Chapter Text
Home. It was an odd word really for someone who'd never really felt like he belonged anywhere. It was only stepping through the door and being greeted by the lines of yellow cabs waiting for fares that it struck Magnus that yes, New York, was exactly that, his home. Even though it was well into the night the bustle around him felt comforting and relaxing, the sounds and smells that were essentially New York, that were familiar and strangely safe. Here was a city where you could lose yourself, where the crowds would engulf you no matter how flamboyant you were and that kind of anonymity was exactly what Magnus craved right now.
Magnus grabbed his case and soon settled into a taxi giving the driver an address in Brooklyn.
“Business or pleasure?” The driver looked at Magnus in the rear view mirror.
“Just coming home really. I've been away a while so…” Magnus let the sentence dangle as he stared out the window watching the familiar sites of the city pass him by a small smile playing on his lips.
“Oh yeah. Hey man New York doesn't change..” Magnus nodded and smiled.
“So how long were you away?” There were times when Magnus would've been irritated by getting a chatty driver but tonight it felt good, like in some strange way he was reconnecting with his city.
“Five years. It's good to be home.”
Magnus looked at the driver through the plexiglass. He was middle aged stocky with dark slicked back hair, Italian descent Magnus guessed. A quick look across to his id badge confirmed his suspicions not that he was really surprised. One of his greatest skills was reading people, knowing who they were, how they ticked, what they wanted, all essential in his line of work. Part of the reason why Magnus enjoyed taxi rides was because it was the perfect opportunity to practice his skills.
“Nowhere in the world like it. Me, no way could I stay away that long y’know..” The driver chuckled and looked at Magnus in the rear view mirror.
“I know exactly what you mean.” Magnus stared out the window and realised just how much he'd missed this place.
“So why d’ya leave?” Magnus could see the driver’s brow crinkle in confusion
“Ah…a woman..”Magnus sighed as the driver nodded sagely.
“Ain't that always the way..”
Magnus hummed in agreement as he settled back into the seat, content just to let the chatter wash over him.
………
Frank slumped down in the chair behind the counter and frowned steadily as he surveyed the nearly empty bodega. By all rights he should be at home with a beer lying on the sofa but no thanks to some snot nosed kid he was stuck here manning the shop. Surely the whole point in being the boss was you got other people to do the heavy lifting, right? Wrong. Kids these days knew their rights and demanded them constantly, everything from good working conditions to proper wages. It made him sick. Like he was going to pay some frigging teenager over $10 an hour to man the graveyard shift. Hell, they should be grateful for the job, but no they never were which is why he was stuck here having had to let the last kid go.
Frank huffed angrily to himself as he settled down making his mind up to look for some stupid illegal; those guys were desperate and he hardly had to pay them anything. Yep that was definitely what he'd do.
The jangle of the door drew his attention and he glanced across in disappointment at the two college kids who had just entered. Typical fucking jocks, both looked clean cut and bland in their running gear and hoodies, honestly it was hardly worth his while. Experience told him all they'd do is spend a couple of dollars on energy drinks and then be off.
Frank switched his attention back to the racing times and began scanning the form again. The phone rang shrilly beside him and muttering under his breath he answered it.
“Yup.”
“Ah, hello. I wonder if you can help me.” Frank suddenly found himself sitting up slightly more, the voice on the other end of the line was female and husky and there was a hint of a slight accent, French maybe, whatever it was it was definitely very sexy.
“I can certainly try.” Frank smirked to himself as he heard the woman sigh on the other end of the phone.
“Oh thank you. I am so sorry, you're going to think I'm very silly.” The woman purred.
“I'm sure I won't.” Frank put on his best reassuring tone.
“Ok well, oh this is so embarrassing. I was in your shop earlier, oh you won't remember I'm sure I bought that bottle of Champagne.”
Frank’s interest was piqued because this one he definitely remembered, it had been his one high point of the last few hours. No red blooded man could've missed her, dark hair, body to die for and that black dress that seemed to fit every gorgeous curve perfectly.
“Oh yeah I remember, you're the lady who'd forgotten to bring something for the dinner party.”
