A pissed off John marched into the busy shop, his older brother calling after him, but he didn't stop. "John—" Tommy called again, but John slammed his office door behind him.
Tommy gave up, deciding to give him space, stopped in front of the cage door, letting out a heavy, defeated sigh. He whipped his hand down his face, unsure of what to do. Afraid of what his brother might do in retaliation.
"I take it things didn't go as planned," Polly said, taking a drag of her skinny cigarette.
"They wouldn't release her no matter what I paid. They want her to spend the night."
"Spend the fucking night? They attacked a young girl in a dress shop, and she's at fault for defending herself? That's fucking rubbish and they know it," she spat.
"Just be satisfied they plan to release her in the morning without a fight."
Polly laughed. "Satisfied. They have no bloody choice. Do you see that look in your brother's eyes? There's no telling what he'll do."
"Trust me, I see it, I hope they know what they're doing. There's not a man in that station who doesn't know how John is."
"I'm sure that copper is just testing the waters, trying to feel out the wild card. You better get a hold of him, Tom. We can't afford one of his tantrums. Not now."
John tried to be at peace at his desk, trying to focus on work, but the anger settled in, consuming him. He bounced his leg as he tried to rein it in, focus his mine but he quickly stood in a burst of rage, clearing his desk as he did.
"Fuck," he shouted, papers scattering to the ground, shattering a glass. "I'll fucking kill him!"
Polly knocked on his office door before entering. "John, you have to calm down for Christ's sake."
"How the fuck can I calm down when she's locked up with that bastard? I swear to God if they lay so much as a finger on her Polly, I'll fucking turn Birmingham upside fucking down. I swear fucking it!"
"She'll be alright for a night, John," Polly assured him. "She's a tough one. She'll be out by morning and we can put this behind us."
Early the next morning, as promised, John and several other blinders were waiting outside for me. He leaned against the car with his arms crossed, but they dropped to his sides at the sight of me. The only thing between us was the gentle falling snow and the winter wind. I don't think I've ever been so happy to see him, or anyone else.
Tears undoubtedly welled up in my eyes and I couldn't help but run into his arms. He met me halfway, holding me closer. His warmth surrounded me like a blanket, I could finally breathe, taking in his scent. As brave as I tried to be, Christ knew it terrified me to be alone in that place.
He held my head to his chest, his fingers clutched into my hair as he kissed my crown. I could feel his guns in his shoulder holster as he stroked my hair, but I didn't want to let him go. He then sighed with relief, his entire body relaxing. I knew it was just as hard for him as it was for me. The last thing I wanted was to worry him.
"Come on love, let's take you home, eh," he whispered into my hair and I nodded against him. Those were the words I wanted to hear more than anything.
We drove alone; the others followed in the car behind us. It didn't take much to see he was upset as he sped through the streets of Small Heath. He focused on the road, dozens of thoughts spinning through his mind. His jaw tightened after he took a drag off his cigarette and handed it to me.
"Thank you," I said, taking a well-needed draw for my nerves.
"Did anyone touch you?" He finally questioned.
I shook my head no, tucking hair behind my ear. I'm sure they couldn't wait to be rid of me. Too afraid John would burn down the station once they realized what I truly meant to him. Pissing off a wild card could never end well. No one made eye contact with me, let alone said a word, but then again, I wasn't the one they wanted.
"No one bothered me, but I overheard something I want to ask you about," I said, looking at him.
"What is it, love," he questioned, keeping his eyes on the road for once. Maybe it was out of place to ask, but I at least deserved to know why I spent a night in jail.
"Why are the coppers looking for Ada?"
Yes, Ada Shelby always had a strong rebellious personality, but she was nothing like her law-breaking brothers.
John sighed as he finally glanced at me, then back to the road. His jaw tightened again and a heavy breath left his chest. Clearly telling me could potentially bring drama amongst the Shelby's but he decided to take the risk, anyway.
"You remember Freddy Thore? He was one of Tommy's school mates growing up?"
"Of course, who could forget him?"
"Well after the war, Freddie became a bloody radical communist stirring up shit in Birmingham. He's the one who keeps bringing the fucking BSA out on strike, and our Ada is his wife."
"Christ," I said, looking towards the long road.
"Christ is bloody right, because of that copper wants Freddie more than anything. He'll even use our Ada to draw him out if he gets the chance."
