Chapter 3
Evelyn spent the day shopping around for formal dresses seeing that she didn't own anything that she felt was appropriate enough for the dinner party. The most Evelyn dressed up for was a few weddings and her highschool prom and truth be told she wore her prom dress to two of those weddings. Evelyn hummed happily to herself as the bus wheezed down to her bus stop. She could not help but stare out of the windows hoping on the off chance to see Slick. Evelyn sighed as she pulled the chord nearing her apartment building. Placing the dress bag and shopping bag on her bed she waltzed into her bathroom. It took her longer than planned but seeing that she was excited she did not mind not having down time.
Evelyn smiled as the dress seemed as fabulous in the mirrors of her apartment as it did in the mirrors of the store. The dress was completely black with a V-neck that showed just a hint of cleavage. The dress was form fitting and floated loosely behind. Once she saw it she immediately thought of Audrey Hepburn. She only hoped it looked as great on her as it did in her mind. Sliding on her heels she reached her hands out to steady herself before taking a few cautious steps. Reaching into the bag she took out a small bag and placed the collar necklace covered in various rhinestones and metal designs around her neck. Taking the large rollers out of her hair she gently ran her fingers through the waves and sprayed on her expensive perfume she only wore on special occassions. Grabbing her clutch off of her bed she placed her things inside when she heard the sound of a horn. Looking out of her window she saw a white limo with Gordon leaning against the door. She waved to Gordon who gave a smile and small wave in return.
Double checking to make sure she had everything she grabbed her clutch and locked her door before carefully making her way downstairs. After barely making it down the first flight alive she took the shoes off and walked downstairs. Gordon raised a brow at the beauty before him.
"You look beautiful Evelyn" Gordon said honestly before kissing the back of her hand.
"Thanks. I almost murdered myself in these shoes. You don't mind do you" Evelyn questioned with the shoes in her hand.
"Not in the slightest" Gordon said opening the door for her.
"You look incredibly handsome yourself. Is there someone at this party you are trying to impress?" Evelyn questioned.
"You have quite an imagination" Gordon chuckled offering her an empty champagne glass before opening a bottle.
"A toast to us. May we find what we are searching for in life" Gordon said slightly cryptic before downing his glass and instantly refilling it.
"To happiness and may it not only be a pursuit" Evelyn said with an understanding smile.
Gordon gave a genuine smile before clinking his glass with her own. Evelyn laughed from their conversation before they pulled up to a beautiful and expensive looking hotel. Evelyn wrapped an arm around Gordon's arm as he ushered them both inside. The ceilings were dripping in chandeliers that looked to be made out of diamonds. They sparkled and shined as a red carpet lead the way to the swanky dinner party.
"Some of these people are insufferable just try to smile although I would not hold it against you if you threw a drink or two" Gordon chuckled.
"Behave" Evelyn said trying not to burst into laughter.
The room they came to was in a word, huge. There were a few floating dance floors scattered around the room as a live band played on a small stage. Dinner tables filled the open spaces however there was plenty of standing room and many seemed to be gathered by the bar. Women were covered in jewels and furs as they held onto the arms of their husbands or companions. Men were dressed in tuxedos which did not offer much differentiation except for Gordon who seemed to stand out among the others.
"Shall we?" Gordon asked making his way to the bar.
"I think the champagne was enough for me but I will not stop your fun" Evelyn smiled.
"Perhaps you are right. Good lord here comes Governer Brooks. Perhaps I should have downed that scotch when I had the chance" Gordon muttered with a smile so others would not detect his harsh words.
Evelyn chuckled before the Governor and his companion for the evening were in earshot.
"Ah Gordon a pleasure to see you this evening, and who is this beauty on your arm this time" The Governor smiled giving Evelyn a once over making his date narrow her eyes.
"Governor this is Miss Evelyn Dunas" Gordon said causing me to look slightly surprised but seeing that he was famous it would not be hard for him to get information especially about a woman that worked for the same Network.
