Snippet #2647935

Horatio nodded, and the two of them soon left the orphanage, headed over toward the Dogs headquarters in New Life. However, neither of them noticed something rather...interested, on the sign of the orphanage, hanging over the main entryway. For just above the name of the orphanage was an emblem...of a snake.

Beware the serpent, for they will whisper sweet lies into your ears. The serpent is the corrupter of Men, and cannot be trusted. The serpent is devious and its venom reaches far. Nothing is safe from its grasp
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"I have a feeling the two of them will be a problem in the future. We should have just eliminated them here and now, Azrael."

Azrael cocked his head, staring over in bemusement at his colleague. The two of them were seated in a small sitting room in the Delacroix Orphanage, the two of them sharing a bottle of wine over the conclusion of his mission. Despite a few bumps in the road, it had been an overall success. Most loose ends had been tied up nicely, all the children were within their grasp, and the Dogs were none the wiser of what had truly gone on. They had their suspicions, of course, but nothing concrete. Especially since their would be investigation was dead on arrival.

Uriel gestured to the burning remains of Sheriff Cobbs' investigative journal in the fireplace, a displeased look on his face. "You were lucky you arrived so late at night...as it was, most of the other Pack Leaders had retired for the evening, so I was able to see in Anna and Horatio alone. The girl told me the whole story, and I played my part. I promised to look into the matter...taking in her concerns seriously enough so she would not suspect. It was all too easy to acquire Cobbs' journal from there, and to gather a vow of silence from the both of them afterward. They think I shall share the rest of this with the other Pack Leaders, and we will investigate this as a whole entity. Foolish child...all her talk of conspiracy, and yet she remained aloof of the conspirator right in front of her. Still, I have a bad feeling about her. It may prove prudent to arrange her...disappearance, soon enough. Her partner as well, for good measure."

Azrael merely chuckled in reply, taking a sip of his wine. He smirked outright, taking a moment to muse on the situation before giving a proper response. "No...I don't think that will be necessary. If need be, we can throw dear Anna a bone, for the whole matter. Make up some Eastern conspiracy to satisfy her suspicions. She is far more useful to us alive. Unlike the old Hound, she is still very much full of fire and vigor. A true Soldier of God. With the right direction, I have a feeling she'd be a prime candidate for our organization. No, I think it is important that she lives."

And Azrael truly believed that. Having witnessed Anna in person, he was quite impressed by her devotion and duty to the One True God and His Prophet. And the fact that she'd started to suspect him near the end, spoke highly of her perception and investigative capability. Yes...were Anna to join them, she would be a boon to their organization! Or so Azrael mused.

Uriel raised an eyebrow, clearly skeptical of such lofty statements, but let it slide. He mulled it over, taking a drink himself. Finally, he nodded, conceding to his senior partner's decision. Who was he to question someone as dedicated to the cause as Azrael was?

"Speaking of problems however..." Azrael spoke up after a moment, a grimace crossing his features. "I do hope the agent in charge of eliminating Howard Franklin was duly punished. Letting that rat escape from our grasp was simply unacceptable. It is fortunate Anna thinks him to be dead, but we will need to devote resources to make sure that actually happens."

Uriel gave a glum nod, a similar grimace overtaking his face. "Yes...it is unfortunate. How such a man discovered so many secrets is a mystery to be. We have eyes and ears all over New Life, so when he resurfaces, we shall know of it. Rest assured, Howard Franklin will be hunted down like the animal he is, and put out of his misery."

That assurance given, Azrael nodded, seemingly mollified by the declaration. A moment of silence passed between the two, as they contemplated matters.

"And what of the girl and her brother? It will be too risky to move them to our primary training facility, given your dear Anna will want to visit them, to ensure their safety. Do you intend them to join the other children here for the Leadership Program?" Uriel finally inquired, raising an eyebrow over at Azrael.

Azrael gave a nod, the youthful man outright grinning. "Yes...I have a special feeling about these two. The brother will have his limitations due to his lack of sight, but I have an idea for him. As for Elizabeth...my my, she is a special little girl! I have no doubt she more than qualifies for the Leadership Program. In fact...I may well take her as my personal apprentice. She has the Spark within her, I'd say. The makings of a fine Soldier of God."

Uriell appeared rather curious by this admission. He leaned forward, quite keen to hear more. "Oh? And what makes her so special? You aren't one to be easily impressed, my friend."

"The moment we met, I just knew she was something special." Azrael declared, firm conviction in his voice. He closed his eyes, recalling a moment from the past. "And...when I went to gather her and her brother...I was met with a delightful surprise. You see, my dear Uriel...her family was all ready dead by the time I arrived. All of them, poisoned by a tampered bottle of whisky. Suffice to say...I think Elizabeth Daniels will have a bright future within the hallowed halls of the Soul Guard."

Uriel laughed outright at that, amused by that revelation. Brother Samuel and his companion continued to talk late into the night, discussing plans for the future. All the while, the fireplace burned, Jacob Cobbs' journal having long since been reduced to ashes.