Chapter 20
Detective Finch and Carter pounded up the stairs weapons drawn. With one swift kick detective Finch forced open the door only to find Dr. Delia Surridge sitting in bed excessively pale and gripping a red rose. Finch sighed in defeat.
"Damn it" Finch grumbled as the younger detective began inspecting the crime scene.
Finch took the opposite side of the room slowly inspecting around the body. Carter was already on his phone giving the address to the crime scene investigators. There was not much in the room besides the bed, a small chair and nightstand. On the nightstand sat a red leather bound journal. Finch eyed the journal but knew he would have to wait for the investigators to record the evidence before he could take the journal to read. Finch's eyes drifted ominously to the red rose with a frown. His foot began tapping on the carpet wishing the investigators would hurry and complete their job so he could get the hell away from here.
V held Evey close to him as they slow danced near the Jukebox. Releasing his hold on her waist he extended the hand entwined with hers to let her spin a circle before pulling her back against his chest. The feel of his skin being kissed by the drafty air of the Shadow Gallery in the presence of Evelyn was all new yet so freeing. It was as if a weight had been lifted from his shoulders. Like a barrier had been broken and he could love fully and completely. The hand that rested around her waist rose once again touching her face and twirling around a curl framing her jaw line.
"You are so beautiful" V sighed to himself although he spoke aloud.
"Funny I was going to say the same thing to you"
Evey watched his eyes lower.
"I mean it my love" Evey assured him as she rested her head on his chest.
"Come on V. Let's just enjoy the moment. Trust me" Evey smiled wrapping both arms around his neck letting her lips meet his.
They continued to sway to the music wrapped in one another's embrace.
"Dinner will be getting cold my love" V smiled as he whispered into her ear.
"That's what microwaves are for" She smirked not missing the affection in his voice.
As if on cue her stomach began to grumble angrily.
"It's just as well. It would not taste the same" V said releasing her slightly leading the two of them to the small kitchen table.
Ever the gentleman V pulled out Evey's chair and gently pushed her forward once she was seated. Evey waited for V to take his seat before beginning to eat. She watched V stare down at his food anxiously. Evey could not help but feel worried but decided this was something he would have to get used to on his own. So she continued to eat and talk as if nothing changed. Dinner passed quickly and Evey held suspicions it was because V still felt exposed and vulnerable around her and those were two things he was not used to feeling.
"Did I mention that the police came by my office?" I said casually continuing to wash the dishes while V dried avoiding eye contact.
"I'm afraid you neglected to mention it" V said slowly placing a plate in the cabinet.
"Huh" I shrugged.
Cold hands wrapped around my waist turning me to face him.
"What did they say?" V demanded harshly and if I didn't see the fear in his silver and gold eyes I would have gotten upset.
"I don't think they suspect me or else I would have been getting black bagged and missed your wonderful dinner" I sighed.
"Are you certain?" V questioned.
"Yeah, but I don't know what their game is. There are rumors that the boys in blue were spotted all over town paying people visits"
V's eyes seemed to blanket his inner thoughts as he looked through me instead of at me.
"V?" I called gently.
"Yes well there is nothing that can be done now. You are safe" V said certainly as he turned back to drying the few pots and pans left.
"The Fifth is coming up" I said casually as my eyes glanced in his direction to calculate his reaction.
"Yes" He responded with a curt nod.
"Why do you do that?"
"I can not see what you are referring to" He mocked making my irritation grow.
"You avoid any conversation about the fifth. You respond with one word answers or either change the subject, and then there's my favorite you go Houdini on me"
"I lock myself in a water tank?" V questioned confused.
"What? No, you disappear on me"
"Houdini was more famously known for his elaborate escapes, especially those underwater wrapped in chains"
"V Stop! Just stop...what is going on? Is something going to happen on the fifth? Something other than your vendetta? What aren't you telling me?"
There was silence as V's eyes darted in thought.
"Please I am begging you V be honest with me" I pleaded gently turning his face towards me.
"My vendetta is going to be complete Evey and a new world will begin. A world I will not live to see"
"What? Are you telling me...No. No! You can't do this! You can't leave me!" I cried.
Tears gathered beginning to blur my vision.
"Evey. My love" V soothed wrapping his arms around me.