“Oh wow, that's so sweet you remembered me. I’m sure you see so many people. Anyway I think, maybe, when I was in there I lost my bracelet.I don't suppose, well, no one has handed it in have they? it's just..” the woman's voice cracked as if she was holding back a sob.
“I'm sorry no.” Frank winced as he heard the woman sniffing sadly on the other end. “Hey don't worry I'll have a look for you. If it's here I promise I'll find it. It means alot to you huh?”
“I'm sorry, it's just it was my grandmother’s. It was the last thing she gave to me before..I feel like such a fool.” Out of the corner of his eye he noticed the two jocks had arrived at the counter, as predicted energy drinks in hand. Frank frowned at the pair while turning his back slightly, signalling with his hand for them to wait. “My parents, they told me not to wear it, that it was too valuable but I….then I lose it. Please can you try and find it. Maybe you could put up a sign, I'll even offer a reward.”
The woman sounded frantic. Frank reached for a pen thinking of the many ways he could help a woman like her. Behind him he noticed the ridiculously tall dark haired jock looking at his watch pointedly and rolling his eyes while the blonde one was chatting away.
“Yeah I can do that. Why don't you give me your name and number and I'll call you if I find anything.” Frank tried as hard as he could to ignore the college kids. Just as he was turning away more he noticed something glittering in the blonde’s hand, something that looked remarkably like a piece of jewellery. Fuck, typical, those pair of numbnuts had found the bracelet.
“Oh that would be lovely. OK, so my name is Celeste.” The woman, Celeste, breathed down the phone before relaying her phone number. Frank scrawled it down on the back of his hand. “And if you could put on the notice about the reward, $500. Does that sound enough?”
“That sounds very generous. It's pretty valuable eh?” Frank’s interest was definitely caught now, a hot grateful chick and money, two of his favourite things. He turned slightly back towards the desk and surreptitiously glanced at what was in the blonde guy’s hand. There was no mistaking it, a silver bracelet, with what looked like diamonds. All he had to do was get it off them.
“Oh yes.” Celeste purred on the end of the line. “So if you hear anything, please call me.”
“I will I promise.” He reassured her
“Thank you. Sorry I didn't catch your name.”
“It's Frank.” He replied his eyes glued on his prize in the young man's hand in front of him.
“Oh thank you Frank.” With that Celeste hung up. Frank could turn all his attention to the guys at the counter.
“Sorry to keep you, just those?” Frank nodded towards the two bottles of drink and the brunette guy just grunted in reply as Frank rang up the items on the till. “That's $3. Wait what ya got there?”
Frank turned his attention to the bracelet in the blonde’s hand, congratulating himself for playing it so cool.
“Oh thank god! That's my daughter’s bracelet. She's been driving me nuts trying to find that old thing, must have lost it it the shop.” Frank went to grab the blonde’s hand but he was too quick and pulled it out of reach.
“Hey buddy, slow down.” The blonde wrinkled his brow and turned to his friend. “Man, he thinks we're dumb. Listen pal, I just heard you on the phone, something about something valuable and I'm betting this little beauty is what the you're looking for.” the blond guy dangled the bracelet from his hand just out of reach and Frank swore under his breath.
“Fine, whatever, can't blame a guy for trying. Still I'm the only one who knows how to contact the woman who owns it so…” Frank sneered.
“So, we’ll just put in on facebook or sell it whatever.” The blonde huffed and the tall grumpy looking one just rolled his eyes passing the money over for the drinks.
“Ok whoa, hold up. Look you found that it my shop.” Frank was starting to panic, the lovely vision of a hot grateful woman and a wad of easy money rapidly fading.
“So? ” The blonde glared at him.
“Look, tell you what why don't I call the broad who lost it and we can share the reward when she gets here.” Frank tried to calm the situation down.
“Ok, that could work.” The blonde eyed him skeptically.
“Bro, I am not hanging around here waiting for some woman to turn up. I'm meeting Lisa in like...” The brunette glanced at his watch. “Fuck! In like 30 minutes. We gotta go. Just forget it.”
As the tall guy turned to leave the blonde grabbed his arm and Frank saw his opportunity.
