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Chapter Text

It was a comfort to her to see them all swaying, passing by each other in the streets. Nameless souls in a sea full of writhing bodies. Little Anna often found herself drawn to the loudest of places. It made it easier to evade them. The monsters. They had smiles plastered on their faces, and soothing voices to fool the adults who more often than not looked at her with pity, some even with contempt. It was becoming harder lately to escape even for a few hours. Shops closed earlier and people preferred to stay at home. Only a few loitered around. There were talks about troops, provisions, and battles. She didn't like hearing any of it.

Taking a deep breath, Anna starts walking down the familiar street to where it was busiest. Spotting a woman with a few children surrounding her, hastily picking up her meagre grocery. She approaches them, seeming aloof. She tried not to look around, she had given away her position before by darting her eyes in all directions. She calms down. That was a hard-earned trick. The woman moves, ushering her children to hurry. Anna has no choice but to follow, far enough from them yet close. The woman might grow suspicious of her, even the kids might find it weird a girl was loitering around them. The others may not think much of a child staying in the streets these days, trying to stay out of their house a minute longer. People commute from work to their homes with only a few necessary stops in between and the children are shepherded in earlier and earlier with each passing day.

The mother turns left and Anna exhales in relief. She follows as her heart starts to beat frantically. Left means freedom. Left means she'd be on the blind side of that building. It'll be easier to get lost. Her chest aches as her feet move faster. 'No running' she chastises herself 'don't draw attention. She rushes down the street as properly as she can, further down the road. She lost the woman and her children by now. Her little heart feels like it's going to beat out of her chest if she lets it. Smiling like a fool and she must be one she thinks because a moment later, a voice is shouting frantically her name.

It's the new nun. Green enough to be blind to the things happening around her. She cares for them. Anna curses at her under her breath. For a blink of a second Anna thinks of turning back. She is a good, kind woman if ignorant and she worries for them. Nothing will get in her way now. Anna won't stop, cannot stop. She must worry for herself first because no one else will. She's all alone and the thought chokes her up. Tears blur her vision, she berates herself. The voice full of concern has grown closer or rather Anna must have slowed down. She knows this place better than a fresh nun from up north. She knows these streets and the routes leading her to them. She has limited time to reach them after all.

So Anna ducks inside the butcher shop. She dries her eyes sloppily and sniffs for good measure. The butcher's away like most men. The teen boy his wife employs is usually found in the back alley with her this late in the evening. Anna finds the butcher's wife pressed up the wall and the young man rutting away at her. Her cheeks feel hot as she rushes by them. She must have been spotted for the woman screeches at her and a gruff voice warns her to get lost. She hears no footsteps following behind to her relief.

As she gets closer to the bridge she starts running. She's out of time she knows. There is gravel and mud she kicks up under her feet. Tears are rushing down her face. A barking dog startles her and makes her fall on her knees, scruffing them and tearing her palms as she braces herself. Sniffling, she's always sniffling. Hands grasp her, hoisting her up, on her feet. She freezes till she recognizes her new friend. Jacob's a few years older than her with a head full of brown curls. He peers around them grasping at her arm.

"Let's go" he grunts. He clutches at her teared-up palm and they start running.

They waited, she thinks, they stayed for me. She hastily brings her other hand down her face, wiping her teary eyes.

The procession has already started by the time they reach the clearing. Caravans move along the road. Only one has remained immobilized.

"Quickly" Jacob yells at the ones waiting "I told you to be ready".

He hoists her up the caravan in the open arms of Eliza. She is sniffling again. Their caravan stars swaying. Jacob's shouts meet another's. Anna is openly crying now.

She felt it when they announced she was to travel to the Americas or even further away. She knew if she followed them there she'd never return. A terrifying feeling like no other had taken hold of her. Only once before had she felt something similar. Desperation so vile and so immense made her cling to her friend's side for the whole day. Only to wake in the middle of the night covered in sweat and the girl she considered sister missing. She never came back. She grew ill suddenly and passed away. Anna had lived with sick children before. They were sick longer than a night and weak long before they succumbed to any illness. She heard the stories whispered among some of the kids, and saw how they flinched away if they were touched. She knew although she doesn't like thinking about it.

"Hush now" Eliza probes. She hears the wailing but cannot recognize her voice. She tries to catch her breath as she feels Eliza's gentle hands rubbing her back.

"You look a right mess" her friend guffaws.

Bringing a hand down her face, she hisses. Her hands are bloody and muddy. A snort escapes Liza, offering her a damp cloth and a bowl filled with water. She starts cleaning first her palms and then her knees. With another snort and an eye-roll Liza gestures at her face, pointing at the mirror. Snot, tears, blood, and lastly mud is all Anna sees until she jumps back with widened eyes and her whole body trembling.

A fear more primal, more tangible than her own. For a moment as she peered into the looking glass she saw another's face. Covered as he was in so much grime she could not discern a thing about him but for his glacier eyes staring back at her. So much like her own. Full to the brim with fear and desperation that made him seem both prey and predator. If not for his eyes she'd think him a beast. But the pair staring back at her were human. Hunting and mesmerizing in their sorrow stole, she mused, a part of her. Approaching the mirror in trepidation she saw only her face reflected back. Anna felt almost disappointed.

A trick of the mind, too much has happened in the last few hours and some of the stories they hear lately are nightmare-inducing. Or it was a vision. She scoffs at her silly thought.

"Are you alright?" Liza asks her warily.

"As alright as I'll ever be. How long till we reach Wales?" Her voice is calm, she most certainly is not.

"It'll take us a few hours," says Liza as she takes a seat.

"They already know I'm gone" her face is almost clean. Her eyes never fully meet the mirror.

"What? How?"

"That stupid nun. She couldn't mind her own bloody business."

"Given that her job is looking after you all, I'd say she's the only one doing it just right."

"No one else cares. Couldn't she be normal?"

"She is the normal one." Her friend hisses and takes a long look at her now clean face. If she suspects anything from her previous interaction with the mirror she says nothing of it.

"You feel guilt for leaving!" She exclaims triumphantly.

Anna grits her teeth in anger. She shouldn't feel anything but joy for escaping that hellhole. She thinks of the other kids, some of them had it even worse than she ever did. Anna kept mum. She wouldn't dare share her plan with another. As quickly as it was put together, it proved to be a good one. She succeeded after all. All the other times she runs away and was caught was preparing her for this very moment. Eliza claims it was their ancestors aiding her. They were the ones who brought them together.

A fair was thrown by the Boswells, by the ones at least who were left behind. Smaller than any other they threw before and far too sour. The majority of the people took to it. Women wanted to have their bleak fortune read, to cling to a futile hope. Others played pretend. Enjoying themselves like they used to. Erasing the bad thoughts eating away at their minds for a couple of hours of enjoyment. Anna knew it to help for a while but then the distraction was gone and the reality always felt heavier after. A few passers-by scoffed at them. Anna took the opportunity it provided. Hiding away, getting lost in the thong of people.

An old crone was seated on the steps of a caravan watching over them. Anna thought her a Queen. She caught the woman scrutinizing her, a knowing smirk appearing on her face. She heard the woman speak in a strange tongue. Whatever she said sounded like a command. A girl her age peered around and caught Anna with her brows furrowed. She was beautiful with her blond hair shining even in this moody weather. Before she knew it the girl was standing in front of her introducing herself as Eliza. Her eyes had an amber colour she'd never seen before. Anna offered her name with her head held high and a challenging stare.

"Where's your parents? Are they around?" Asked the girl.

"Have none. Where yours?" She asked back. Anna didn't know why but she always found herself confronting others like it was her right.

Eliza shrugged unbothered "I'm one of Bethany's strays."

She pointed at the woman she thought the queen. She was observing them, a dark expression clouding her.

"What does that mean?" Her eyes had slithered, a frown forming on her face.

"That I've no one but the other strays of the camp and Bethany's protection of course." Anna felt her heartbeat quicken.

"And how can one join your camp?" Her voice sounded even.

"You get stolen or you steal yourself." Anna thought the girl, Eliza didn't speak English often.

Bethany was beckoning them closer. Anna felt her shoulders straighten, her jaw tightening and her body oddly enough relaxing. She needed to prove herself before the woman.

Eliza had a frown marring her face. She looked bewildered, standing between the two. It felt like Romani royalty meeting another on equal footing. The girl was not older than her yet she could sense the innate power surging between them. She proceeded to shudder. She was among the weakest almost a dud. If she could feel this, if she could tell with certainty what's happening then that was a testament to their power and not her own. A woman of their clan nudges her out of the way.

"Look away, child." She was ordered and Liza followed her direction. She left the impudent girl behind.

Liza knew not of what to make of her. She seemed full of herself and she was rude. She acted as if the whole world owed her. She was awful she decided even though the girl had the most intricate eyes she had ever seen. She collided with another she lost her footing and landed on her ass.

"Oi!" They both exclaimed.

Looking up she found Jacob laughing, offering a hand. He pointed with his head to Bethany's vardo.

"Who's she?"

Liza felt almost possessive, a surge of jealousy rushing through her. "Anna"

"Pretty" was the idiot boy's response.

"She is not" she breathed out too fast for her liking. To her dismay, he caught on, staring her down with a knowing smirk. "She's rude." She tried to explain.

"How rude can a pretty girl be?" That cheek of his. Eliza was ready to respond scathingly when Anna rushed out of the vardo, jumping down the few steps and running away.

"Come on." Jacob for all his stupidity was a good boy. Offering help, trying to comfort them, and trying to make them laugh when things got rough.

They had to run to catch up with her and even as they rushed they lost her. Only for the girl to appear behind them.

"Do you know a quiet place, I can't hear myself thinking here." She demanded.

Jacob was the first to snap out of whatever trance she put them under. Smirking at Anna bowing to her as he offered his assistance. The over-dramatic charlatan. Anna wasn't fazed, a frown marring her pretty face. They camped close to the outskirts of the town. Knowing full well how people were to react if they got closer. Across the canal, at a clearing far enough for the others to be comfortable. The noise from the fair had grown faint behind them as they reached the canal. Anna had wrapped her hands around herself, looking down at the water.

"I have a mother." Tears rushed down her cheeks.

That's all she said for a while. Liza didn't know how to process this, or what words to offer. Was she Bethany's? That would be absurd the woman was old enough to be her grandmother. Maybe... that was it. She must be a bastard daughter. The only thing, the girl didn't resemble the Boswells, either in looks, not in attitude. She looked over the girl's head at Jacob who sat there perplexed. She tried to catch his eyes but before she could, he opened his stupid mouth.

"Where is she? Your mother?" She frantically shook her head begging him to shut up. He shrugged her way, not realizing how difficult a question he posed.

"Birmingham." Monotoned and quiet was her answer.

"That's far away." He whistles at the distance. "How are you getting there?"

"I was always running there." She said as quietly as before but now something dark was taking a hold of her.

"It's ok." She soothed, reaching an arm around her hoping to restrain the anger that was choking this girl she just met. Her offer was pushed away as Anna got on her feet, a fire blazing behind those hazel eyes. Her face was set in stone her jaw clenched. She stood above them thinking.

"When are you leaving?" She asked at last. Her eyes darted down at Jacob.

A smile crossed his face "In a few days."

She started pacing then mumbling away. "I felt it. I know it. I have to. Not there, no. I've no choice left. It's no time yet. I know."

Her rumbling didn't make much sense to her. Liza felt as if she was privy to half a conversation. She felt goosebumps as she witnessed this moment.

"Why? Do you want to be stolen?" Jacob grinned unbothered by the girl's outburst.

"I'll steal myself." The words tumbled from her with such conviction Liza felt herself shiver. It might have been the steely voice, her unmoving face, or maybe those cocky blue-brown eyes of hers, staring straight at Liza's own. And poor Liza gasped feeling her little heart beat out of rhyme for the first time.

Chapter Text

It was a long journey full of panicked thoughts of them catching her, sending her where she was meant to go. Bethany told her she had cheated death and to be proud. She was a true gipsy, never settling in one place for too long.

Anna asked what she meant, she had cheated death, auntie Bethy grew distant, a sadness overwhelming her. Anna soon learned to leave her to her dreams. She had a few herself since she joined her people. Moments were voices whispered at her. A feeling of something going awry brought her here. A warning she listened to.

The dreams that come to her at night are vogue. She recalls only bits and pieces mostly when she's awake. She'll be doing her chores the same as any day around camp and noises even a familiar name being shouted will transport her into a dream that grew distant the moment she became conscious.

They will always be hazy those dreams. She cannot see faces, perhaps at times, she catches the eyes clearly but no more than that. She feels cursed. Glimpsing at so many things but never truly grasping at any of them. She was petrified at the mere notion that she had seen anything from her future that was knowledge she dreaded. Auntie Bethy reassured her no matter how potent her gift was she will never behold anyone's future. The ancestors wouldn't burden her with such a plight.
Still, Anna grew weary. There were nights she found herself suffocating, the earth swallowing her whole. Then there was the crying woman, her suffering never abating. A medley of fear and uncertainty. The only night she'll find peace was when the moon was new. It was a time of respite. She must take walks on those nights.

The first time she was ordered to walk through nature, Anna wandered aimlessly. Around she went, circling the camp, full of worry she'll miss sight of it. She was also told to take in, the stars that hung above her head, the mud and grass under her feet, and above all else to find a place of equanimity. A place where her spirit can rest and find serenity. Liza found her the next day sleeping among the horses.

The nights of the full moon are the ones she dreads. Her dreams grow stronger, taking a hold of her spirit and to her, it felt as if her body was going through the whole ordeal too. Auntie Bethy saw her spirit waning in the few months she spent with them. She could tell, that Anna being among her people only heightened her ability exponentially, and made her visions stronger from a mere bad feeling they transformed into voices and into dreams. Bethany decided to guide the young girl through the rituals that'll bring her some stability.

Anna stood in the vardo she shared with Eliza. The others didn't take well to strangers even if it was Queen Bethany Boswell's wish for the girl to join them on their journey. But no one will go against her for collecting a new stray out of fear. A fear that carried onto Anna. They acknowledge her as a true 'Drabarni' a fortune teller. She is under the tutelage of Bethany that alone is enough to earn her their respect. One day they will flock to her vardo just for a tarot reading. Or so Jacob claimed.

Anna doesn't mind their apprehensive nature. She prefers the company of the few people she came to trust. The few days before she run away were spent fretting that they had gone on without her but they stayed, they waited. It was on Bethany's orders but she need not have ordered them. Jacob and Liza would have stayed back for her of their own volition. A bond was forged when they met. A bond Bethany felt only a few could brake.

Liza is getting ready for bed. Anna is getting ready for a battle. Her friend appears worried. "Are you sure you want to do this?"

"Of course, I don't want to! But there is no other way."

"You could stay with me?" It was supposed to be a statement Anna knew but it slipped through Liza's lips as a weak suggestion.

She wouldn't rest until she finally saw her demon that decided to make do with her dreams. The man she glimpsed once in her mirror had come back to plague her. He haunted her, and as the moon got fuller the greatest his suffering felt. Anna knew not of what to make of it. She felt tethered to him, transfixed on him, but the full moon would pass and so would the spell he put her under. Only for the woman's wailing to come at the front. She was instructed to find a way to soothe them, to appease them both.

A hand brought her out of her reverie. "I... I'll be here." She knew Liza could feel her apprehension. She told her nothing of the man or the woman, she wouldn't share their plight, they confided in her on those nights.

"I know." Was that enough to appease Liza? Perhaps not but that was all she offered her.

She walks through the camp barefoot as instructed towards Bethany's vardo, bathing in the light of the moon. Is he dead or alive? Do they share the same moon or does he gaze up at a distant one in the future or the past? Had he seen her that one time? Can he feel her presence? Will he be her son or maybe he was her dead father? The woman she knows. She even knows how to alleviate her sorrow. She doesn't though.
She has no idea how to soothe the man turning beast night after night. A shadow is fighting over him and Anna thinks she must battle the darkness.

She waits for no one's permission as she barges into her tutor's vardo. Auntie Bethy is smiling, motioning at the tea before her. Anna knows not the recipe only that she'll be hungover the next day or rather noon and that she will remember tonight. That she dreads most of all. That and Liza's worried face as she fusses around her.

"Come girl. Drink..." She points nonchalantly at the herbal tea resting between them. "Drink. I'll show you the way our ancestors perused the trances. Do you let me?" She is always asking for her consent before their lessons. Anna nods as she takes a seat and starts sipping her cup of tea.

