Chapter Text
After leaving Eggsy behind, their argument ringing in his ears, Harry makes his way into the tailor shop to meet up with Merlin and Arthur. Nodding to Andrew, the tailor on duty, he takes the stairs two at a time and tries to shake off the foreboding feeling that is creeping up his neck. As he opens the door he can see Merlin standing tall and regal beside the mirror, and Arthur is seated, of course, at the head of the table.
“Good afternoon gentlemen” Harry says. He strides to his regular seat and lowers himself slowly onto the velvet cushion. Each man nods cordially and that is when he sees it. The scar. Behind the ear. Arthur’s ear.
For one split second Harry wants to confront Arthur immediately, but he soon discards the knee jerk reaction for a more calculated attack. He slowly leans back into the plush chair and, ignoring Merlin’s inquisitive stare, motions for the men to continue their discussion.
“Glasses gentlemen,” Merlin motions to the screen and a green display showing Mission Glade Church pops up. Harry slides his eyes over the pictures of the pastor and other leaders as well as the level of security the church has installed. “I’ve researched the organization that seems to be the focus of Valentine’s new plot. Disguised as a church, this hate group takes it upon themselves to ‘fix the sins of the world.’ Most of the United States abhors their actions and actively seeks ways of preventing them from spreading their version of truth and enlightenment, but they still produce massive amounts of publicity. I haven’t quite figured out what Valentine’s plan is, but I do think it is important that we have an agent on the ground to monitor what is going on. Valentine and Gazelle are making their way into the US as we speak and are focused on a specific event tomorrow morning. I need eyes and ears in the church to try to figure out what is going on.” Merlin shifts his weight to face Harry and Arthur directly. “I know it’s not much, but that’s all I’ve been able to uncover so far.” He walks around the gleaming wooden table and hands a packet of Intel to Harry.
ooo0ooo
“Good job Merlin,” Arthur begins dismissively. “Galahad, I do believe you are the best man for the job, and none of the other agents are currently available. Remember this is simply a reconnaissance mission, and no action should be taken unless it becomes necessary. Your plane leaves in a half hour.” And with those few words Arthur gets up and leaves the room.
Harry, his mind running in circles trying to fit all the pieces together, slowly stands and grabs his folder. He is so preoccupied he does not hear Merlin until his arm is touched. Shifting his eyes to the man beside him, Harry doubts his friend for the first time in their 25 years working together. However, the genuinely concerned look washes these doubts away immediately.
“Harry? Are you okay? Do you need anything?” Merlin asks.
“No Merlin, thank you. I’m just thinking about the trip and working on figuring out Valentine’s plan. I do have a question. Has Arthur been acting any differently lately? He seemed to be a bit more abrupt today than usual.” Harry focused his attention to Merlin’s face to gauge his reaction to the question.
“Actually, yes, I have noticed he’s been acting funny for the last few days. I just assumed he was stressed over the Valentine issue.” Merlin stopped here and tilted his head just a bit. “Why? Are you concerned about something?”
Still unsure about the puzzle in front of him, Harry shifts his weight and turns toward the door shaking his head. “No, no. I must just be reading in to more than what is there. I’ll be in touch as soon as I get to the church.”
Merlin nods and follows Harry out of the dining turned conference room. “Good Luck, Galahad.”
ooo0ooo
He stands at the top of the stairs and waits until Harry reaches the door of the shop. “Harry?” he says. “ Eggsy is probably the best recruit I’ve seen since we were recruits. I know he didn’t exactly pass with flying colors, but I’ve always thought that dog test was ridiculous.”
Harry stiffens as a wave of guilt and pain rolls through his head and heart. “What are you implying Merlin?” he asks without turning around.
With a great sigh Merlin replies, “I know how you are when you feel someone has failed you. Go easy on the boy, he idolizes you.”
Merlin barely catches the last words Harry said as he pushes through the door out onto the crowded London street.
“Not any longer. I saw to that.”