- So, children, we behave quietly and decently. Don't upset Mom," Lewis mutters as he dresses Mia. She nods. The boys standing behind them in business suits look solid and very grown-up, and Mia in a new dress is such a sweet princess.
Yes, dad, Mia replies. I smile at everyone and walk up to them. Today I overcame myself and put on a dress. A little make-up, hair was tortured with a curling iron, and now, instead of agent Hedwig, a beautiful girl, Anastasia Still, stands in front of the children and Lewis.
- Mom, wow! Christian admires. Lewis helps me put on my jacket and we go for a walk.
It's a warm autumn day outside. I expose my face to the warm breeze and smile. Mia holds my hand loosely and holds Prothero's hand with her other hand. The boys walk on either side of us.
Our first stop: the opera. I take the kids to The Magic Flute. The boys are bored lounging in armchairs and digging in iPhones, but Mia watches the performance with interest and quietly sings along to the arias.
I sit quietly and sometimes I feel the hand of Lewis, who strokes my knee. God, this man is depraved as the devil I smile embarrassedly and remove his hand from my knee. But Prothero puts it down again. I put it away again and angrily look at my future husband.
- Have fun here! Christian hisses into Lewis's ear. You have to do it at home Don t paw Anu in public!
- I paw where I want, it is not forbidden by law! Lewis chuckles. Alright, I ll wait until the evening, there it seems that our marriage certificate should come and then ...
Christian rolls his eyes and dives into his iPhone.
After the opera we moved to the museum. Children look at paintings and statues with interest, ask me questions about works of art and their authors. Mia is especially delighted. She keeps asking me, then Lewis about what kind of picture or statue she sees. Lewis loves Mia, I don't understand why, but he loves her with all his cruel soul and black heart.
After the museum we go to a restaurant where we have lunch and talk about trifles. It was so nice to take off my armor for a while and just be Miss Still, a loving mother and wife. The kids and Lewis are well-behaved at the table and have lively chats. I look at them with undisguised happiness and understand that perhaps I want our fake family to become real one day.
After lunch, Lewis takes us to the park. It's golden autumn in the park and Mia catches the falling leaves with a laugh, and the boys arranged a catch-up under a sprawling oak. I look at it and feel Lewis's hand in mine.
"Agent Hedwig, when was the last time you spent time like this?" Prothero asks.
- A long time ago. When my parents were alive, I sigh. When they died, I ordered myself to forget about family life and attachments. And just now...
I hide my eyes, realizing that tears well up in my eyes. Lewis deftly leans over and kisses my nose. And I blush. Damn it
- Please do not cry. I don't like women's tears in everyday life. Especially yours. He wraps his arms around my shoulders and pulls me close. So cozy and calm in his arms ... It was as if my father hugged me. I have never felt this way with anyone. Not with one man.
After the park, we are going home, when out of the corner of my eye I notice how some villain ran up to an elderly woman and took her bag from her.
Look after the kids, I tell Lewis and give chase. Yes, this does not concern me, I could pass by, but innate decency and a sense of justice do not allow me to do so.
I quickly kick off my heels and run as fast as I can after the thief. A moment - and I overtake him in the gateway. He turns around and looks at me with hatred. Hell, that's one of the guys who attacked me at the pharmacy. I quickly run up to him and with a deft kick of my foot knock the wallet out of his hands.
Stealing is not good, I say instructively and, taking the wallet, turn my back on him and want to leave. But suddenly I hear a thief running up to me and I see a knife blade. However, like a devil from a snuffbox, Lewis jumps out right in front of him and knocks him out with a kick from his foot.
Never turn your back on an enemy unless you're sure you've knocked him out. Spy Course Basics! Lewis growls.
We weren t taught that, I say, embarrassed.
"Steel, what should I do with you?" Prothero sighs, handing me my shoes. I put them on and together we return to the children and the old woman. The old lady thanks both of us from the bottom of her heart when we return her wallet.