"This is the night of the Saviour." She starts explaining in a husky voice. "Tonight any ritual enacted will be a strong one no matter how powerless the one who casts it. Under the full moon, people rejoice. A prime night for the union of flesh and soul. Let the innate power of the moon's light spark inside of you. Let it guide you. Let it, child."

Her eyes feel heavy so they shut off of their own accord a moment later Anna startles awake into darkness. All she sees is smoke so dense it might as well be fog. She hears nothing. It is not only the lack of voices or loud noises she is missing rather there are no rustling chimes no crickets sharing their song. Her deafness brings forth an exhale. A loud one. Her breaths come from deep in her chest, slow and laboured. She grasps the pendant resting there hoping to ease her burden. She finds her feet dipped in mud. She has grown used to mud by now.

An anguished whine reaches her. It comes from far away she can barely hear it. She raises her shaking hands in front of her as she takes one step after the other and starts to follow it. The squeaky moan of wood draws her in a different direction. It's not long after she sees the start of a wooden roof. A vardo is resting amidst this bottomless field her dream conjured up. Anna approaches its door at a subdued pace. A rustling sound startles her the moaning she heard has grown faint. The panels of the vardo's window close shut the clatter echoing around her.

Peeking inside she finds a woman rocking back and forth by the hearth, silently, a rustling comes from the little bundle in her arms. She moves closer trying to determine whether the woman can sense the foreign presence intruding into her home. She can't but the baby can. His bright eyes are locked on her. He is cute. Anna smiles at him his little brows set in a frown as if he decided to make his mother suffer for the hell of it. Stubborn little man he is. Anna finds herself kneeling next to them. She looks at the woman's face to find no mouth, no eyes only a swirling mask made of skin. She focuses on the baby that she sees clearly, resting her hand on his head not knowing what else to do to help him she starts humming an old sweet tune.

The lyrics she has long since forgotten but the melody lingers in her mind. The little boy hears her it seems for he settles. He leans his fist on his chubby cheek eyes shutting down against his will. She hears the fire crackle and feels its heat scorching her and then in a blink of an eye she is kneeling in the mud. A man walks past her humming her song. Anna goes to follow him but stops as a metal food tray lands in front of her. She reaches for it and freezes. She knows what comes next.

The wooshing is enough to make her tremble at the lashing that follows. Anna feels a burning sensation on her back and the agony of the lacerations inflicted on her. She is back there again. Left laying down on the cold floor before their God bleeding slowly for hours. To repent. Anna doesn't remember the aftermath she barely recalls most of the lashing. Now she feels the nun's gentle hands carefully wrapping around her delivering a warmth she never thought existed. She whimpers at the contact. She looks past the woman's shoulder at the cross hanging on the wall. She takes offence by its mere presence, standing up there watching her suffering. She feels tears land on her face as she lies in the arms of the nun. The annoying nun is crying for her, no ones ever cried for her. She is praying for her, words encased in love and worry. Tiny infliction of hope that she is better off wherever she is and a set of panic only a woman like her would know. A good woman.

"I'm all right." Those are the first words that leave her mouth in this hellish dream.

The nun pauses and finishes her prayer smiling assured maybe by her words and then she's gone. Anna lands in more mud. She is covered in muck by now. The wet sound of something being dragged reaches her again. Anna lays there with her eyes closed willing herself to wake up. She is done with this dream.

"Chavi." A gruff voice greets her.

The man is back. His kind smile prevails over the restlessness residing in his eyes. His fingers are calloused the same as hers. Little bumps manifested by pleasure, not labour. "Are you a musician?" She means to ask but no sound comes out. She frowns at him.

"Tatã." A whimper escapes her as she calls for her father.

The man sits beside her offering a sweet smile and a tender touch. She leans into him gripping his arm. He looks at her, taking her in with such hunger, devouring any detail he can find. She feels nervous while under such scrutiny. He loves her. She sees it in his smile tinged with regret for a life they never shared. Anna mimics playing the piano. Her dad's shoulder shakes in quiet mirth. He gives a nod before his attention is drawn away from her. There that sound again. The one that keeps following her. Her father looks at her with pleading eyes. Anna understands and follows him away from it.

She tries to at least. The fog descends around her smothering her and separating them. Her breathing comes slower, louder than before. An echo led her rhythm. She grasps the pendant. It's ridiculously big and impossible blue. The sorrow this thing carries sits heavy on her chest. She follows the unwanted rhythm it set for her. Deep breaths till the last exhale before it starts all over again. She didn't question its presence at first, didn't realise it dictated her breathing. She sees only one path leading her to its resting place. She must sacrifice a part of her. Anna hopes she'll be as merciless as she'll have to be.

As if the fog waited for her to come to this very conclusion it lets up, revealing her father waiting on her, unaware of what transpired. The dragging reaches her getting closer. Anna follows her father away from it to the one place she thought she dreaded the most.

She's seen this one too many times. The wailing takes most of her night and wastes away any rest. Her sobs are rigged with regret. Anna doesn't know why she was abandoned and she fears a definite answer. The crying reaching her night after night breaks her heart. Her dad has gone ahead standing by her bed stroking her hair and trying to console her. There she lays rocking back and forth catching at a blanket and a stuffed bear. Her father's eyes catch hers awaiting eagerly. It must be gut-wrenching seeing the living suffering so while you've no power to aid them. She walks closer at an even pace.

Anna climbs up on the bed like she has done it a thousand times. She dirties the clean sheets with mud as she rests behind her. She raises her hand and before she second-guesses it she rests it gently on the woman's back. The woman stills for a moment and then her wails come from her even stronger. Her father is jumping from one foot to the other, Anna smiles at his endearing reaction. Not knowing what else to do she starts humming again. Her mother calms her eyes dry from any more tears. Her father's back is turned to them standing frozen. He joins her, singing his old sweet tune although Anna can't truly tell the lyrics he sings. The bed is comfortable she is warm and clean and safe. A baby in her mother's arms again. Perhaps she is loved.

The shout that echoes around her awakens her just as she started to doze off. They are still here. Her dad sitting next to her mother stroking her hair and singing to her. She reluctantly rises from the bed. The fog has cleared enough to reveal a field. The dragging has stopped. The man that plagues her dreams looms over a lump buried in mud. She comes to stand beside him. There half-buried under the mud lies a dying white horse. She kneels by its side and starts humming. Her voice catches on with her sadness. It blinks its eye up at her trying desperately to rise to claw itself hoof and all out of its shallow grave. It struggles, it kicks. Anna stays by its side humming away as the beast grows more agitated. Her eyes fill with tears and she tries to stop the sob but it escapes. The man sighs and kneels next to her. All three are in perfect sync as they breathe in. As they exhale a shot rings all around them. The lifeless eyes are still on her.

She clutches at his arm afraid to utter a sigh. He huffs long and tired. More noise is reaching them. They both ignore it. She hears a familiar voice consoling her, pulling her to wake up. Anna resists. He must be too because she hears men shouting in the distance. Anna leans more fully into him humming her old sweet tune and she feels him relax. Her eyes feel heavy.

The smell of hay is in the air. She toddles along in the stables only to feel hands around her waist, picking her up and turning the world upside down. Her giggles are chipper as any toddler's should be in tune with his easy laughter.

The noises are so many and reach her so abruptly that Anna startles awake.

Chapter Text

The humidity of the night has covered everything in dew. Anna prefers these quiet mornings, wrapped in a shawl with a cup of hot, hot tea warming her hands waiting for the dawn. Liza tosses around in bed trying desperately to hold onto fleeting sleep. It is starting to get noisier, heralding the beginning of their day so she gets dressed. She finds peace when everyone's still in bed while she awaits the utter darkness of the night to give away to the sudden light of the morning. There was strength to be had in solitude and silence when everything lies still giving her the power to endure the upcoming day. She was always surrounded by too many people, the nunnery was full of despondent children, the camp full of people of all ages even if most of the men were fighting in France. And then the men returned and things became harder and more dangerous although she still prefers this over the nuns. Liza stirs one last time and raises. The day has truly begun.

"There is tea." Anna softly whispers.

"I know..." Comes the groan.

If the girl could she would waste in bed all day. They've done this nearly every morning. Even back in their little apartment in London where she, Liza and Jacob had fled once. Anna leaves her be, it'll be easier for them both if Liza's morning routine is undisturbed. Anna pulls her shoes on when the door comes crashing onto the side where her drawers are as aunty Bethy storms in huffs at Liza's unfriendly face and then focuses solely on her amused one.

"Your cousin's here." Bethany Boswell is a wise old crone. Many come seeking her guidance. The thing is Bethany often does her own sort of seeking for Anna's advice.

She hadn't asked about her family even if she often dreams of them. She knew of them of course. She heard the name, Shelby, being used as a slur around the camp. It was a good thing then when her aunt gave her the alias of Sallyna Boswell. It was much safer after her reputation as a fortune-teller had grown. Easier to stay hidden.

"What does he want?" Anna dares not raise her eyes from the floor because she knows who is coming and what he carries with him.

"Hell if I know. He was spotted coming up the path, are you going to meet with him?" Bethany's lidded eyes reveal her mistrust.

"Yes."

Her aunt nods her acceptance. "I'll talk to him first, see what he wants then send him your way."

"No. I... I'll come with" her aunt was prone to silent irritation especially if you disagree with her so blatantly even when they were alone.

"What?" Liza's still here.

"What?"

"I'll go wait for him. Be quick."

Liza stands there with hair tousled from sleep, mouth opening and closing unable to form any words waiting for Bethany to leave.

"What?" Anna gruffly asks again. Her patience was spent. Her nerves surfaced.

"He..." Gnawing at her lip trying to be careful of her words. "We fled London because of one of your cousins."

"It's time Eliza." She cuts her off. "I need to confront my mother now before it's too late."

Anna craves resolution. She wants to yell at her and cry in her arms. She wants her to hear about the life she had because of her. She wants to hear the reason why she had that life. She had never truly forgiven anyone before. She hopes she will find the courage to forgive her mother. Fearing no disappointment after she willingly puts herself in such a vulnerable situation. She leaves before Liza has the chance to say anything more.

She walks past too many people in her opinion. They must have all flocked here to get a glimpse of the king. Her aunt might not have divulged which of her cousins is paying them a visit but Anna knows it's the king himself and... And johnny. Bloody. Dogs. The mad bastard himself. He is the first to spot her walking toward them. His easygoing smile drops and his hand clutches onto her cousin's arm like a child would to garner the attention of their mother. The man shakes him off not too kindly, ordering him to silence with just one glare. Johnny, the poor man, grabs onto his hat with both hands looking everywhere but at her, as she approaches, then he dashes off towards the caravan they arrived in. Anna is close enough to overhear her aunt speaking of a curse.  His eyes are on her even before Bethany turns to her showing the cursed jewel in her bare hands.

"Who's this?" His raspy greeting.

He is downtrodden. Barely standing on his two feet. His eyes as hollow as they appear hold a warning she defies just to spite him. This is her kingdom and she the queen. She braves the icy inferno of his glare only for her to start glaring at the imbecility of aunty Bethy.  She drops her shawl off her shoulders and cradles the Sapphire in wool. Her aunt is surprised by her reaction. The woman sure is rubbish when it comes to curses. His shoulders droop in relief she presumes. He came here searching for absolution, he'll leave here with a promise made to her.

"I'm Anna." She hesitates when his eyes lock with hers. She knows those eyes. She's been haunted by the very same pair countless nights.

"Anna Gray." Her voice is quieter than she intended. He frowns, his mouth opens for a harsh retort.

"I've proof."

He stands there for a good ten minutes peering right through her contemplating if taking these odds is worth his effort. She knows when he's done when his eyes are fixed on her. He nods, huffing and puffing away his annoyance. Then with his right hand barely rising from his side, he points at the camp at large ordering her to move.

"This is a waste of my time." Blue eyes lock on hers challenging her to fall out of step.

"You got somewhere better to be?" The man says no more as she leads him to her vardo.

He came along bearing resemblance to the demon who would most often than not ruin her dreams, clutching a necklace that sat heavily on her chest night after night. Here he is, her plight, her cousin and here is the curse he willingly brought upon them.

People's eyes are on them as she leads him inside. He is infamous after all. He takes a seat unceremoniously, lighting his next cig. She offers him a drink that he declines. Smart man. Aunty Bethy might have tried to poison him such is her detest for the man. She shuffles her tarot deck a smirk adorning her face.

"Where's your proof then?"

Anna removes her cardigan and his eyes widen only a fraction but she catches it. Her blouse follows and she turns her back to him, he gasps and raises from his seat. The next thing she knows his hands are on her, his thumb caressing her birthmark. Sitting proudly on the top of her back is a big brown circle resembling a full moon. The king's mark. A sign of sovereignty. His hands lower and she fights hard not to flinch. She knows what he found.

"What happened here?" His raspy voice is barely heard, and his accent has thickened.

"Nothing too uncommon where I was brought up." He has seen a mark too many on her.

He says no more and Anna prefers it that way. He is clutching her arms holding her there. Suddenly, he spins her around. She holds her breath as he cups her face taking her in. His bright eyes try to recognize every lesser detail. Her eye colour is also an attestation to her legitimacy. Hazel eyes of blue, brown and a little bit of green make a unique amalgamation. He catches himself as his grip grows tighter on her.

She redresses as he turns into a big lump on his seat. He is someone to be feared for sure. Ruthless and heartless. But the man now in front of her has been defeated.

"Told your mother you were dead." He murmurs, his eyes never reaching hers.

"I... What?" What is she to make of this confession?

"I went looking for you, your record had you dying in Australia."

"I ran away long before they were to send me away. I... Hmmm, I knew what was to happen to me if I went." She confesses.

"You've seen it?"

"Not exactly. I got a feeling... I don't know how to describe it." He nods his head in response speaking with a cig hanging from his mouth.

"It's alright. Your mother's the same." He sees her scowl. "You were taken. A neighbour falsely accused Polly of stealing. They found nothing that had been stolen but they found a small distillery if you can even call it that. They took you and your brother over a drop of gin."

"Was it good gin at least?" He snorts gifting her a half-smile. "I've a brother?"

"You didn't know?" With a huff, he gestures at the bottle she offered him earlier.

"No." The word is small but the implication it hides it's much bigger. She frowns at her ignorance. He never visited her dreams.

"His name's Michael. I found him a couple of years back. Didn't find you. Who do you reckon died with your name?"

"It could be a child looking for a way out, could be the perish trying to cover their arses." Truth is she never thought about it. Never thought someone desperate enough would grasp at her fate. And what a fate it was. She ran away because she knew with certainty that she would never return.

"You are quite accepting of this." She thought it'll be harder to prove her identity, especially after all she heard about her family.

He pointed at her "that birthmark of yours, our grandfather had it. Polly wouldn't shut up about how it was her little girl born with the king's mark. She was proud."

'Of what?' Anna doesn't distrust his words.

"And you resemble our grandmother. She was as small as you and terrifying."

"As terrifying as me?"

"That's yet to be seen." Another half-smile adorned his face.

She didn't rightly know why her mother send her away. She had time and again helped her in her dreams but still, Anna harboured a dislike for the woman. Anger born from her perceived abandonment. But now there is a chance isn't there?

"Will she want to meet me?" She feared both answers. She dreads meeting the woman, she fears her rejection even more.

"She mourned you. She still is. There is nothing more Polly wants than to have her children with her."

"I'm not leaving here. This is my home." As clear as she can make it for him to understand. Her apprehension about meeting her, the fear that has taken hold of her. He is unfazed by her comments.

"Where would you want to meet her?"

"Neutral place. Although I'm not quite sure where that is."

Knocking interrupts them, Johnny Dog's head enters her vardo his eyes lowered to the floor.

"What is it?" Tommy's exasperation with the man amuses her.

"Come in. Come on." She beckons him inside. "You are a guest Johnny, I wouldn't hurt a guest."

"Hurt me last time"

"Did I? I wonder why? Care to enlighten us?" She gestures between her and her cousin.

"Well, I... I came here for the baby, Charlie's upset."

"I left you with him"

"I know Tommy but the girls flocked around him a heartbreaker he'll be eh just like his tā." Tommy's expression clouded and before he unleashed a tirade Anna interrupts him.

"I'll go meet that baby then. You two behave."

Two sets of eyes watch her as she exits. Johnny's apprehension of the situation is made clear by all the fidgeting.

"Mr Shelby that's a Boswell witch, the woman's dangerous."

"How so?"

