I stood close to the side of the car while the driver inspected the engine. As luck would have it, the car Mr. Henderson arranged to drive me back to the estate broke down halfway there. It had just been raining, only recently stopping. The night air was both warm and muggy at once. I remained there, patiently waiting for the man to finish up. When his head opened out from under the hood, he did not look pleased.
"Sorry, miss. Don't know what's wrong with her, but she ain't going nowhere else tonight," the driver wiped his brow with his handkerchief. Seeing as his was properly stained with oil by now, I grinned reaching into my pocket. His eyes widened when I handed him a new, clean white one with a small embroidery on it. "Don't worry about it. I'll just take the train back; it'll be fine." Taking the hanky from me, he gave me a sudden worried expression, holding the clothing item in his hand. His greasy fingers caressed its top, smudging it already- a nervous gesture. "You sure, miss? I don't mind walkin' ya the rest of the way. I just…. can't leave the car on the side of the road like this," his eyes glanced back to the vehicle from over his shoulder. My hand raised up as I gently shook my head. "It'll be ok; please don't worry. I'll call Mr. Henderson as soon as I'm back, just you both know I'm safe," I suggested, hoping this would make him feel better.
Judging by the concerned lines still on his face, I'd say it did not. His fingers kept running back and forth on the handkerchief I gave him in a reluctant matter. His eyes didn't stray from mine and his lips gave a worried purse. But I smiled kindly, lowering my head a little. "Please….. You've already got enough on your plate to worry about, and my master will start to worry too if I'm not back soon. I really must be going." He sighed, though hesitantly. His arm left and his eyes closed for a second. "Alright then," the driver conceded and I grinned in gratitude. "Thank you, sir. I'll see you next week," with a wave, I was about to turn around and walk off before he stopped me. I had just spun around on my heels and taken three steps forward when he made me blink back at him. "Miss?" I paused and we locked eyes. His narrowed very, VERY seriously. "Be careful." This earned another soft head nod. "I will," was my gentle reply before running off. He watched me go until I was out of view before turning back to the broken car.
The nearest train station was only a few blocks away. Admittedly I was unfamiliar with this part of downtown; hadn't spent any time down on this end. Luckily there were signs telling where the station was. I followed them, trying to be as invisible as possible; it was already dark out, with only the rusty streetlamps for light. Course that all changed once I entered the station, with bright white lights shining everywhere. I'd never been in a rail station this late at night before, so this was a new and admittedly frightening experience for me.
This old, bristly man was the only one manning the ticket booth. Using what little pocket money I brought with me, I purchased a one-way ticket. The man seemed a little surprised to see someone like me here alone so late, but he was terse and as rude with me as I'd imagine he'd be with any patron. After paying, I went through the gates and down the cement-block steps to the platform. Thankfully there were more people down here, and some women of various ages, which put me a bit more at ease. Perhaps these are people returning home from a church service; it is Sunday night, after all. There was this one couple with a baby, making me feel much safer now. Not feeling like such a target for criminal conduct anymore, I began to relax and think about my finances again. I was getting close…. Only a few more weeks now; a month tops.
The train arrived within five minutes. The horn blasted, it stopped on the right side of the platform, and the doors opened for everyone to pile on. There wasn't much space onboard, and I wanted to make sure that everyone which children had a seat first. I had to stand at the corner holding onto the metal bar, which was fine by me. Mothers bounced and cooed their infants, men read their newspapers, some kids were playing this game with a string and some coins. I didn't pay much mind to any of this, instead directing my attention out of the window. I still didn't really know where I was and so wanted to get my bearings as soon as possible. The train emerged from up underground, running alongside the streetcars in between the buildings. I watched the buildings and department stores go by tiredly, still unsure where we were. I was just about to learn, however, that this was the least of my problems.
