3 Weeks Later, London
Climbing out of the taxi Eve dropped her bag on the floor as she gave the driver the right money.
"Thanks" Eve said as she picked up the suitcase watching the driver leave. Turning around Eve looked at the house, a well kept garden, curtains open. It was a nice street, lots of trees, a pretty part of London. Looking at her phone she double checked it was the right address before walking to the door. Knocking three times she waited and it wasn't long before a figure appeared through the frosted glass of the door and it opened. Looking up Eve saw the face of Malcolm Tucker.
"Eve, come in, let me take that" Malcolm took Eve's case from her.
"Thanks" Eve stepped inside, noting his appearance of jeans and a t-shirt. Although she loved Malcolm in a suit, it was equally a treat to see him in a more relaxed attire. As Malcolm shut the door Eve walked into the open living room and kitchen. His home was nothing like she imagined. Not that she pictured him having a bad house but it was very clean, everything had it's place, it was warm and welcoming.
"Want a coffee?" Malcolm asked having left the case in the hall as he moved into the kitchen.
"Yes please" Eve nodded, seeing pieces of paper stuck to the fridge with drawings on, children's drawings.
"My niece, just turned one, already a bidding artist" Malcolm said and Eve smiled.
"It's cute" Eve looked then to all the photo's. "Is that her?" Eve asked seeing a fair haired baby in the arms of who she guessed to be Malcolm's sister.
"Ella with my sister Rachel" Malcolm said as he poured the coffee into mugs.
"Both beautiful" Eve admired and she looked to Malcolm "Family of food genes" She smiled as she passed her one of the mugs.
"You bet we are" Malcolm smiled as he leaned back on the counter.
"Do they live in London?"
"Oxford, I visit when I can" Malcolm watched Eve.
"Not as often as you would like" Eve noted to him and Malcolm nodded.
"Work keeps me busy here." Malcolm led Eve to the sofa and he sat down. Eve took a seat beside him. "Thanks for coming anyway."
"Well offering me a job I can't resist, I'm not going to turn that down. What made you want to give me the job anyway?" Eve asked facing him.
"I need someone I trust"
"What about Jamie, you two have always been as thick as thieves" Eve said.
"Wouldn't trust that cunt as far as I could throw him." Malcolm spoke as he leant on his knees, the mug on the coffee table.
"But you trust me, I'm honoured Malcolm. Eve smiled to him.
"You haven't been corrupted, not yet anyway, you stay true to your word, and you are honest." Malcolm whispered as his eyes held Eve's.
"Malcolm, you have always been kind to me, I never really know why, but I have always admired you. Smart, strong, hard working, more so than anyone I know. Politics is your life." Eve spoke softly and she placed her palm on Malcolm's cheek. "People fear you" Eve slowly leaned closer to him. Malcolm simply stared at her. "But not me" She pressed her lips to his. Kissing him ever so softly for a moment before coming away. But panic set in her mind and Eve jumped away from the sofa, away from Malcolm who had, although been shocked by the kiss, he was even more so when Eve very suddenly left his side. Jumping to his feet he went after her.
"Hey, hey hey Eve wait, it's alright" Malcolm carefully approached Eve who was trembling as she held herself.
"I'm sorry Malcolm, I shouldn't have done that" Eve whispered, his eyes on the floor.
"It's alright Eve, it's alright." Malcolm wanted to take her in his arms but restrained himself.
"No Malcolm it's not, I can't keep doing this, you mean too much to me Malcolm." Eve looked at him with sadness in her eyes. "You're married, it could never work between us." Shaking her head she froze when her eyes fell onto a framed photo sitting on a shelf. Slowly, cautiously, she picked it up. She had never seen Malcolm's wife, she had only heard her name spoken once from Malcolm's lips.
"Your wedding photo" Eve whispered as she gazed fondly as a young Malcolm with his arm around a beautiful blonde woman. Malcolm looked so handsome, his hair a dark brown, longer and unruly. Eve suddenly felt a jealous pang in her stomach, but she carefully placed the photo back in it's place. "Andrew left me, I thought he would, he was always too good for me." She whispered and turned to Malcolm.