"She needs to get the hell out of the city. They can't hide from him forever. Even the civilians are willing to call the copper's on them. It's better to leave and have a fresh start while they still can."
"We keep telling them. Polly's giving it her best, but Freddie is too damn stubborn to fucking leave. He refuses to go, even though he's putting his wife and unborn baby at risk."
"What a selfish man," I whispered to myself, looking out towards the houses that lined the street as we pulled closer to my house. "Poor Ada."
John pulled up and threw the car into park. The chimney smoke was already flowing strong, and I couldn't help but smile to myself. How thoughtful. He jumped out, making his way around to my side, opening the car door for me. He helped me out onto the sidewalk.
"Thank you for starting the fire for me. I appreciate it."
"It's the least I could do, love. You're in this trouble because of me, because of my family. I can at least make coming home a bit more comfortable."
"No one's to blame for what happened, John. It could've happened to anyone," I assured him, but he was far from convinced. Instead of a reply, he opened the front door, motioning me inside.
There was nothing like being met with warmth when you return home. It was something I never experienced living alone. Definitely, a feeling I missed from when I used to live with my family. I stripped from my coat, hanging it on the rack.
"How bout a bath," John offered, and I smiled with a nod.
"A bath sounds nice."
John warmed the water for a well-needed rinse as I fixed something for us to eat in the kitchen. He wrapped his arms around my waist, resting his chin on my shoulder when he finished.
"It's ready love, come before it gets cold," he said, kissing my shoulder.
"Alright," I nodded, placing the food on the table.
I undressed, and he took my hand, helped me in. "Is it too warm?"
I shook my head. "It's fine." The water felt good against my skin.
John sat in a chair beside the tub, his elbows resting on his knees. It wasn't hard to see that there was something wrong. Something weighing heavily on his mind.
"What's going on, John? Why do you look like that?"
He shook his head. "I'm just hoping this whole thing doesn't put you off to me."
I rested my arms on the side of the tub, then my chin on top. "What do you mean?"
"I don't want you to leave me, Anna," his voice broke, and I knew he meant what he said. "I tried to get you out, but I couldn't. I—"
I stood, stepping out of the tub, and he looked up at me, meeting my eyes as I dripped in front of him. I held the back of his neck, brushing my thumb against his ear. "It'll take a lot more for me to leave you. As long as you're faithful to me, I'll always be by your side, John."
He stood, guiding me back into the tub as he shook his head. "Finish your bath before you catch a cold," he whispered. He was never going to let this go.
"I meant what I said," I assured him, leaning my back against the metal.
He tucked hair behind my ear. "I know you do, that's what worries me," he said, and I chuckled to myself.
As much as I was afraid of our future it was something I wanted with John more than anything. There was something I loved more than I feared. I wanted to be his wife and bare his children. Yes, I was afraid that there would be a day he would never come home, but I would rather live the best life with him I could and cherish every moment we had than regret never being with him at all.
I soaked for a few more minutes in front of the fire until the water cooled. He helped me out, and I wrapped myself with a towel.
"Feel better?"
"Much better," I said. I was happy to wash the dirt and grime from the cell from my skin.
He then held onto my hips. "Tommy tells me you didn't say a word when you got arrested. Wouldn't even give ya name."
"I don't like being pressed," I admitted. "Besides, I would never betray you or your family."
He tucked a wet lock of my hair behind my ear again as he looked down at me. "Our family. You're family, Anna," he corrected.
"As much as I wish that were true, I don't feel like family, John."
"It doesn't change the fact that you are," he sighed, holding my head in his hands. "What I'm trying to say is that I'm proud of you. You did good. You did as well as any Blinder, any Shelby."
It felt good to receive his praise, and his lips followed. He brought me close, and the towel dropped. He bent, lifting me off my feet. My legs wrapped around his waist and my arms secured around his neck. His hands gripped my ass as he walked towards the stairs.
We fell back into my bed, and I frantically helped him out of his clothes. Removing his dress shirt from his shoulders, dragged his belt from the loops. The moment he was free, I held his stiffness in my hand and our kiss slowed, deepened as I stroked him. My other hand rested behind his neck, keeping him close. He grunted against my lips and my grip on him firmed. I didn't want to be teased or wait a moment longer for him to give me what I needed.
