Chapter 2

Evelyn groaned as her alarm clock blared in her ears. Burying her head further into her fluffy pillows she briefly considered if she really needed this job and immediately her consciousness answered her with a yes. Grumbling with annoyance she smacked the button to quiet her alarm and sat up in her bed as if she was possessed and by the looks of her she could definitely pass as it. Rubbing her dark ringed eyes she glanced at her clock wondering why it was set so early and jumped out of bed when she remembered. Cracking her door open she saw the little boy who looked like a completely different person now that he was washed and laying in clean clothes. She smiled before quietly closing her door and showering before getting dressed. The little boy was already awake when she walked into the living room staring at the blackened screen of her television.

"It's ok you can watch cartoons if you want" Evelyn shrugged before pulling out a frying pan preparing to make breakfast.

The smell of cooking meat, eggs and pancakes filled the small apartment making the boys mouth water but he could barely take his attention from the characters running across the screen.

"Go wash up breakfast will be out in a minute" Evelyn called from over her shoulder.

The boy gave one last look at the screen before heading into the bathroom where Evelyn left a toothbrush, towels and his clothes now cleaned and neatly folded on the sink. Soon the boy emerged from the bathroom cleaned and changed. The boy reached for a sausage only to have his hand popped by Evelyn.

"We have to say grace first" She smiled before taking his hand.

She saw his confused expression before she shut her eyes.

"Bow your head and close your eyes" Evelyn said gently before beginning prayer.

The boy ate and even had seconds which made Evelyn smile.

"So what's your name?" Evelyn asked casually as she shoved a fork full of food into her mouth.

There was silence for a few minutes as the boy stared down at his food. He scooped a fork full up but before he ate it he looked up at Evelyn.

"My friends call me Slick" He answered as he continued eating.

"Well Slick I have to get to work soon but there's a nice woman downstairs that can watch you while I'm gone"

"I can take care of myself" He said with a saddened look but it fell to determination.

"Yes but it would make me feel better. If something were to happen I would not know until hours later"

"Well...ok" Slick said with a defeated look.

"Great. Her name is Mrs. Thomas. She watches some of the neighborhood kids so you'll make some more friends too. It'll be fun. I'll be back around six thirty" Evelyn said taking his empty plate and glass.

Fumbling around the room Evelyn grabbed her bag and other essentials for the day and swiped her keys off of the counter.

"Alright let's go"

Slick and Evelyn maneuvered around others who were hustling on their way to work or dropping their kids off before coming to a door on the first floor of the apartment building. Children laughing could be heard on the other side before Evelyn raised her fist to knock loudly.

A young woman a few years younger than Evelyn answered the door with a baby on her hip.

"Hi Rose is your mother here?" Evelyn questioned.

"Mom!" The girl shouted over the children as she bounced the baby to keep him calm.

An older woman barely showing grey answered the door with a smile.

"Evelyn how nice to see you" The woman called giving her a big hug.

"Hi Mrs. Thomas. It's nice to see you too. I'm sorry to do this on such short notice but I was wondering if you would watch someone for me. Slick this is Mrs. Thomas" Evelyn said introducing the young boy who was taking in the scene on the other side of the apartment.

"Slick say hello" Evelyn nudged.

"Hi" The boy said simply as he continued to stare ahead.

"Hello Slick it's nice to meet you why don't you go play"

Slick gave a look to Evelyn as if silently asking her permission.

"It's ok remember I'll be back after work alright"

Slick nodded and eased his way inside but still lingered by the door.

"Thank you so much Mrs. Thomas. Will Fifty cover it?" Evelyn questioned.

"Sure thing sweety. Don't worry we'll take good care of Slick"

Evelyn could still see that Slick was worried.

"Hey Slick come here" Evelyn called.

He quickly rushed over towards her.

"I know a new place can be scary but I'll be back right after work ok. It helps if you try to have fun it makes the time fly by and Rose tells the best stories"

Debating on whether to hug him or not Evelyn decided to ruffle his hair playfully before letting him go. Mrs. Thomas closed the door and Evelyn rushed to catch her first bus to her job.

