Chapter 9

The shriek of my alarm clock woke me the next morning. I cracked open my lids giving the small devie a death glare before smashing the button to silence it. I yawned and stretched before getting ready for the day. I poured a bowl of cereal and glass of orange juice before pulling out a chair at my small table. I crunched on the sugary goodness before my eyes rested on the action figure I bought for Slick in what seems like months ago. I sighed shoveling scoops of cereal in my mouth after checking the time.

Eventually I made it to work mentally preparing myself for the craziness I would possibly be subjected to. Ignoring stares and whispers gets tiring after a while so I just stared people in the eye until they rushed off uncomfortably. This seemed to work with most of them but some ignored my stares and tried to make conversation asking me about my relationship with Gordon and questioning if I had gotten into a fight with him but I just answered their questions with a simple head shake. The elevator doors opened taking me to my floor and I gratefully rushed into the hectic hallway. Nicolette was arguing with someone about a new set for Gordon's show as I quietly walked past hoping to grab a cup of coffee before anyone could ask me anymore questions.

"Evelyn! Oh Evelyn!" Nicolette waved shooing the employee away from her.

"Morning Nicolette" I smiled before turning and disappearing into the break room.

I grabbed a mug out of the cabinet and poured a steamy cup sprinkling in some sugar and creamer before divulging into my caffeinated paradise. I looked past the rim of my mug to see Nicolette had followed me inside. I focused on my mug of coffee trying to resist rolling my eyes.

"First day back? I bet it's hard after such a fabulous rendezvous" She smiled dreamily.

I gave a small smile and a shrug trying to answer without telling a lie.

"So there are tons of rumors about where you two went" She said gageing my reactions.

"Really?" I asked.

"So where did you two go?" Nicolette wondered.

I chuckled taking another sip of coffee.

"Oh come on you can tell me. I mean it's because of me that you two even met. I should be a professional match maker" She smiled proud of herself.

"Well Nicolette I would tell you but it's our little secret" I smiled.

"What's a little secret between friends?" She coaxed.

I opened my mouth to speak when someone burst through the break room door.

"Nicolette we have a problem" A short woman with dark bags under her eyes rushed looking exauhsted.

"Just one minute" Nicolette sighed in annoyance.

"You should go take care of that I need to get to work anyway" I said taking my warm coffee with me as I walked out of the break room.

"um ok we'll talk later girlfriend" Nicolette called.

A few hours later I was directing a camera man for one of our sitcoms when an older white gentleman walked up to me. He was dressed in a nice tailored suit so I imagined he was someone from higher up in the television food chain. My guess was correct. After I was finished with the camera man the older business man called me over. I motioned for everyone to start rehearsals while I went to see what the man wanted.

"Ms. Evelyn Dunas it is wonderful finally meeting you. I am the head producer for the BNB, Bryan Fields" He said offering me his hand to shake.

I gave him a confident hand shake still confused on why he wanted to speak with me.

"If this is about my performance..." I began but he interrupted me with a laugh.

"Oh no you are doing a fine job in your new role here at the BNB. In fact that is what I wanted to speak to you about. If you don't mind we can finish this conversation in my office, it's only a few floors up?"

"Thank you Mr. Fields but there is a lot of work to do and with my um...vacation...I really should get back to work as soon as possible. If you don't mind?"

"Not at all. I respect a hard worker. Anyway since you are doing such a fine job here I was wondering if you would like to continue in this position permanently?"

"Me? Work for the BNB permanently?" I questioned in disbelief.

"Yes"

"But what about Mr. Jacobs?" I asked.

"I spoke with Jacobs and he is in agreement that this will be a wonderful opportunity for you if you choose to take it. The new job will come with full medical benefits and a pay increase of course"

"Wow thank you Mr. Fields but I will have to think about this. I will contact you by the end of the week with an answer if that is alright?" I said.

"Of course take your time. Well I must get going I have a meeting soon. Have a nice day Ms. Dunas" Mr. Fields smiled before leaving.

I stood rooted in my spot still going over the conversation that had just taken place. A loud banging sound made me jump in surprise. I turned around seeing one of the main characters standing over a shattered pitcher of tea and the fake grill turned on it's side. I pinched the bridge of my nose before walking over to handle the situation.

I thought lunch time would never come and I found myself becoming more reserve because I could feel my grumpiness growing to the point where I knew that if I opened my mouth I would be fired before I even started my new job. Was I even going to take the job? I was so lost in thought I did not realize that the BNB set was nearly empty. I checked my phone for any texts from Gordon but didn't find any so I just shrugged and headed out to lunch on my own.

The rest of the day seemed to fly by once I returned from lunch. I called for every one to take ten as we shot a scene for literally the hundredth time. I turned my headset off and let it sit around my neck as I headed to the elevator. I saw Nicolette trying to get my attention but I just waved with a smile making her think I was saying goodbye. I rode the elevator to the floor above us where Gordon's show was being taped. They seemed to be in the middle of the show so I stood off to the side watching. Gordon's eyes met mine and I smiled.

"Ladies and gentleman we have a very special guest here today. The lovely Evelyn Dunas" Gordon said standing from his couch and walking over to me.