"She's having an affair" Malcolm admitted and Eve had a look of surprise.. "She doesn't know I know, and I never planned on saying anything, why would I. I guessed a long time ago she would leave me, I don't know why she married me in the first place" Malcolm was quiet now. "It was good at first, it was. But I changed, my job took over. You want to know why I am kind to you" Malcolm slowly approached Eve. "Because you mean a hell of a lot to me as well, too much to lose. You make me laugh, smile, when I see you my heart skips a beat. However fucking cheesy that sounds." Malcolm took her hands. "But yes, I am married, so are you. What we do about that. I don't really know." Malcolm wrapped his arms around Eve, holding her close to his chest. "Just promise me you will stick around."
"I promise" Eve mumbled into his chest.
"Good" Malcolm kissed the top of her head. "Stay for dinner, then I will take you to the flat." Malcolm broke away, looking to Eve for a reply and she nodded.
"Okay, as long as you let me help you cook." Eve finally smiled and Malcolm grinned.
"Deal" He opened the fridge, inspecting the contents.
30 minutes later Eve leaned against the counter, a glass of wine in her hand as she watched Malcolm. She enjoyed seeing him be all domestic. Beautiful smells filled the air as the food cooked. Putting the glass down, Eve set the table.
"Where is Anna now?" Eve asked as she sat down at the table, looking to Malcolm in the kitchen.
"She's away with work, gone all weekend, back monday." Malcolm answered as he took plates from the kitchen. "Or shacked up in some hotel somewhere." Malcolm added.
"You say that as if you want it to be so" Eve said as she watched Malcolm's hesitation in plating the food.
"It's complicated." he muttered to Eve.
"Isn't it just" Eve said as Malcolm passed her one of the plates. "Thank you, smells gorgeous." Eve admired the food in front of her, together they had made a risotto.
"We make a good team" Malcolm sat down opposite Eve, placing a beer beside his plate.
"Ah we will soon see about that. Got any tips for monday for me?" Eve asked as she ate.
"Aye, don't fuck up." Malcolm stated and Eve chuckled.
"I will forever and always keep that in mind." Eve replied and smiled to him.
The conversation flowed easily between the two. At eight o'clock Eve sat in Malcolm's car, admiring the leather interior. Of course Malcolm had a nice car, Malcolm never did things by half. As he drove her to the flat she would stay in temporarily, she relaxed to the radio. Eve questioned herself whether this would really work. Could they work together without anything happening. It was easier before, they were in different departments. Now however, she would be just next door to him. It would be tough, Eve would try, but she already had a feeling she would fail.
Arriving at the flat, Malcolm walked her in.
"It's only six months but I am sure you will find another place after that." Malcolm said as Eve stood in the open plan kitchen and living room. It was small, basic, plain. But Eve didn't need much.
"It's fine Malcolm, thank you for finding it for me" Eve turned to him and he nodded.
"Well I will see you bright and early monday morning." Malcolm said "Oh, the key" he walked to Eve, holding out the key ad she took it, her fingers grazing his hand and they looked to one another. Feeling her heart quicken she took a breath before stepping back from him.
"Monday morning then" Eve smiled and Malcolm nodded, understanding. She walked him out, leaning against the door as she saw Malcolm drive away. Closing the door, Eve went to the kitchen, getting a glass of water as she leaned on the counter. She was slightly dreading monday, but perhaps it would be easier with more people around. Less chance of anything happening.
Monday, 8:30am
Eve walked up the steps of Downing Street, along the corridors to the office she would be working in. Just as she reached the office, Eve stopped at the coffee machine. The commute had been hell, not wanting to be late she had skipped her coffee at home. She would take her chance now. As she poured the steaming hot liquid into the mug a woman came to her side.
"Hi, Evelyn Shaw?" She asked and Eve turned to see a young brunette.