The train came to a sudden halt in the middle of the road. The impact was so great that several people toppled over, falling to the floor. Acting on instinct, after grabbing the metal bar and steadying myself, my head immediately shot back to the rest of the crowd, worried that someone might have gotten hurt and needed help. This wave of relief washed over me when it appeared that everyone was alright, just alarmed and confused like me. Nothing happened for a full minute, giving children time to ask their parents what was wrong. No one had any idea what was going on until the back train door slid open. We all looked to see this police official march onboard; his handgun prominently displayed on his waistbelt. He had a hat on and everything- truly a terrifying sight.
"Everyone off!" He ordered in a bellow. For a second, none of us reacted, too stunned to move, but we soon collectively came to our senses. We clambered off the train one at a time, with some of the younger men helping the ladies and elderly people down. This one man, in his thirties I'd say, grabbed my waist and set me down on my feet. After thanking him with the world's quickest grin, I joined the rest of the puzzled and scared crowd off to the side, away from the train carte. The place was surrounded by police cars and officers, each with a gun and strict look on their face. Some of the kids were crying by now and the older people reacting badly. The official waited until we were all off before slamming the train door behind him and jumping down. Clasping his hands behind his back, he gave us all a once over.
"Alright, listen up! I want all men, children, and married women over here! All single women to this side!" He shouted and my heart sank in a way I'd never experienced before. I overheard two elderly ladies anxiously whispering amongst themselves beside me. "Oh! This must be about that Westalis spy breaking into the mayor's office earlier today." What? The other lady gasped. "Do you think this means that they haven't found her yet?" What?! Oh no…. Oh no.
"Move it!" The official commanded again. The ladies and I flinched, and they scuttled off to the one side. I was about to join them when the realization suddenly hit me…. I'm not married. Wide-eyed and now petrified, my head very slowly spun over to the side where a bunch of young, innocent women and girls were now crying and begging to be told what's going on. The people on the other side, particularly the men, were getting mad too. One bigger fellow stepped forward, his hands balled into fists.
"What's the meaning of this?! We haven't done anything wrong!" "That is none of your business, old man! Now shut up and get in line!" One of the police officers hollered back. It literally felt like stepping on small, insanely sharp knives walking over to the single lady side. Our side was smaller than the other, but everyone there was already crying hysterically. And for good reason. Once our groups were separated, the police started taking out their handcuffs and opening the police car doors. The official turned to one of the officers, his gloved hands planted on his hips. "Take these women downtown. You know what to do."
The instant these words were uttered from his lips, it was like my life flashed before my eyes….. and all I could see out in front of me was my father. No…. No, you're not doing this. You're not taking me away from what I've been working so hard towards, what I've been dreaming of since I was four years old. No….. No! You're not! You're not going to destroy this for me! You're not going to rip everything from my hands when it's so close! You're not going to keep me away from Father! Screw you- go to hell! You goons will never keep me from him! Never!
Before my brain could register what my feet were doing, I had run up to one of the officers loading the girls into the police cars. I grabbed his arm in both of mine, giving him the world's most desperate pleading glance. He was taken aback at first, but didn't immediately react, giving me time to present my case.
"No, please! Please, sir! I'm an Ostanian native! My father was employed by the National Unity Party, and I work for a party official! He'll vouch for me! He's expecting me right now! PLEASE!" Ok, I'll be the first to admit that I made a bit of a scene. Everyone was looking at us now, including the police official and everyone on the other side. I hadn't meant to beg so loudly, and I knew I could have tried running away, but I didn't want my name to go on any official list. I NEEDED that exit visa, and they only issue those to citizens with spotless records. It wasn't worth the risk.
This outburst did have the intended consequence, though. While there were hot, desperate tears streaming down my cheeks, and the man swiftly yanked his arm away from me, his superior approached us ponderingly. He scanned me over, wearing a deep, imbedded frown on his lips.
"You work for a party official?" "Yes sir! I'm his maid. Master… er Mr. Desmond can confirm this," they don't care about Damian's word; it's his father's that is important. His eyebrow raised slightly. "Desmond? You mean Mr. Donovan Desmond?" "The very one, sir! He's… He's expecting me to return home immediately. Please sir, if I'm detained any longer, I might lose my job," that was a lie, but I was thinking of anything to say by this point. The official didn't look impressed, but he didn't issue the order to have me carted off either. A very tense moment of silence erupted as he stared me down. More like glared; you could cut butter, his glare was that space. Eventually his chest puffed out a little as he gave me what I know was a warning look.