"Well remember a few years back I told you I was booted out of the Boswell camp. Well, she did something to me, Tommy, I couldn't" he looks around paranoid of anyone else overhearing. Leaning closer to the seated man whispering harshly. "I couldn't get 'it' up. She did something to me. I know it."

Laughter is heard loud and clear as he climbs down her vardo. He comes to join her in search of his son.

"Johnny's amusing? Isn't he?"

"Quite. He proved to me that you are terrifying." She snorts amusing herself.

The women have flocked around the toddler. It takes a look for Anna to realise why. He is upset by the attention he receives. His father quick to save him holds him in his arms, soothing the child with soft-spoken words in their language. Although Anna thinks they would have been more appropriate if spoken to a horse. The baby looks at her and Anna's world stops spinning.

"Charlie, right? I'm aunty Anna chavi." She clasps his little hand in a handshake making him smile and hide his face in his father's neck while peering at her. A moment later the baby leaps to her. He settles in her arms.

"Will you stay?"

Tommy looks at them and nods.

Chapter Text

The baby sits on her lap near the blazing fire to stave off the chilly night. He mumbles happily telling her all sorts of things. Charlie is content whereas his father is most definitely not. He is unfazed by the glares he receives. He sits amongst them as if he belongs in a traveller's camp or like he owns this piece of land they found themselves on. They are back in Wales where her journey began years ago. Anna has travelled as far south in Margate and as far north as Banchory. And yet here she is almost a decade later at the same place where her dreams became something more.

Aunty Bethy assured her their ancestors would never give her the plight of prophecy but Anna came to the realisation early on that her aunt had lied. She has been privy to too much while she fears she is blind to most. Lately, all she dreams is a manifestation of a hazy mind that belongs to none other than her cousin. It's always been him. She glimpses at a fearful and shuttered soul as it peaks out every so often when his eyes rest on hers. And they do so often enough that Anna has decided to return the toddler to him even if she wants to hold him a bit more.

Johnny sees her approaching and once more he takes off. She should be offended truly if her ego wasn't stroked by his fear. She lands on the seat he vacated the baby still in her arms. How reluctant she is to return him to his father. His half-smile appears again adorning his tired face.

"You haven't been sleeping and when you are you're not doing any resting." She accuses.

He turns to her facing her fully,  arms resting on his knees and eyes downcast.

"And what do you know of my rest?" His hand reaches his son's foot playing with it making the baby rest on her more. He must be getting tired.

More than you think. She wants to tell him. More than she wants to really.

"Everyone knows." She tells him instead. "Those black circles, the fact you have barely moved since you sat down..." She exhales at the end before her tirade truly starts. "You need sleep and Charlie too. He is tired."

"Charlie's content. He never sits in one place for too long and he spent the whole evening with you, well, hanging on you as it is." He reaches into his pocket for a pack of cigarettes offering one to her. She nods and he lights it for her. "You've been with them long?"

"I hadn't yet turned eight when I ran."

"That's a long time..."

"Not really... I... I left for a while. With a few friends." His focus is solely on her the cig he just lit is being wasted in the grasp of his fingers. "After the war things got complicated."

"How so?" He prompts.

"You men came back." She averts her gaze drawing it at her friends across the fire. Heads close to each other whispering fervently, Anna can hazard a guess as to what or whom they are discussing. A deep chuckle rises from him capturing her attention once more. He did that often enough she muses.

"Your mother had once said something similar." His demeanour changes to sombre in an instant. "Did anyone hurt you?"

Anna hesitates. She heard the dormant threat laying underneath, that she figures, is a perpetual scheme he relishes in.

"No... No one got the chance' her gift was stronger by then 'a traveller's path is arduous." His eyebrows scrunched together a smirk adorning his lips yet again "what!? I enjoy reading you know!"

"There are many books here, eh? One of the vardos a library, is it?"

"Liza often compares mine to one." Her cigarette is almost done so she drops it. She glances at the child, her heart swells at the sight of him fast asleep in her arms. She wants to protect this baby, she thought of another distant dream and her deep-rooted regret takes over her. "I'm so sorry." She offers her condolences to them both.

He doesn't respond right away he only lights his new cigarette facing her people make merry around the various campfires.

"Is it cursed, truly?"

"They say the curse of a fortune teller is no one believes them. You'll believe whatever fits. I say yes, you'll only think it's true when you want the guilt of you and when the time comes that you'll be troubled you'll think me a liar. You'll drape your guilt over you and suffer in it. This thing you brought upon us." She sighs trying to gather her thoughts careful about what she is about to reveal to him. "It'll be a hard one to break. I'm not even sure if I can do that. Curses are a tale, Tommy. No one is meant to believe in them, but you did."

"I gifted it to her." He whispers so low she barely hears him.

"I know." His icy gaze oppresses her. "Come." She orders. "I need to speak to you in private." The child resting in her arms doesn't stir as she walks. His little puffs warmed her neck where he buried his sweet face. Charlie clutches at her detecting her unease as easily as children can. Tommy's huffs as he follows her remind her of the nightmares she used to have before of a great man like beast breathing down her neck ready to give chase.

Her vardo is warm enough as they enter. Anna lays the child on her bed. His father's eyes are on her watching her every move but no protests rise from him when she tucks the baby in. She hesitates ready to give him what she considers ammunition against her. He waits for her standing by the hearth a hand outstretched on the wall. His impatience was written all over his tensed form.

"You've asked if I had seen my death in Australia well, I didn't but..." She sighed again walking closer to him her voice low enough so as not to disturb the sleeping child. "I have seen things." Her confession spills from her lips as if she regrets the words ever leaving her mouth.

"What have you seen?" There is a strain in his words, an accusatory undertone.

"I've seen you." His glare gives her pause. "I mean... I see bits and pieces. I've seen you..." During the war she almost says. "I wear that necklace." She tells him instead. "Night after night, it's always around my neck for years now, since my dreams came to me. I never saw her..." She points at Charlie. She never saw Tommy's wife, hell she never saw her own brother or any of her many cousins either. "I see my mother too, sometimes."

He deflates right before her eyes. His forehead pressed on the wooden wall hands resting on the mantle. She approaches still as if her small vardo had put miles between them. Gnawing at her lip she touches his back feeling his warmth.

"Tommy, I just realised something." His head turns so he can look at her, he waits. "You're real."

Tears rush dropping heavy droplets down her cheeks, sniffling away her relief for this are tears of joy. Of that, she has no doubt. She hears him snort then she is in his arms. Hushed words in their tongue calm her a bit and his lips come to rest upon her brow, holding her there he is shaking from laughter.

"You thought I wasn't real, eh? I don't envy you those dreams, Anna." He sighed.

"You can't tell anyone. They cannot know. Not Polly or your brothers, not even mine. Only a few know of my gift and even my aunt doesn't know the extent of them." She beseeches.

He seems to understand the gravity of her situation. "Will you help me, Anna?"

"If I can." She bites her lip again. "What if I can't? The dreams came when I ran with the Boswells up and down the country. What if us being here together, what if after I meet with my mother, what if they go away?"

"Would you like that?"

"They've been part of me for so long. I came to rely on them and I want to help you."

"Alright, Anna." He says at last.

He is still holding her and she feels safe, truly safe. She found it peculiar when he trusted her so easily but after all, she had enough information to prove her identity. Still, it gnawed at her how easily she took to him. Anna was taught many skills in the nunnery and the few foster homes she ran from, the most important of them all being, to trust no one was safer. Kids, especially the weak ones, their desperation turned them towards their worst capabilities and the adults didn't need any form of greater passion, they lashed out because nobody would care.

There were those few, Liza and Jacob even aunty Bethany in all her glory that she came to trust but Anna seldom felt safe. She felt content once running with a puppy alongside her, sand between her toes instead of mud but that lasted as long as her deception had. This was supposed to be the most awful of men holding her. 'A demon come to prey upon us all' her aunt would say, God but she was dramatic. Marring into the Lee clan didn't quell her aunt's distrust either. Yet Anna finds herself wishing he won't let go.

She was the one to let go of him first. He brushes his hand down his face seemingly done for the day any moment now and he will fall over if he keeps on standing. Anna gently shoves him to the bed making sure Charlie was still undisturbed.

"Stay." Stroking his hair as a mother would she bestows a kiss on his head. Tucking him in as she had done for the baby. She turns to go when his hand stops her. "I'll be right back." She soothes.

Liza won't be pleased. She wouldn't be either if she was ousted from her own bed, being misplaced by a long lost cousin especially one of his notoriety. They were still together, Liza slumped on Jacob with a bottle in her hand. He looks miserable in his sobriety and she is outrageously drunk.

"You shouldn't be here." He warns. As if she hadn't felt their hungry stares the moment she stepped out.

"Do they know? Do you?"

"This one told me. That's quite the family you got there." He peers around nervously. "They don't but they saw the two of you sitting together most of the night after you took him in your vardo and now you took him back and left him there."

"Why is he still there?" Liza finally focuses on the conversation.

"He is sleeping. They... They are sleeping. Charlie's in there too." She tries to defend herself. Liza scoffs.

"And where will we be sleeping?"

"I um... Well, Jacob's here."

"Oh no, oh please no, I can't handle you both." A man overhearing them mumbles some rubbish about Jacob being not man enough but Anna scarcely hears him. She calculates how much Liza had to drink to determine how volatile she is going to get.

"You're in luck. You have only this one to take care of." She cheerfully announces.

"Great you're leaving me alone with her drunk."

"Why? Where will you be?"

Anna exhales "I'm not going to leave them alone."

"Why not?"

Anna is fuming by now, breath fogging in front of her with every last breath.

"Because I want to be with them."

She waits for the yelling or the pleading to start. Liza curls into herself holding the bottle with both hands looking at it as if it holds some wisdom.

"Go then." She slowly says.

That's not what she expected. Anna counts her blessings. Maybe her friend is drunk enough and tired enough this late in the evening to give any tongue-lashing. She bids them both good night and rushes back not before she catches Jacob's disapproving glare.

Soft little snores greet her. The baby has crawled his way on his father being lulled by the rising and falling of his chest. Anna takes a seat near them on the bench across the hearth. She needs a moment. This... All this is too much.

"What are you doing?"

"I thought I put you to bed. Why aren't you sleeping?"

He doesn't respond he just holds his hand out to her. She sits there waiting but the hand stubbornly remains outstretched beckoning her to bed. His eyes follow her as she disrobes,  she slips under her blanket tossing a bit about to find her spot. When she does she sighs in relief. He is still watching.

"What?" He blinks lethargically at her.

"I'm thinking... Of a place for you to meet your mother. There is one you loved to run to back home."

"Were there any stables about because I still run there." He arches an eyebrow in question. "I feel safe around horses. You Are sure? About my mother, will she even want to meet me?"

"You are her daughter."

"Yes but I mean me, as in who I am now. I... I have done things I'm not proud of."

"I've done worse, Luv and your mother knows of them."

"But you grew up together." He stays silent for a while long enough for Anna to drift to sleep. She thinks she hears him whispering an apology.

Chapter Text

Anna is standing in the middle of all the chaos she created looking lost. All of her wardrobe is strewn all over the place. In her anxiety, she remained undecided over what she wanted to pack. Trepidation has crept in, oddly different than the last time. Tommy promised her that he'll come for her. The uncertainty of the situation reminds her of those few days she waited before she ran away from the nunnery. Only this time Anna knows that he will wait for her. He'll send a car, he said, as if he didn't trust she'll come on her own. He left her a few days ago needing to take care of things and prepare the family. She figures he means mainly her mother.

Of what she hears of the woman she sounds formidable enough. His right hand, they call her, the ones who aren't blinded by her sex. Polly Gray is as much a member of their gang as any of the men and her word counts more so, at least to their leader. A level headed yet protective matriarch. Protective. Many describe her as such but it always manages to leave her feeling bitter. She wasn't protected by anyone.

Liza finds her amidst the cloth mayhem. She is still cross with her even Jacob is keeping his distance. The only one who doesn't care for the theatrics is her aunt who is bemoaning the situation while cursing Tommy for the audacity to arrive here uninvited. Her aunt knows something. Liza starts tidying up which means she is gearing up for a fight.

"I don't know what to pack?" She offers as a starting point.

"You don't have to impress him." Anna frowns.

"It's not for him. It's about my mother."

"You were angry at her..."

"I still am but Tommy explained" Liza snorts in derision.

"I don't care for the words that man spews. I do not trust him, Anna. The man's a thief a crook and a killer. How can you be this stupid?" Liza erupts.

"You accuse him of things we've also done."

"Stop defending him. It's not the same, is it? We had to, to survive, we were desperate."

"And they weren't?"

"Perhaps they were in the past but now, my God Anna, he has a fucking big country house. One of those, people name like they're babies. He has servants. How do you think a man like him, someone like us came by all this?"

"Wouldn't you take it? The risk to obtain everything he has?" She asks shyly curious about her answers.

"If it put you in danger? If it put our lives in danger? Then no I would not."

"I would." Betrayal is written in Liza's expression.

"You like it here' she desperately tries to make her understand 'you think you can live the way he does?"

"It's not about him!"

"Isn't it though?" Her friend accuses.

"What part of, I want to meet my mother, don't you understand? I was angry at her, I admit but I was a child and I had suffered enough. I didn't know why. I thought that she had thrown me away. But she didn't. I was taken from her and she never stopped searching for me. She tried to find me, Liza."

"You don't know that. All you know is what he told you."

"I'll know for certain after I meet with her. You are acting like he is going to lock me in that big house of his. He promised. He is going to take me to her."

"Why can't she come here instead of you travelling all the way to Birmingham?"

"You do realise how ridiculous this sounds for us right? In any case, it was my decision to meet her there. Do you imagine the Shelby clan arriving here, what do you think will happen?" They'll fight for sure.

Liza's stubbornness isn't new. She reacted badly when it came to any man Anna had taken an interest in. But this is about family. No matter who they are she wants to go to them. She desperately wants to give them a chance. They had worked for Arthur in one of the clubs in London after they had ousted that rotten man Sabini. They liked him well enough then. The reason they fled was because of her stupidity and Arthur never came for them. He let them be. All they knew was how to steal, manipulate and even kill like them. How hypocritical can she be?

"I'm scared too." She says at last. "But I do trust him." Liza tries to interrupt but Anna continues. "Liza you know if there was danger I would feel it. All I felt was comfort and yet I'm scared. I was three when they took me. I don't remember her. I don't know my mother and she doesn't know me." Teary-eyed now she beseeches her friend to understand and her words might have reached her for Liza tries to appease her.

"She will love you. You are stubborn, willful and foolish but you make it insufferable and entirely too easy to love you. So don't worry." Liza hugs her. "I'm sorry, you are right I am scared. I don't want you to be hurt again."

"That was different. I hurt him as much as he hurt me maybe even more so."

They are standing in the middle of all the clothes they had forgotten.

"I'll help you pack. Your best dresses from London will do. You'll go looking like fucking royalty, like a lady not like the street rat you really are."

Things were better between them. Anna doubts she heard the last of Liza's misgivings about her family. She helped her pack though so things are all right for now. It's too early for all this nagging and Anna is heading for round two, this time delivered by Bethany. No one is happy with this development. She feels their eyes full of anger on her. They fear her but they fear Tommy more and with her aunt's clear dislike for him things might become violent. Fear can easily transform into anger and she is aware of who will be easier to get their hands on to be prosecuted for their perceived malignancy.

Auntie Bethy must realise this because she opens her arms, when Anna reaches her, in front of everyone holding her like she used to do soothing her after the bigger and more frightening dreams she had under the gaze of the full moon. The message rings loudly and clearly. She is still under her protection for now. Bethy holds her hand leading her away from them where they can overlook the camp. They watch as they pass a mixture of mistrust and apprehension morphing their grimaces.

"This is your home and I don't mean those fools. I am your home. Liza and Jacob, they both fear they're going to lose you as much as I do." Her words astound her.

"I know aunt Bethy, never doubt that. I'll come back."

Bethany looks straight at her.

"Be careful of him."

"This is not about him." She says curtly.

"No, it's not but I want you to be wary. I know you dreamt of him, girl." She raises her hand cutting her off before she has the chance to open her mouth. "It doesn't matter that you do. The ancestors have a reason for guiding you to him but Anna, promise me. You have to promise me. Don't let him consume you. That man is dangerous. He'll use you and abuse you if given the chance. Don't let him."

"Have some faith in me."

"I do. That's why I'm warning you now before it's too late. You spent the whole week with him and that baby of his. You already got sucked into him. I ask of you to be alert."

"Why would I dream of him?"

"It's the..." Auntie Bethy starts saying.