"Yes, Eve please." Eve answered with a smile.
"I'm Sam Cassidy, well Samantha, I'm Malcolm Tucker's assistant." Sam said.
"Ah hello, you must be a hell of a woman to be able to handle Malcolm" Eve said as she picked up the mug.
"Ah he isn't all that bad"
"Big teddy bear really, just don't poke him with a stick." Eve chuckled and walked down the corridor with her.
"Jamie mentioned that you and Malcolm have a history." Sam looked to Eve, sure there was some suspicion on her face.
"We have worked on and off together, not really seen each other in about four years." Eve spoke.
"Jamie certainly voiced an opinion about you coming here." Sam said quietly and Eve laughed.
"Oh he has always been funny about me. Just because I wouldn't sleep with him." Eve was surprised by Sam's face. "This was before he was married." Eve clarified. Both of them walking into the press office, Sam showed Eve the empty desk. "Thanks Sam" Eve placed her bag down under the desk.
"I will let Malcolm know you are in, he will be back from his morning meeting soon." Sam said as she left the press office and back to her own desk next to Malcolm's office. Watching her leave Eve turned the computer on. Just as she was checking her email the voice of Malcolm Tucker shouted down the hall.
"Oi" You! You crusty old wank sock, get me fucking Lewis James in my office now, I need to rip the fucking cunt apart." Malcolm shouted. "What do you mean he's fucking gone home...oh he isn't very fucking well, well he fucking won't be when I get my hands on the piss-stained retard." Malcolm walked to the doorway of the press office. "Eve, office now."
Hearing Malcolm's call Eve stood from her desk and followed Malcolm into the office, leaving the door open behind her.
"Alright, do you know Peter Hall at the Mail?" Malcolm stood behind his desk, hands on his waist.
"Of course, he wrote a very lovely article about you some months ago, trying to shake you up, question whether spin doctors are necessary in modern politics." Eve said, guessing Malcolm's reaction when such an article came to light.
"Christ I thought I ended that cunts career, but he just keeps coming back" Malcolm ran his hand through his hair. "Cliff Lawton, half-assed Minister, not a complete fuck up. Hall has written a foul mouthed piece on an interview Cliff did last week. Completely out of fucking context."
"When did Hall ever write anything in context, he is a piss poor journalist, Cliff Lawton needn't be worried, so neither should you." Eve walked to the chair and sat down.
"Cliff Lawton had to comment, or some other hack in that department contacted the mail. What the fucks thought they were doing fuck knows" Malcolm paced the floor. "I need rid of Peter Hall for good, for that I need you Eve" Malcolm walked to Eve and sat opposite her.
"I'll do whatever you need of me Malcolm, I'm not afraid of getting my hands dirty" Eve said to him.
"Good, find what you can" Malcolm spoke and Eve stood up, but as she got to the door Eve stopped and turned back to Malcolm.
"But don't ever expect me to be the fall guy, not again." Eve stated clearly and Malcolm looked over to her before giving a small nod and Eve left to get on with her work.
Madness took over Downing Street. Although Eve was left to deal with Peter Hall on her own, Jamie and Malcolm had been rushing back and forth from various department buildings.
But at bang on 5pm, Malcolm got a text message on his phone.
"I'll be damned" Malcolm shrugged off his coat and stepped into the press office, seeing Eve sat at her desk typing on the computer. "You" Malcolm walked to Eve. She turned when she heard his voice and smiled to him. "I could fucking kiss you" he whispered when he reached her desk. Eve chuckled and sat back in the chair.
"You know where I live, I just might let you." Eve teased and Malcolm's face darkened.
"Don't tempt me" He hushed before stepping back from her. "I'm impressed, you must have found some serious shit on him." Eve smiled to Malcolm, swivelling on her chair.
"That I did, and I'm not letting up on my secrets" Eve smiled.
"First day and you've done me a wonder, I'm buying you dinner." Malcolm said.