"You've planned this this whole time. You planned to kill yourself"
"I will die so a new world may be born"
"It doesn't have to be this way. This world still needs you. I need you. I love you. How can you ask me to just sit back and watch this happen?" I accused beating my fists into his chest.
V grabbed my angry fists placing a kiss on my knuckles.
"No matter where your travels take you I will be with you" V said softly.
"I will not lose you even if I have to tie you up myself" I demanded.
"My love. So quick to resort to violence" V smirked pulling me to a knee weakening kiss.
"You must let me go Evelyn" V whispered void of all traces of humor. His words making more tears flood my eyes as my shoulders shook.
"No" I answered weakly.
V gave a deep sigh.
"Come with me. I wish to show you something" V said releasing one fist before threading his fingers with my other hand.
We silently walked through the underground tunnels away from the Shadow Gallery and I numbly followed the man I loved with the only thing on my mind being that all of this was going to end. He was going to leave me forever. Suddenly we came to a stop and my eyes lifted to see an old subway car.
"It's beautiful" I said quietly wiping my eyes to get a better look at it.
"Where did you find it?"
"Not far from here but it took nearly ten years to clear the track, replace the old wiring and drive it here"
Easily he pulled the doors open holding out his hand to guide me up the small step. The small subway car was filled nearly to the ceiling with fertilizer and dynamite bricks. In the center of the car sat a metal table and I gripped my stomach as a sickness rolled over me. Turning away from the table I saw V standing close to the doors staring down at a lever. I went to stand beside him.
"That must be one interesting lever" I said smiling weakly.
"It is far more than a lever Evey. It is a symbol. This lever is the very key that will end my world and begin yours. Therefore it is only right for you to be the one to pull it"
"With you on the train" I said never allowing my eyes to leave from that damn lever.
"Yes" V said sadly.
"Then I will go with you"
"No" V demanded roughly. "It is not your time yet Evey. The new world will need your help in leading it so that history may not repeat"
A small chuckle rumbled in my chest before a louder one spilled from my lips sending me into a laughing fit. V took a step back from me looking in utter confusion.
"It is amazing, truly it is. I mean you know what is best for me, for yourself, for London. You have all the answers, don't you?"
I shrugged his hands off of me not being able to take being inside the confines of the subway car now transformed into a mobile bomb. I jumped off of the tiny stair leading to the platform.
"Evey you must understand" V said angrily behind me.
Grabbing my arm he forced me to face him but I put up quite a fight although I could not break my arm free.
"Oh I understand it's you that lacks understanding. You think you can just make a decision like this on your own? Do you honestly believe that is just, and don't say it's what's best for London because that is only a crutch for you to ease your conscious. You do not have that say anymore. When we fell in love it no longer became just about you!"
V stood there in shock but he seemed to recover fast.
"I'll be damned if I just let you leave me" I spat finally separating myself from him.
So many words came to mind for me to spit at him but I was too furious and heartbroken. I wasn't, I couldn't think straight. I needed to get away. I needed to do something, anything, away from here. Immediately my vigilante outfit came to mind. Yeah, beating up a few Fingermen would help me focus, right? Hell I didn't know but I needed to beat the living hell out of something other than V because I would just walk away bruised with my tail between my legs if I tried that.
Spinning around I rushed back to the Shadow Gallery grabbed my things and left out of the secret entrance I used countless of times. I made it home safely and quickly changed into my outfit muttering under my breath referring to V as asshole or jerk I don't remember, probably both. Walking out of my front door not caring much who saw. Spinning V's knives expertly through my fingers I casually strolled the dark streets of London. The streets were mostly quiet but I knew I would find trouble sooner or later and it turned out to be sooner. Two homeless men were huddled near an abandoned building. Their backs were facing me but I had a bad feeling and that feeling grew when I heard them shouting.
"You little thief give that back!" One of them called.
"I ain't steal nothin' tis mine it is" A young male voice demanded.
Something about that voice seemed so familiar so I made my way over to investigate. As I neared closer I could see the men closing in on the boy. I did not think it wise to intervene. Perhaps the boy really was a thief, still, two grown men were not about to beat on a little boy in front of me with me watching silently. They had yet to harm the boy so I continued to watch until the faint glow of a dying street light illuminated the boys grimy features.
