𝐄𝐯𝐚𝐜𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐞

In the old growth forest the trees rise upward forever, the canopy above distant, like clouds of green. Flying past as the car travels down the road paved with stone and dirt.

"Where are we going mummy?" Rosie whispered to her mother, as they leaned against the leather of the seats.

"We're going on a trip. We won't be gone for long though, only a little while." She replied as she subtlety grabbed onto Michael's hand.

The car began to slow, coming to a stop. Michael opened the door using his walking stick to help him. Holding out his hand he helped his fiancée out of the car, who then turned to lift her daughter.

"No way. No fucking way." Michael stated as he gazed around himself.

"You ever eaten a hedgehog Michael?" A man named Mr Gold asked him.

"We are getting back in this car." He told Evelyn sternly grabbing her hand once again, stroking his thumb across the soft skin.

"Michael. You're number two on Luca Changrettas hit list. So is Eve and Rosie." Polly told him whilst giving him a disapproving look.

"Then we'll stay in a hotel." He replied taking out a cigarette.

Evelyn stood deep in thought. Gazing at the smoke the danced from Michael's breathe. Fear tortured her guts, churning her stomach in tense cramps. Fear enguled her conscience, knocking all other thoughts aside. Fear overwhelmed her body, making it drastically exhausted. But she didn't let it show. For the sake of Rosie. Michael. Herself. And for the secret she was carrying.

Her thoughts were interrupted by Polly.

"Make sure he takes his medicine." She told Evelyn looking at her with that look. That damn look.

"Of course" She nodded, reaching to take the bag.

"There are healers out there. They'll heal you much quicker." Aberama persisted.

"Fucking witches, the lot of 'em." This caused Evie to look at Michael and give him a small shake of her head.

"Show some respect Mr Gray. They've agreed to welcome you on account of your blood."

This slight comment caused a flicker off something to burn in Evelyn's chest. Something she didn't like.

As she turned to Rosie she noticed the young girl stand so still, eyes following a bird in flight. Her eyes stayed with the bird, the beating wings capturing her mind in the most calming of ways. It's as if she was inlove with nature, with life itself, and Evelyn prayed this life nurtured that sense in her, keeping her as pure as she was born when she was born.

"Are you ready darling?" She whispered drawing Rosies attention from the trees.

The young girl nodded her head. Eyes filled to the brim with boredom.

"Take your medicine. Take the gun. I won't be able to contact you both so you phone me, we'll make a plan. Tommy says it won't be long. Then we'll be free. " Poy looked at Michael with a look Evelyn couldn't decipher.

"You might learn something. Tell them your grandmother was a gypsy princess, name of Birdie Boswell. Your royalty up there Michael!" Polly yelled after the trio as they climbed into the cartridge.

"Are you sure this is the right thing to do?" Evelyn asked Michael as she played with the fine pieces of Rosies dark locks.

"We'll be alright... I promise." He told her.

"Some people don't understand the promises they're making, when they make them." She mumbled, as she quietly scoffed.

"What about my promise to marry you?" He asked teasingly.

"Well I hope you understand that promise." She murmured, however she couldn't help the smile that lifted her cheekbones.

"Oi..." He whispered, lifting her chin delicately with his hand.

"I love you and I promise to keep all of us safe." She slightly turned her head to gaze into his eyes. "All of us..."

And it was a promise Michael would risk his life to keep.