All I wanted was to feel him deep inside of me. I wanted my face to go numb as he fucked me with everything he had. I guided him to my dripping heat, dragging his tip up and down my wet entrance. He moaned in my mouth and I added my tongue, pulling him impossibly closer.
My back arched as he slid in as deep as he could. His pelvis slapping against mine and my mouth opened as he repeatedly pressed my most sensitive spot. He kissed my neck as he fucked me and I held his head close, my fingers clutching his hair.
How could I miss someone so much in such a short amount of time? With a turn, I found myself on top. My hands firm on his chest for support as he held my hips, guiding my rhythm. His thumb rubbed endless circles over my clit and my body bent forward. I tightened around him and he moaned as his head leaned back and his hips bucked.
With another turn and a lift of my hips, I was on all four and John wasted no time sliding back inside of me. He pulled me closer, laying his body over mine, kissing my shoulder as he continued to fuck me.
"I fucking love you," he whispered against my ear, forcing a chill to run down my spine.
"Fuck, I'm gonna come," I moaned. I was close to the edge. I couldn't take much more.
"Come for me, love," he whispered against my ear before he kissed it, sending another shiver down my spine.
I bit my lip, tightening around him again. His voice alone just pushed me to another level. He straightened up, his head leaning back as he continued, following right behind me as I came. His last thrusts were sloppy, hard, draining. He held my hips firm to him as he emptied completely inside me.
I laid on top of him completely spent, loving the feel of his gentle fingers running through my hair, down my back. His fingers were filled with so much affection, I couldn't help but indulge.
"I love you," he said.
"I love you too."
My eyes closed as the urge to sleep crept in. I was exhausted from the night away. I admit I hardly slept. The cell was so cold, and the blanket was thin. It was the worst for a person like me who hated the cold more than anything.
I smiled, loving the lulling sound of his heart, ticking away, the comfort that radiated from his warm skin. One night I spent away from him and it felt like days, weeks even.
"I'm going out of town with the boys this afternoon," he whispered.
My heart sank. I lifted my head, meeting his eyes, my chin resting on his chest. He patted my head. I'm sure he could see how I felt on my face. I didn't want to spend another night without him. I wasn't ready yet.
"For how long?"
"I'll be back by morning. Promise," he said. "Honestly, I don't want to go but a lot of things are about to change. Things I can't even tell you about. Things that even I don't know about myself."
"I don't understand, John," I whispered.
He sighed, patting my hair again. "Tommy's been making a lot of moves lately and we have to be ready for whatever repercussions they'll bring."
"Repercussions?" The word caught me completely off guard. "John—"
"It'll be alright. I promise," he said, with a swallow. Trying his best to hush my fears and maybe even his own.
"Promise me you'll be careful out there," I said, placing a kiss on his chest before laying my head back down. "I can't lose you."
"I'm not going anywhere, love," he whispered. "One day it'll just be us and the children out in the country far away from the slums of Birmingham."
"You promise?"
"Of course, anything for you, love," he assured me, rubbing my back. "I can't let what happened yesterday happen again."
It was always hard to watch John leave. When he pulled on his coat, the sadness set in, but he smiled at me, lifting my chin to meet his eyes, placing a quick kiss to my lips.
"Fix your face, sweetheart. Give me a smile, eh."
"I'll smile when you get back in one piece," I said, and he laughed.
A horn blew outside and we both looked towards the door, knowing the Blinders had arrived.
"That must be them," John said, headed for the front door and I followed behind him.
His brothers had come to pick him up. He stood in front of me holding my head in his hands, but instead of another quick kiss, his lips pressed deep and I clutched his jacket. His tongue swirled around mine. Butterflies swarming in my belly as our lips parted.
"Wait for me," he said, brushing my cheek with his thumb and I nodded.
"Hurry back then," I said, and he nodded.
I leaned against the door frame with my arms crossed, watching them make a bunch of noise out on the streets as they greeted each other. He looked back at me with a smile before he climbed in and two fully loaded cars took off going God knows where. The only thing I knew was it wasn't good. The Blinders planned to raise hell.
Like any other day, I headed to the shop, cigarette in hand. Polly manned the place walking the shop floor making sure everything ran smoothly.
She smiled at the sight of me. "Morning, Anna."
"Morning, Polly."
"It's good to see you, are you alright?"
I nodded. "I'm fine."
"Good. Let's have a chat a little later."
"Alright."