"I can not say that I have seen you around but it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance" The Governor said with a smile.
"Yes it is nice to meet you as well and you are?" Evelyn questioned turning her head to the woman on the Governor's arm.
"Oh I'm sorry this is Sasha you may have seen her on runways in Paris or Italy" The Governor said with pride as if he had the shiniest toy in his class on show and tell.
"Well it is nice to meet you too Sasha" Evelyn smiled she only nodded her head turning her gaze to Gordon.
"Well the band is magnificent tonight. May I have the honor?" Gordon asked Evelyn.
"Sure. Excuse us" Evelyn smiled as Gordon lead her to the dance floor.
"You are a great dancer" Gordon said simply.
"You can thank my mother for that" She said with a bittersweet smile.
Gordon did not miss the expression but did not want to bring up painful memories so ignored it as they continued to spin around the room.
"I do not think Sasha liked me"
"I guess not. She is quite possessive"
"An ex companion of yours?" Evelyn questioned with a mischievious smile.
"If you can consider one date qualifications for a companion then yes" Gordon laughed.
The two continued dancing and talking on the dance floor drawing the attention of everyone. Especially seeing that Evelyn was a fresh face in high society. Many whispered among themselves and stared at the two. Many headed to their tables and like always Gordon pulled out the chair for Evelyn who thanked him as she sat down. They made pleasant conversation with others at the table however much of their conversation was exchanged between the two. Evelyn placed a hand on his arm as she laughed at his sarcastic and jovial remarks. Dinner was incredibly delicious and she did not try to hide it versus other women who picked at their plate or ignored it all together sipping on wine and making conversation to distract from the fact they did not eat much. Gordon noticed Evelyn's unashamed hearty appetite and decided that he liked her even more.
Other people came to the table trying to get information on the beautiful woman that accompanied Gordon. He simply told them they worked together at the BNB. Although many times Evelyn interrupted to answer the curious questions people asked as if she was not sitting beside him. Gordon admired her for her back bone and outspokeness. The evening began to wind down and Gordon could tell the evening was wearing on Evelyn so he called for his driver before pulling her chair out and escorting her away from the festivities that seemed to be in full swing.
"I hope you had a good time" Gordon said to Evelyn whose cheek was resting on her hand and her elbow on the door.
"Yeah it was great thank you so much for inviting me" Evelyn said blocking a yawn.
"I do not see how you do this on a regular I am exauhsted" Evelyn smirked.
"Just what are you implying madame?" Gordon questioned pretending to be offeneded.
Evelyn nudged his shoulder and laughed but soon sleep won over on her and she rested on Gordon's shoulder. Gordon smiled down on the young woman leaning against him. His Partner, Aaron, would have loved her. They would have been kindred spirits instantly. He wished he could introduce her to V they would but heads at first possibly but like they say opposites attract. Gordon wiped a tear the crept down his cheek. Life would never be the same without Aaron but he was glad to have another friend in his life to help fill the void. Although he valued V's friendship more than words could express it was also refreshing to have a friend he could go out to dinner with or grab lunch and tea with. He chuckled lightly as he brushed some of her wavy hair out of her face. In another life she may have been the one to turn him straight but he was fairly sure she only harbored platonic feelings for him, which were mutual.
Gently he nudged her sleeping form as they neared her apartment building. Evelyn awoke with a start as she frantically scanned her surroundings. Gordon looked at her in amusement until she managed to calm down.
"You're home" He said helping her out of the limosuine.
"Thanks" She slurred as she shook her head trying to wake herself enough to climb the stairs to her third floor apartment.
"Are you going to make it?" Gordon asked truly concerned.
"Yeah I'll be fine thanks" Evelyn said giving him a tight hug before wandering into her apartment building.
Gordon still looked slightly concerned and decided to wait until he saw the light cut on in her apartment. After being satisfied she returned safely he instructed his driver to take him home.