"Slick" I whispered under my breath unconsciously walking towards the altercation.
One of the men grabbed Slick by the back of his collar nearly yanking him off of his feet but Slick managed to stay on his feet and swung landing a nice punch to the man's gut.
"What is going on here?" I asked emerging out of the shadows.
"None of your business miss now bugger off" The other man growled turning his attention back to Slick.
"I am sure we can talk about this. You are two grown men and he is a child after all"
"Be one of the best thieves in London the little brat" The man holding Slick sneered.
"I see, and what has he stolen from you gentlemen?" I asked.
The men looked at me in confusion but seemed happy that I did not immediately beat them to a pulp.
"Stole my scarf he did"
"And me boots"
"I see. Is this true?" I asked Slick who did not answer.
"The silent type. Maybe this will convince you to talk" I said spinning a knife and letting the light bounce off of it.
The two men tensed but Slick seemed barely phased.
"Like he said it's not your business" Slick said with an arrogant smirk.
I eyed Slick noticing the odd way he gripped his coat. In one swift motion I pulled the coat apart to see a slightly soiled scarf holding a pair of boots to his waist, one on either side.
"Are these your things gentlemen?" I asked.
The men smiled and grabbed their stolen property while Slick gave a deep frown.
"They are mine now" Slick demanded.
"No they aren't. If that is all gentlemen?" I said narrowing my eyes to the men who scampered off quickly.
"Someone should have taught you to mind your own business" Slick grumbled angrily.
"Would you rather be beat up over a pair of old shoes and a dirty scarf?" I asked with a smirk.
"On the streets those are valuable 'specially durin' Winta. Would 'ave gotten me money"
"Money? For what?"
"That's a dumb thing ta ask" Slick said with narrowed eyes searching the streets for any sign of trouble.
"If you need money I can give you some"
Slick seemed conflicted about taking the money I figured it was because of his pride.
"What's the catch?"
"Catch?" I questioned confused.
"Nobody want somethin for nothin" Slick said suspiciously.
"I guess there is a catch. What do you want the money for?" I asked wondering if he was going to do something reckless or illegal with it.
"I don't 'ave time for this" Slick sighed walking away but I grabbed his arm.
"I just want to know you aren't going to do something stupid with it" I sighed.
Slick yanked his arm out of my hand but stayed in place.
"My sister she sick. No one will help seein as we're street urchins and all. I need to get more medicine" Slick said sadly and I could have sworn he wiped a tear from his cheek.
"Where is your sister?"
"Why?"
"I know someone that may be able to help"
"Why should I trust you?"
I stood there staring down on Slick who looked up at me with indecision in his eyes. Kneeling down I stared into his eyes wondering if I should do what I was thinking about doing. Reaching up I unlocked my mask from beneath my wig and pulled it away from my face.
"It's you" Slick said eyes wide with surprise.
"Yeah, now do you trust me?"
He nodded.
"Good" I said locking my mask firmly in place once more. "Now we need to hurry"
Slick lead the way until he brought me to a dilapidated house. There was no longer a front door just a gaping hole, shutters hung loosely threatening to crash into the dead grass below. The roof, if you could even call it that, did little to cover half of the square shaped house. Beams showed from shingles that were stripped from the lack of upkeep and harsh weather through the years. The windows were boarded up tight preserving the glass beneath but that was a small victory compared to the damage the rest of the house had seen. I guess in one point in time the house could have been considered quaint but it was nearly impossible to find the long lost beauty. Carefully we stepped inside.
"Follow me or you'll fall in the floor" Slick instructed.
We scaled the floor that was already missing a few boards leaving a clear view to the basement below covered in mold. Averting my eyes back to Slick I followed his movement hopping from one side of the floor to the next and quickly running across weak spots until we came to a door that was eaten through with rot and clung to its hinges for dear life. Slick pushed the door open to the bedroom with an eerie creak. The furniture inside was minimal and consisted of a twin sized bed covered in dust and debris, a three legged chair sat close by and was being propped up with random pieces of wood as a makeshift fourth leg, and a dresser that was only good for kindling.