“Look I have an idea. Why don't you leave the bracelet with me and I'll give you half the reward now. Problem solved. $100 right there.” Frank grabbed the money from the till and waved it enticingly in front of the blonde.
“Cool. Can we go now?” The brunette huffed.
“No, wait, we don't even know what the reward was. Maybe we should just wait.” The blonde glared at his friend.
“Lisa fucking Mackenzie dude, and she's bringing a friend. Just take the fucking money.” His friend hissed.
Frank could see the blonde guy hesitate and decided to try again, after all Celeste had offered $500 dollars.
“Fine, ok, look here's $200. Just give me the bracelet.” The brunette stared hard at his friend.
“Take the money already.” Frank practically held his breath, granted it wasn't ideal but $300 for doing nothing was a pretty good result.
“Ok, whatever. Listen bud this friend of hers better be seriously hot.” The blonde guy reluctantly handed over the bracelet and grabbed the cash before the pair of them left the shop still talking about some college bimbos they were off to nail.
Frank pocketed the bracelet feeling very proud of himself. He'd give it five minutes then phone Celeste, just in case the jocks came back. Happy with his decision he settled back on the chair behind the desk and grinned happily to himself.
What he didn't see is the two guys walking down the block and bursting into laughter before getting into a waiting car driven by a brunette in a very tight black dress. Nor did he see them waving the wedge of cash victoriously in front of her before driving off.
………
Magnus stepped out of the cab and grabbed his case. Leaning through the window he handed over the fare to the driver with a hefty tip as well.
“Hey Luca, buy that lovely wife something nice eh.” He said with a grin. During the course of the drive Magnus had succeeded in basically getting the cabbie’s life story and by now they were chatting away like old friends, if in fact one of said friends knew nothing about the other’s life and didn't even know their real name that is.
“Oh man, thanks.” Luca’s eyes crinkled happily as he saw the tip he'd been given “hey Harry, be lucky eh?”
“Always.” Magnus gave the driver a wink before setting off. He'd have to walk a bit to his loft because there was absolutely no way he was letting anyone, bar his trusted inner circle, know exactly where he lived. No, the loft was his safe place, his lair as his friend Ragnor often jokingly called it, and the fewer people who knew about it the better.
It took less than five minutes to reach his place and Magnus felt a strange mix of excitement and comfort wash over him as he unlocked the door. Everything was exactly as he'd left it, it was as if the whole place had waited patiently for him to return. He couldn't help the smile that crossed his face.
As he walked into the living room he saw a large bouquet of flowers and helium balloons on the table with a box of pastries from his favourite bakery beside them. Above the fireplace there was a brightly coloured banner with welcome home written on it in bold writing.
Magnus grabbed the card on the flowers and tore open the envelope.
Finally
Cat and Rag.
Magnus burst into laughter, the sound echoing through the loft.
He put his case down and moved over to the drinks cart, glad to see that Ragnor hadn't drunk all his whiskey while he'd been away. He poured himself a drink and wandered into the kitchen to grab some ice, noting that Cat had restocked the fridge for him, of course she had.
As he walked to the double doors that opened out onto the roof terrace the ice clinked gently in his glass. The sky was just starting to lighten as he stepped outside, the first hints of dawn just creeping across the horizon. Magnus leaned on the terrace wall and sipped his drink watching his city wake up and felt strangely content, something he hadn't felt for a long time.
He stood and watched the sun rise for quite sometime before the tiredness started to hit him, a combination of jet lag and long haul flights, and reluctantly he left the view behind him and practically collapsed on his bed, almost instantly fast asleep.
.………
“That was beautiful.” Jace lounged back in the front seat gently fanning himself with the wad of money before peering round the headrest to grin at Alec stretched out in the back seat. “Oh no,Iz he has the serious face on. Quick where’s the booze.”
Izzy chuckled to herself whilst Alec just glowered back.
“We got lucky.” Alec ran his fingers through his hair distractedly. The more he thought about what had happened the more he could see the weaknesses in their plan. For someone like Alec, who liked to cover all eventualities, it was disturbing to say the least.