Evelyn stumbled inside making sure to lock the door behind her before trudging to her room. Turning the light on she planned on undressing and slipping into a pair of comfortable pajamas. Instead she undressed and threw her dress and shoes somewhere nearby and fell asleep on top of her covers in her bra and underware with her necklace fastened around her neck.
The next morning Evelyn groaned in happiness knowing that it was the weekend and she did not have to get up for work. After waking up in the middle of the day she gave a long stretch and continued to lay in her bed a few minutes longer. With a sigh she got up and washed up for the day changing her undergarments and pulling a long oversized sleep shirt that was clearly well loved over her head. Making a quick breakfast and coffee she flipped on the television to see the same old same old. Flipping mindlessly through the channels she sat up a little straighter before turning a channel backwards. Her suspicians were confirmed when she saw a photo of her hand on Gordon's arm as her face was frozen in mid laugh while Gordon chuckled staring at her.
"Does Gordon Deitrich have a new love interest? The famous playboy philanthropist was seen attending the Governor's dinner party however his attention was completely on a young women many have described as dazzling"
"That's right Samantha the woman has been identified as a producer assistant for the BNB Network named Evelyn Dunas. The two were seen getting cozy at the dinner party and even left the party early together..."
The news anchor kept talking but Evelyn blocked it out as her phone began ringing. She looked down to see an unknown number but decided to answer.
"Hello"
"Have you heard what they are saying about us?" A familiar voice laughed on the other end.
"Yeah I'm watching the news now" Evelyn chuckled stuffing more of her breakfast in her mouth.
"I do not mind the accusations especially when it comes to such a dazzling woman but I wanted to call and make sure you were alright"
"Why wouldn't I? I don't care what they think or say I think you're a great person and will be an even better friend" Evelyn said shrugging.
"I just wanted to make sure you knew I had nothing to do with any of it"
"I don't blame you" Evelyn said honestly.
"I also wanted to call you to see if you wanted to meet for a late lunch later" Gordon offered.
"Sure I'd love to but this time you have to let me treat" Evelyn said sternly.
Gordon smirked at her stern tone.
"Alright"
"Good how does three sound?" She asked.
"I shall see you then" Gordon said before hanging up the phone.
Gordon was busy a few hours before they were suppose to meet so they agreed to just see each other at the restaurant. The restaurant was nice but smaller than what Gordon was used to. It was your typical fifties style burger and shake joint. Evelyn adored the restaurant she came here all the time. The service was always friendly and the food and shakes were amazing.
Evelyn was glancing over the menu although it was only a formality seeing that she was incredibly familiar with the place. She waited patiently while on her second milkshake when Gordon came strolling into the restaurant. Her brow arched in surprise seeing that he seemed to be dressed in average clothes. Well it was obvious to see that the clothes were still expensive but it was still a shirt and trousers which was the complete opposite from what Evelyn had seen him in.
"Good afternoon" Gordon said with a smile as he took a seat across from me.
Evelyn gave a slight wave as she struggled to get her shake through her straw.
"I have not been here in years. Still looks the same in a good way" Gordon smiled with a nostalgic look in his eyes.
"It was my older brother's favorite place" Evelyn said reflecting the look in his eye.
"I did not know you had siblings"
"Well just one but...he's gone now" Evelyn said looking down at the menu trying to distract herself from crying by reading the options in her head.
"Oh I see. I'm sorry" Gordon said placing a hand over hers.
"Thank you. Anyway everything is pretty much amazing but you have to get a shake I recommend the peach or twisted vanilla" Evelyn said trying to smile and quickly wiping a tear that escaped down her cheek.
Gordon gave a sad smile and nodded before looking at the menu himself. Seeing that he could not decide Evelyn recommeded that he try his top three choices. So now here they sat with a table full of food.
"You don't mind do you?" Gordon asked pulling out the morning paper. Evelyn shook her head no as she continued to eat her food with spoon fulls of her milkshake.