You are such a great family, the old lady says, and leaves.
Family She called us family. Nice.
You know, I liked everything, Elliot says when we get home. - It was a good walk. And how are you that robber ...
Eden doesn t tell anyone about this, I mutter. The kids nod and we have dinner.
Today we cook everything together. Mia and Elliot serve the food, I wash it, Christian and Lewis cut it. Prothero keeps trying to touch me and hug me. I jokingly reject his attempts and feel so free and happy.
Chapter Management Edit Chapter Chapter 14 Chapter Text Mom and dad are flirting, Mia says as she sets the table.
- But no! Where did you get this? shouts Christian, and I laugh heartily at it.
Dinner is fun and relaxed. After we've had dinner and cleaned everything up, I go to my room and, turning on my laptop, check my mail. I find the fake marriage certificate that Taylor made us and print it out. I go with it into the living room and put it in front of Lewis.
Mr. Protheroe and Miss Still. It's okay that you left your last name. It means you are proud of her. We signed three months ago, Lewis chuckles.
It would be strange if we signed before the interview at Eden, I say. - It's tomorrow. Ready?
- Ready. Everything will go well, don't be afraid, the children will cope. And you know, I'm glad that you burst into my office and became my wife, albeit a fictitious one, - Prothero kisses me on the cheek and I laugh. God, he's... incredible...
The morning didn't start with coffee, but with an angry letter from Finch. In short: he is unhappy with my choice of husband. I am writing to him that it was worth sending an agent to help me, and not scolding me like a little girl.
The mood went to hell. At breakfast, I sat silently and thought about whether we could handle the interview.
Mom, is everything okay? Mia asks as she sips her cocoa.
Don t mess with her, mom is on her nerves, Chris asks. Even dad won t go to her.
I smile gratefully at the eldest of the children and eat in silence. Then I put on a formal pantsuit and put my hair in a bun. Looking at myself in the mirror, I think that just a week ago I was lonely, and now ... Children, an impossible man ... And if we can't handle it? What if something happens to them? Lord, I will never forgive myself for this ...
Ana, we have to go, Elliot says, looking up at me. I nod to him and leave.
- Oh wow! Elliot whistles as we approach the Eden.
If on the day of the exams it was empty here, now there is a huge crowd of applicants for admission and their parents. Silently we go to the entrance and see a monument to the first director of "Eden". We stop in front of the monument and pay tribute. After that, we continue on our way.
Don t you have the feeling that we are being watched? Prothero asks after a few minutes.
I nod imperceptibly. The game has begun. Out of the corner of my eye I notice teachers in the windows of the school. They look at applicants, evaluate them and already weed out those who, in their opinion, are not worthy to study here. I'm sure the Eden staff have a bunch of traps set up for us. I squeeze Mia's hand tighter, encouraging and comforting her.
Help! We hear a girl's cry.
A chubby girl about ten years old in the form of an Eden student got stuck in a sewer manhole.
Other families pass by indifferently, ignoring her. I understand that this is a test, but I cannot pass by. Lewis too. After releasing Mia, we run to the girl and, taking her by both hands, we pull her out of the trap.
- Alive? - Christian is warmly interested, coming up to us, holding out a handkerchief to her.
- Crap. I look at my dirty trousers. They won t let us into Eden for sure.
Hey Grey, I hear a whisper. The same dark-haired young man who helped me in The Owl appears next to Lewis. He has a small suitcase in his hand.
He holds it out to me and nods at the empty archway, which is not visible to people passing by.
I quickly run into it and open the suitcase. Damn, the dress... clean, sophisticated and full of my style. I quickly take off my dirty clothes and change. Having done this, I return to my family.
Another thing, Christian smiles. - Thank you, Mister
Dascombe. Roger Dascombe. I think you already know that we at the Owl are also spies. Good luck, Agent Hedwig. By the way, Eric Welch is also here and will come to your aid when needed. The guy smiles warmly.