Jace just huffed in response and rolled his eyes. Alec fought down the increasing sense of frustration that his siblings didn't see the bigger picture, didn’t see the risks they were taking that were completely avoidable with just a little more planning.
“Dude, luck had nothing to do with it.” Jace pouted.
“Yes it did. Iz took a risk with that stupid French accent, what if the guy actually could speak French?” Iz snorted in the background. “And we went in on the basis of some drunk college kid moaning in a bar, no real research, just luck.”
“You're such a buzzkill big brother.” Izzy teased.
“No I'm not. Look, we've got to get better, cover all bases or one day we’re gonna get caught out. God why can't you guys see that.” Alec sighed as he stared out the window, frustrated that once again he'd been pushed into the role of sensible older brother. Izzy and Jace were talented and confident that much was sure, but they weren't invincible like they thought they were. The thought of them getting caught filled him with dread, he'd lost far too much already.
“Oh you’re just sore that you didn't find the mark this time.” Jace grumbled as he turned back to stare out the windscreen.
“No Jace I'm not.I just don't want to get caught.” Alec snapped back starting an intense staring competition with Jace via the rear view mirror.
“Boys, boys. You’re totally ruining my good mood. Alec we promise to be more careful next time, Ok? But for now can we just enjoy the moment?” Izzy looked pointedly between the two of them before pulling over to the side of the road. “Anyway, out, both of you. We’re back and I need to return the car before anyone notices it's gone.”
“I'm guessing I really don't want to know where you got it from.” Alec sighed suddenly feeling very tired.
“You really don't.” Izzy chuckled. “Anyway won't be long and you two better not be arguing by the time I get back. Have a drink, have fun. Even you can manage that brother dearest.”
Alec and Jace stood awkwardly outside of the car with Alec still feeling somewhat frustrated by his brothers lack of understanding that this wasn't just some fun game. Whilst the ability to adapt was important it was also essential to constantly have things planned out.
“She's right you know.” Jace mumbled and Alec just looked at him carefully, left eye slightly narrowed. “ I get it Alec, I do,and I, well we, Izzy and I, we do appreciate what you do. I know I get a bit over excited but how about this. I promise I'll try and listen more, yeah?”
Alec looked at the serious expression on Jace's face and couldn't help but give him a lopsided smile..
“Yeah. Okay.” It was impossible to stay frustrated at Jace for too long anyway.
Jace broke into a broad grin which was infuriatingly infectious.
“Cool. Well let's get inside and crack this baby open.” Jace waved the bottle in front of Alec's face before bouncing off towards their apartment.
“Anyway you should be impressed, I didn't even crack up when that idiot thought you were straight. What a moron.” Jace teased over his shoulder.
Alec stifled a laugh as he followed his brother in the door.
……….
The bookstore was on a small side street seemingly squashed between a pharmacy and a gift shop. It was small but perfectly inviting, it's window filled with an old battered armchair surrounded by stacks of books. Above the window, a sign indicated in large, decorative, script that Magnus had found the right place.
The Bookworm
Even though it was late in the afternoon the shop was still busy as Magnus stepped through the door giving him the perfect opportunity to take in his surroundings. The shop was a curious mix of traditional and modern and the overall effect was inviting and cosy.
By the side of the counter was a coffee machine which Magnus took advantage of before sitting in one of the many chairs scattered amongst the book stacks, taking his time to observe the scene in relative peace.
Magnus was halfway through his coffee when a man emerged from the back office to check on the young woman serving customers. The man had short cropped dark hair and a neatly trimmed beard with dark mahogany skin. The crinkles around his dark eyes made it clear that this was someone who was rarely seen without a smile on his face.
Magnus held back a smile as he watched the man carefully look after customers and staff alike before finally looking up, realising he was being watched and meeting Magnus gaze. Within seconds a broad grin filled his handsome face and brushing off everyone all around him he came striding over.
“Magnus, when did you get back ?” Magnus couldn't help but grin as he was pulled into a giant bear hug.
“Hey Luke.” He mumbled against Luke's chest before Luke let go and held him at arm's length looking at him closely.