Evelyn stretched before leaving the bus and walking into the television station. After making her way past security she piled into one of the elevators and rode to her floor. Like always everyone was buzzing around chatting, yelling or nose deep in paperwork. Pouring a mug of coffee she headed to her office saying good morning to Mr. Jacobs, the Executive Producer and placing the mug on his desk as he argued with someone over the phone. She smirked and headed to her desk logging into the computer system when there was a knock on her door. Mr. Jacobs stood red faced and slightly flustered from his conversation but smiled at Evelyn.

"Forgive me Evelyn I did not mean to be rude" He apologized.

"It's alright but you really should watch that blood pressure of yours" Evelyn scolded lightly.

Mr. Jacobs chuckled before taking a sip of his coffee.

"Actually don't get too comfortable at your desk today you'll be leaving soon" He said casually.

Evelyn stopped what she was doing to stare at the older gray haired man with shock expecting the worse.

"Oh no forgive me dear girl I did not mean to frighten you. It is just the assistant at BNB just walked out and Nicolette is completely lost without her. We have three new shows airing today and one of our studios is being renovated...anyway long story short I will need you to help Nicolette at BNB. Is that alright?" Mr. Jacobs asked.

"Yes that is fine but I have no clue on how to get there"

"Oh don't worry about that the network will be picking you up downstairs any minute now actually" Mr. Jacobs said checking his watch.

"Well is this just for today?" Evelyn asked gathering her things once again.

"For the next few weeks I'm afraid. I do not know what I will do without you" Mr. Jacobs said with a chuckle.

"I'm sure you will be fine just remember your meeting with Mr. Miles has been moved from one o'clock to three o'clock" Evelyn said writing down the information and handing him the sticky note.

"What is it with women and sticky notes?" Mr. Jacobs said with a slight frown before taking the note.

Evelyn smiled before leaving the office and heading back downstairs. She did not have to wait long when a SUV with the BNB lettering and symbol pulled up to the curb of the building. Evelyn flashed her ID badge through the window and the driver opened the door.

"Mornin' miss nice weather we're havin" The driver said in a combination of English and Irish accent.

"Yes very nice. I'm Evelyn nice to meet you"

"The name is Eric and it's nice to meet you too. I'll be your driver to the BNB this week"

"Nice to meet you Eric" Evelyn said with a sigh as Eric pulled the SUV into traffic and headed towards the station.

Evelyn's jaw dropped slightly as they neared the sky scraper that was completely encased in glass. There was a valet at the front door which is where Eric dropped her off.

"Thanks Eric"

"Good day miss" Eric called before leaving.

Evelyn stared up at the sky scraper once more before making her way inside. Security stopped her after seeing her badge did not match the BNB.

"I'm here for Nicolette" Evelyn said calmly and waited for them to call the Producer.

"Oh thank God you are here!" A wiry looking woman called in excitement.

Evelyn turned towards the voice only to be encased in a bone crushing hug.

"You must be Nicolette?" Evelyn said with an awkward smile.

"Yes yes oh my goodness I totally forgot about your pass. Well no matter we'll handle that later today I hope we have the time anyway come come follow me" The woman rattled on without seeming to take a breath.

Evelyn watched the security guards snicker in amusement apparently familiar with the hyper young woman. Nicolette sped through introductions as they passed various employees until they came to a stout man with short auburn hair trimmed in a professional style. Women chatted away with him as they did his makeup and brushed his hair.

"Ah Gordon how lovely we caught you. This is Evelyn she will be taking over your show for a few weeks. Oh my goodness is that the time already I have to get going. Have a great show" Nicolette called before rushing off.

Evelyn stood dumbfounded for a few seconds before trying to catch up with the woman.

"Wait Nicolette!" Evelyn called but soon lost the woman in the crowds of people.

"Everything alright?" Gordon questioned out loud.

Evelyn turned in his direction not sure if he was speaking to her.

"No everything is not alright. I am only an assistant. I get coffee and handle paperwork. No one said anything about running a show" Evelyn called out with slight irritation.

"Well surely you did not plan on fetching coffee all of your life?" Gordon questioned in amusement.

"I...well that's not what I meant" Evelyn said slightly flustered.

