancing up at Erwin with a bored expression.
"You keep being soft on them and they're gonna take advantage, Erwin. Anyone could be a mole."
"I'm well aware of that, Levi. Floch hasn't given us any reason to doubt him yet. Even with the evidence you and Miche found, I only hope keeping an eye on him will do some good."
Erwin poured himself a 2 finger of rye, swirling the liquor in his glass. Puffs of cigar smoke left his lips before he took a sip, his throat clearing from the burn.
"I take it you and the others will handle my absence well?"
Levi leaned back in his seat, adjusting his hat and looking up towards the stone ceiling of the barren club.
"Not the first time you left on a business trip. Everything will run as usual. Just surprised you're taking all your brats with you."
"Yes well..They're convincing."
Erwin chortled, earning a shake of the head from his darker-haired companion.
"Just like their damn father."
The doors suddenly opened again. A tired Miche and fatigued Hange making their way in. The two men sat up at this, watching their comrades practically flop into their seats.
"What the hell happened to you two?" Levi asked, putting out his cigarello and moving to take off Hange's jacket. Even if the dirt stains made him internally grimace.
"Hange got a lead on these damn kids going missing. Went tracking. Got cornered and jumped." Miche responded with a pant, grabbing the bottle of whiskey and pouring himself a glass.
"What were you able to find?" Erwin asked with an almost excited look, grabbing a first aid kit from the shelves behind the seats. He moved to patch up a gash on Miche's cheek, while Hange yelped in pain. Levi was wrapping her arm.
"Ow! Son of a bitch!!" The scientist grit their teeth, while Levi told them to hold still. Regaining their composure, she nodded. "We found a marleyan uniform patch at one of the reported sites. Along with hair, that matched the description of Mr. Rosetti's son- DAMN IT LEVI!"
"Where was this?" Levi asked, his voice stern as he pushed Hange back into the couch, looking his friend in the eyes. Behind their glasses, they gave a nervous smile, wincing.
Erwin stood at this, checking his pocket watch before turning to head out,, adjustinghis coat. "Mr. Pyxus' territory. I'll have a word with him before I leave."
"He's not at fault for this, Erwin. He's an ally, not a traitor. Miss Brzenska happened to be investigating as well. She's the reason we got out." Miche barked, moving to stand and roll his injured shoulder.
Erwin thought for a moment. Wiping a hand down his face, the blonde's mind was in turmoil. Leaving now would put the family at risk. Better yet, enemies might see him as a coward, or attack unprovoked in his absence. But he also had to keep up appearances in his day life.
Though, Levi seemed to make the decision for him.
"Don't let this hold you back from your plans, asshole. We can handle this. You aren't needed for this mess right now, and you've been a neglectful father for too long."
"I am not neglecting my family-!"
"Mmmmmm ya kinda do. Mr. Workaholic."
Erwin turned his head away at Hange's remark, before relenting. He was late for a previous engagement with one of his children as they spoke. Sighing, he turned to leave, warning the three to not make a mess he'd have to clean up when he returned from Rome.
Stepping into a car, thanking his chauffeur, he leaned his head back against the seat.
They had come so far. Done so very much. Just when it seems like their work was making effort, some bastard goes and throws a wrench in it all again.
Historia and Ymir had just gotten back from their honeymoon. The blonde was currently awaiting her adoptive father's presence, sipping tea and looking out the window. Enjoying her first meal with her siblings since her return.
Porco noticed his little sister's sigh, lifting his head after taking a bite from a Cucumber sandwich. "Father will be here, princess. He's just wrapping up another meeting."
"I know. I'm just dreading telling him I'm not going on the Rome trip." She chuckled, plucking macaroon from the tiered tray.
"You sure we can't change your mind? I could make up a new plan, just say the word." Armin spoke earnestly, getting up to change the music on the victrola. His hand cranked until the room of blondes seemed satisfied, the sound erupting pleasantly.
Just as Historia went to protest, familiar footsteps approached down the hall. As Erwin stepped in, he smiled at the sight of his youngest daughter, watching her stand.