“Damn it's good to see you.” Luke chuckled as Magnus settled back into his seat. “Here let me grab a coffee and you can tell me everything.”
Magnus was still smiling when Luke returned coffee in hand and settled down.
“You've done well old friend.” Magnus nodded towards the shop.
“Yeah it's been good. You know how it is, gotta keep busy.” Luke winked a self deprecating smile on his face but the look of pride in his eyes was unmistakeable.
“It suits you. You look well.” Magnus chuckled. “And Joss and Clary they're well?”
“Yeah they're great, Clary's got her first exhibition next week you should come.”
“Wouldn't miss it.” Luke sipped his drink and looked carefully at Magnus before bursting into laughter.
“You're deflecting my friend. So you gonna tell me why you're really here or are we going to carry on with the small talk?” Luke nudged Magnus playfully in the ribs.
“Oh thank god.” Magnus laughed happily. “There was me thinking I leave you for five minutes...”
“Five years.”
“Whatever. Anyway there was me thinking going straight had made you into a responsible adult.” Magnus teased gently.
“Hey take that back.” Luke crossed his arms pretending to be insulted, his smile giving him away. “Yeah, this is great and all but i have to admit it, it's good to see you again. Honestly, life's been a bit dull since you left.”
“What can I say, who wants a boring life ?” Magnus grinned.
“I’ll drink to that.” The two men knocked their coffee mugs together.
“So I'm meeting up with a few people in Pandemonium tomorrow night. If you and Jocelyn are free it would be great to have you there. Unless of course you're too busy being legitimate business owners.” Magnus teased although there was no doubt he felt somewhat anxious waiting for Luke's response.
“See I knew it you're up to something. Count me in.” Luke grinned back and Magnus felt like he could breathe again, some of the tension going out of his shoulders.
“Glad to hear it.” He drained his drink and stood up. “Look we’ll catch up more tomorrow ‘cos this damned jet lag is kicking my ass right now.”
Luke nodded sagely. Just as Magnus was about to leave Luke grabbed his arm.
“One question. Why now?” He asked seriously.
“Raphael needs our help…”
………
Alec placed the paper cup on the table, steam rising from the coffee inside. Laying the papers on the table, he reached for his laptop and settled down. Jace and Izzy always laughed at his love of routine but they failed to realise, or maybe he'd never fully explained how, this daily ritual helped to calm him, to find a sense of clarity in this crazy life they had found themselves in.
It was a simple thing, a series of actions he tried to do every morning. The walk to the coffee shop cleared his thoughts, his order always the same, coffee, black unsweetened, although the shops he frequented varied to preserve his sense of anonymity. On the way back he'd stop at one of the many booths that littered New York and pick up a selection of papers. Then, coffee warming his hand and papers shoved under his arm, he'd make his way home, always conscious to take a different route if possible.
Settling down he removed the lid from his drink and inhaled the rich scent of bitter, black, coffee before taking a drink and beginning.
He knew what he was looking for, the snippets of news print or websites that would draw his attention. Carefully he would circle the things he saw or write notes on what he'd found to research at the end of his search.
It was all there, the minutiae of life in the big apple. As he skimmed over the bigger stories he looked for the details, the little guys getting screwed over and those that took advantage.
When they began, Alec had insisted that they would only con those who truly deserved it and, despite Jace’s protestations that you couldn't con an honest man, this was what he'd always done. Despite it all it made him feel that they were somehow doing good, making a difference and not just mindless criminals. The Robin Hood of Grifting, Izzy often teased, but in his own way that was what he wanted. If the innocent victims he found in the sheets of newspaper sometimes found an extra few dollars seemingly by chance, or had a drink bought for them in a bar, then no one needed to be any wiser. It wasn't much, but it was the best he could do.
He was well into his research, the paper littered with a depressingly large number of circled articles for further investigation, when he saw it.
Blackwell Development set to regenerate East Harlem
The article was brutal in its appraisal of the construction company and implying, although never outright stating, that they had a history of unethical dealings in order to achieve their aims.