"Don't worry monkeys could run this network, actually they do. It's not hard you'll get the hang of it...eventually" Gordon smiled.

"Well ladies I hate to leave you but London awaits"Gordon chuckled before leaving his seat and heading further into the studio. Evelyn followed after him as a man shoved a headset to her and yelled at the camera to get ready.

Evelyn secured the headset and prayed for the best as the count down for the show began.

Seeing that most of Gordon's show was live there was not much she could do and she cringed silently at some of the topics and jesting he did at the expense of Chancellor Sutler. Evelyn's eyes darted from side to side expecting to see the secret police any second.

"Cut. Alright let's break for lunch" A voice shouted as everyone dispersed.

Evelyn clutched her chest and tried to calm her breathing seeing that half of the day was almost over.

"You did a fabulous job Evelyn" Gordon cheered.

"I did not say anything" Evelyn said wondering if he was making a joke at her expense.

"Yes well people around here tend to talk too much" Gordon smirked.

"I should probably hurry and grab lunch Mr. Gordon. Excuse me"

"Please just call me Gordon everyone does and speaking of lunch I am quite peckish myself do you mind if I join you"

Actually she did something about Gordon seemed to scream trouble and after her encounter with the Fingermen she did not want to get on the secret police's radar.

"No not at all" She said with a smile.

Coward. She scolded.

"Do you mind if we take my car?" Gordon questioned.

"No but I should let my driver know so that he can get lunch" Evelyn said rushing towards the elevator.

"Wonderful I shall meet you at the Valet shortly" Gordon said taking her hand and kissing the back of it before disappearing towards his dressing room.

"What the hell is going on?" Evelyn questioned to herself although it was loud enough for some people to look at her like she was crazy.

Evelyn rolled her eyes at the stares and headed downstairs to see if the could find Eric. He was waiting patiently by Valet until she informed him she would not need a ride for lunch.

"Are you sure?" Eric questioned.

"Miss Evelyn are you ready?" Gordon called from behind her.

"Honestly I have no idea" Evelyn mumbled.

"Is that guy hastlin' ya?" Eric questioned.

"No I'm fine but thank you for your concern. I shall see you later" Evelyn smiled before walking towards Gordon who held a door to a black limo open for her.

Evelyn thought the whole scene was a little over the top however it was starting to surprise her less and less. Gordon made pleasant conversation until the limo pulled up to a fancy looking Bistro restaurant. Gordon hopped out and held the door open for Evelyn who thanked him and followed him inside. The maƮtre d' smiled widely at Gordon's entrance and immediately showed the two to a table with a beautiful view.

"So how did a coffee girl become Producer of the BNB?" Gordon teased lightly.

"Very funny Mr. Gordon" Evelyn said humorlessly.

"Forgive me I did not mean to offend you. You just seem different than everyone else"

"What do you mean?"

"You seem as if you actually care. Those who aren't trying to fatten their wallets are in it for a chance at fame or landing a famous wife or husband" Gordon said slightly harshly.

Evelyn did not take offense to it as she sipped her water.

"I like my job. Mr. Jacobs is really sweet and although there are difficulties that can be said for any profession. It could be much worse"

"Spoken like a true lady" Gordon smiled entertained.

"Yes well to be honest I did not plan to go into the television business" Evelyn chuckled.

"What did you want to do?" He asked.

"I have no idea. I changed my major in college more times than I could count and settled on Journalism only because I wouldn't have graduated on time if I changed it again. Plus I didn't have the money to keep going" Evelyn said honestly.

"I just love writing not necessarily for the news but it pays the bills" Evelyn smiled as a waitress brought their food.

"Well that's enough about me what about you Mr. Gordon. When did you know you wanted to be a TV star?" Evelyn questioned making Gordon chuckle amused.

"To be honest I fell into the job actually. I wanted nothing to do with this type of life but as you say it pays the bills" Gordon smiled.

Lunch was surprisingly pleasant and Evelyn was glad she agreed to join him. Aside from some of the flashing cameras from guests and paparazzi she enjoyed herself and learned a little more about Gordon who she may have judged too harshly. Although he was a gentleman she could easily see through his facade of happiness but decided not to comment on it. Times had been rough on everyone with disappearances, kidnappings, outbreaks of diseases and secret facilities. Many pretended not to notice but to be honest Sutler and his men were not fooling anyone. Nearly everyone in London knew someone that had been black bagged never to be seen again.