"Father-!" She smiled with glee, rushing to wrap her arms around him. Erwin returned the gesture, ever stoic, but unable to hide his glee at seeing her again.
"And how was your honeymoon in France, my love?" Erwin spoke softly, placing a kiss on his daughter's knuckles, earning a giggle from the fair young lady.
"Oh, Ymir and I loved it. So much art, we saw Versailles, and every single day was filled with laughter. It was heaven." The girl spoke with a wistfulness in her eye, moving to pull the man to his seat, and sitting down beside him.
It was a rare occasion for all the entire Smith family to be together in one room. If the elder siblings weren't out on jobs, or making appearances at public events, they would be clamored at the speakeasy. And the younger ones would be watched by either by their nanny, or accompanied by other members of the family. If it weren't for Falco's presence, every lunch and dinner would be akin to a formal meeting, than a gathering.
Erwin knew he was at fault. Raised his intelligent, dutiful children to be shining examples of society in the public eye, while also using their influence to change the ignorant opinions of their high-class peers. Then, behind closed doors, they were trained to be nothing less than lethal.
Rare moments like this kept him updated on their well-being.
Historia has returned home, and she and Ymir will now be living on their own. They'll have a house in the countryside, meaning she won't be attending the family vacation. Very well, she's volunteered to keep tabs on everything while he's away.
Armin has been steadily encouraging the questioning of Paradis' propaganda amongst his classmates, and the rest of Hitch's band is struggling to find a temporary pianist while he's away at Rome.
Annie has gained a bit of a reputation as a drag racer. She's undefeated so far, and Erwin was grateful she felt open to talking about it now.
Reiner has been aiding Bertholt in finding any leads for the missing teens, however every trail leads to a dead end. Erwin knows Miche wants his children away from the investigation, but that can only hold up for so long. On top of that, he's been training Eren to control his impulsiveness and temper.
Porco gave the news that he's going to make the request to begin courting Pieck to Mr. Ackerman. The thought had Erwin thrilled. A third marriage alliance within the scouts in the future? It secured their bonds and strength for years to come. He gave his own blessing. Pieck was a beautiful, strong, and tenacious young woman. An Ackerman daughter was the perfect match for his charming son.
Falco, oh his darling boy Falco. The young lad was now the top of his class in all subjects, and he wanted to take up fencing. The second his pleading expression turned to Erwin, the man could only chuckle and nod. He'd make the arrangements before they left.
The man took a moment to watch his children converse and laugh. Close. Bonded. And for a second, his memories of that fated night came back.
So many children had been orphaned after the war. Paradis was already stealing away innocent lives to be raised into soldiers, should it happen again. And yet, some of housing for these lost children were being destroyed at random. Innocent lives were being taken, and he knew he couldn't stand idly by about it.
He remembered begging his comrades to do the same. All of them were against it at first. Hange had been adamant, and said it would be unfair to bring children up in their lifestyle. Miche had even argued that they would be no different than the military police, should they raise children to be so-called freedom fighters.
And Levi? He and Petra had already lost a baby. It was too soon. Plus he had also lost his aunt and uncle, and was now in custody of his little cousin, Mikasa.
And still, Erwin made his case. He didn't want to see more innocent lives die, and either through their work or his wealth, he'd provide them all with the funds to provide for these prospective adoptions.
After months, the heads of each family relented. Erwin set up a private adoption. A small orphanage that was housing 15 children, and between the four of them, they had adopted every single child.
Erwin having adopted the largest portion of the bunch. He couldn't help himself. Each of his children had suffered greatly. Losses, illness, and starvation. To this day, their tired and weary expressions haunted him.
He'd hired a nanny to aid with raising them, one his men had run numerous background checks on. And from then on, he embraced being a single father. Gaining the trust of these little ones who had lost so much, and admittedly, falling in love with being the person they trusted and called "father".
Then, low and behold, years later, the orphanage gave him a call about 2 babies that had arrived. Taking Levi with him, they adopted Falco and Gabi.
Seeing his children grown now, into fine, powerful young men and women..the pride within him was undeniable. Healthy, thriving, and ever giving up when faced with the trials of life.
After all, they had all seen death far too young. And survived beyond that.
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