A girl is down right tenacious.

Caterina
_________

For two whole days, I watched over Thomas like an actual nurse.

I placed a cool rag over his head when he'd sweat, covered him with blankets when he trembled, and fed him tea when his hands shook uncontrollably.

For the most part, I settled beside the cot with my chin propped onto my knees, watching over him with careful eyes. I was only able to doze off a few times, but even then I don't think I really slept well.

It was definitely hard work building up Thomas's strength for Camden Town, but the promise of a warm bath in Alfie's arms was enough to kept me going.

On the third day, Thomas was well enough that he lit a cigarette inside the boat. It's smoke filled the cabin, and awoke me from my light napping.

"How are you feeling today, Thomas?" I asked, trying to rub the sleep from my eyes.

He sat up straighter now, which was no doubt a good sign of health. Thomas took a long drag of his cigarette before offering it to me.

I pinched the smoke between my fingers as he said, "you truly are a miracle nurse, Caterina."

I scoffed at him, and handed Thomas the smoke back.

"Please," I said, "Curly could've probably done a better job at keeping you well than I did. I'm no nurse, Thomas."

He balanced the cigarette between his lips as he spoke, "nonsense. You've taken better care of me these past few days than anyone ever has in my entire life."

I shrugged, "what are friends for?"

A ghost of a smile appeared on his lips, and I noticed that the swelling on his right eye had lessened almost entirely.

"I'm afraid friends are hard to come by these days," said Thomas.

I opened my mouth to protest, but Curly's voice interrupted me from the outside.

"You two hungry yet?" He called out.

Thomas's head turned slightly in Curly's direction, and then towards me again. He raised a brow in question, as if asking me if I were hungry at all. Reluctantly, I swallowed back my earlier comment and nodded. The last time I'd eaten anything was at the hospital, and even then I hardly ate due to the... information, I received. 

A shudder left my lips at the thought.

I soon followed Thomas out from the sleeping quarters, ducking slightly to avoid slamming face first into the archway, and into the fresh air. I stretched my limbs out in every direction as I emerged, taking in the surrounding woods and overcast. The sounds of birds chirping could be heard on either side of the river as Curly continued to steer the boat forwards.

"You know what, Curly." Thomas said, looking around as well, "I think we are."

Thomas settled beside me, leaning against the boat like I was. I guessed he'd sat around long enough like I had, and decided to stand, too. I watched as Thomas shoved his hands into his coat pockets, still balancing the smoke between his busted lips. After a while of scanning the area we were in, his gaze finally settled on Curly.

"Where are we?" Thomas asked.

"Heathrow," Curly responded happily, "one more day and we'll be there."

I stifled a groan, and pulled my coat tighter around me. My patience was wearing thinner with each passing day, for this trip was dragging on far too long for my own liking.

Thomas only exhaled heavily into the harsh wind, and my eyes followed as the smoke dissolved into the air before us.

"I'll put something in the pan." Curly announced, taking a step closer to the boat, "can you steer?" He asked.

Before I could volunteer, Thomas pushed off the boat and grabbed a hold of the lever, ignoring the annoyed look I was giving him. He knew better than to push his limits; the last thing we all needed was for him to fall over into the water from exhaustion.

"I'll give it a go," was all he said.

Curly gladly let him take over, and dipped his hat to him before getting started on lunch inside. I only shook my head slightly, and tipped my head back against my shoulders, staring up into the sunless sky above.

For a long while, Thomas and I stood in our own positions silently, without mustering a single glance in one another's direction. I took advantage of this, and managed to ponder on whether I was going to tell Alfred about the baby or not. After all, the child was gone now, and I seriously doubted Alfie would've even wanted to start a family with me in the first place. I wasn't Jewish, nor was I his wife.

I accidently scoffed aloud as I thought, Alfie hasn't even told me he loves me yet.

"What's going on in that mysterious mind of yours, Caterina?"

Thomas's voice ripped me from my thoughts of Alfie, and I lowered my face to meet his. I found that the purple bruises that adorned his face only made his blue eyes icier as I stared back.

"Out of the two of us," I said, "you are the mysterious one."

A lazy smile grew across his symmetrical face, and I fought back the flush that swirled beneath my cheeks at the sight.

"I tell you what, Ms. Price, if you tell me something truthful about yourself, I'll do the same." He grinned, flicking his cigarette into the water below.

I gulped, "a truth for a truth?"

Thomas nodded, "precisely."

I pursed my lips, weighing my options. I could either spare a few truths and learn more about him in the process, or ignore him altogether.

I chose the first.

"Fine." I said flatly, "who was that man you talked to in the hospital?" 

The man who nearly choked you, I mentally added.

Thomas's cool mask didn't waver as he shot back, "the man's name is Campbell and he operates under the crown. We've known each other for some time now due to..." He trailed off a bit, "a conflict of interest."

I couldn't help but notice the darkness that flashed behind his eyes for a fleeting moment as he finished his sentence. Now my interest was piqued.

But that moment soon passed and his features returned to that same unreadable expression. Thomas opened his mouth to speak.

"Was your nurse telling the truth?"

My breath hitched in surprise, "about what?"

His eyes grew soft, and when he didn't answer, I knew of what he meant.

I gripped onto the boat to keep from collapsing. Thomas knew. He knew.

My voice was barely audible as I spoke, "how'd you find out?"

"I bribed the nurse," Thomas admitted quietly. I nodded back grimly, of course he did.