"... Will of the ancestors," they say together.

"Child, I care for you like you are one of my own. I want you happy. So heed my warning."

Anna doesn't care about being happy. She wants to feel the softness and stability a mother bestows upon her children. She wants to be accepted by her. She hasn't even thought about him. But hasn't she always been plagued by him? Wasn't he the leading force in her dreams? It's not about him, she seethed in silent anger.

"I've grown used to being careful around people so don't worry." She says cheerfully masking her temper.

Her aunt nods even though they both know it to be a lie. She is distrustful of many but she took to him easily enough to be found careless.

Her aunt's reaction doesn't surprise her. The stories she heard were cut in pieces, different mouths iterating similar tidbits. From what she had gathered, her grandfather who was an Irish traveller stole Roma princess Birdie Boswell. Her identity being hidden was partially for that. She wasn't a full-blooded gipsy as a Shelby but as Sallyna she became the gipsy stray Bethy adopted. She protected her. She owes her a lot.

"Are the rumours true? About grandfather?" Bethany had a bone to pick with Michael Shelby.

Bethany sighed turning away from her. "The first time I saw him he rode a white horse smirking like an arrogant prick. I was beyond annoyed but Birdie, Birdie was caught in a spell it seemed like." She sighs again appearing lost in her memories. "We were by the river one morning washing our clothes, he was there leaning on a tree watching. You know what your grandmother did?"

"I think I do... She walked up to him, didn't she?"

"She did. She was fifteen and he was close to thirty. After that morning I barely saw her." Anna can't help but be shocked by the age difference.

"He stole her?"

Her aunt smirks. "More or less. She went on her own. They were in love." She mocks.

She is going to ask. All those rumours had been building over the years mounting her curiosity.

"Were you in love with him?"

"No. Have you been hearing tales, girl?"

"Hard not to. Why then, do you hate them so much?"

"I don't, not the lot of you." She looks at her imploring her to pay attention. "Michael Shelby took from me the only person that cared for me. I was a stray once too with a younger sister to look after. Birdie was the only one who helped us. She was a few years older than me, eight I think, and still, I thought of her as my mother. Silly eh? After... She couldn't come back. He was a traveller, a gorger. Nothing like us. I didn't care back then. The elders did though. The next time I saw her she had a baby in her arms and a huge smile. The smiling didn't last. I lost her because of him." She side-eyes her. "He is the same."

That is something. A knot formed in Anna's stomach. Heavy as her aunt's warning was.

"So you specifically do not like my grandfather and Tommy? Who else?" She tries to alleviate some of her discomfort with unwarranted levity.

"Tsk! Impudent girl." She states proudly. "I don't know the rest well, love. Don't worry if your mother is anything like Birdie she would love you anyway. You should get ready." She is dismissed. "And Anna, good luck chavi."

She pauses turning back to auntie Bethy with a nod of acknowledgement she leaves her there looming over the busy camp.

The car arrives on time as promised. Standing on his own by the outskirts of the encampment is a man her age. With skin darker than most, he stands out even more with his peaked cap and tailored suit that reveals his involvement with the gang. Anna finds him agreeable.

Jacob's the only one who ventured out to meet the stranger. Their conversation ends when they caught sight of her. Jacob dashes to her side reaching down and taking her bag. He mockingly raises the bag up and down a couple of times, his smile growing bigger. Liza refused to walk her here, she handed her the bag and with a murmured farewell she disappeared back into their vardo.

"When should we expect your return?"

"Soon, hopefully." He takes a deep breath, his chest swelling and deflating, observing the camp.

"Are you sure you'll be able to come back?" His smile wanes with every word. "Anna, wait till I send word. I don't want you here if it's not safe." He hugs her, hoisting her up until her feet don't touch the ground. His smile returned with full velocity. "They'll adore you. Hard not to." He always had the right words for them.

Deep down she knew things will get significantly more difficult if she was to return. She is left standing between the people she grew up with and, frankly, the unknown. She hesitates for the first time. She thought no roots had taken hold for her to mourn this change. A hand resting on her lower back brings her warmth of familiarity, she looks behind at the radiant smile of her friend and with a gentle push from him she takes the first step and doesn't stop after she takes the second.

"If anything happens send for me. If it's not safe here we will leave. I hear Paris is where people go to live free." He says all that in Romani. He winks at her and waits as the man her cousin send greets her.

"Miss Gray." He opens the car door for her, taking her bag from Jacob.

"And who are you?"

"Isiah Jesus ma'am." Both Jacob and her snort at the same time.

"That's a first." Her friend quipped.

"I know." She wiggles her eyebrows. She looks at him, one last time. Telling herself to not cry. She is not leaving forever after all.

He pats her head leaning down, acutely aware of the eyes staring down at him, he kisses her forehead almost fatherly. "Be careful." Again in Romani. With that, he turns around and rushes back getting lost in between all the caravans.

Chapter Text

Anna slept for most of the journey. She chit-chatted with Isiah, asking him about the family but he held his tongue. Never being an avid fan of small talk she drifted into what she presumed was an awkward silence and eventually sleep. She came to as they approached the big, dreary house. There it stood casting its imposing shadow over the land, not unlike its owner and how his control fell over the family. And there he stood, waiting patiently at the entrance. She was greeted as she expected with a smidge of reluctance and a prolonged hug. She immediately after asked about Charles and his whereabouts. Without sparing a second glance at the opulence that surrounded her she followed Tommy to the top of the staircase where a giddy child was waiting. His little face was adorned with the sweetest, biggest smile. Anna shared the excitement the child felt. He started blabbering away, stealing her away from his father who if Anna had guessed right wanted to speak to her urgently. She could fathom as to what. But the baby came first and as it was late in the evening he would soon go to bed. Tommy would get his moment but for now, the baby had all of her attention.

It was later than she thought she'd see him. After they put Charlie to bed and said good night. Anna was escorted to her room which was close to the nursery. She unpacked, had a very luxurious bath and was served a late dinner in her new room. She found it odd that her first instinct upon arriving here was to find a place for all the belongings that she brought with her. Her dresses hang in the wardrobe, her undergarment was neatly folded in the dresser even her jewellery was displayed upon her vanity. A knock on the door was enough to distract her, her thought process fading. A maid was sent to fetch her and by the look the girl had, she was not most likely filled in the details of her identity. She looked at her accusatory as if she came to steal someone's place. She was led to his office. A very docile maid with no attitude whatsoever announced her appearance. The girl didn't even spare her a glance as she walked out, with her head held high and a haughty expression, she left them alone.

"She's lovely."

Tommy glanced up from his paperwork taking her in. He gestures for her to come closer.

"Who?"

"Doesn't matter. When do I meet my mother?" That mattered more for now.

He didn't respond right away he swirled his chair to his left staring at the bar cart before he made up his mind and he went over to pour himself a glass of too much whiskey. He drank half of it before offering one to her. She huffed and accepted. Anna reached for her drink and when he offered her his hand, she only glance at it twice before accepting that too. He clutched her hand and he threw himself at one of the couches adorning his office bringing her down with him. She couldn't help but giggle at his shenanigans. His lopsided smile grew into a fuller one. They sipped at their drink. He had something difficult to tell her. The silence grew uncomfortable with each thought of calamity passing through her mind.

"What is it?" She finally said. He took too long to answer her so Anna thought that he didn't hear her weakly whispered question. She was going to ask again when he shifted and sighed. His glass was empty and he was holding onto it for dear life his elbows resting on his knees his focus solely on the empty glass.

"The thing is..." He started saying and Anna paused. Her only thought was that her mother didn't want her or she didn't believe him. Or... Anna wanted to rage at the man who promised her a world she never dared imagine only to rip it while she had it in her grasp. She felt tears gathering in her eyes so Anna stood. She walked towards the large window where his chair was, staring out into the darkness she collected herself and tried to swallow all her feelings.

"Just tell me." She demanded, sounding both sure and somewhat detached.

"I didn't tell her."

All emotions came back up and choked her. She turned abruptly to face him making her feel dizzy for a moment, or maybe it was the flustered, frustration she felt for this man. She didn't move. She didn't speak. She glared death at him.

He could feel that blazing inferno he brought upon himself. He huffed which manage to aggravate her further he left his empty glass at the tea table and raised from his seat and paused there. A moment later he turned to her and with a cocksure little walk, he was in front of her. He didn't shy away from it nor did he match it. He looked tired and done not just for the day but it felt like he was detached from everything. Anna continued to glare even though she felt bad for him. Pity won't help him though.

"I need you to listen to me. We'll tell her when the time is right but right now I need her focused."

She was affronted. "It's all about you, isn't it?"

"It's about the family business. I need more time. I need you to understand." He held her by her arms shaking her gently. "It won't be for long. A week, two at most."

She figured it would be longer than that. "I'll go then." His grip tightened and he shook his head.

"You can't go back."

"Yes, I can."

"Anna we're not having this conversation. It's not safe."

"And I'm safe here, am I?" Her vitriolic response must have burnt him because he instantly released her. In her anger, she didn't care.

"You're staying here. You are associated with us now. It's not safe for you anywhere, but you are safe here with me." He said it as though he was trying to convince himself.

She didn't have it in her to point out his late wife even though she saw the thought flashing between his eyes.

"You'll have good company." She looked at him dubiously "Charles, of course." He thought to butter her up with the baby. It was working.

"How much time? And tell me exactly how much you think it'll take not what you think it'll appease me."

He hesitated, looking around the room at anything that grabbed his attention but her. Finally, he found the courage to look her in the eyes again.

"A month. At least."

"And what am I to do? Will I be Charlie's nanny?"

"If it's such a chore, I'll keep him away from you."

"I didn't say that. In what capacity am I to stay here as? If you didn't notice before that maid was glaring daggers at me. They'll talk, Tommy. What I'm asking, I guess is, what are you going to tell them about me being here?"

"You are here because I want you here."

"And that's enough?"

"It is."

"So, they'll either think I'm your mistress or just a common whore? And what about the rest of your family won't they venture out here?"

"They've orders."

"And they'll follow such orders blindly? What if they come up here? What will I be then?"

"Same as before, luv, my whore." Anna felt vindicated when she slapped him.

Anna also felt the need to slap him again when he started laughing, only thing is he didn't allow her a second hit. Even in his mirth, he was sharp,  managing to grasp her hand mid-air and close the slight distance between them.

"If they come here then you'll hide. Especially from Polly and Michael."

"And Arthur." He frowned. "I met him a couple of years back, in London."

"Did you now."

"I worked for Sabini at first. I was a waitress at Eden club and a backup singer the few times the lead singer was out on Tokyo. After you boys took over you hired me as the lead singer. Am I that forgettable?"

He stared with such intensity right at her so hard she thought his gaze reached her core. His hand came to rest on her cheek.

"I was playing the piano..."

"It was a bittersweet song."

"I don't know of any happy ones."

"Me neither."

He exhaled and moved to the cart again. This time he didn't bother asking her, already pouring a glass for her. Exhausted she fell back onto the couch. He stalked closer hesitating before a hand reached up grabbing at him and bringing him down next to her. The overflowing glasses spilt out their precious spirits all over. They snorted sitting there in companionable silence.

"Just give me a little bit of time. I wouldn't dare keep this a secret from Polly. Well not for long."

Anna thought back on her friends' warnings. She couldn't go back. She was to stay hidden in this house that resembled a mausoleum. And Tommy's will was oppressing. She had no choice really.

He was proven right. The maids thought her his whore. Little Charlie was delighted by her presence. The family, with exception of John visiting them only once, didn't come over. Which was sad. If not for the moody, grumpy lamp source of all of Anna's irritation named Thomas then for little Charlie. They left them well enough alone at Tommy's orders. He was gone most of the day. More often than not returning home late and locking himself in his office. Some days Anna managed to catch sight of him either early in the mornings while he was getting dressed or late at night when he would slip into her bed.

It started well into her second week of her impromptu stay. Late one night the gentle and ever-caring Mary knocked on her bedroom door, alerting her of Tommy's predicament. There standing in the middle of his office, high of his mind, mumbling Roka at the empty room. He was clutching onto a half-empty bottle of whiskey gesturing around, he gave poor Mary a fright. Anna approached the inebriated beast tapping on his arm. When he looked at her the sweetest most carefree smile appeared making Anna's mouth hang open and Mary to audibly gasp. Such was their shock in seeing almost a stranger before them. Her grumpy, moody man transformed right before their eyes.

"Mary, help me please." She grabbed his left arm and the other woman took hold of his right, slowly they went up the stairs and into her bedroom.

"I'll keep an eye on him. You go get some rest."

"If you need anything, please, call on me." She reassured Mary and the woman all but fled.

She turned her attention to the human disaster currently occupying her side of the bed. She stade awake for most of the night taking care of him worried he might drown in his own vomit. She needn't have. He slept like a baby while using her as a pillow. She was sitting in her bed, back resting on the bed frame with Tommy's head on her thighs and his arms wrapped around her. He held on to her for dear life. He slept for so long, that Mary rushed into the room at noon fearing for the worst. That's the longest they ever witnessed him sleeping in one night. He came too, soon after that. His ears turned red at being caught laying there like a child napping on their mother by Mary no less. The woman's obvious amusement helped his flush to spread. He cleared his throat and asked for breakfast. Mary looked up at her and with a nod from Anna, she was off to prepare their meal. He didn't utter any other word that morning, he huffed when addressed and poked at his food and after she had eaten he left her alone. Only for him to return hours later sober this time. He didn't say a word then either. He stood before her half-opened door like a puppy seeking permission to enter which she grunted. After that, it became a routine of theirs.

A few things had started to develop into a daily or weekly routine. Charles held most of her attention. They would spend their days gardening if the weather allowed. She took him on rides and had picnics at the manor's grounds and every Sunday they would visit Grace. They had their little ritual for that day. He would bring with him his favourite toys and she would prepare a picnic basket with tea, sandwiches and scones. They would ride to the cemetery where Charlie would mumble on and on under Anna's watchful eye then they would partake in a little tea party always serving a cup of tea to Grace as well.

That's where Tommy found them on a Sunday noon. His discomfort was noticeable at being this close to his late wife. He sat down by her on the blanket she had laid down earlier. His cap was so low that obscured his eyes.

"What's wrong? You wouldn't be here if something wasn't wrong." He plucked the grass, twirling a stem around.

"It's good news." He didn't think it was good news she thought by the despondent delivery.

"Is it?" He nodded never lifting his eyes to meet hers.

"When do you want to meet your mother?"

It had been over two months since she came to live with him. By now she thought she would have grown eerie at the chance of the aforementioned meeting. Anna felt her heart stir. Hope was blooming as the delayed promise he once made her was to come true.

"As soon as possible?"

"Tomorrow?" He finally looked at her and Anna's smile disappeared.

Oh, she thought, I'm to leave them now.

They gathered her things in silence. It took persuading Charlie that it was time to go took a while. Once the toddler was on the horse with her he seemed to forget his unwillingness to cooperate with them earlier. Anna holds on to him tighter. The rest of the day until Charlie's bedtime ran smoothly. It was as if he knew something was off clinging to her and refusing to let go. After they managed to slip out of his room retiring for the night as she lay there on the bed with Tommy behind her she dared ask the unreasonable.

"Can I stay here? Charlie has become so attached. I don't want to cause him any distress." He stayed quiet for too long in her opinion.

"It's not only Charlie that'll be distressed." He said at last.

"I guess Mary would be beside herself handling you on her own." A slap made contact with her arse then and the following "oi" resounded around the room.

"Well, I can not speak on behalf of anyone else in this mausoleum."

"God dammit woman. What about me?"

"What about you?" He slapped her arse again. "This is becoming a habit. You should quit before Polly catches you at it."

"Don't joke about that. She'll kill me. Slowly and painfully."

"Will you miss me, Tommy?"

"Oh, I'll live. At least it'll be quiet once more in this house."

"Mausoleum." She heard the whoosh of his hand moving but no slap occurred. She turned to look at him over her shoulder.

"Your mother will kill me."

Anna wiggles in bed finding her spot, sighing in contentment. His arms wrap around her, resting on her belly. His breath lands on the back of her neck. He leaned into her even closer, whispering as if he thought she had already drifted off to sleep.

"I'll miss you, Anna."