My eyes stretched wide as saucers as I watched him walking closer to me but a part of me was saying he couldn't be serious. That was until he took my hand and walked me over to the couch.

"Hello my dear" Gordon smirked.

I narrowed my eyes at him silently cursing him out in my mind.

"Come now darling everyone would much rather see that stunning smile of yours" He chuckled completely unfazed by my murderous stare.

I rolled my eyes at him gave a small smirk.

"Now that is much better" Gordon said leaning a little close to me.

"You have to excuse her she is extremely shy. Say hello to London Darling" Gordon coaxed.

"Um Hello...London" I said shyly.

Suddenly there was clapping and people chatting saying how cute we were.

"What has brought you here today lovely Evelyn?"

"Well I was just...I was worried about you. I didn't see you at lunch"

A few people awed or either it was some kind of pre-recorded sound. I turned an annoyed look in the direction.

"Oh I guess I missed our lunch date. I'm sorry dear" Gordon said sincerely causing the tension in my shoulders to lessen.

"I wouldn't call it a date but alright" I smiled facing him.

"Well I have to go" I said to him almost forgetting I was on television.

"Wonderful of you to drop by Evelyn" Gordon smiled as people clapped.

I gave an awkward glance in the direction of the cameras before leaving.

"Let this be a lesson to you all that you should always make time for the ones that matter, and if you forget a lunch date with an enchanting young woman make sure you have a good florist on speed dial"

The pre recorded sound of an audience laughing rang through out the set as I walked back to the elevator rolling my eyes at Gordon's antics. Word spread fast because when I returned to my own floor many of the women were gushing on how romantic Gordon was.

"More like a warped sense of humor" I mumbled under my breath before yelling at everyone to take their places.

The Forbidden Archives: basement of The Church of Purity

Guards dressed in protective armor carried large automatic weapons as they patrolled the halls. Located in another part of the Church of Purity sat the monitor room with guards monitoring the cameras, however seeing that nothing ever happened seeing that the place was heavily guarded they were all crowded around a small television screen watching the Futbol match cheering or groaning as they chugged back bottled drinks.

Hidden in the shadows V watched and timed the routes of the guards as well as where the cameras were placed. Unfortunately he would have to go in blind seeing that he could not do a trial run like he typically did whenever he was planning to infiltrate a place but that isn't to say he didn't do his homework. He studied the blueprint multiple times however the secret vaulted rooms below were not included on the plans.

Carefully V made his way to the Forbidden Archives that held literature, art, news clippings, etc that Norsefire determined was not safe for the public and would hinder the evolution of the New England. V searched through the news clippings from a computer located in the Archives. He scrolled through a few articles that did not seem to give him exactly what he was looking for. He shook his head quickly typing in different key words. He scanned through two articles until he found something of interest. It was a front cover of a newspaper from four years ago. The largest picture in the center of the page was of a man with thick black hair that was cut short and a boy in his late teens beside him. Since the article was in color he could make out their mocha complexion and dark brown eyes that seemed so familiar. The men were raising their fists and captured in mid shout. Underneath the picture in smaller print than the rest of the article were two names it read Jonathan Hammond (Left) Isaac Hammond (Right).

A devastating blow to the Revolution. The Father and son, more commonly known for their small family business, were identified by an inside source to being the main leaders of the Revolution that has taken England by storm. Prime minister candidate Sutler had this to say...

V scanned the rest of the article as he shuffled through a few more before stopping on one that caught his attention. A young girl was swinging a bat at a grown man's knees. There was another picture of her wearing a cut off shirt that read "God save the Queen" in letters that looked to be printed in a spray paint font, a dark pair of jeans that sat low on her young nonexistent hips were covered in rips and holes, and her hair was pulled back in a dark ponytail. Her eyes were rimmed with dark purple eyeliner. She was staring directly at the photographer with her thick lashes. Although she was younger than her current age and her hair was no longer straight he recognized those eyes immediately. He skimmed the words below

Evelyn Hammond (Center)

The young woman is following in her Father's footsteps and has become one of the youngest Revolution members...Evelyn Hammond is a suspect in the burglary of an electronics store...she is reported to have beaten three officers alone...Organized a protest at a local school...

The last article showed a more gruesome photo. In front of Saint Augustine's Chapel, which is now destroyed, hung the body of Isaac Hammond. His eldest son was found beaten and shot in the head. A priest found him in a kneeled position as if he was praying at the alter. The Chapel was suspected of being a base of operation for the Revolution. Evelyn and her mother were missing but after an explosion in their home they were thought to be dead. There were a few acts of retaliation from the Revolution but a lot of the members had been black bagged, killed in cold blood in the streets or in their homes.

V closed out of the files before deleting the history and left the Archives as well as The Church of Purity. He silently debated if he should tell Evey what he found or not. Finally he came to the conclusion he would not tell her he knew of her true identity and wait for her to tell him. He knew better than most that trust was something that could easily be shattered and nearly impossible to obtain although a part of him doubted if she would ever tell him. From the small outburst he witnessed in his home she blamed her father and hated him for what he did. No. He had to make her see that her father was a great man. He saw where England was heading and tried to put a stop to it. He fought for the people to have a voice and a choice. Even though he knew very little about the man V already admired him for his courage and sacrifice. Evelyn's mother was a strong woman as well to know her son and husband would most likely be murdered along with herself and her daughter but stood by him anyway. He suspected she staged the bombing and snuck Evelyn out of England.