The air was heavy between us, until I was finally able to look him in the eyes again. But to my surprise, there was only gentleness behind them. I had no choice but to trust him with the information, as I had a feeling he wasn't the type to tell.

My shoulders relaxed a bit at the thought, but I continued anyway.

"Who's Grace?" I mused, "you would occasionally say her name while you slept."

That same darkness from before flashed crossed his face, confirming my suspicion. The only possible reason a man of power could have a vendetta against another man would be over a woman. For that reason, I realized, was why I chose against telling Alfred the truth about our baby. It'd only add to his war against Sabini, which was the last thing I wanted for him, and for us.

Thomas cleared his throat after a while, "a woman I loved long ago. She's gone now."

I gave him a sympathetic look. Thomas and I, I realized, were quite literally on the same boat. We were both haunted by the people we loved who could never love us back.

Maybe that's why I felt so at ease with him the first night we met, because we're one and the same.

A small smile crept onto my lips at the thought, and the next time I looked at Thomas, I saw him in a completely different light.

He motioned his free hand towards the boat, "I think we've learned enough about each other for one day. Curly must have finished cooking by now, anyway."

I nodded knowingly, and lead the way inside.

⚜️

On the fourth and final day of our trip, Thomas's injuries were no longer a burden on his mobility. All that remained were small cuts and bruises evident on his face, but if anything, they only added to his already fierce exterior. 

A steam whistle could be heard as we neared the dock, and I watched as Curly steadied the January long enough for Thomas and I to step off. Of course, Thomas hopped onto the musky street first, and held out his hand for me to grab onto. I fought the urge to roll my eyes at him and accepted his hand regardless, ignoring the ghost of a cocky grin on his face.

Despite our light banter this morning, I still couldn't shake the bad feeling I held in the pit of my stomach as we walked through the busy walkways. Today was the day I'd face Alfie for the first time since I had lost the baby from Sabini's beating, and I don't know if I could keep it from him as I originally planned.

Especially not with Thomas hovering over me like a shadow.

I balled up my shaky hands into fists at the thought, contrary to his belief's I was well capable of handling myself. I didn't even care that Thomas knew the truth anymore, because he still had no idea that Alfred- of all people- was the father. And I was going to keep it that way.

In the distance, I knew we were nearing Alfie's bakery, for I could see the familiar outline of Ollie guarding the entrance. I faintly wondered if he remembered me enough to let me pass, but I guessed I'd find out soon enough.

Thomas was casually taking a drag from his smoke when I turned to face him and said, "I think I should go inside first, Thomas. You know, maybe I could convince Alfie not kill you on the spot since he owes my father a few favors."

"Like hell," he grunted, shooting me a glare.

I frowned. Ever since I had come clean about how I knew of Alfie's bakery, Thomas hadn't left me out of his sight. It seemed that the name Marino had an effect on people no matter how far.

"Despite what you think," I huffed, "I am completely capable of taking care of myself." And I meant it.

A muscle feathered in Thomas's jaw, but he otherwise kept quiet as we neared Ollie, who was leaning all too casually against the bricks. I had a feeling this conversation was far from over.

Ollie's thick eyebrows etched together as they scanned over Thomas and I, "Oi," he called out, pushing off from the wall.

The sight of Ollie standing there, with his arms crossed brought my mind reeling back to the time I had awoken from a night with Alfie, and found them sitting in the kitchen at an ungodly hour. They spoke in hushed voices when I groggily came upon them, wearing nothing but Alfie's linen shirt with my hair completely disheveled. I don't think I'll ever forget the way his face turned red at the sight of me standing there, and judging by that awkward look in his eyes, neither would he.

Thomas only nodded in greeting, "I have business to discuss with Mr. Solomons." 

Ollie's dark eyes finally tore from mine as he beheld Thomas who stood unflinching, no matter the height difference. I mentally tipped my hat to Thomas's unending nerve and bit back a smirk.

Ollie then straightened, "sorry mate, but you didn't schedule a meeting beforehand." He shrugged, "can't let you in."

I watched Thomas huff a laugh and flick the bud of his smoke at Ollie's feet, who hastily stepped back in distaste. I'd been around this bakery a few times to know that all that stood between Thomas and sudden death was Ollie's word. And guessing by the way he narrowed his eyes at Thomas, I was sure that line had thinned by now.

I took a steady step between the two men, "boys." I warned, clearing my throat, "I'm afraid looks cannot kill, so why don't you just let me inside to clear out this little misunderstanding. Hmm?"

Ollie reluctantly met my gaze, and I could tell he knew better than to say otherwise, since he knew very well of my relationship with Mr. Solomons; and nodded. I didn't bother to look back if Thomas read Ollie's expression as well, and stepped aside enough for him to pull open one of the massive wooden doors to the bakery.

I smoothed down the tattered nurse uniform as Ollie motioned me inside. I gracefully took a step across the threshold with my head held high, despite my beaten appearance. I'm actually surprised Ollie's jaw hadn't dropped at the sight of my bruised face, but I guessed word had already spread of what happened.

I quickly shook the thought from my head and let the warmth of Alfie's bakery seep into me as the door closed behind me. I needed a clear head if I was to see Alfie for the first time since that hateful night.

He was probably going mad from my absence, I thought guiltily.

I swallowed hard and looked around at the hard faces of the men working around me, and finally started in the direction of my lover's office.

_________
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