Alec sighed as he finished off his coffee, this was what he wanted, to one day find a way to punish these big corporations preying on the weak and vulnerable. The illusive long con, which sadly they were a long way from being able to pull off.
His thoughts were interrupted by Jace returning from his morning run, slamming the door loudly behind him before running up to him.
“Hey buddy, grab Iz. You will never guess what I found out today.” Jace rocked excitedly on the balls of his feet as Alec looked at him through narrowed eyes.
As Jace nodded at him excitedly, Alec sighed deeply before getting up to wake their sister who could in no way be described as a morning person.
Ten minutes later they were all settled in their makeshift living room, Izzy still bundled up in a fluffy purple dressing gown and matching slippers clutching a mug of coffee in her hands as if it were a lifeline.
“This’d better be good.” she grumbled before lifting the mug to her lips.
“Izzy it's 10.30.” Alec had to stifle a laugh at the glare his sister threw at him in response.
“Stop it guys. This is so worth it.” Jace looked like he could barely contain his excitement before continuing. “So I caught up with one of my contacts this morning and guess what? He’s back.”
Only when he was greeted by the blank faces of his siblings did Jace seem to realise he needed to be a bit more specific.
“Magnus freaking Bane, the high warlock of grifting, only flew back to New York.” Apparently still not happy with Alec and Izzys lack of enthusiasm, he continued. “Don’t you see? This is it, our big break. If Magnus is back he's up to something. We can learn about long cons from the legend himself.”
Jace was bouncing happily and Izzy was finally beaming, only Alec remained sceptical, eyeing his siblings cautiously. Everyone had heard of Magnus Bane. Hell,he was practically a superhero to those in their line of work. There was no doubt in Alec's mind that learning from him would, indeed, step them up to the next level. Equally well he knew the chances of that ever happening were slim to say the least.
“Ok Alec, spill. I bring you the best news and you still look grumpy. Dude how is that even possible?” Jace crossed his arms in front of his chest and glared at his brother.
“Look I get it, Okay, but how exactly are we gonna convince Magnus to let us in on whatever he's planning?” Alec rubbed his neck thoughtfully.
“Firstly, don't forget that we've built up quite a rep in the last few years. You and I both know grifters like to talk so he's bound to have heard of us.” Alec raised an eyebrow and Jace just held up a hand to silence him before continuing, counting off reasons on his fingers. “Secondly, we all know that Camille split on them so they're down a crew member, so I'm betting he's open to recruiting new members. Thirdly, and most importantly, I'd lay odds I know exactly where he’ll be tomorrow night. I just know if I can talk to him, I can convince him to give us a shot.”
Jace threw himself dramatically onto the nearest armchair and lounged back with a undeniably smug look on his face.
“Fine, I’ll bite. Where do you think he’ll be?” Alec shrugged his shoulders. Over the years the one thing he'd learnt about Jace was there were some battles worth fighting and sometimes, times like this, there was no way you'd talk him out of his plans. One thing was sure, Jace was going to go and find Magnus Bane and Alec knew he had to be there, as ever, to have his brother’s back.
“He’ll go to Pandemonium. I mean the guys been away for years, so he’s bound to check up on his own club and I have it on good authority that he's meeting up with friends there.” There was no mistaking the victorious look on Jace's face. Alec couldn't help but roll his eyes. On his list of places to go, a sweaty, packed nightclub was probably the lowest of the low and his brother damn well knew it.
“So you mean we get to drag grumpy over there to the hottest club in town. This.Is.Brilliant.” Izzy was bouncing with excitement, studiously ignoring the filthy look Alec threw in her direction.
“Yup.” Jace replied happily. Alec couldn't help but find his siblings joy at his undeniable discomfort grating.
“You're going to go whatever I say aren't you?” Alec looked between Izzy and Jace who were both nodding their heads enthusiastically. “Fine then. Someone has to stop the pair of you getting into trouble.”
“Oh you're gonna love it big brother. I'll sort out what you're wearing and, well, this is gonna be fun.” Izzy leapt to her feet, the idea of partying seeming to fill her with the kind of energy that even caffeine couldn't provide.
“It's really not.”Alec muttered under his breath.