Our Owls don t like it, I grumble, but you did a great job of helping us out. Thank you.
When it comes to preventing war, you need to lay down your weapons on a barrel and work together, Roger objects and leaves.
I turn to Lewis. He looks unperturbed, but it is clear that Roger acted on his orders.
Have you foreseen everything? I wonder.
- Yes and no. Many children of my friends and clients study here and they told me about the selection process. Every year the staff comes up with something new. But saving a child is a must. Well done for not passing by. Lewis looks on in admiration.
I open my mouth to say something, but suddenly I hear a noise and turn towards it. A herd of bulls rushes straight at the incoming ones.
Obviously, they were released on purpose. People are fleeing in panic. In horror, I see one of the boys fall. I run to him and, grabbing him in an armful, jump to the side.
Out of the corner of my eye I see how Lewis jumps directly to the leader of the bulls and, deftly bending under him, hits his solar plexus with his fingers. The bull falls and the herd freezes.
Thomas, I hear the muffled groan of the mother of the boy I saved. She comes to me and I give her her son.
Thank you, the woman says, smiling warmly. You are a real heroine. God bless you, miss!
She leaves and I look at Lewis. Yes, it will be difficult to explain this to children. Although, I think, they have already understood that their new father is not as simple as I am.
- Everything is fine? Elliot looks at me worriedly. I nod to him and suddenly I see how Mia, releasing Christian's hand, goes to the bull lying on the ground and strokes his muzzle. The bull gets up and turns around, goes back. All his flock follows him.
The cows stomped home, Mia says, smiling brightly.
Chapter Management Edit Chapter Chapter 15 Chapter Text Mrs. Still, I hear a high-pitched voice behind me. We all turn around and see an elderly gray-haired man dressed to the brim in a black tailcoat. Reginald Bright, director of Eden. I bow my head respectfully, and the children do the same.
Congratulations, you passed, Bright says. - Follow me.
The first stage has been successfully completed...
Twenty minutes later, we sit in the Eden lobby and wait for our turn. The place is really chic, the interiors are like Lewis's office at The Owl. Families with children pass by us every now and then. Some are happy, others are gloomy and sad. Nerves start to choke me. And if it doesn't work? If we fail?
Lewis's warm hand on my shoulder and Mia's hand on my elbow bring me back to reality.
"It'll work out," Elliot whispers, and I give him a reassuring nod.
- Hey! Suddenly, Welch appears beside us. In all black, silent and very focused. This is the first time I see him.
Eric. I nod to him. Prothero gives my friend a cold look.
I found out something about those who are interviewing for admission this year. You saw Bright, a very good man, obsessed with rules and elegance. I think you got a couple of points from him with your rescue somersaults with children. I screwed up myself. Mr. Protheroe, well, how are you that bull! Gorgeous! Eric is getting back to his old self. Lewis smiles and his eyes soften.
- What's next? Christian asks.
Max De Bryn, head teacher. Also quite an adequate person, loves butterflies and medicine. It is said that once there was a court medical doctor in Oxford. Finding contact with him for your kids is like hacking into Hillary Clinton's email in 2016. As for the third interviewer... there could be problems here. Peter Jakes, rich daddy's rich son. His father was the director of Eden before Bright. A major who thinks that everyone owes him everything in life. Be careful with him, he likes to ask provocative questions, exhales Eric
- Jakes often visits the Owl, takes pictures of girls. If he recognizes me, he won't let Mia, Elliot, and Christian study here. Okay, let's play decent citizens of a free new England. Don't be afraid, I know how to charm people, Lewis chuckles.
Warmly and from the bottom of my heart I thank Eric and he leaves.
Mrs. Steele, Mr. Bright peers down the hallway. - Let's go.
I get up, and together with the children and Lewis we go into the office. We sit down on the sofa opposite Bright and his two assistants. De Bryn is a short, chubby man in his forties with a good-natured expression on his face, wearing glasses.
