back - words: 1,794 - publish date: 17 Feb 2026
Over the next few weeks, Utterson had been making more preparations and such for his newly attained second form. He was able to forge some papers so he could more easily roam the world in the face of Oliver Seek without to much worry on that front. He set aside a few more sets of clothes, a bank account with a small amount of money he deposited, and cheap flat somewhere on the edge of Soho. That was mainly for convenience, so his investigations could go even a bit smoother, as that was where the supposed resistance of his case was.
He had yet to visit his new flat, or withdrawal from his bank account, as one of those transformations had failed to take place since the previous. After a few days of it happening daily, it was now paused, and without the know how on it, he was uncertain if he could trigger it again. This was only making him worry about both it not happening again, and that it could happen out of nowhere at the worst possible time.
The possibility of something going awry was constantly hanging over his head, and wasn't particularly helping his situation. His time has recently been spent in attempts to flesh out his plan, on how he would exactly gather information on that Mr. Hyde.
As of now, his best idea was to try and… befriend the man, as much as it displeased him, and perhaps gain his trust enough to find out his true intentions. If he couldn't get him to say anything, then maybe enough access to his place could be enough. Luckily his second form would cover himself in a way to not tarnish his own reputation from being seen around the man.
If everything went to plan, and it all worked out, he would be able to make sure his friend was protected from anything that man could do to him. Maybe he could blackmail Hyde, or show something to Jekyll that would prove him to be distrustful and no longer associate with him. That was what he was aiming for, at least. Anything to get Hyde out of his and Jekyll's life.
All of that was put to the back of his mind, as he had a planned meeting with another friend of his that afternoon, and as soon as he got the few things left done, he started to make his way towards the home of Dr. Hastie Lanyon.
Soon he arrived at the ornate door that sat upon the entrance, and was welcomed by one of Lanyon's servants. Waiting near the door, he took in his surroundings. Lanyon was a man who took pride in his well furnished home, with its many lavish decorations on every wall and shelf. It very cluttered, if you asked Utterson, being quite a lot to look at.
After a few more moments of waiting, Lanyon stepped out from around the corner, face lighting up when he saw the other man. "Mr. Utterson! It's good to see you!" he said as he shook Utterson hand with a tight grip. A faint smile shown on Utterson's face.
"You too, Dr. Lanyon."
They navigated their way to another room in the large building, Utterson taking a seat in one of the chairs in Lanyon's lounge. The occasionally met up like this, once a month or so, to catch up on the happenings of life, as they were both quite busy men. For a while they idly talked, Lanyon dominating the conversation, not that Utterson was opposed, though eventually he prompted Utterson to contribute.
"Have you been working on anything new, Utterson?" Lanyon asked, leaning back in his chair and swirling his cup of wine in his hand.
Utterson hummed. "Yes, actually. You recall that protege of Dr. Jekyll I mentioned, just the last time I was here? Well, I've been doing more… investigations on that man, Mr. Hyde, as I said. I fear he is not the best company for our friend, and I have been taking some action to secure his safety."
Staring at him for a few moments, Lanyon let out a heavy sigh. "You've gotten caught up in one of your pet projects, haven't you?" Utterson glanced away. "Utterson, truly, you needn't worry yourself over this nonsense. I'm certain Dr. Jekyll is fine. Please, don't get yourself all worked up."
Gripping the arms of the chairs, Utterson exhaled sharply, pushing away every excuse he had in his mind, explaining that Jekyll could be in danger, and that he was his lawyer and this was just his job, really. Instead, he put on the best compliant voice he could as he sighed. "I suppose you are right, Lanyon. I'll… try not to dig myself to deep, alright?" Well, he may have already dug himself much too deep by now, though he wouldn't admit it to Lanyon's face.
"Thank you, Utterson, truly. I wouldn't want you getting yourself into a situation you couldn't get yourself out of, would I?" Lanyon smiled. "Now, where were we?"
They continued their conversation into the night, rambling on about whatever seemed important in the moment. The sun was nearly set by the time Utterson made his departure, waving his friend goodbye as he stepped out the door, the cold breeze stinging his skin.