A young girl with tangled honey blonde hair covered with dirt, dust and god knows what else laid on the bed. There were dark rings around her small eyes as she gave a weak cough. Slick squashed a bug that scampered into the room before walking over to his younger sister. Her hair had long lost its luster because of her harsh life. A small hand peaked from beneath the old comforter mirroring her bony, sallow face.
"Aggie. You awake?"
A few seconds passed and the girl gave no indication that she heard him. Slick gently sat on the bed running his fingers over her face.
"Aggie, wake up" Slick called a little louder.
The little girl's face flinched as her eyes struggled to open. The small slits turned in Slick's direction before landing on me and giving a weak whimper.
"It's alright Aggie. She's a friend. This is the lady I told you about. She's going to help you"
I pushed the filthy covers off of the little girl covering her mouth and nose with my hand as dust flew everywhere. Slick helped to wave it away as I scooped her up in my arms.
"Careful she hurts easy" Slick demanded.
I nodded and followed Slick out making sure to stick close in case he fell through the floor, although I was unsure how I would save him. Luckily we made it out of the death trap alive. I then took the lead taking the two children to the Shadow Gallery double checking that we were not followed.
Slick took in every detail of his surroundings as he followed silently beside me. I glanced from time to time at the little girl, Slick called Aggie, in my arms. Her breathing was slow and light that you had to really pay attention to see her chest rise. After making Slick turn around while I put in the security code the door clicked unlocked allowing us entrance. Slick closed the door and quickly returned to my side as we walked through the pitch black hall that lead to the dimly lit Shadow Gallery. I laid Aggie on the couch while I went into my room to run a bath for her and later for Slick. I was so focused on my task that I didn't even think to notify V of my presence or the fact that two children were with me. Slick sat on the leather couch near his sister. Taking her skeletal hand in his own.
"It's ok Aggie" Slick assured his resting sister. "You'll be better soon"
Suddenly Slick jumped up searching the shadows when a familiar figure appeared out of them. Slick remembered the man that helped to save his life by his weird hairstyle and grinning mask.
"You're the man that saved Evelyn" Slick relaxed until he saw the weapon tightly gripped in the man's hand.
Cautiously he watched the towering figure step closer. Instinctively Slick blocked the man's path to his sister. V's mask darted to the couch to see a peak of dirty blonde hair that resembled a rat's nest. Slick tensed preparing for an attack but V simply continued walking towards the two children. Finally he hid his knife as he gazed at the sickly little girl laying on his couch. Slick rushed to block V but V made no effort of going against the boy.
"Given the resemblance I assume she is your sister"
"Yeah her name is Agatha but she hates it. I call her Aggie" Slick said still cautious of the man.
"How did you get here?" V questioned.
"Ok the bath is ready" Evey called seeing V standing near the children.
"Oh V. Sorry. I meant to talk to you but they needed help immediately"
V did not respond as he walked closer to Aggie.
"It's alright Slick" Evey said with a reassuring smile.
Slick stepped to the side allowing V to get closer to his sister. Kneeling down V examined the small child.
"She said you could help" Slick pressed desperately.
"I said maybe, but if anyone can figure out how to heal your sister then it's V"
V continued studying the young girl.
"I will need a blood sample"
"You have to take her blood?" Slick asked frightened.
"It will be less painful than what she is experiencing" V responded.
Slick thought it over for a few seconds before nodding his head.
"First a haircut and bath" Evey exclaimed not leaving it up for debate.
Evey toweled off Agatha and lotioned her up before slipping one of her night shirts that completely swallowed the girl. With Agatha's hair cut, washed and detangled along with the grit removed from her features she looked like a new child; however the dark circles and fatigue remained. Evey gently placed her in her bed before running a bath for Slick. He was old enough and well enough to bathe himself so she left supplies in the bathroom and a change of clothes, which was another night shirt that once belonged to V.
While Slick was bathing V lightly knocked on the bedroom door to make sure that Agatha was decent. He worked quickly to draw a small amount of blood hoping to finish before Slick could finish his bath. Once he was satisfied he stood to leave but Evey caught him before he could disappear.
"I love you"
"I know my Evey"
"I'm still upset with you" Evey stated seriously.