The shop was busy as usual but slowed by the afternoon between major races, giving us a small window to sit and have a tea. I sat at the family table and Polly placed a cup in front of me before joining.
She was quiet at first, but I already knew what she was going to ask me. Polly was extremely protective over her family, but that wasn't hard to tell or irrational. She wanted to know how much of a liability I was going to be to her family. If I would turn out to be a weakness. As harsh as it sounded, I understood completely.
"So tell me. What did the copper ask you?" Polly questioned.
"He asked me what my association was with the Blinders and I told him I only clean, tutor, and look after the young children."
Polly smiled. "Anything else?"
"He asked how much I get paid, how many days I worked, and if I knew Ada Shelby. As far as Ada goes, I told him it was the first time I'd heard the name. Told him I just moved to Bermingham a few months ago and was unfamiliar with the people in the area."
"Did he touch you? You can be honest with me, Anna."
"No, he didn't and even if he did, I wouldn't tell John. It'd only bring more trouble. I may not know much about the things going on, but I can feel the tension in this family. And I know John, he'd never let it go. He'd lose his mind trying to kill that bastard. I know that look in a man's eyes."
"I have to say, you're a smart girl, Anna."
By the next morning, there was a heavy knock on my front door while I was standing in the kitchen making tea. It was John, of course, and I couldn't be happier to see him.
"When did you get back in town?" I questioned, closing my robe from the peering eyes of my nosey neighbors.
"Just now," he said, grabbing my chin to kiss me. "Now go on, go get dressed."
"And where are we going so early, Mr. Shelby?"
"I'm giving you the day off to go dress shopping," he said with a bright smile.
I smiled, shaking my head, looking to my feet. "Well, aren't you the most romantic man in all of Small Heath. You really don't have to do this, you know," I assured him, leaning against the door frame admiring him. How could I've been so lucky to attract a man like John Shelby? "I can wait to go to the races when things calm down."
"Anna," he sighed, taking a deep step into me, closing what space was left between us, forcing me to look up to meet his gaze. "No one stops my woman from going shopping," he assured me with a tone that was serious, accompanied by a soft touch to my bottom. "No one can stop you from doing anything you want to do. Now go on, go get dressed before I dress you myself," he said, running the back of his finger down my cheek to my chin with this heavy look of lust. "Well, unless you want me to. I'm sure Aunt Pol won't mind if we're a bit late this morning. I still haven't eaten breakfast yet."
I laughed. "What am I going to do with you?" I said, placing my hand behind his neck, pulling him into me.
"You know exactly what to do with me, love," he whispered, pressing his forehead against mine.
I chuckled softly, wrapping my arms around his neck, placing a quick kiss on his lips. "Let me get dressed."
It was no surprise he took me back to the same little shop I got arrested in that was now under new management by order of the Peaky Blinders. They were lucky John didn't find a more creative way to deal with them for tipping off the copper's but it was Polly's favorite place to shop. She was their only saving grace.
Polly and Skudboat were waiting outside for us with a bright, excited grin. He took my hand, leading me into the little shop, and our presence was announced with the ringing of the bell as the door opened. John took off his cap as he looked about the place.
Polly stole me from him, hooking her arm with mine as we walked through the store and John found a seat.
"I've always loved this place," Polly smiled. "You should try on that dress you were eyeing yesterday. The red one. Show it to John."
"You think he'll like it?"
"He'll more than like it, he'll love it."
I tried on a dress or two for him, but the red one that barely passed my knees was my favorite. Something about the way it hugged at my curves made the dress ideal. I stood in front of him, straightening out the length of the dress.
"Do you like this one?"
"It's gorgeous," Polly smiled, walking up with an arm full of clothes. We were going to be here all day.
He took my hand, guiding me closer till I stood between his legs. "It's perfect, you can wear it to lunch," John said, looking up at me.
"Lunch?"
He nodded. "I want you to spend the day with me and the kids. I'm planning to take them out on a drive to the county, have a picnic, let them run around for a bit," he said, and I smiled. "What do you think?"
"That sounds perfect."
"We can go after they come back from school," he said, looking at his watch. "I should be done with things around the shop by then," he said as he stood buttoning his jacket.
"Are you leaving?"
He brushed under my chin with his index finger. "I have to get back to work but you can stay here with Polly and get what you like," he said. I pouted, but he simply smiled, placing a quick kiss on my forehead. "I'll see you later, love."