Chapter Text

She tossed and turned in her sleep unsettling Tommy's own. He sighed. Her restlessness left him without sleep. She left him without reason too. Meeting again the little girl that was lost, seeing her for the first time as a woman grown, the familiarity he felt that day he thought was a byproduct of the baby he held once. Always settling down when she snuggled close to his beating heart. He loved that little girl who always ran to Uncle Charlie's. To him. He remembers as if it was yesterday his mother standing with a heavy belly and a knowing smile watching him sitting in the armchair cuddling little Anna. Back then he thought she was gearing up for grandchildren. It took one look at the approaching woman at the Boswell camp for Tommy to realise the trouble coming his way. Her soft introduction and her playful words managed to confuse him.

The mark decorating her back was enough proof. Polly used to lord it over them. How it was a woman with the king's mark. His father pretended not to care, only when drunk he would wail at how useless his sons were if none of them inherited such a godsent mark. His grandmother would have been ecstatic. If not for her birthmark then it would be for her looks. Small of stature with brown hair as dark as his. No wonder Bethany Boswell took her in. She was the spitting image of their grandma. He remembers the woman fondly. Even if with only a poignant look she would strive fear in them. Anna inherited that too, Tommy was soon to find out.

He recalls the first time he heard her sing. He sat far away not paying attention to the band. His only need to drown in whiskey. The first girl to perform had a decent enough voice but was no better than a barmaid standing on a chair in the middle of a tavern. After that, he lost track of his thoughts for a while remembering simpler times if he can call them that. When Grace was just the barmaid and nothing more. An audible hush pulled him from his daydream. On stage was a pipsqueak of a girl. A slight little thing she was as ordinary as they come but she caught his attention. She walked to the piano at the corner of the stage and Tommy's eyes dropped considerably from the back of her head all the way to her arse and hips. She took a seat and Tommy took a sip of whiskey. She played beautifully and her voice engulfed him in such warmth, like a lover whispering to him while they lay in bed late at night. An ethereal and bright voice captured him in a spell. Tommy's mouth had hung open and stayed that way till she finished. He stood clumsily and clapped awkwardly.

The few moments he saw her perform were enough for him to appoint her trouble and lock her away from the forefront of his mind. She was a siren. Stealing his reason of thought and leaving him a blank canvas that she was to paint on. Even as weary of her as he was, Tommy would visit Eden club only to hear her sing. To clear his mind or to simply feel what she dictated with her sweet voice. He recently heard her sing to Charlie, a sweet lullaby his mother had sung once to Ada. He realised as he watched his son doze off in her arms, as he felt calm for the first time in a while that he missed her singing. So he bought a piano.

He bought a piano for his cousin who was to leave him and go stay with her mother. After all, that was their original plan. He grew to dislike that plan as quickly as Anna settled into their life. He had yet to hear her play for fear of losing control, of what little he possessed and locking her in the house. It was uncomfortable how easily he accepted her, how much comfort she shared with him. The little girl he failed to protect once, returned to him a woman grown making him feel thirst and discontent.

Going to her bed was easy. The first night at the Boswell camp where she sat by her bed as he lay there with Charles in his arms, he was too tired to think of the ramifications as he asked her to stay with him. It became clear in the morning why he shouldn't have when accusatory eyes followed him but Thomas hardly regretted it. He slept better with her close by. It took him a few days away from her to regret his actions. He tried to grow distant from her. She was a stranger after all. But as he watched her exit his car that he sent for her, walking up to him self-assured like she owned the place and him with it. Every little defence he built came crashing down. He started working at all hours avoiding her.

He started avoiding Lizzie too. It didn't sit well with him being with Lizzie while he had Anna to return to back at home. He started drinking heavily and when that failed to numb him he smoked opium. He scared poor Mary or so he was told by a smug Anna. He doesn't remember that night but the day that followed settled a few of his worries. He would take from her the comforts she bestowed upon him for as long as she stayed. Sleeping next to her was enough after all.

Not tonight though. Anna tosses again. He nudges her gently. Her eyes open and she lies there still for a moment. She often would wake up this abruptly as if she was chased there. She settles uneasily on their bed. A frown took over her more often than not mirthful face. He lies down next to her keeping his eyes on the ceiling tracing the intricate patterns. She turns towards him, one hand disappearing under her pillows, scooting closer to him reaching for him with the other, seeking his warmth and he suspects she is trying to hide from him.

"What's wrong? You tossed and turned all night."

"I..." Her trembling fingers caressing the sun rays on his chest, betrayed her trepidation even as her voice didn't.

"Well, out with it."

"Did I keep you awake?" He gave her his finest glare telling her with just one look that he wasn't dumb enough to fall for her distraction tactics. "It's nothing really."

He doubts that. Most nights she would settle. "Is it Polly?"

"No. It... Tom, would you find someone for me?"

"Who?"

"A nun."

Of all the things Tommy fears the most is what happened to her when she was away from him. There wasn't much he could do if anything back then. They took her when he wasn't there. Even if deep down he knew, he was powerless to stop them. There was nothing a communist, gipsy could do but listen silently as the news reached him. He knew he had lost her then. When he got the black file with her name on it, he could not stop but think of it as the last time he would ever get to hold that baby again. A piece of paper to replace the warmth of his baby cousin.

She is here now though breathing and living and in his arms and Tommy wants to right his wrongs. He wants to know how he failed her. He could see in those two months she spent with them, the restrained hope surfacing despite her resistance. Anna tried so hard to shield herself, to keep her sadness hidden but not from him. He was to carry the burden he failed to protect her from.

"I should have found a way, Anna." A lump got stuck in his throat as she nudges him.

"There was nothing you could do. I don't blame you, Tom. I blamed Polly for the longest time but even she is not to blame for this. You didn't abandon me. Neither of you threw me away. You lost me and I found my way back. I am resilient like that." He snorts softly.

"What about that nun?"

"She was the only good one. She would often look the other way if she caught us in some sort of mischief. She found me one day bleeding out, held me in her arms and even prayed for me."

"The scars on your back?" He half asks half states.

"At dinner one day, I attacked one of the priests with the metal tray. He took someone from me and I... I was holding onto the heavy tray with a rotten apple and a scoop of oatmeal on it and I just... I don't know how I did that. I was barely eight and too short for my age but as he crouched down I... I bashed his head open. Everyone stood unmoving, silently. There was blood gushing out of the crown of his head. There was blood on the tray I was still holding onto. I barely remember the first few lashes he dealt me. He left me there to bleed before the cross. I felt as if it was mocking me. Look at the man that spews my gospel, look what he did to you. I felt like I was nothing. I was worth nothing."

"I want his name." She was holding onto his rigid arm as if he was to disappear if she let go of him. Silently her tears fell to wash away this unbearable confession. She had been crying for a while now. Tommy embraces her, holding her gently. He touches the back of her neck caressing her, soothing her as she clawed at him in a desperate attempt to keep him close. Only Tom didn't move and he wasn't going to. He held on as her breathing became erratic and her sobs louder. He held her gently and firmly, not moving even an inch away. Until her breathing slowed down and he heard her soft sniffles.

"Finding the woman that helped me is more important. For now." She whispered the last part. "I want to see her again, thank her for the mercy she showed me."

He could only nod at her. Thoughts being plagued by the strange man who dared touch her. His sweet girl would carry those scars on her for the rest of her life. He would pay dearly for it and no one would dare stop him this time.

"Try to get some more sleep. Tomorrow is a big day." He rocks back and forth. "I'll be here little one. I swear, nothing will happen to you."

And what a day it came to be. Tommy stood in the mud once again, Anna by his side couldn't stop fidgeting. They arrived early at the yard. This was the place he told her about. Amidst scrap metal and the murky water of the canal, she was to meet her mother. At the place, she loved to run to when she was but a baby.

Uncle Charlie tries to speak but the words seem to escape him. Curly is hopping from foot to foot in excitement. He remembers her clearly and her old pony. Anna for her part indulges his rumblings. His uncle could not take his eyes off her.

"Chavi." He touched her arm. He held on, swaying on his feet, looking intently at her. "Anna?"

"I heard you have stories from my escapades. Was I really such a troublemaker as Tommy claims?" He can tell she feels nervous. He rests his hand on her back and feels her lean into it.

"Oh, nothing too bad, you were little after all when the..." He cuts himself off. Grimacing at what Tommy thought were ugly memories of their incompetence to keep her safe.

He clears his throat bringing everyone's attention to himself and away from Anna.

"I'm going to fetch Polly. Will you be alright here?" He asks no one in particular. Yet all three nodded. He didn't spare her a glance as he walked to his car, uncle Charlie following close by.

"Miss Anna." He heard Curly in the background. "Come, come see the new horse."

His uncle hot on his heels didn't spare a moment when they were far enough.

"How long?" Tommy peaked at him from under his hat. "How long did you know?"

"Not long."

"Curly saw her a month ago at Arrow House didn't he?" He stayed silent. "Why did it take a whole month to bring her here, Tommy?"

"I needed everyone focused. We had business to..." He was cut off.

"Is that so?"

He stopped in his tracks. "She's here now. Keep an eye on her." He ordered and to his surprise, his uncle didn't protest.

"Good luck. You'll need it." He muttered at him as he turned to go back to his yard.

He took the car down at Watery lane at the old office. He knew Polly would be there today checking in on Finn. Looking around at his old neighbourhood makes him feel uneasy. Like a weight is dragging him down and further down trying to bring him to his knees. He ignores the feeling as he does for so many others. He managed so much that he rose high and away from here. He rushes up the few steps and burst through the doors. Finn the poor lad springs from his seat, startled.

"Polly?" A man of few words was he.

"In the office." He points at Tommy's old office looking perturbed.

"As you were, Finn." He nods at his brother reassuringly.

He takes a few heavy steps to reach the glass door. He takes a big hurried breath while fixing his posture and knocks. Polly's voice echoes with undeniable authority. He steals a glance at Finn whose eyes are glued on him full of dread and he enters.

"Oh, no! What does your majesty doing here? What's happened to make you venture to the dregs?" She hasn't yet raised her head from the books she's reviewing.

"How's he doing?" He curses himself. The question slipped through, so used to check in on everyone.

"He is fine. A bit of fine-tuning and he will be able to run this place on his own." She finally spares him a glance. Her eyebrows furrowed. "What's wrong with you?"

He takes a seat, grabs a cigarette and offers her one. She promptly declines, reaching for her expensive Parisian ones. She offers him her light and she waits.

"I met someone at the Boswell camp."

"Here we go! Is she the one you've shucked up with? The reason why we've been barred from visiting?"

He takes a moment trying to find the right way to answer her. He shrugs at her accusations. "Yes."

A simple enough answer followed by a predictable response. "Tsk!"

"We were mistaken." He stops her before she starts yelling at him.

"About?" He piques her interest it seems.

Now Tommy is fidgeting. He stalls. Polly noticing this stops and considers him. "Thomas." Her oncoming tirade is all but forgotten now. "What are you talking about?"

"Anna is alive."

Polly stands up backing away from him, her trembling hands dropping her cigarette. Her chest rose and fell at an alarming tempo.

"No." She rasps.

"It's her."

"No!"

"I saw her birthmark, grandfather's birthmark that she inherited." She shakes her head frantically. "It's her Polly. I know it."

"But... I saw her... She came to me before..."

"After you got drunk on gin and high on snow. Not before." His finger pointing accusations at her.

Polly looks right through him. With her hand covering her mouth muffling whatever words made to pass through. In all his years, Tommy has seen his aunt, mad enough to start shooting even at him, in deep mourning over the children she lost but still bearing the burden of raising his younger siblings. All sorts of higher emotions had crushed onto Polly over the years but for one. Guilt. She cursed everyone when the children were taken. She was mad at everyone and most of all she was angry at herself. But never shameful. Her face crumbles under its weight.

"How long? How long did you keep my daughter from me?" Everything around Polly is twitching. Her hands shake something fierce. Her mouth is hanging open, lips trembling. Her curls around her face have gained a life of their own. Everything about her is vibrant. She was never as dangerous as she is now. Full of desperation and clear fear in her glistening eyes.

"It wasn't safe." He knows it is a weak excuse. He clears his throat. "It wasn't the right moment."

He fears her knowing eyes but Polly is distracted by the promise of reuniting with the child she craved to hold once more. The one she thought was lost forever.

"Is it really her? Tommy?!" The desperation in her voice breaks him, making him almost regret his choice. Almost. He is selfish about a few things, he knows.

Tommy rises, closing in on the spooked woman. He raises his hands and holds her stare. Slowly but surely he pats her arm. When she doesn't jerk away he holds her in his arms.

"Polly, I promise you. I would know Anna anywhere. It's her. It's our Anna. When you see her, you'd have no doubt."

She finds something in his words or in his tone that makes her bite her lip and hold back tears and in the next moment Polly is back. Slaps his chest, fixing her dishevelled attire and snapping at him to hurry up. Finn jumps back from the now-opened door and with a withering glare of hers, she simply orders him to find the others even Ada and get them in the Garrison. His brother looks at him but Thomas knows he has no power here. He lingers behind as Polly is all but running out the door.

"Phone them over to the Garrison. And tell Michael to come to Charlie's yard."

"Is it really...?"

"Go."

His jaw clenches and Finn almost trips over his feet to get away from his brother. Tommy has to run down the street to catch up with Polly.

Chapter Text

The mucky water ripples with the wind. Anna's eyes are locked on this simple yet enchanting dance. Anything to keep her mind occupied, to keep it from wandering to morbid thoughts. The mundane noises that are coming from the yard are enough to make her flinch. She sits on a makeshift bench overlooking the canal with its little boats. Anna waits surrounded by the cacophony of a busy day, hearing the rumble from the factories and the horses in the nearby stable. Their hooves stab into the mud bringing forth a recent memory of an early morning.

Humidity clung to the land, chilling the air as much as the pair of cold eyes that had captured her in thrall. The only warmth came from his mouth so close to hers. His trembling fingers ran patterns up and down her arms. It was but a moment. The next he was already running out of the stables. Their morning ride was all but forgotten. She is still hesitant to name what transpired between them. She is sure he is not fairing any better. After, he locked himself in the office as he is wont to do, keeping his distance and for once Anna let him. So caught up she was in her daydream, she didn't hear the steps approaching her.

It took longer than a month. As angry as she was in the beginning, it was only so because she was afraid. It took her all her grit to still her heart and come meet her mother. She was ready then. Anna wanted to meet her as an equal. As time passed though, in the comfort of the routine she built with Tommy and Charles, so did her resolve withered. It was hard enough to leave the first few people she considers home. It became unbearable to leave her boys behind.

The click-clunk of a pair of hurried heals reached her ears then. Anna's determination was nowhere to be found but her anger spilt forth. Squaring her shoulders, lifting her chin higher trying to resemble the person she knows she is. Anna doesn't turn to her left. Doesn't look to her left. From the corner of her eyes, she catches a glimpse of a petite woman stalling, fidgeting and patting down her skirt. She grooms her hair and finally, she takes a step. Calm and collected as only Shelby women know-how in these unfortunate circumstances. Her fingers are white as she is clasping her handbag. She takes a seat by her side.

A warmth spills from the woman, the likes of which Anna never knew. No noise can distract her now. She sees the trembling hand reaching for her and before Anna can decide how to react she feels a light caress over her fingers. She turns abruptly and sees a stranger. Nothing could have her prepared for this. She had visited her in their dreams but whereas Tommy's face had become clearer, hers had stayed vague. Whereas Tommy brought comfort, she brought tolerance. The hand patting her fingers rises tentatively to her cheek as if she needs proof that she is there. Funny how both of them who duel in visions need concrete proof. She scrutinises the woman beside her noticing the similarities in their appearance. The woman is smiling even when tears flow freely down her cheeks. Anna waits but her anger catches her unguarded.

"Why?" The same old question she can't shake off. No matter what Tommy claims. No matter if she believes him. She needs to hear it from her.

"Sally..." The first thing her mother says to her, hesitating to form the syllables of her name. Her lips tighten, eyes jumping between Anna's own. "A neighbour... Well you see, she grew jealous of the linen I had drying out back. She accused me of stealing them from a hotel. I hadn't." She clutches her hand pleading with her to understand. "What I had was a still for gin." The explanation comes rushing through her mouth in a panic. Words being shared only with a few, a way to lament away her demons.

"How long were you in?"

"Six months." She says bitterly. "After I was released I tried to find you. I did everything I could back then but it wasn't much of anything. You and Michael you were just gone." She reaches in her handbag for a handkerchief, dumping it on her eyes. "I tried... I tried to find you a couple of years ago. Your brother came to me but I only got a black file about you. I didn't know."

"I was never sent away. I ran away. Bethany Boswell took me in. I was angry at you." She is sitting stiffly close to her, still crying. "I'm here you know. I'm real." Anna softens and clasps her mother's hand trying to reassure her. Her mother breaks down.

