This is a little bit shit but is my explanation to who Red is. Please read, love x

Death had become an all to regular part of Red's life. Strangers, acquaintances, friends, family; gone because of him. And now another person was gone. An informant following Tom. Red could feel the storm coming; soon the full force of whoever was after him would be bearing down on his entire world. He looked over at Lizzie's sleeping face. He got up slowly and walked as quietly as he could to the wardrobe at the side of their room. Their room. Shaking thoughts of her as far from his mind as he could, he began to pack a bag. He already had the essentials ready; a fake passport, enough money to last most for half a year, a gun. He needed clothes- any would do really.

"What are you doing?" a voice asked from the bed.

Lizzie kneeled on the bed wrapped in a sheet. She had a way of making him want to abandon all plans, even if they were the best next step.

"Packing," he replied, his voice hard. "I have to leave."

She stared at his back, covered by a crisp white shirt, as she wondered what to say next.

"Where?"

"I'm not sure yet. I just have to get out of here."

"Why?" she asked, trying to steady her voice as she pulled on some jeans and a sweatshirt.

"Someone powerful is after me and I need to hide."

"I'm coming with you," she said resolutely.

"No," he replied sternly turning to face her.

The pair stood no more than a foot away with their eyes locked, hearts pounding.

"If they find you they'll kill you."

"So you're just gonna leave me?" she asked.

Turning back to the wardrobe he said, "yes."

"Stop talking bullshit Red and just explain what's going on."

"Dembe will keep you safe-"

"Shut up Red! I've forgiven you for a lot of shit. You can't just get up and leave."

"I can. God I thought you were stronger than this," Red chuckled.

As he turned towards her, beginning his next sentence he was cut short by her fist colliding with his nose. Stumbling backwards he groaned.

"You broke my nose!" he exclaimed.

"Yes," she replied regaining her composure. "Now come on and I'll fix that and you can tell me what the hell is going on."

...

Plan A was to leave while she was sleeping. Plan B was to argue then storm out. Plan C wasn't planned at all. The next morning rolled around and he was still with her; endangering her life further. They'd spent the previous day yelling then making love then just laying round. He'd promised not to leave, a promise he was going to have to break.

...

She awoke later that day, alone. Already she knew. She tiptoed downstairs in one of the shirts he'd left behind. On the kitchen top lay a white envelope addressed to her.

Lizzie,

I guess this is just another promise I've broken. I so wished I could've kept it.
You deserve answers to questions I avoided. Your dad didn't pull you out of the fire- I did. Your father hired my dad and I to burn your house- my father being a criminal arsonist known for getting rid of all evidence. It was my last job with him; I was done with it I was going to college in an attempt to not be my father. Neither you not your mother were supposed to be there; my dad was an arsonist but he wasn't a murderer. You came down the stairs as my dad was setting up and he sent you back to bed. While standing in the back garden sharing a cigarette as the house began to go up I heard you, screaming. I tried to get your mother out as well but it was too late. You were seven and I was 19. Tom may be right your dad may still be alive somewhere because he wasn't there that night. My dad was angry at me telling me I'd screwed everything up, as usual. So I picked you up and took the pickup and just drove. You slept in the passenger seat while I drove nowhere. When you woke suddenly I had no idea what to do. You told me the story of Goldilocks because you said I needed to smile. Sam was an old family friend. I showed up crying, holding onto your little hand so hard I was scared it might break. He said he'd look after you and I began to leave but you came running after me. I just drove off while you stood in singed pyjamas wrapped in a blanket.

I've always been there. I was at your graduation, college and high school. On your birthday every year I sent Sam as much money as I could, reminding him to look after you. He knew what I did but he still wanted you to meet me, a view I strongly opposed. I went off grid for a bit but I still made sure you were okay.

You were seventeen when I realised I loved you. It wasn't until I was thirty three when Sam called me out on it. Sam wanted to tell you, about the fire and your dad and me. I couldn't let him- neither you nor I were ready to hear that. It was the end; he wouldn't have even suggested telling you if it wasn't.

If I'd known about Tom I would've intervened earlier. I'd do anything to protect you.

Keep safe.

I love you

Red x

Also I've carried this around for too long, it's time you had it.

'I love you'. Those words had passed through eyes and actions but never before through words. Underneath the ink stained paper was a small velvet box. With shaking hand I pulled it open to see what I feared it would be. A ring.

"Of all the days Red, you had to leave today."

So yeah that was shit but yeah. If you're still reading I love you. it's not write over. Review please :) have a great day x