"Alright."
He left me and Polly and a guarding Skudboat to explore the shop at our own pace. It was different having a day off. I was so used to the everyday hustle and bustle of going to the shop and being around John. I sighed, sorting through the dress rack, looking for something eye-catching, smiling at something blue
When John pulled up in front of my house, the car was filled with beautiful bright blue eyes. He climbed out to open the door for me and I smiled as I climbed in, resting a basket of food on my lap.
"Hello," I said to them, and they all burst out excited to see me. All the noise made the dogs bark, and the car shook in reply.
"Settle down," John said over his shoulder. "Christ."
"Miss Anna, are you coming with us out to the country for the picnic?" Laura questioned.
"Looks like it. I hope that's alright with you lot."
The car only grew louder with excitement and I couldn't help but laugh.
The drive was noisy as the children talked and fought for space amongst themselves in the back, but I loved it.
"Daddy," Katie called as he drove along.
"Yes, Katie."
"Will Miss Anna be our new mommy?"
John and I looked at each other, and he smiled at me. It wasn't something we really discussed, marriage. As much as we cared for each other the subject was never one we elaborated on. But marriage was implied on several occasions. All of me hoped it would happen, but who knew what a man like John would really want from me in the end.
"Is that what you want?" John asked Katie, and I prayed we wouldn't break his little girl's heart.
"Yes, I like Miss Anna a lot," Katie said.
"I like her too," he assured her. "Hopefully, when I ask her, she'll say yes."
Squeals filled the back of the car and we couldn't help but laugh.
"Miss Anna! If my daddy asked, would you say yes?" Laura questioned.
"Only if he asks properly, and promises to treat me well," I said, looking at John.
The countryside was just as I remembered it. A thin dirt road that kicks up dust when you drive fast and endless stretches of green hills. Large trees scattered about the land that looked small in the distance.
When you were high enough on a hill and looked down towards the city, you could see the factories and the dark smoke they pumped into the sky. It was like leaving hell driving into heaven.
We drove until all we could see was green and trees, no houses or factories insight. Picking a shaded spot in a low cut field.
They all helped get the picnic ready and as we sat on the blanket. Andrew and Katie sat close to me like they always did after school, but it didn't last long as John let the dogs out of the car, and the children chased after them. I watched them run around the extensive field, kicking a ball and laughing with the dogs. John sat beside me, wrapping his arm over my shoulder, kissing my temple.
"It's beautiful out today, you picked a good day," I said.
"I'm glad it worked out. The kids look like they're enjoying themselves."
"I'm sure they'll sleep well tonight," I laughed.
"That's the bloody plan."
The children convinced me to spend the night, and John begged me to make dinner. Cooking in John's home for the six of us was very different. I've never felt such pressure in my entire life. David helped me wash the vegetables and Laura set the table while Andrew and Katie attended to staying out of the kitchen, trying their best to keep out of trouble.
After a while it was just me chopping everything up for the beef stew, until John wrapped his arms around my waist, placing his chin on my shoulder.
"It smells good," he complimented as he swayed.
"Can you taste it for me? I just want to make sure it'll be to the kids' liking."
He smiled, burying his face in my neck. "Are you nervous?"
"Well, I don't want them to hate my food the very first time I actually cook something for them. Polly usually makes them lunch, or I'll make small snacks, but I usually just help with homework and play silly games."
"I'm sure it's fine," he replied, but he still did as I asked. I offered him a spoon full and watched his face nervously.
"It's actually good," he assured me, sounding almost surprised as he whipped his mouth with the back of his hand and looked into the pot.
"Please don't play with me John Shelby, really how is it?"
He laughed. "I'm serious love, it's really good, better than anything I could ever come up with, I can tell you that much."
It made me smile, but then the kitchen flew into chaos as the two wild barking dogs ran through with Katie and the boys running behind them. John quickly released me to chase after them, screaming. "Oi! Oi! Who the bloody hell let the dogs in the house? David! David, take the dogs back outside! David!"
I couldn't stop laughing, watching him chase after the kids as they chased the dogs through the house. I had to admit I enjoyed being here in his lively home. It was a large contrast from living alone.
"Fucking dogs," he grumbled under his breath as he walked back to me. "Sorry love," he said, taking me into his arms again, his nose buried in my neck, followed by a soft kiss that sent chills down my spine. "These kids and the fucking dogs, I swear it. If they didn't love them so much, I'd drop them off in the middle of the bloody country," he spat, but I feel he didn't mean it.