"I know that as well" He said with a soft chuckle as his glove hand cupped her cheek until the click of the bathroom door caused him to distance himself and leave the room.
Evey watched V hurry out of the room in his smooth swift pace and felt saddened by the lack of contact. Slick walked out of the bathroom dressed and headed straight for the bed his sister laid in.
"Get some rest you two. I'll be right across the hall if you need anything" Evey smiled before flipping the light off.
Evey casually strolled down the hall to V's room. Giving a gentle knock she stood with knotted stomach awaiting the door to open. When it finally did the knot only became worse.
"Hey"
"Evey"
"The kids are sleeping in my room and I would go home but I'm exhausted. Can I sleep with you tonight?"
"Of course" V said moving to let her pass before closing the door behind her.
"Can I use your shower?" She questioned needing the warm water to steady her nerves and wash away the grit and stress from the day.
V nodded in approval and watched Evey remove her wig and mask before ripping the stocking cap off and letting her hair fall around her. She gave a satisfied sigh as she began unzipping her jumpsuit but the bathroom door closed before she could get completely naked.
Although V appeared calm on the surface his heart pounded in his chest while his palms sweated. Shifting his weight back and forth his gaze shifted around his room looking for anything to occupy his mind but unfortunately he kept his room immaculately clean. Why was this so hard? It's not like she hadn't already seen his face yet years of tending to the deeply rooted fear of rejection and horror was not so easy to ignore. V wiped his gloved hands up and down his leg before removing the leather material from his fingers. V's thoughts were racing with silent techniques on keeping himself appear calm when the most beautiful sound hit his sensitive ears causing him to stand from his bed in an almost trance like state. Placing a hand gently on the bathroom door he flinched when it swung open a few inches. She didn't lock it? She trusted him and he was betraying that trust. This thought caused him to retrace a few of his steps but he could not completely abandon the door while her siren like voice wrapped around him like silk. V's eyes closed blissfully becoming lost in the song that was in a foreign language, Arabic if he was not mistaken. The soft patter of the water that once accompanied her song fell silent as Evelyn wrapped a towel around herself and gazed at her reflection in the mirror. She continued humming the song as she braided her hair in a crown braid before retreating from the bathroom.
V's gaze lowered as his mask was tilted in the opposite direction of her towel clad figure. Evelyn gave a seductive grin knowing the inner turmoil he was going through but she passed by without a word and made a bee line straight for his closet taking down one of his button ups. She shoved her arms through the sleeves before letting the towel fall around her while she began buttoning starting from the bottom. She thought about leaving the towel where it lay but V's room looked so pristine that she felt somewhat guilty about making a mess. Evey scooped the towel in her arms, folded it, and returned to to the bathroom.
"Well don't just stand there, aren't you going to get ready for bed?" She smirked walking past him again to put the towel on the counter.
"Oh. Yes" V said being pulled out of his thoughts that were spinning out of control.
He removed his mask before going in search of his pajamas but his eyes did not leave Evelyn for too long as he watched her climb into his bed and bounce around a few seconds trying to get comfortable.
"Your bed feels amazing. It's like laying on a cloud" Evelyn awed.
"I am glad you approve" V smirked continuing to focus on his task slipping into his night clothes so quickly that he doubted Evelyn even noticed.
Carefully V slid into bed, his body weight barely causing the soft bed to dip. Reaching over he turned off a lamp near his bed and Evelyn copied him turning the lamp that rested on her side off. Shadows drenched the room while the only light source coming from the crack beneath his bedroom door. He was hesitant but soon laid down to sleep turning away from Evelyn not wanting to make her uncomfortable although to his surprise he felt the weight of her slim arm resting across his waist. His silver and gold eyes darted around the dark room though he did not feel any less in control. He was particularly good at seeing in the dark. Taking a silent breath of courage he twisted his body in Evey's direction feeling in amazement as she waited for him to get settled before molding her body to his. Her head laying on his chest and her palm over his heart. Her muscular leg parted through his causing their legs to be caught up in a tangle.
"Goodnight my love" Evey whispered the warmth of her breath blowing against his skin nearly causing him to tremble.
"Goodnight my Evey" V sighed pulling her close to him.
Evey and V both drifted into a peaceful sleep lulled by the soft beating of one anothers hearts.