"I thought... I saw... But maybe I was wrong. No. I was wrong. I believed... Fuck!" Anna chuckles at her rumblings and steals Polly's breath away. "Tommy said, I'd have no doubt once I saw you. He was right. You remind me so much of your father. Your mannerisms. Your laugh. Beautiful girl." She caps her cheek and can't take her eyes off her.

Anna draws back. Polly's hand falls from her face. She remembers that little girl and her big determination to return home. Anna was a runner, a high-risk foster kid. Once she got onto a train going to Birmingham. She was caught at the next stop. Anna ran time and again to her mother but she never arrived. The only time she succeeded was when she ran away from her. Back then she thought it right. Her mother was alive she had her cousins to look after. She thought herself a burden, an added weight to an already struggling poor family. She had kept herself safe. She needed no one. Yet she craved all that this stranger is willing to give her. There is something familiar about her. Her touch even if hesitant and unsure was soft. Her eyes are troubled. There is this twitchiness about her as if something is trying to stay hidden.

"It's been fifteen years." All her anguish was betrayed in these few words.

Polly's manufactured calmness crumbles. Anna sits further away on the bench they share. No matter whose fault it was, Anna raised herself in deplorable conditions. Even if it isn't Polly's fault. She won't vanquish all the fear, the desperation. The loneliness. As if she needed further proof that she would not trust anyone. Anna is crippled and it might be Polly's fault. There is no one else she can find to blame. And that's unfair. Polly stays silent waiting. Anna stays unmoving. They are at a stalemate. Her foot takes up an anxious rhythm. She turns to her mother and harshly demands to tell her about her father.

"I know nothing about him. Aunty Bethy didn't speak of him."

Polly is relieved. She adjusts her position in her seat careful not to touch her. "Your father..." And she stops. She struggles to find the words it seems as if she doesn't know where to start and what to share. "He was a sweetheart. I haven't met anyone more caring and kind than him. He was a good man but... Well, let's just say he ran with the wrong company." She swallows some bitter words. "He had the most beautiful voice. He was a musician."

Anna's eyes flash with recognition. "I am too. I play the piano and the violin."

"Your father did too. Oh! I'm so glad, Michael is rubbish at it." She hesitates. "Your brother."

Anna nods. "Tommy told me of him."

"Hm. Yes. Thomas. How long were you with him?"

"Not long. Tommy thought it best to meet now." She cringes at her words, in a way she made excuses for the same thing she was frustrated about.

"He thinks he controls us. You don't need to worry about Tommy anymore." And Isn't that a thought?

"Charles is a sweetheart." Pride glazes over Polly making her eyes sparkle.

"I don't know how those two made such a lovely child. A miracle that is."

It's safer this way. Talking about the others. Anna curses at her irritable disposition. So easily ignited. She is holding back she knows but is unable to quell the bitterness that has risen to choke her up. "What of the rest?"

Polly does her best to fill her in, from youngest to oldest. Finn she learns is younger than her. Ada has a little boy named Carl after Carl Marx. The derision is evident in Polly's voice. John has a big brood and Arthur junior has just gotten married. The man she knew a couple of years back was a miserable sort. She hopes he is doing better. She had met Esme too, John's second wife. So wild was she the Lees in their desperation to marry her off had reached out to the Boswells. Bethany had put an end to it. Her reputation proceeded her and girls like that don't find husbands easily.

"We can meet with them later if you're up to it."

"I would like that." Perhaps with the company, their interactions will smooth over. "I don't know how to do this. How to let go."

She lets her clasp on her hand. Polly shifts in her seat and faces her fully. "I'll be here. I... It killed me. All these years not knowing if you needed me. Who was there to hug you, to reassure you? You were so far away from me. Who tucked you into bed and held you as you cried. It wasn't me. I'm sorry. I am. I wish... I don't know... I'm so glad you're here." She is crying again. "It'll take time and I'll be by your side."

"No matter what?" She interrupts.

"No matter what. I'll stand by you, my lovely girl." Anna hopes her cynic thoughts to be proven wrong.

"Can I hug you?" She asks shyly enough.

"Of course, you can!" In her hurry, she drops her bag on the ground. Anna chuckles as she moves closer. They both hesitate for only a moment. Arms wrap around her, gentle and light in their grasp. A hand runs tenderly up and down her back, warming her on this chilly day. Anna feels small, she presses her lips together and clasps on her mother's coat as a baby would. From the corner of her eye, she sees Tommy and who she can only presume to be Michael.

"We've got company." She nods at the men staying in the far back. Uncle Charlie's with them and all their eyes are glued on them. "Rubbish aren't they?"

Her mother snorts. "Men usually are." The exasperation they feel for the other sex is a common opinion between mother and daughter.

They walk the short distance approaching them. Charlie moves first going straight to Polly. Anna takes the few steps needed to reach Tommy and her brother standing by his side. Tommy introduces him and as Anna stares into her brother's eyes for the first time she sees it. She launches forward clasping Michael and holding him close. Tommy's rigid stance betrays her incapability to close off her emotions. He must have seen the terror on her face. As her brother turned to her Anna saw the bullethole that is his left eye. Or will be. She is afraid to look at him again. Polly laughs a watery giggle. Happy to see her children together. With sheer determination, she looks at her brother again but the hole is still there. Bile rises in her throat as she clatches on the lapel of his coat. She looks away at Tommy who approaches. His hand comes to rest on her back and she can't help it, she turns away from her brother and buries her face in Tommy's chest.

"It's too much for the lass." Uncle Charlie jokes only to be met with a slap of her mother's hand on his arm. "It's a lot to take in, Pol."

Tommy walks with her still in his arms a bit further away from the others. Polly makes to follow them but uncle Charlie stalls her. He runs his hands up and down her arms to reassure her. "Anna... What did you see?" She shakes her head. He wraps his arms around her avoiding the death glare Pol is sending his way.

"I... He was... Will be... Shot. I think." She looks up at him. "I saw..." She gestures at her left eye.

"Ok, it's ok." He holds her swaying with her. "Let it go for now." She raises her head, staring up at him. "There is nothing to be done, eh?"

Anna looks at her brother again. "Do you still see it?" She shakes her head. "Good. If you see anything else let me know."

He makes to move away but she stops him. "Just for a little longer." And to her astonishment, he follows her direction. They stay far longer than she knows to be proper. Polly's eyes glued on them even with Michael whispering hurriedly in her ear. When they finally move Anna sees her exhaling in relief most like. "I'm sorry. I don't know what came over me."

"It's ok. I get it." Michael smirks. He went through with meeting them all but Anna doubts he got the shock she did.

Tommy eyes her closely. His arm is over her shoulders holding her to him. "Shall we go?" The Shelby clan must have already gathered at the Garrison.

"Of course if Anna is alright with it?" She nods at her and Pol nods back. "Michael walk with your sister." She orders, eyeing Tommy and challenging him to contradict her. He doesn't.

Michael falls in step by her side. "Are you alright?" It's the first good look she takes at him. Her brother looks nothing like her. She assumes he takes after their father.

"Polly said you're rubbish at singing. That made me wonder when did she hear you sing."

"Our cousins... Well..." He points at Tommy behind them with a fretting Polly talking his ear off. "Our other cousins. They are a rowdy bunch. I... made the mistake of going out with them and by the time I returned home I might have had a bit too much to drink and I might have been singing a bit too loud. In my defence John made me do it."

"Did Polly care of the excuse or she simply yelled at the both of you?"

"She only yelled at me." He pouts. "John had already vanished by the time she came down the stairs."

The Garrison tavern looms before them Michael the gentleman that he is opens the door for her. It's cosy Anna thinks and occupied. In the middle of the spacious room stands a group of people all yelling. A young man stands in the middle swaying by their voices. He has firmly fixed his gaze on the ground.

"Blimey!" They quiet down when Arthur exclaims. "It's Sallyna Bosswel!" The quiet last only for a second before everyone starts yelling again.

Chapter Text

The yelling seizes the moment Polly walks in, murder in her eyes. At her side, Michael starts pointing out people and names. Some she knows like Arthur who is about to start protesting but is cut off by an excited Ada.

"Is it her?" She points at Anna, and a small smile starts showing on her face.

"That's Sallyna Boswell." Arthur mumbles.

Polly draws it out as long as she can. Walking further in, looking at everyone and only then does she answer. "Yes."

Ada's the first to move. She envelopes Polly in her arms whispering to her. Arthur goes to Tommy who stands closer to the doors, still mumbling and glaring at her. John follows behind giving her a cheeky little smile which in turn makes Esme glare at her too. The uppity one her brother tells her is Linda, he waves at Finn to come closer. The young man hesitates for a moment, watching around at the others and after a moment of silent reflection, he walks to them.

"Anna, this is Finn our younger cousin." That earns him a glare.

"I thought she was dead." He tries to whisper at her brother.

"Really Finn." Michael exasperates while Tommy glowers over her shoulder.

"I'm sorry." He mumbles staring at the ground.

"He's got a point though." John comes to the rescue of his younger brother while Anna pats Finn's arm, gifting him a reassuring smile.

"I would know my daughter. You think I would let a fraud trick me?"

John looks at Arthur who looks right back at him, with a twitch to his mustache he points at her back.

Polly responds with her finest glares, pointing at the table. "Sit." She orders in a clipped tone and everyone follows but for Anna who lingers back with Tommy.

"You asked for this."

"You've got a point. I would have preferred to stay locked up at the mausoleum." She sarcastically replies.

"It's infinitely quieter." He brings her to the rest of their family with a hand on her back. Arthur is still weary of her.

"Arthur, bear. Haven't you missed me at all?" Another twitch of his mustache. "Are you still mad at me?"

"Never was I mad." He hesitates. "Not at you."

Tommy draws her chair. Everyone's eyes are on her except for Linda's who is whispering feverishly at her husband. It's like no one draws breath for a second before everyone is yelling again. Questions fly at her at Tommy and Polly too. Anna keeps quiet, smiling at Thomas as he tries to find his pack of cigarettes. Only Polly answers them.

"This must be overwhelming." Ada says to her.

"It's less mad than what I expected." John snorts at that.

"She's a witch." Esme tells them.

"It's nice to see you, Esme. Married too who would have thought." They glare at each other before they burst out laughing.

"You married yet?"

"No, not yet."

"Did he die on you?" Anna shakes her head, bringing out the misplaced pack Tommy is still searching for. He pretends to be unimpressed by her antics. Nonetheless, he offers her one and takes one for himself but before he goes searching for his lighter Anna has it already lit up in front of him. He leans in, eyes locked in on hers.

"Little thief." He says so quietly.

Polly watches them like a hawk, clearing her throat and bringing everyone's attention to her. "When should I be expecting you home?" They hesitate.

"Well, you see. We thought it best if I remained at Arrow house." Polly's feathers are ruffled. "Charles has gotten used to me living there. It would be unnecessary to upset him. We can see each other whenever we want after all." They are varying reactions to her proclamation. Ada has a knowing look in her eyes combined with a pitying smile. Arthur the poor sod seems oblivious and John's eyebrows are strung up seemingly doing all his thinking for him. Only Polly has a tight smile frozen on her face.

"If you think that's for the best." Her mother looks crestfallen.

Tommy clears his throat. "I'll be going to London this week. Anna and Charles can stay with you till I return." He gruffly tells her.

"If you'd have us."

"Of course. Yes. I missed that baby, haven't seen him in months." Tommy pointedly ignores her glare.

Linda says little if anything at all. Only glares at her with a fake smile. Esme and she reminisced about the rather violent rivalry between their clans, bursting out laughing at the embarrassing anecdotes they share. Ada is by her mother's side, whispering and holding her. Anna feels both joy and jealousy. Joy, for Polly, has someone close enough to understand her, and jealousy, of course, because if she wasn't taken, it would have been her there comforting her mother. Or maybe not.

Tommy is by her side, holding her hand hostage in his own on his lap. He ignores everyone or at least he makes it seem that way. Anna knows he listens to every word spoken and every breath taken. He is on edge. This side of his she hasn't seen before. She wonders how bad things are if he is feeling so uncomfortable amongst his family. He cracks a small smile, a lift of the corner of his lips nothing more at one of John's stories.

"You used to run away. Did you know that? Always running at Charlie's yard."

"Oh god, John. Yes. She would slip by Pol and run down the street as fast as her little legs could..." Ada takes over much to her brother's frustration.

"Not too fast." Arthur grunts.

"Ada used to play the mom. Spanking you in the middle of the street before returning you to a frantic Polly." John picks up the story but is again interrupted. Esme by his side pats him on the arm laughing at him.

"All the times she'd run away you'd think Pol would be calmer. But no. She was always running around and screaming herself hoarse." Arthur says gesturing wildly around.

"She wasn't even one when she first did it. What did you expect I'd do after I lost the baby." Polly huffs.

"Every time me and Arthur caught you, you would cross your arms just so." John demonstrates making Arthur laugh loudly.

"Yeah, and her glare was something fierce."

"Still is." Tommy finally joins.

"And what did you do?" She asks him in return.

"He would take you with him. To see your pony while he worked at the stables shoveling shit." John tells her smirking.

"Charlie was always happy to see you. Oi! Happy. That was the name of your pony. Wasn't it?" Arthur asks Polly.

"Yes, that blasted thing." She says crossly. "I still have your little stuffed horse. You couldn't sleep without it. Excuse me." Polly chokes up and runs out the front door.

"I'll go." Ada goes to stand up but Tommy stops her and follows Polly out the front door.

"It's a lot to take in." Arthur tries and Linda hums beside him. Strangely enough, she sounds both condescending and worried.

Chapter Text

Even though Anna doesn't know what was said she feels at ease for now. Thomas reassured her that Polly was alright with their arrangement. He also said he'll return as soon as possible. The drive to Polly's went by faster than she anticipated thanks to a squirming toddler. There was no moment for her anxious thoughts to catch up to her.

The moment she crossed the threshold was when it all came crashing down. She used Charlie as an excuse to mask her discomfort. Polly didn't fair any better. She seemed fidgety and panicked. Showing her the house in record time they finally arrived at the parlor.

"I don't know why I bought it." She told her pointing at the piano next to the fireplace.

''I might put it to good use." She replied awkwardly.

Thank God for Charlie. If not for him the two women would stand there lost. It took him only a moment to slyly demand Anna's attention for both women to jump at his every whim. He came out of the few weeks they stayed there even more spoilt. They built a routine quickly because of him. It made it easier to have this structure, to have some type of normalcy.

Anna was the appointed cook by Michael who joined them for dinner. Any leftovers would be delivered by Anna and Charles to Uncle Charlie and Curly for lunch. They would join them at the yard and after they would take afternoon tea with them. It wasn't really leftovers she was mindful to not waste any food. More often than not she would cook in the morning for them while preparing for dinner. She would call it that to ease Uncle Charlie into their lunches. The man didn't want to become a burden. Silly man.

The week passed by too quickly yet not quickly enough. Both women afraid of the precarious peace tried to maintain it by any means. Usually that meant avoiding topics and questions that they were most curious about or maybe even afraid of the answers. They became more comfortable with each other though. By Friday night Polly had enough of her son's nagging. After dinner the last few days Michael would beg her to let Anna and him go for drinks. Her patience was spent as she all but yelled at him her agreement. Michael was ecstatic Anna less so. She wanted to go out but she didn't want to leave Charlie alone.

"What if he wakes up? He likes having me there when he wakes in the middle of the night especially now without Tommy here." That seemed to convince Polly that Anna needed some time away from the baby. As reluctant as she was she all but pushed her out the door that night.

"Go and have fun." She gave Michael a seething look. "Don't do anything stupid. Do not drink too much and take care of your sister."

He didn't have time to cheekily respond before the door smashed shut into his face barely missing him.

"Jesus. Do you believe that woman? As if I would bring harm to my baby sister." He muttered under his breath. "Come on, I know just the place. It's kind of a right of passage to get drunk at the garrison. It also will be safer to be among blinders. Polly will eviscerate them if anything happens to you."

"So that's the plan. We're getting shit-faced while the gang babysits us?"

"Yes. That sums it up perfectly. Come on Isaiah's already there. John's probably there too. You'll have fine company."

"Oh, I never doubted that."

She hadn't been to a pub for a while. Jacob would say ages. Eliza correctly would say about five months. The last time was with them drinking away her sorrows at a bloody anniversary she wished she had forgotten. It was a hovel in Welsh nothing like this one. At daylight, the Garrison tavern seemed almost quaint. By night it looked like any other dodgy pub she crawled herself into after she had too much to drink. Michael was right though company is what matters.