"Do you know what'll happen if you lie to a member of the SSS?" "I'm not lying! I am in earnest, sir!" I instantly retorted, a bit too loudly once more. He hummed to himself bitterly, giving me one last glare before turning to the officer standing beside him. "Take her to the Desmond estate and have them confirm her identity." "Yes, sir," the officer saluted. Then he flashed me a monstrous expression, nearly ripping my arm off as two other officers joined us. It was humiliating, being marched through the streets by these "escorts". I was grateful that the horrific ordeal didn't last too long. But the next part was arguably worse.
We arrived at the Desmond manor on the other end of downtown. The place was barren outside, with the only light coming from the porch light and through the windows. One of the officers still clutched onto my arm while the first one- the one that the official had spoken to- went to knock on the door. I cringed so hard, already expecting the worst. Things did not improve for me when nonother than Madame de Bossé answered. She looked at the police officers, then at me. Her initial reaction was one more of shock than anger- that's a first.
"Officers?" Her voice was peppered with confusion. "Is the master of the house at home?" The first officer inquired tortly. She blinked in surprise. "Why, yes. Is anything the matter?" It took her a few moments to put it together, but she next fired off this insidious glare my way. Her eyes revealed that she was ready to strangle me with her bare hands all of a sudden, she was THAT enraged. "You! Don't tell me she being arrested?! Oh why am I not surprised?!" Her fat finger pointed at me accusingly. The first officer rolled his eyes and did his best to keep his own composure. "Get me the master of the house," his toned sounded a little less patient now. Madame de Bossé blinked, letting her jaw drop open a tad before replying in a much sweeter voice this time. Her white gloved hands clasped out in front of her professionally. "I'm sorry, sir. The master has retired for the evening. You and your men will just have to come back tomorrow. Feel free to do with "that" whatever you want," she sent me a sneer. "That"? Really? She never did bother to learn my name after all. Why am I not surprised.
Now the police officer was starting to look mad. His arms straightened at his sides in a dominant position as he stared the madame down. "I'm not in the practice of wasting time, woman. Now, for the final time, go get me your….." His order was cut off any another yell from inside the house. We all glanced, including the madame, to see four people approach the doorway. My heart sank down to the ground as the three Desmond men arrived, along with Raul off to the side. His eyes were huge and his face aghast the moment he saw me. And he wasn't the only one…
It was the officer's turn to be overwhelmed, however, once Mr. Desmond was in sight. He marched out, literally ignoring everyone but the policeman, who now looked like he was regretting a lot of his life choices. Mr. Desmond sent him one of the coldest, most evil, sinister stares I'd ever seen in my life, and though he did not raise his voice, that made him sound even scarier.
"Is there a problem here, officer?" The way Mr. Desmond said "officer" was so condescending…. The officer suddenly squirmed in his boots a little. "Erm, n-no, sir. Uh, I-I'm just here to….." "To interrupt a top party official's sleep? Or privacy? Is that the kind of disrespect they are teaching at the training academies these days?" Oh god, was Mr. Desmond terrifying; even his own sons looked on edge currently. I'll admit though, it was fun seeing the police officer start to crumble under his crushing authority. Let's see how you like it, jerk!
The officer's lips sputtered; he looked like a complete idiot. "Of course not, sir! I was sent here to confirm one your employee's identity." There was this eerie crackling in the air; everyone could tell that Mr. Desmond was NOT happy to hear this. The look he gave the officer is one I'll never forget, and I don't think he will either…..