V kept to the shadows and continued towards his home when he passed an electronics store with television screens in the window. On the screen was Gordon and Evelyn she was giving Gordon a look that would rival his sharpest knife. Eventually she relaxed a little but looked annoyed more than anything. She spoke to Gordon but he could not hear what was said between the two and then she was gone. The Guy Fawkes mask tilted with curiosity. Finally gathering his thoughts he continued on to the Shadow Gallery.

Evelyn walked up the steps to the building of her previous job. Many of the employees and visitors stared at her while one woman walked up and asked for her autograph. Evelyn thanked the woman for the compliment but declined her request. She took the empty elevator up to Mr. Jacobs office. She opened it to see a young blonde woman smile warmly at her. Evelyn bit her bottom lip feeling a sting of jealousy but tried to ignore it.

"Hi I'm here to see Mr. Jacobs" Evelyn said with a smile.

"Do you have an appointment?"

"No but..."

"I'm sorry Mr. Jacobs is a really busy man he can't see you without an appointment" The woman interrupted with a sweet smile.

"I understand that but..."

"I can fit you in next week at twelve how does that sound?" The woman interrupted once again.

Evelyn sighed and just walked past the desk towards Mr. Jacobs office.

"Hey! What are you doing? You can't go back there" The woman called pushing herself from her desk preparing to stop Evelyn.

Evelyn reached the door first and opened it to see Mr. Jacobs hanging up the phone.

"Evelyn?" He questioned with a delighted smile.

"I'm sorry Mr. Jacobs"

"Nonsense Evelyn is always welcomed here. That will be all Carol thank you" Mr. Jacobs said motioning for Evelyn to come further into the office.

The receptionist, Carol, closed the door before returning to her own desk.

"Hi Mr. Jacobs you look well"

"Evelyn. It is great to see you again. So how are they treating you at the BNB?" Mr. Jacobs asked.

"Fine I guess. I miss it here though"

"We miss you too"

"Carol is good but she's not you" Mr. Jacobs whispered.

Evelyn chuckled as she glanced back making sure the door was closed.

"So what brings you here my dear? You look like you have a lot on your mind"

"I do actually. As you know I was offered a permanent position at the BNB but I feel like it's only because everyone thinks I'm dating Gordon"

"Are you?"

"No. He's just a really good friend. Everyone there seems so fake and just I don't know...but the money will be good and I don't know. I mean I never thought I would be doing this as a career but I'm actually starting to like it but unlike here I don't look forward to going to work. What should I do?"

"Well I can't say my answer won't be biased" Mr. Jacobs chuckled.

"What will your new position be?" He asked.

"What I'm doing now" I sighed.

"Well this sounds like a great opportunity. Sometimes we have to suffer through things we don't like to get where we want to be" Mr. Jacobs said wisely.

"You don't seem like you knew about it? Mr. Fields told me he talked to you and you said this would be a great opportunity and you were for it"

"Well he lied although that's no surprise" Mr. Jacobs huffed.

Evelyn's brows knitted together in thought. What else was Mr. Fields lying about.

"However he is right. I do think it's a good opportunity. I won't lie and say I don't miss you here but that's life things change. I think this could open up a lot of doors for you" Mr. Jacobs said with a sincere expression.

"Besides we work in the same business I am sure you will be here every now and then"

Evelyn was still weighing her decisions although she nodded to show she was listening. Evelyn's eyes soon found the sticky notes on Mr. Jacobs' desk.

"So you took my advice on the sticky notes" Evelyn smiled.

Mr. Jacob's lips pressed together as he waved off the subject. Evelyn chuckled at the stubborn older man who refused to admit she was right.

"Well I'm glad. I have to give Mr. Fields my answer today. it's Friday. I've been putting it off all week but I needed to come and talk to you first" Evelyn said.

"Happy to help"

"Thank you" Evelyn stood reaching over to hug the man.

He patted her on the back a few times before she stood to leave.

"Take care of yourself" Mr. Jacobs said.

Evelyn smiled happily before leaving the office. Although she wasn't sure if it was the right move she had finally made a decision. She sat on a park bench and took out her cell phone dialing Mr. Fields number. It rang a few times and she was thinking of hanging up when she heard his voice answer on the other end.

"Hello this is Bryan Fields"

"Mr. Fields this is Evelyn Dunas"

"Yes. Evelyn how are you?"

"I am good thank you for asking. I was calling because I wanted to let you know that...I'll be taking that job offer"

"That's excellent news. Well first thing Monday morning report to my office and we will go over all the paperwork"

"Great see you Monday morning"

He hung up on his end and I pressed end. I smiled pocketing my phone once again until it began ringing and I fished it back out before answering.

"Evelyn?"

"Hi Gordon you will never guess what just happened" Evelyn grinned standing up from the park bench and heading across the street to the bus stop.