A/N. Prompt #6 for Fictober
"Get this one back to the Colonists Club so I know she's safe." Lucien waved a finger at Jean who bristled indignantly.
"Get yourself to the club, I'm staying here."
"All right, We know what we've got to do. Let's meet back here in two hours. Charlie, Eyes open, yeah?"
As everyone exited to play their parts in the afternoons events Jean turned to Lucien. "You sent them away to keep them safe didn't you?"
"How long do you think we'll have to wait?"
"Not long."
There was a heavy pause.
"I wish you'd gone to the club Jean"
"Didn't we already have this conversation? I'm staying right here with you," she stubbornly jutted out her chin and put her hands on her hips staring at him in defiance.
Lucien put his hands on her shoulders, "I just want to keep you safe."
"I don't feel safe anywhere but with you right now. I don't know who I can trust." Her lip trembled and Lucien realised she was on the verge of tears. "Lucien I'm so frightened."
Lucien pulled her gently into his chest and wrapped his arms around her. "Jean you're the bravest woman I know."
"I don't feel like it."
"I promise you Jean, this mess will all be over soon."
She pushed herself away from him and wiped her eyes. "And then what? You go back to Mei Lin? To Singapore?"
"No. I… I can't do that Jean."
"Then what?"
"I…I don't know." He pushed a hand through his hair. "I don't have an answer for you Jean, I'm sorry. Listen. Once we get through this thing with Alderton we'll sort things out. I promise."
There was a noise outside and they both jumped as their eyes snapped to the window. A cat ran past the window chasing a butterfly and they instinctively reached for each other's hand.
Lucien squeezed her hand gently, "Come on, lets go into the lounge room and I'll make us a cuppa while we wait."
Jean looked down at her hand still enclosed in his. When did her life become so messy?