"Are you sure that's wise?" Eve asked, unsure.
"I have to work late, I was going to order food and I want you to stay" Malcolm spoke, not really asking.
"Well how can I turn down that offer." Eve said as she turned off the computer.
Malcolm turned back around and went into his office, everyone else was going home. Seeing Sam by the door.
"I will see you in the morning Malcolm" Sam smiled to him.
"Night Sam, good work today" Malcolm watched his assistant leave, he didn't pay compliments easily, but he was in a good mood. Ringing up his usual takeaway he sat back at his desk as Malcolm read through a report.
"Hey" Malcolm looked at the door when he heard a voice.
"Eve, come on in" Malcolm sat up in his chair as Eve closed the door, sitting herself down on his sofa.
"So what's keeping you busy tonight?" Eve asked him as Malcolm tossed the report onto his desk.
"Nothing" He said as he stood. "Only way I could get you to stay" Eve frowned to Malcolm when she heard him say that.
"My my Malcolm, you are a cheeky man." Eve rose from the sofa as Malcolm approached her.
"Oh I'm much worse than that" He whispered and kissed her, her lips were warm and tasted of mint, hands wrapping around her waist. Kissing Evelyn Shaw was a torment but a salvation. He lived for them and would soon come to realise he would die for them also. Breaking apart for air Malcolm rested his forehead against hers, seeing her smiling back at him, the lust in her eyes. She felt perfect in his arms. After four years apart it was like nothing had changed, but so much had. Thumb running across the bare skin of her waist they gazed to each other in silence. He hesitated to if he should carry on, got he wanted to, but here, in his office. Eve however made the decision, pulling away she took his hand and they both sat on the sofa.
"Eve" Malcolm whispered but Eve stopped him, pressing her lips to his. Eve blinded his mind into confusion. He knew she was going to be bad for him. Eve suddenly jumped away from Malcolm in shock, his mobile had started vibrating in his trouser pocket.
"Jesus, thought I had a new reaction on you" Eve said as Malcolm took out his phone.
"If my cock started vibrating like that I would be worried." Malcolm put the phone to his ear as he answered it. Hanging up he stood up. "Food is here" Going to his desk he picked up his wallet, glancing back to Eve who was watching him with intent. "Two minutes" He said.
"I'll be right here, waiting." Eve replied and Malcolm dashed out.
Eve stood from the sofa and she looked around Malcolm's office, running her hand over the leather books lining the shelves before looking over his whiteboard.
"And you mocked me" She smiled, seeing then all the boxes and stacks of newspapers. Lifting the lid of one of the boxes Eve looked inside, seeing folders with names on the front. Flicking through those on the top she stopped on one and frowned. Picking it up Eve read the cover. It was her name on the cover, Malcolm had a file on her. Slowly she opened it and looked to the sheets of paper inside. Just as she was reading the office door opened and Malcolm stepped back inside, pausing when he saw Eve with the folder.
"You have a file on me?" Eve looked to him.
"Course I do, I have a file on everyone" Malcolm walked to the table and set the food down.
"It says that you searched for my records but found nothing, why do you need to do that Malcolm, I told you everything about me." Eve felt angered.
"Everything but your real name, up until you were 16 Evelyn Shaw didn't exist, so you changed your name." Malcolm answered.
"Of course I did, why would I want to be associated with all of that shit my father did, I needed protection from him." Eve told him. "If you are so fucking desperate to know my real name it's fucking Evelyn Lewis, born in Kettering July 24th 1971 to Alan and Patricia Lewis. Mother murdered, Brother murdered and father serving life in prison." Eve was shouting, her body shaking. Malcolm quickly went to her and wrapped his arms around Eve, holding her to his chest.
"I'm sorry" he muttered but Eve pushed him away with some force, her eyes red with tears.
"Goodnight Malcolm" Eve stormed out of the door, hearing Malcolm call after her but she ignored him. Leaving Downing Street Eve went home. Like she should have done at 5 o'clock.