"Are you so incompetent that you ME to answer such a tedious question?" The officer's face went ghost white. I think he was starting to realize what the ramifications for him would be tomorrow once Mr. Desmond contacted his boss. "U-Uh, no sir! It's just that….!" "It's just that you felt the need to waste my time and make a fool of yourself. I see, so this is the kind of imbeciles they have doing the SSS's grunt work. It is clear to me that your division is in need of some re-education, but that is not my concern. None of your little, petty problems could ever be so important enough as to warrant my concern. Do I make myself clear?" The poor officer seemed like he was about to cry. Unable to speak, he forced himself to nod. Still unsatisfied with this, Mr. Desmond turned on his heels, where both his sons immediately flinched. He looked to the eldest with a stern stare. "I'm going back to bed. Deal with this, Demetrius," his father commanded and his back arched up obediently. "Yes, Father!" With that, Mr. Desmond returned back into the house, leaving his son to clean up the metaphorical mess. Demetrius glanced back to the officer with a perplexed expression. Damian, on the other hand, still looked utterly horrified by the whole ordeal. I think we all were, to be honest.
Attempting to gain control of the situation, Demetrius cleared his throat and turned to the officer. "Now then, you want me to confirm the employment of…. someone?" The officer stared blankly at him a moment, like he'd forgotten the whole reason he came here, before flinching. "Uh, yes sir. This young woman here; she was traveling on the train downtown by herself," his hand motioned to me, and I just wanted to die. Jesus, does he have to be so candid about it? I don't want to even describe the way Damian was gawking at me now…. His brother, however, merely blinked back to me curious. He glanced at me like he'd never seen me in his life before; ironic since I've been working here for months now.
"You mean her? Can't say I recognize her….." Demetrius pondered, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. Damian sensed his opportunity. "S-She works here! She's my maid! She's been my maid for a couple of weeks," he sounded as desperate as I was. We all gazed at him, and his brother waved his hand at Damian dismissively. "Not now, Damian. We're busy." "But it's the truth!" He shouted back, earning a half-hearted glance from his older brother. "Damian, would you please be quiet? The men of consequence are speaking."
I had never, ever seen Damian appear so stunned, heartbroken, and disappointed as he did just then. His eyes were gigantic and moist, his mouth ajar, and his hands curled into tight, embarrassed fists. The officer's eyes shifted from Damian over to his brother, clearly sensing the tension and resentment between them. Even Raul and the madame were speechless at Demetrius's dismissal and appalling treatment of his brother. Taking a page from his father's book, however, the eldest brother completely brushed this off, focusing exclusively on the issue at hand. Madame de Bossé's shoulders flinched when he unexpectedly spun to face her.
"Do you know this girl?" "U-Uh, yes sir. She's a maid here…" "Fine then. Yes officer, I can confirm that she does work here. Why that's of any importance to you, I don't know, but there you have your answer. Is there anything else?" The bumbling officer's lips flapped a little before his back arched. "N-No, sir! Thank you! I'll uh…. I'll report this back to my superiors." "Good," Demetrius's head nodded, then he looked straight into my face for the very first time. It was like he was actually looking at me, not through me- for once. And it was not a good feeling. His hands clasped behind his back, just like Mr. Desmond.
"You may return to the servant's domicile now, serving girl. Uh you, gardener, can you see her there?" He asked Raul. Not verbally responding, Raul raced up to me as the other officer FINALLY let go of my arm. He'd been holding it so hard, there were bruise marks already starting to form on the skin. Raul removed his jacket, instantly placing it protectively over my shoulders. Then, gently holding me by the shoulders, he guided me back towards inside. Demetrius yawned and also headed back in, leaving a still speechless Damian and Madame de Bossé standing there outside the front door. Damian's and my eyes lingered on each other, not parting until we were out of view. I was crying and he looked like he was on the verge. Raul cradled me as we walked, softly shushing me and telling me tender words of comfort.
It didn't help, though; the well was already poisoned in my mind. Power games; that's all this party and its stupid secret police did, was play these terrifying power games over one another. It was getting more dangerous. Westalis was sending in more spies, and as a result, the SSS was ramping up its presence in the city. Things were getting worse by the day. War was on the horizon and the government was clamping down on its citizens. I wouldn't be surprised if the borders were closed soon… A frustrated teardrop dripped down my cheek, landing on Raul's coat. Time's running out.
I've got to get out of this country.