Gordon liked to read the funnies first he claimed it was where he got most of his material. Placing the other papers aside Evelyn helped herself as she flipped through the paper wondering whose articles had been published today. In the bottom corner of one of the papers sat a small article. The article gave very little information just ragings by the author about some lunatic terrorist that was trying to tear apart everything Chancellor Sutler worked so hard to build making him look like a God as usual. Evelyn rolled her eyes at the article until a picture caught her attention. To be honest the picture was difficult to make out at first but somehow she was able to spot the wide grin of a mocking mask. She froze in place as she could not take her eyes away from the picture. Underneath the picture there was a plea for anyone with information to report to their local police station.
"Evelyn are you alright?" Gordon asked managing to steal a quick peak at what had disturbed her before she snatched the paper closed.
"Yeah I'm fine" She said but even she could hear the nervousness in her voice.
Evelyn placed the paper back where she found it and tried to continue eating but she suddenly lost her appetite so she ate her shake instead. Gordon took the papers and flipped to the page that seemed to disturb her immediately his eyes fell to the small article and picture. He glanced at his new found friend across the table and wondered why it would upset her so much. V was a complicated man to put it very simply but V lived and would die by his moral code and Gordon had no doubt within his mind that he would never harm an innocent woman. Maybe she wasn't innocent. Gordon knew he would have to get to the bottom of this.
"See someone you know in the paper. Perhaps one of the writers?" Gordon asked casually flipping the paper to another page.
"Ummm yeah a few of them actually" Evelyn said not meeting his eyes.
"You seem upset? Did they steal your story?"
"Oh no. I don't do much writing for the paper anymore"
"I see" Gordon muttered still wondering why a picture of V would upset her.
Gordon knew he was going to have to ask V about this but seeing that he had never mentioned the young woman maybe there was no cause for concern.
"Well lunch was lovely my dear but I am afraid I must be going. Can I drop you off at home?"
"No thanks Gordon I'm going to get some shopping done but it was great seeing you again"
Both of them stood as Evelyn prepared to pay for their meals at the register. She gave Gordon a hug before parting ways with him. Evelyn spent most of the day in town shopping and stopping at little shops picking up pastries and other sweet morsels. Sweets were her weakness.
She walked into a few clothing stores but did not buy much out of them as her mind wandered while her fingers caressed the various fabrics. Evelyn felt exauhsted, which was nothing new, she felt like that ever since she made the decision to return to London after the death of her mother. To this day she could not figure out what made her want to come back to this place but something continued to pull her here. At first she thought it was the ghost of her brother and father haunting her for refusing to take up what they had started. Then she thought it was her mother furious at her for returning when she had risked life and limb fleeing and making sure they were safe far away in America. She shook her head trying to clear her thoughts as she walked out of the store.
Ever since she had met the man she now knew to be a dangerous terrorist named V she could not get him out of her mind. Thankfully she had work and for a short time Slick to distract her thoughts but after seeing his picture in the paper he was back to over taking her thoughts. She did not completely believe what the paper was saying about him seeing that everything they printed was a lie. Also because she remembered the night he saved her and even made sure she got home safe on some old subway trolly machine underground.
If he was some rebel leader demeaned terrorist he risked an awful lot helping her and Slick and all he asked was for her not to tell anyone and took her word for it. She remembered every inch of his body was covered so all she had was a voice to go on as far as physical characteristics went but then again he could have been altering his voice. Many times she wished she could find him and thank him but the fear that came with possibly being seen with him caused her to instantly quiet those thoughts. The last thing she wanted was to be black bagged or snatched off of the streets only to disappear into the night forever. Still no matter the risk she owed him her life and if it was one thing her father taught her was that a life debt was sacred and should be honored no matter the cost. That was one thing Evelyn did not take lightly. A thought came to her and she wondered if she could find her way through the tunnels and maybe by chance find him. She knew she was being an idiot and keeping his secret should be payment enough but she felt that gnawing feeling in her gut again and knew that her decision was made. Tonight she was going to find the infamous V.