But Jakes is at least eight or nine years older than Elliot and Christian, a very handsome young man with regular features and bright blue eyes. All three look at us appraisingly and then Bright says:
So, Mrs. Still, why did you decide to send the children to our school?
Because you are the best in England, here in Eden is the concentration of the best minds in the country. Arts, sciences, sports - everything is taught at the highest level. Plus you raise patriots. I want my children to grow up as comprehensively developed people who love their homeland, I say sincerely.
Your marriage to Mr. Protheroe is, I understand, the first. Do you know what's in his past? Jakes asks, crossing his legs.
Mr. Jakes, have you not made mistakes in the past? Yes, there are many dark pages in my past, but is it really more important than what I am now? I am a father and a husband. When I met Miss Steele, I found happiness. I met a kindred spirit in her, Prothero smiles warmly.
- Clear. Are you Mrs. Steele? Jakes looks at me.
I take Lewis's hand and squeeze it.
I am happy that Mr. Protheroe is my husband, I say proudly.
But still, Mr. Prothero, why do you need such a young lady, and even with children? Peter insists. Reptile, he cannot build his own family, so he digs to the bottom of those who have a strong and happy unit of society.
She is my kindred spirit. I was struck by the combination of softness and strength in it. Lewis is unimpressed.
- And how do you raise children? De Bryn asks gently.
It s simple, if they commit misdeeds, we are strict with them, if they are good, we pamper and encourage them, I say.
Let's move on to the kids. What are your names, age and where do you live? Bright asks.
Mia Still, 8 years old, 123 Evergreen Street, Mia replies shortly in a military way.
Christian Still, 16, 123 Evergreen Street, Christian says.
Elliot Protheroe, 16, 123 Evergreen Street, Elliot finishes.
- If you join us, what will you do? Bright smiles.
"Studies hard," Mia says, looking into Reginald's eyes. - Help peers, do everything to make dad and mom proud of us.
- And if you have to go over the heads, cheat and substitute others for the sake of your goals? Will you go for it? Jakes doesn't give up.
Yes, we would rather leave these walls than dare to do so. And if you think we can do that, you don't know shit about us! Christian answers confidently.
Yes, we will achieve everything with honest work, no matter how long it takes, Elliot supports his brother.
Good answers, young people, Jakes says.
Do you help your parents around the house? Bright asks.
We have divided the responsibilities. I wash floors and dishes, Elliot does the kitchen, Christian goes shopping, Mia replies with a smile. She is such a sunshine. - Parents are often not at home, they are hard workers with us.
- And what do your parents do? Here we come to the tricky and most difficult question.
- Mom is an editor in a large publishing house. She often brings manuscripts of children's books home and we, an open-minded audience, help her decide whether to publish a particular book. And dad ... a former military man. Now he is on a well-deserved rest. And after his military service, he was the voice of London, says Mia.
Well, great answers. Wait for our decision. Mrs Steele, Mr Prothero. Bright stands up, and his colleagues do the same behind him. They shake hands with us and we leave.
Chapter Management Edit Chapter Chapter 16 Chapter Text Jakes was dumbfounded. Apparently he expected the Lewis children to be hell, and here are three such cute creatures, I laugh.
And the wife is beautiful, Lewis hugs me and strokes my hair. The boys roll their eyes as Mia huddles close to me.
We leave the Eden and out of the corner of our eye we see the boy and girl we saved. They smile warmly at us and wave.
It's nice to save someone's life, I smile. It's a pity that I often have to act secretly and anonymously.
That's the job of a spy, Christian sighs.
Chris! - we hear the cry of Elena, who rushes at full speed towards us. A moment and she hangs on the neck of a young man. I look away in embarrassment, but Lewis looks at the girl warmly and softly.
Hi, Ms. Steele, Mr. Protheroe, Elena nods to her boss.