It was good to see him again, even if this was a regular occurrence. They had their disagreements, but how could friends of their age not? But there were somethings he would better not share, his current predicament being one of them.
As he didn't care to mull on it too much, he focused on his walk home. It was dark out by now. Best he be careful. Stepping through the mist, shoes clacking against the hard ground, echoing though the empty streets, Utterson watched his surroundings warily, on edge. He felt as though someone was watching him.
Glancing behind, he didn't spot anything, but the feeling still hung heavy over his head. He sped up a bit. He didn't need to worry, he was certain it was fine. It was cold out, was all, and he wanted to return to the warmth of his home.
He could have sworn he heard footsteps behind him, but ignored it, assuming it was a figment of his own mind. He was proven wrong as he felt something tap his shoulder, provoking him to quickly turn himself around. In this, he was confronted with whatever had been following him, who's face was shaded over by his hat.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Utterson." spoke a gravely voice that he, unfortunately, recognized as belonging to one Edward Hyde. Utterson stared at the man from the side of his eye.
Utterson hummed, almost grating his teeth. "Hello, Mr. Hyde. What are you doing out this fine evening?"
"Well, I saw you out for a midnight stroll, and couldn't pass up on the opportunity to see you again." There was a displeasing smile on his face, just barely visible from below his hat. He propped his cane to the side, leaning on it in a way that looked like he could fall over at any moment.
"And what reason would you have to want to see me?"
Hyde leaned down, staring at Utterson's face from below. He hummed, taking him in as he did so. "You are a sight to behold, aren't you?"
Utterson stared at him questioningly, almost fearful, taking a step away from the man. "And what is that supposed to mean?"
"Oh, nothing."
Utterson only grunted in response. As he silently started to walk away, Hyde followed, trailing besides him, eyes baring into his soul. Not a word was passed between the two, Utterson trying to keep his gaze away as Hyde did anything but the same.
Keeping his pace, Utterson turned his head to the other man, trying to ignore the unpleasant feeling that washed over him. "Do you want something?"
"What makes you think that?"
"Why else would you be… here?"
"Can't one just acquaint themselves with their fellow man?"
Utterson looked away. "I'm certain that you could have picked any better time."
"Such as?"
Utterson grumbled. Was he really-? Hm. He glued his eyes ahead of him as he picked up his pace, done with this conversation. Unfortunate for him, Hyde was still pursuing him, only a few steps behind him.
"Truly, Gabriel, if you have some other time we could meet, I could leave you to be on your way, as you are." A sly smile appeared on his face
How did he know his first name?- rubbing his face, Utterson sighed, complying to his demands. "I suppose that can be arranged."
Smiling wider than he should have been able to, Hyde stepped in the path of Utterson. "How does a week from now sound? Afternoon."
Did he have anything that day? He couldn't recall, but in an almost desperation to get out of this situation, he muttered, "That can be arranged."
Hyde tilted his head at him, stepping out of his path with a fluid movement, grin still plastered on his face. "I'll see you then, Gabriel."
Before Utterson could say anything, Hyde bounded away, leaving him, now relived of his unpleasant presence that he had such a distaste for. He couldn't be far from his place now, treading down the stone paths, thankful for the streetlights that stopped him from walking in the dark.
After only a few minutes, he arrived at his door and quickly made his way inside, it great need of rest after the events of the day. Tossing his coat on the rack by the door, he dragged himself into the house.
Sat in one of his cushy chair, he had himself with a book in hand, though not completely focused on it. His mind had wandered to his conversation with Lanyon, and that strange encounter with Mr. Hyde.
Lanyon may have disproved his… investigations, though that wasn't uncommon, and he didn't need to know the full extent of what he was doing. Maybe he could be told once it was something he couldn't have any influence over. For now he could… withhold information from him.
And… Hyde. What was his intention? What was he getting at here? Was this to do with Jekyll, or his will? Did he want something from him? God, he was going to be worried about their abruptly planned meeting all week now, wasn't he? With a sigh, he set down his book, wondering what he would do next. Hopefully this second form of his would make answers more obvious with given time. Now sufficiently distracted from his book, he got himself up from his chair to see if there was anything to keep him occupied.