Isaiah was strung so tight it took half the bottle to act somewhat normal around her. The peaky boys left them alone to do their thing. Finn joined them at some point coming out of the snug. It took a while for Anna to get a good buzz going. It felt like her time with Tommy was well spent, building up her tolerance. But once happily buzzed Anna became a menace and a force to be reckoned with.

"You know what? I'm going to sing."

"Tommy..." Isaiah protested.

"...Ain't here." Her brother said spilling his drink.

Anna took that as encouragement. Climbing on the bar. Whistling loudly and obnoxiously to draw more attention to herself. She started singing. The men joined in. One song became two then three then more and more. After she sang herself hoarse Anna was done, leaving the makeshift stage. John was there to help her down, leading her to the snug ordering whoever was inside to leave them.

"Alone at last." He said giving her a glass of water. "You know someone would not like the ruckus you made here tonight but something tells me he won't be as upset with you."

"You know your brother is as much of an asshole to me as he is to everyone else."

"He is less of an asshole to you. That's what matters."

Anna's only response is a very loud snort. She covers her mouth hastily with the palm of her hand but the damage is already done. John is clutching his stomach nearly falling off his chair. "It's not that funny."

"Oh, but it is." He whips tears from the corner of his eyes. "Huh, that was... Yeah. I needed that. Come on, sit. Please." Cheeky bastard. "We haven't spoken much have we?"

"Poll likes to keep an eye on me when I interact with you boys."

"She worries. Especially after you and Tommy told her you're going to play house together."

"We're not playing house."

"Oh, I know. Just two people raising a child together in the country away from everyone." He takes a sip of his drink contemplating what to say next. "Tommy's a bit different." It's his time to snort. "He was different before the war. Different after his wedding. And he is different now."

"He is lost." She tells him a mist coming over her, blurring her eyes.

If John is alarmed he doesn't show it. "He is different now. You've done him some good I think." He looks down at the amber liquid in his glass. "Are you alright?" He almost whispers the question at her.

"Yes? John why...?"

"Tom's a harsh man to be around. I... I want you safe. If... When things get difficult I want you to know that I'll be there for you. Esme too. We have the room if you ever need it. Believe it or not."

"Don't you expect another baby?"

"Aye. We do and we'll always have room for you."

It was a sweet thing to offer. John was practically a stranger to her but he managed with a few words to give her a sense of belonging she didn't realise she was missing.

The door in the snug rattled. John raised an eyebrow while looking at the drink inches away from his mouth and paused before he was able to take a sip. Another rattle had him bringing the drink to the table rather harshly. It was a wonder how the glass didn't break. He reached for the gun but the familiar voice of Isaiah stopped him.

"Yeah. It's nice seeing you again. Will you stay long? Maybe we could grab a drink sometime... Oh. Um..." Isaiah's stare went from her to John and finally rested on her. "You've company."

He moved away revealing two faces she had sorely missed. She let out a squeal of excitement, that made John obnoxiously laugh at her again.

"Is this the best your family has to offer?" Liza said eyeing Isaiah.

"It's charming enough." Jacob said eyeing poor Isaiah giving him one of his most lovely grins.

Anna rushed to them hugging them both. "What are you doing here? I've missed you. Is everything alright? Do you need a place to stay? Are you safe? Did something happen? How's Auntie Bethy? What's going on?" She stammered through her words whining her last questions.

"Breath woman." Eliza admonished.

"Everything is fine. We're fine. Bethany send us." Jacob told her everything she needed to know in three sentences. All the while Liza was staring daggers at the men there.

"Oh, right. Introductions. This is my cousin John." She pointed at him. He raised his glass. "My brother Michael." Who managed to slip in the snug with them. "And you've met Isaiah." Who was grinning at Liza. "Liza and Jacob were the only family I had." John was looking with renewed interest at them. Jacob tipped his imaginary hat while Liza ignored them.

"We need to talk. Privately." Liza said staring at her.

"She is trying to say, we've missed you too. We'd like to catch up is all. Is that alright?" Jacob was looking at John.

John huffed and puffed taking a minute too long to answer. "Tis fine with me." He mumbled. "Anna?"

"Yeah... uh... Let's find a table. Yeah? We got a lot of catching up to do."

They find a table at the back bypassing a group of men laughing far too loudly. Anna brought them a bottle and glasses. Sat by them and waited.

"Well, I for one never thought things we'll get so awkward." Jacob was spilling the whisky in their glasses.

"For the love... You should be able to serve a drink like any normal bloke." Liza says snidely.

"As if you would know what a 'normal' bloke is all about."

"No, I wouldn't. Not as well as you seem to know." The table close to them erupted in loud laughter once again.

"I'm glad to see you both, but... What's going on?"

"Bethany has notions above her station it would seem."

"Fuck sake, Jacob." Liza drank from her glass collecting all the patience left within her. "She feels as if our clan is left out. You know with the Lees being married into the family. She thinks a contribution should be made to the clan. After all, she kept you safe for all these years."

"Her words luv. Not ours." He turns from them to observe the men behind him.

She sighs. "She's not wrong. I'll talk to Tommy. That's all I can offer. For now." Anna reaches with her hand towards Eliza across from her. "How have you been?"

Liza hesitates. A loud crash from a chair being knocked over and she reaches for her hand. "I've missed you." A timber full of sorrow and Eliza isn't even looking at her. Her gaze fixed on their table.

Anna tries to bring her friend's eyes to rest on her when another crash sounds by them and an agitated Jacob has shot from his seat, yelling obscenities at the loud men. Amongst them stands a respectable man. His suit adorned by a bowtie and with his hands up speaks of someone who should have never entered this establishment. Anna joins Jacob a second later dropping Liza's hand.

"What's the matter with you?"

"The Doc thinks he's better than us." One of them spit at the Doctor's feet.

"He is better than you," Liza whispers as she comes to stand by her side.

"You all are drunk. Let the good man be. Come Doc let us buy you a drink." Jacob says firmly.

John's by the snug. Staring at her. She nods at him and at once her cousin yells at the boys to let them be. After they sit down and the men have left them alone, only then does he return to the snug.

"You're ok Doc."

"Doctor John Smith. Please, call me John."

"Doctor John it is then." He tries to protest. "No, Doctor John will do. You share a name with my cousin is all. Better to discern you. Right?" They introduce themselves and give the poor man a moment till his shaking hands seem to steady somewhat.

"I'm sorry. I... Just moved here."

"Here of all places?" Liza asks frowning.

"Yeah, not many Doctors around this part of the city. Thought it'll be appreciated."

"Don't mind them too much. Once they're sober with a bullet in them then they'll learn to appreciate you. If you can be discreet that is?"

"I know of the state of business here and of course, I have an oath to uphold. Doctors, we are taught to uphold our oaths."

"Good. That's all you need to survive here." He pales considerably at her words.

"You scared him again Anna." Jacob admonishes.

"She explained to him how to stay safe. If he cannot even hear that, then he should consider someplace elsewhere for his practice." Liza raises her glass at the Doctor.

"No, it's fine. I understand. I need to be here."

Doctor John need not explain to them his reasons.

They drank for awhile. Trying to get the poor doctor John to match them. Considerable more drunk Doctor John loosened up on them, letting some things slip that he'd surely regret with a sober mind. Hopefully he would not remember. Jacob was eyeing the poor man with renewed interest.

"Say Doc? How old are you exactly?"

"Far older than I look." He raised his drink, saluting them. Slurring his words and making a mess of their already dirty table.

"Oh. Poor Doctor John. Getting all dirty in the Birmingham's slum. Here let me." Anna reached over with a handkerchief, patting on the flustered doctor. Jacob was hiding his smirk behind his glass and Eliza seemed to sober up abruptly, proceeding to glare at the doctor who by now had turned a new shade of red.

"Doc, are you really not gonna tell me? Me? Your good friend? How old is too old?" Jacob's put on his sharpest smiles and lured the man in with his charming droll. The doctor looked absent-mindedly out the window for awhile.

"Old enough to have been send there." John gestures slushing his drink all over again. Eliza's scolding stare was directed at Jacob as he opened his mouth again to pester him with more questions. The ones like Jacob the younger boys who barely escaped from joining the war effort, they were left bereft and ever curious about it.

"I'm happy I got to meet you Doctor John." The man's wise eyes, eyes older than the man himself peered at her. She wondered if they shared blood but no, someone of his standing could never be like the rest of them. Forever moving from place to place joining whatever adventure came their way. Yet Anna felt a connection to the man as she looked back at his soulful eyes. She leaned in pressing her chest on his arm. "What if I read your fortune? Would you let me?" She whispered in his ear making him shiver. "Let me." He was in rupture staring in her eyes then lowering his gaze to her lips. Heads moving even closer.

A hand gently shook her. "Come on sweetheart it's time to go." John is eyeing the Doctor with interest.

"But.." Anna is still in a daze.

"We'll see you around." Jacob winks at her. Liza's silent, frowning at the dirty table.

Doctor John jumps from his seat as she is about to stand. He holds her chair like a gentleman would and all four of them try to not sneaker at the misfitting man.

"Thank you. I'll see you soon. Stay safe." She is rushed out with her cousin's hand putting pressure on her back making her hurry along.

The car ride back was quicker than she anticipated. John stays thoughtful, seemingly hesitating to talk with her. When they arrive by her mother's door, Anna stays seated in the car only turning slightly to face her contemplating cousin.

"Doctor John seems nice." She offers if only to ease his mind of the new man.

"Yeah? Well, we'll pay him a visit him soon enough."

"Don't scare the poor man John." He stares at her for awhile contemplating what to say next.

"Tommy would like to know what your friends talked with you about."

"I know. I'll tell him." He stares at her again. "John, what is it?"

"I think it'll be best if you don't see them again. At least not until Tommy's back."

"They're important to me. I didn't even have time to..." She sighs dropping off mid-sentence afraid of saying more.

"I understand. I'm not sure how to handle this so just wait for him."

"When will he be back?"

"In a few days. Didn't he tell you?" He is as surprised as Anna feels.

"He didn't give me a specific date." John continued where he left off his staring at her.

"What?"

"Nothing. I'm surprised is all. I never thought that sweet little baby would grow up into... well, you."

"Is that a compliment or should I be offended, Johnny?"

"Offended." He smiles with his boyish charm. "Nah. I'm kidding. I'm glad you came back to us."

"I'm glad I'm here."

"See you on Sunday."

"You coming over for dinner?"

"The whole family is. Even Arthur is allowed to attend. Go on. Polly is waiting by the door."

"How long has she been standing there?"

He snorts. "Far longer than I thought she could wait. Go." He orders gently.

"Goodnight John."

"Goodnight sweetheart."

She kept her promise even if she was dying to meet the doctor again. Her curiosity for the man became unbearable the moment thoughts of him crossed her mind. Polly by now was hounding Finn or Michael whomever crossed her path who was there that night accosting them with questions over her giggling daughter. The boys kept quiet probably ordered by John to do so to keep the fragile peace. Once Tom was back in a few days he would be told everything.

The house was in complete disarray. Her family filled both the kitchen and the sitting room, making a mess. The men laughed loudly as Arthur and John acted like little children fighting each other. Ada gave her signature eye roll at their behaviour. Anna loved this. All the chaos, the full house and the food in the kitchen. Charles was running around with his cousins. It was rare to see the boy enjoy himself like this.

Polly had stayed in the kitchen supposedly aiding Anna. She wasn't. Not really. John commented about a sandwich that earned him a pan flying over his head as he ducked. She did everything Anna asked of her. Even as Esme and Ada commented about all the things she had refused to do for them.

"Remember that time when I asked Polly to cut the carrots and she looked at me for a moment before she started laughing and left." Ada started.

"Or the time she pretended she had cooked for everyone but it was the maid." Esme couldn't hold her giggles.

"Remember that time Polly got angry and threw you all out in the cold? Do you Ada?" Polly said at the two women who by now were laughing so hard they almost fell on the floor.

Everyone had started filling the dining room. If it was chaotic before it's nothing like having everyone in one room sitting around the large table. John kept teasing Arthur. All the while Michael and Finn sneered at the poor man being harassed by everyone. Esme and Ada had their own sneer fest directed at Linda. The kids joined at the kitchen table with the oldest kids looking after the younger ones.

They settled down with plates full of food. Anyone who dared to comment on the food earned a preemptive glare from Polly but to her delight, no one had anything negative to say. The only sound now around the table is the cutlery on the plates so when the doorbell rings it startles everyone. A second later Maisie, Polly's young maid runs to the door admitting one Tommy Shelby finally returned from London.

Charles comes running to greet his dad. He was told he was coming today and the boy was over by the door every time the doorbell rang. Everyone around the table starts shouting welcoming Tommy, as the man walks in the room with an excited toddler attached to him.

"Hey. Come on. I've managed to save you a plate from John." Anna teases.

"Oi." Comes John's protest.

"How was your trip?" Asks Arthur while choking on a mouthful of food as Tommy takes his seat at the end of the table.

"It was alright. I've missed my bed though."  He looks straight at Anna as she serves him.

"Did you, now? I had the best bed mate this past few weeks."

"Me." Charles says excitedly sitting on his dad's lap, refusing to let go.

"Yes. Sweet boy." She reaches her hand and smoothes his hair and as she lowers it, it brushes along Tommy's arm. Anna takes her seat by her boys all the while feeling her mother's eyes boring into the side of her head.

"Well, now that you're back maybe the boys would tell us what happened." Polly smirks at John's grimace.

"Can we eat first?" John's words are barely heard as Tommy asks. "What happened?"

"They won't tell me what happened Friday night when they took my daughter out to the fucking Garrison of all places." Polly's voice rises with every word spewed at the three meek men who look properly chastised by the matriarch.

Ada snorts loudly. "Did you get drunk?"

"She wasn't drunk." Polly seethes from the head of the table.

"Jesus Pol. I was only joking."

"What happened?" Thomas asks again this time right in Anna's ear making her shiver.

"My friends came over. We catch up is all. Oh and I met a doctor." She exclaims excited about her new acquaintance. Everyone falls silent before they burst into loud guffaws. All except two. Both Tommy and Polly looking at her worriedly. "I'll tell you everything later. The food's getting cold." She scolds them both.

Her mother reluctantly raises her fork and continuous her meal. Thomas is starring at her making her silently curse at her horrid luck. His hand under the table brushes her knee startling her. He is still looking at her and Anna cannot tell what he is thinking. There is no smile for her and all of a sudden she feels what the rest must feel when he stares them down. Like she's nothing but a problem, a nuisance, a pebble in the way of Tommy Shelby. But his hand is on her knee still soothing away her worry battling with his harsh stare.

Anna is mesmerised not sure if he's angry at her or if he missed her enough this past week to get her out of trouble. His stare abates he nods once grips her knee tight and picks up his fork. Anna slowly goes back to her food afraid all of a sudden to look away from him. As Anna takes her first bite the hand on her knee moves higher. Anna's chewing stops. From the corner of her eye she sees him sipping his drink.

"Once we're home you'll tell me everything."

Chapter Text

Mud clang to her feet. The air she breathed in was crisp. The boy standing there, trembling, looking angry and terrified. Anna turns around trying to figure out where she is. Standing in the middle of a field in the dead of night.

Tommy woke up without her by his side. In a blind panic he woke everyone up trying to locate her. It was one of the guards who told him where she was. In the middle of the field barefoot with only her thin nightdress on, the wind whipping at her. She was mubbling eyes wide looking downwards at something that wasn't there.

She came to, a moment later confused and shivering. It felt as if she had slipped and fell into a freezing lake. So sudden was the cold that draped over her. A faint voice reached her the sounds vibrating around her. His warm hands engulfed her arms squeezing gently and calmly whispering in her ear.

She was still confused of her dream. Her premonitions were sparse once she moved in with Tommy. Her nightmares had overrun them, taking the primery spot in her slumber. Her sleep forever bothered. Clatching at her arms as Tommy had when he found her, she looks out the window at the bustling city. Tommy's office is stifling but she has no choice but to be here.

"Are you ready?" He startles her as he rushed in his office comming to stand behind her. "Are you going to tell me?"

"There is nothing more to tell. I haven't made sense of it yet.“ She turns around fixing his lapel. ”Are you sure you want me there?“

”You've every right to be there. You're one of us. Now tell me what more does the old hag want?“

”She feels left out. I know how we can keep her happy. Will the Lee's agree to it?"