How are you, Elena? Mia asks.
- Everything is fine. The father dealt with the debts, went to the treatment. Mom got a job at a pet store. Everything seems to be fine, - Miss Lincoln is embarrassed. And I'm looking for a job again.
- Since we did, then let's celebrate it at home? Elliot suggests.
Not yet, I sober him. The guy sighs.
- Listen, let's go to the park, little ones. You will rest, and your mom and dad ... - Eric appears near us and plays with his eyebrows.
Welch, is it okay that I'm standing here? Mia asks.
I sit in the living room and read Finch's letters. Hell, he's furious that I messed with Prothero. While we were away, he filled my mailbox with letters that mixed threats and pleas to change my mind. God, what doesn't he like? We passed the interview, we have a chance to get into Eden. Doesn't the end justify the means?
I feel a warm hand on my shoulder. Lewis. He's always so quiet. The man's eyes widen at the pile of letters from Finch. Before I even open my mouth, he throws all the letters into spam and slams his laptop shut.
I don t want anything to bother you today, Prothero murmurs. Let's have a date here. You, me, wine, delicious food and a Harry Potter marathon.
I only love the first four films, there is no war, I mutter. Maybe Twilight is better?
These films should be torturing people in Larkhill. I suggest then There are only girls in Jazz, Prothero laughs.
Perfect I show him that I approve of his choice and go to change. I wash quickly and put myself in order. I look through my wardrobe. Hmmm, everything is gray, businesslike, dull It s like I m over seventy, I live in a nursing home with cats and a vibrator that always runs out of batteries.
Okay, I'll have to go shopping and update my style. While I choose a floor-length black evening dress with bare shoulders, I put it on, do my hair and makeup, and go to the living room.
In the living room, a table for two has already been set and a movie is on. Lewis appears in a black business suit with a bottle of wine and two glasses. When he sees me, he looks at me admiringly.
You are beautiful, he whispers. I feel like I'm blushing. I walk up to him and sit on the couch. Prothero opens the bottle and pours the wine without spilling a drop. We clink glasses, eat pizza and talk about all sorts of nonsense. And when Lewis hugs me, I feel so calm and comfortable ...
For a long time no one took into account my needs and desires. I have always acted secretly, without advertising myself. In order to keep the peace in the world, spies have to give up family and relationships, which I did at the age of seventeen. But now... It's so nice to feel needed and desired...
Hushed, Agent Hedwig, are you all right? Prothero asks, putting his arm around my shoulders.
- Yes. You know, thank you for being my husband. You are caring, kind, strong ... You have a lot of positive qualities that you yourself may not know about. I hug him tighter and inhale the scent of his perfume. Sandalwood and musk. A very pleasant tart smell that suits him very well.
- No, thank you. You're the first one in years to remind me that I can be a good person. Lewis kisses my forehead.
Then he goes down to his nose and smacks it. He finds my lips with his and breathes an innocent kiss into them. I jump up and hug him. The kiss becomes more and more passionate and hot. I pull him towards me, lie down completely on the sofa and begin to rid him of his clothes.
Suddenly I hear the key turn in the lock, push Lewis away and clean myself up.
- We have returned! Mia yells as she enters the house. Behind her are Elliot, Elena, Eric and Christian.
- And what are you doing here ... - Eric is surprised.
Mom and dad are flirting, Mia says calmly.
- Not at all! we shout in unison with Prothero.
In the evening, lying in my room, I think about Lewis. How much he went through, how cold his heart became ... And perhaps only I can help him. Yes, we're a fake family, and when I find out Creedy's plans, we'll break up with him, but damn, I don't want to let him go.
Not in the realm of darkness and horror in which he lives. Only not in the "Merry Owl"! Or... is everything not as I think it is? What do I know about my husband's business? Fake husband, but nonetheless... I'll have to ask him. Eric's words are one thing, but getting to know everything firsthand is another.