I laughed. "They don't bother me," I assured him. "They just need a bath."
"They need more than a bloody bath if you ask me."
We all sat politely at the table and John eyed the children, begging for their best behavior for once. I put bowls of food in front of them and was pleased with the smiles I received in response. The table was quiet as everyone ate. That was as good a sign as any that they liked it.
Everyone emptied their bowels, and I took them to the sink.
"Tell Anna thank you," John insisted, and the table erupted in gratitude.
"You're welcome," I smiled.
"Alright, go get washed up for bed, go on," John said.
After dinner, I helped bathe the younger children, washed their hair, and got them ready for bed. For the girls, I combed, brushed, and braided their hair into one big plait so it would grow long and be strong. Then John and I tucked them all into bed. I stood in the doorway as he kissed them goodnight. It was the sweetest thing I'd ever watched.
When they finally fell asleep, John and I laid down on the couch and I thought about the day. I knew they weren't mine, but I could see myself being in their lives. I wondered if this was what it would feel like if I had gotten married and had children of my own. Would I know this level of happiness?
"You're quiet tonight," he whispered, his fingers combing the edge of my hairline as we watched the fire.
"Sorry, I was just thinking."
"You don't have to worry, they like you, a lot," he assured me.
"I like them too. They're good kids, John. I even like the bloody dogs."
He sighed, bringing me closer. "I was kind of hoping you wouldn't, so when I got rid of them I'd just blame it on you," he teased and I laughed.
"That sounds like something you would do. Make me out to be the bad one."
"It does, doesn't it," he laughed, placing a long kiss on my head.
I was up early, far before everyone, including the sun. I just couldn't go back to sleep. It was easier to get up, start the day, and start some cleaning. It helped to take my mind off my long list of troubles. I swept the floors, mopped, and started on the dishes, and still, the house was silent.
Maybe I could ask John to go see my father with me today. I was ready to face the pain and get it over with, free myself from this anger I felt bubbling in my chest. I wanted to get past this and enjoy what time I had left with him. The time I wish I always had with my mother.
Warm, thick arms wrapped around my waist and I quickly used the back of my hand to wipe away the tears. It was too early to be crying, and the last thing I wanted from John was pity.
"You're up early, love," he whispered against my ear.
"I figured I'd get up, there's so much to do around this place."
"I'll admit, it's been a while since this place has had a woman's touch."
"Trust me, I can tell," I said, and we both laughed, but as it faded, the urgency crept back in. "John—" I said, touching his arm.
"Yes, love?"
"Do you think we could see my father today after we drop the children off at school?"
"Are you sure you're ready?"
I turned to face him and nodded. "I think I am. At least as I'll ever be. I don't want to waste any more time. I don't know how long he has."
He agreed with a nod, tucking a lock of hair behind my ear. "Alright. Let's go see 'em."
When the Shelby children woke up, the house came alive. I never worked so hard in my entire life to get four children ready for school.
"Andrew, whip your face," John said, handing him a cloth napkin for the grape jelly that sat on the corner of his mouth before standing to his feet. "Listen up! I don't want any bad reports from school today. I send you to learn not to cause trouble, you hear? So David, make sure you look after your siblings. Keep them in line."
"Yes sir," David mumbled, already annoyed by the task. In all honesty, I felt sorry for him, he and his siblings were a bit wild.
"Alright, let's go," he said, and the children rushed towards the door. I helped the young ones into their coats and John opened the door.
John took my hand as we walked the children down Watery Lane towards the school, joining other groups of parents with their young children. We picked up Finn as we passed the shop and he smiled up at me.
It was an experience taking the kids to school with John. the role of a mom was something I believed in my heart I could get used to. There was nothing like the joy of raising children with a man that you loved. John smiled at me as we walked along, listening to the things that came out of his children's mouths, trying our hardness not to laugh.
At the school gates, John hugged his children and placed kisses on their foreheads before repeating his orders. "Behave yourselves. I don't want any bad reports."
They each agreed, but we all knew that meant nothing. We stood at the gate watching them head off to class until they were out of sight. John then took my hand and our eyes met.
"Do you still want to go?"
I nodded with a swallow. "Please."
"Alright, love. Let's go see your old man."