"Is something the matter?" Gordon asked in concern.

"What? Oh no sorry" Evelyn said placing a smile back on her face.

"I hope you do not think me too forward but I was wondering if I could ask you something?"

"Depends on what your question is" Evelyn said skeptically.

Gordon chuckled.

"Well I guess I'll just ask. There is a dinner party coming up and I would be honored if you accompanied me"

"Well that is very sweet of you Mr. Gordon but aren't supermodels more your speed" Evelyn teased.

"Yes well if you were not wearing that badge I am sure many would mistake you for one" He smiled.

"You are quite the charmer" Evelyn said amused. "Sure why not"

"Great it is this Saturday. I will pick you up at eight o' clock"

"Sounds great" Evelyn agreed.

Gordon stood before pulling her chair out and they headed back to the limo. Gordon opened the door for her to exit and kissed the back of her hand. Evelyn smirked and waved goodbye before walking back upstairs to work.

Like everyday she was incredibly glad that the day was over and her mind began wondering what she was going to make for dinner and wondered if Slick liked something in particular. Maybe she could figure out what his favorite food was. To be honest she was excited to go home. She lived alone for so long she was happy to know there was going to be someone waiting for her when she came home. Seeing that she was getting a ride she made a stop to pick up a toy for Slick. Waving goodbye and thanking Eric once again she quickly made her way inside although she was nearly fifteen minutes early than she told Slick she would return. However being early seemed better than being late especially seeing that he was so afraid of leaving her side. Evelyn knocked happily on Mrs. Thomas' door. Mrs. Thomas smiled but once she saw who it was her smile fell. Evelyn wondered what could have caused her frown.

"Hi. I'm here to pick up Slick. How did he do today?" Evelyn questioned in slight concern.

"Oh Evelyn. I tried to reach you at work but they said you weren't in the office today"

"Yes I was needed at the BNB today. Is something wrong? Did something happen?" Evelyn questioned in concern as her eyes swept through what she could see of the apartment.

"Where's Slick?"

"I'm sorry sweetheart but he left"

"What do you mean he left?" Evelyn asked slightly harsh.

"He ran away"

"Are you sure? Are sure nothing happened to him? Did someone take him?" Evelyn asked nearly in hysterics.

"I'm sure. He said he was going to the bathroom and when Rose went to check on him after a while the window was open and he was gone. I'm sorry Evelyn. That was a sweet thing you did for him though" Mrs. Thomas said trying to comfort Evelyn although it did not do much.

Evelyn smiled and thanked the woman before leaving to head upstairs. Taking a look at the toy she placed it on the kitchen table with sad eyes. Opening her freezer she flipped through her options before heating up a TV dinner and pouring something to drink. Folding up the sheets to wash she threw them in the dirty clothes hamper and walked back into the kitchen hearing the ding of the microwave. Grabbing a fork out of the drawer she flopped on the couch and turned on the television picking at her once frozen dinner.

After finishing her dinner and chugging the rest of the juice in her glass she flipped the television off throwing the tray away and washing her glass and fork before placing them on a drying rack. Her eyes fell on the toy still nestled in it's package and sighed deeply before going to bed. Why was she so upset over Slick leaving? I mean it wasn't like they were related or anything and she did only promise him a hot meal and a place to sleep for the night. Evelyn tossed and turned in her covers as she began to worry about the young boy all alone on the streets. There was nothing she could do about it right? She tossed to the other side of her bed knowing she wasn't going to get any sleep. Checking the clock she still had a few hours before curfew. Throwing on a pair of boots, coat and grabbing a flash light she went to go search the streets.

Hours and a few blisters later Evelyn returns to her apartment feeling worse than before but at least she can say she tried. Throwing the flashlight on the couch she stumbled to her bed in exhaustion and fell into a deep sleep as soon as her head hit the pillow. Maybe tomorrow would be better. Yeah that's how she made it through another day hope for a better tomorrow.