"It's our way."

She snorts. "Tell me Tommy, will you marry a Boswell? It's our way after all."

"Maybe. Depending on which one."

He smirks at her scathing glare. He was weary for her. Watching making sure she was alright and the worst was the man he posted to trail after her. An old veteran friend of his who had come asking for work after he was let off from one of the factories. She hadn't taken a step without him noticing. Panteleon Mathews or 'Leon' had become an unwelcomed shadow she couldn't shake off. She tried giving him the slip. She failed every time. Tommy much to her displeasure had chosen well.

Their walk to the conference room was short but not without its travesty. She had heard rumours about Tommy's secretary. She'll need to ask Ada about her because the glare the woman gave her was nothing before the hurt that distorted her face once Tom's back was turned to her.

They arrived last and worse of all together. As she expected her mother was not happy at all to see her join their business. She was being protective she knew. Anna marches through the room sitting next to Polly pressing a kiss on her cheek hoping to reassure the clearly upset woman who was glaring at Tommy not taking her eyes off of him.

"Why is my daughter here?"

"Anna speaks for the Boswells. And she is a Shelby she has every right to be here."

"I wasn't asked Thomas."

"Why would you be?"

"As lovely as this pissing contest is to witness, shall we move on we've much to discuss." Arthur halted the argument only for Pol to turn her ire on him.

"And what of her? Why is she here?" She pointed at Linda, sitting next to him. She seemed confused for being there as well.

"I asked for her attendance." Her mother's head slowly turns back to her. She tried to keep from glaring but she failed spectacularly.

"Anna insists that Linda will make a great addition to the 'Grace Shelby institute for orphaned children'." Linda perked up, turning her gaze from Tommy to Anna and back again. She glanced at a proud Arthur who had puffed up his chest, smiling at his wife.

"I'd be proud to work for the institute." She said far too quickly in her excitentment.

"Great you'll work with Anna then." Anna was blindsided. "As of today Anna Gray is the director of the institute."

Polly almost protested but as she thought it through she quite liked the idea of her daughter involved in anything else except the actual business. Anna was still shocked at the news.

"You know you could have told me about it on the way here."

"I'm telling you now." Dismissive he might have been but John recognised the look his cousin was sending his way and Tommy seemed to know what it meant too. He coughed trying to mask the laughter that bubbled out.

"What about me?" Esme complaint.

"You have the kids." John told her and he became the recipient of a similar glare.

"I know that, you knobhead. Why am I here?"

"The Boswells want in. The Lees will be our insurance that they won't fuck us over."

"They will not accept that Tommy. They've turn us down too many times."

"That's were you come in. Talk to your elders, gently. And if that doesn't work at first remind them of my brothers and I. And if that fails then the peaky boys will remind them exactly why they joined in with us. Am I understood?"

Esme tight lipped nodded her head.

"I'll help." Anna reassured her old friend.

"And how are you going to do that?" Tommy argued not wanting her to be involved with the Lee family more than she had to.

"I'm Sallyna Boswell in case you've forgotten. The elders will listen to me." She told him smugly with Esme nodding her head.

"She is right. Our people respect her. If the proposal came from a drabarni they will agree to it more easily."

"Have you all lost your minds? My daughter will not pose as some fortune teller to gain the Lee's favour."

"I'm not posing. I am a drabarni. I've been around our people. I've lived with them. They know me as Sallyna."

"And what's the plan? What do the Boswells will offer the Lees?" Michael asked curious now.

"Marriage." Arthur snorted.

"And if they ask for her hand? Then what Thomas?" Polly didn't anticipate her nephew to grow angry. She thought he'd be inteferent, say something catty and Anna will get offended. But no, Tommy had to ruin her plan. He tried to stay calm or at least appear uncaring. He failed. His clenched fists and the icecles his eyes were shooting at everyone betrayed how much this bothered him.

"No one is fool enough to ask for her. She is in my b... My house. You think word hasn't reached others, you think they don't know? Anna is right. You've been posing as an upscale lady for too long if you've forgotten how fast news travel around the camps." He was saying all this calmly and in a steady cold voice that fooled no one.

If Polly wasn't as irate as she was in that moment she might have caught his slip up and questioned him further. But her anger turned her blind to so many things. Things that would continue to pile up when it came to her daughter.

"It's settled then." Anna said as she stood up motioning for Linda and Esme to follow her lead.

"We'll discuss this later..." Tommy tried. Anna disagreed it seems as she cut him off.

"We'll leave the room to you. I'm sure you have illegal matters to discuss." As she left John caught a look in his brother's eyes. Half maddening, half respect. Dread pooled into his stomach. If Polly ever takes notice of Tommy looking at her daughter like this, no one and he means no one will be able to pry the gun from Polly's fingers. John exhaled loudly managing to attract everyone's attention and subsequently away from his brother.

Anna walks to Tom's office. The other two women trail behind her. Leon opens the door for her and as they enter Lizzie slips in behind them.

"You can't be here." Anna is told. The poor woman stands rigendly before her.

Anna takes a seat on Tommy's chair, brings out his cigarette packet that she stole from him. Lights one with his lighter and watches Lizzie behind the smoke.

"We don't need anything. Thank you." Dismissivly with one hand she shoos her off all the while gesturing to Leon to get her out.

"You've some nerve." Esme smiles at her impressed by her attitude.

"That was rude." Linda seems less awestruck by her behaviour.

"Apologies. Did you want something?" Linda tries to argue that it wasn't at all what she meant but she gives up. She can tell when the Shelby attitude is at work.

"So what do you say for a trip to the Lees? Just us three and Leon of course. Cannot forget my minder." She scribbled something on a piece of paper and left it on the desk.

"You want me there too? Tommy didn't say... And Arthur doesn't know."

"Linda stop fretting. Of course I want you there. You'll play an integral part in the negotiations."

"She will?" Esme looked between them in disbelief.

She didn't. Linda was the distraction Anna needed. The woman was swept off into the horizon by the Lees wanting to meet the woman that married the grazed Shelby. Esme's lowered head as she met the elders was in stark contrast with Anna's smirk. She sat among the women swapping stories cackling and smoking whatever they were using. Esme was getting off from the fumes alone. She could not see with all the smoke. She heard maybe a word or two in their tongue being whispered between the women and Anna.

"Tch. Useless that one." One of the women told Anna as she was helping her carry an intoxicated Esme to the car.

"The little one didn't like the fumes. His mother's alright." They dragged and shoved her in the backseat. "I'll need the other one back now."

"Of course." A whistle so loud that everyone stopped and looked at the elder woman, a second later while laughing a drunk Linda was brought to the car. The woman snorted. "This one at least can walk on her own. Didn't think she had it in her."

The Lees had gathered to see them off, waving their handkerchiefs in the air. The way back was less annoying to Anna even if they had to stop several times for them to throw up. It was better to the worrying and the nagging as they traveled to the camp. The building was lit up this late in the evening when they returned. John was pacing back and forth right outside the door to Tommy's office. When he saw them he rushed to his wife.

"What have you done?"

"It wasn't me. It's her family."

Arthur was more impressed that he let on. His wife took to the hazing ritual much better than he was expecting. Looking proud and smugly at the others. Polly was silently sitting in an armchair in the office. Michael was by Anna's side as she was stared down by Tommy who was standing behind his desk.

"They agreed."

"Did they?" He hissed.

"You knew I would do it. Don't act surprised now." She walked around his desk. Her finger trailing on the wood with Tom's eyes locked on it. As she came to stand by his side he glared right at her. "I had Leon with me. That's why he's there after all. To follow when I missbehave."

"Keep you safe." He clenched his jaw as her hand caressed his arm.

"I'll need to speak to Bethany. Eliza and Jacob will take me to her."

"Absolutely not. I'll go." Polly interferes.

"There is something else." Anna didn't take her eyes from Tommy's own. He considered her for a moment before he made up his mind.

"Leave us." He ordered.

"You cannot..."

"I'll speak to Anna alone Polly. Get the fuck out." He yelled his patience spent.

Polly stomped out the office with Michael reluctantly following her, glancing back at the couple. In his mind they seemed like one. Right before the door closed Anna called out. There was to be a family dinner. Another one this time at Arrow house. Everyone's invited.

"I know you're angry at me." She wrapped her arms around him looking up at his fierce glare.

"Why am I angry Anna?" He stood rigidly not taking his icy eyes off of her.

"I misbehaved." She smirks coquettishly at him.

"And what am I to do with you, eh?" He breaths out his body relaxing against her.

"Oh I'm certain you've an idea or two." He holds her face looking it all over making sure she'd alright. "I'm safe and I'm fine. Nothing happend. The Lees agreed to it and Linda has earned their respect. Weirdly enough. I need to meet with aunty Bethy if I'm to know what I'm looking for in my dreams."

Tommy was angry with her she knew. She tried everything she had learnt to get him to forgive her perceived wrongdoings in the coming days. He was steadfast in keeping silent around her humming away his answering her. Anna would have been more worried if she hadn't caught his smirk after he brushed her off yet again. She patiently waited but she was growing spare with his juvenile attitude. So the morning of the impending supper at Arrow house and as they have grown used to doing every Sunday, Anna and Tommy went for a ride. When they reached the stream Anna turned to the man who frustrates her so and got him to brake his stoic behaviour towards her.

"I bet I'll win racing you back to the stables." He snorted, ignoring and looking away from her. "You'll own me a favour. Ok? On three? One..." And she took off.

The cars driving up the road had a clear view of the two riders racing through the field. It was earlier than anyone wanted to travel but Polly insisted she'd arrive there first thing in the morning. Michael not really having a choice much as he was loath to admit it, came along. Linda and Arthur will join them after church as she is excited in speaking with Anna about the institute. Ada and John dragging along their kids, wife and Finn. The two siblings had a talk worried over Polly and Anna's relationship and Tommy's preference to keep their little cousin close.

Anna as it was natural won the race. Handing off her companion to one of the stablehands. Tom coming in seconds later. He jumped down while she was staring at him quite smugly.

"You lost Mr. Shelby." She announced.

"You cheated." He waggled his finger at her, grabbing at her arms drawing her close.

"You owe me a favour Tommy." She was still smiling smug at winning in such underhanded way and for getting him to speak at her. Hell, even looking directly at her was a win. "You've been ignoring me." She pouted as she brought her hands around his neck.

"Just as you ignored me, love." He brought her even closer swaying from side to side.

"I didn't realise I had to report my every move Thomas. My apologies. I thought that was Leon's job."

"Leon is protection. But even he won't be able to do his job if you run into danger head first."

"The Lees wouldn't have hurt me."

"You don't know that. I want you safe."

"And locked away in the mausoleum."

An awkward clearing of a throat brought them out of their intimate embrace, argument. Glancing behind Anna, they saw an uncomfortable John looking away from the two of them and into the field they raced through. "Poll's here. Michael's being asking for you Tom."

"Alright then." He hesitates. Starring a bit longer at her. "John." He greets his brother as he walks by him and back towards the house.

John stares after his brother till he's gone from view then turns to his smiling and content baby cousin. He clutches at his hat twisting it in his hands. "Be careful of him."

Anna snorts. "You know everyone has said the same thing to me about him. You've warned me twice now. I'm a big girl Johnny I can take care of myself."

John rushes to keep up with her hurried steps as she follows the path Tommy took returning to the house. "Just... At least don't do that with Polly around. She won't hesitate. Is this the plan then have me brother shot?" He jokes.

"That's the only way for him to go, by Polly's happy trigger fingers." She joins in the mirth.

John smiles at her little joke but grows somber again. "She'll do anything to protect you. Even from him."

"Tommy wants to protect me. Polly wants to protect me. You know, I've never had to fight for my right to make decisions."

"Famillies do tend to interfere with that."

The family living room is filled with idle chatter. Everyone has been served tea. The kids play at the other side of the room. For some reason Esme and Ada are sitting by her side. Polly is starting to feel a bit claustrophobic with how the two women cage her in. They glance at each other behind her back as if she is dimwitted and can't tell what they are doing with their poignant glances and odd blinking pattern.

Seeing her daughter free, riding through the field with the wind whipping at her hair and the sun laying its shine on her form, it brought fresh tears in her eyes. She was still waking up in the middle of the night fearing it was all a dream. The photo she keeps by her bedside table reassuring her that her baby girl is here. The smile froze on her face as her nephew's shadow loomed behind her advancing in on her. For a moment Polly rejoiced seeing her daughter fleeing from him.

Tommy hasn't yet, she thinks, mourned Grace. Not properly. He took his revenge and then went back to work. And Anna was just there. By his side as he struggled trying to let go of his dead wife. Polly knows he'll never forget and he''ll never forgive himself. She only hopes he will let her Anna go. Free her from his incessant need to have her close. As if Tommy fears more, Anna disappearing from their lives again, more than her own mother does.

She hears her sweet melodic voice before she turns her head behind her. There she is sweaty and wearing trousers of all things. Polly is mesmerised. She greets them and before anyone has a chance to murmur their greetings back at her a baby is in her arms. Charlie's smile is radiant as he stares at her. She gets him to giggle, something about smelling of horse and makes him settle in Ada's lap once he protest about seeing the creatures himself. His love for horses will rival his father's own one day. Mary steals her away, a problem with supper she says.

Ada leans in watching her closely. "Breath woman." She hisses at her.

"Watch the tone you take with me, Ada. I'm of a mind of slapping you." She gets up trailing behind her. Catching Michael right outside the door right before he enters the room.

"Where're you going?" He frowns at her. She catches a 'miss Shelby' respectfully uttered by the cook she thinks down the corridor.

"Where is Thomas?"

"He went to change. Something about Anna nagging him about having family dinner smelling of horse."

She waves him off. Mary she is pleased to see has followed the cook down the stairs. She goes where her daughter's room hopefully is located. She waits a moment listening. To her dread she hears muffled words. She knocks instantly. Anna's smiling face turns to shock and back again to a more restrained smile. She blocks her from seeing inside as she exits, positioning her body in a way that seems natural and shuts the door not before saying her name.

If it was someone else she might have fooled her but she is Polly fucking Gray. She's done this shit herself more successfully might she add. Anna walks away. Polly stays by the door making Anna stop and look back at her frowning.

"Have you seen Thomas? I need to speak with him." She says as loudly as she can without yelling right outside the door.

Anna wags her finger at her. "No more business for now. Wait till after dinner. Come along there is a bottle of gin especially for us Gray girls."

She reluctantly follows her daughter back hopping to god she heard wrong. It's her fear and Thomas above all else that makes her suspect her daughter. She swallows any doubt and follows. The boys are out with the kids. Ada and Esme force her to sit beside them again. Anna has gone to the kitchen checking in on the stuff. A maid young and awestruck by their presence is standing nearby waiting on them. Polly beckons her closer. With a sweet smile she asks about her daughter. The girl seems reluctant at first but with a bit on her lip and a frown she shares a few tidbits. Tommy being intoxicated once to the point both Mary and Anna had to carry him to the bedroom. Anna's blatant disregard for his orders.

"He told us to never disturb him while he works. Let alone barge into his office." The girl is jealous that much is obvious.

"And prey tell where does Mr. Shelby sleep?" Ada sits up trying to shoo off the girl. Esme hissing about getting her killed.

"I... I haven't been assigned in cleaning the main bedroom for months now. There are rumours though about them by the stablehands. They should know better about what you're asking."

"You're dismissed." Ada hisses venomously at the girl forgetting all about her women's rights spiel.

"Pol you can't be serious. She is infatuated and blames Anna for Tommy not noticing her."

Polly stays still.

"You know him better aunt Polly..." Esme tries. "The man barely sleeps. He probably naps in the office on those massive couches."

"Listen, once Anna comes here, I'll ask her for a girls trip to London. Just the two of us. You'll take the boys and Anna and I will go have fun." Polly glares at Ada who raises her hands. "It's not about that. Well it is. But. I'll ask about it. It's time I get to know her better. She might open up to me about it."

As the family comes together at the dinner table with Polly yet again seeing her daughter sitting by Tommy's side. She leans in to Ada and whispers a simple ok. She'll wait. For now. Fearing any wrong accusations will drive Anna away from her.

The feast was as chaotic and full of joy as they could manage in this depressing home. Funny enough it was Linda and her chatter of the institute that kept dinner from being completely dreary. Tom was stoic as he always was around his family. Polly as well was sitting quiet observing her every move. Anna knew that Polly knew. Thomas didn't know though and he wasn't shot yet. So she'll leave it the hell alone. John had shared a few scathing remarks aimed towards Tommy with Esme pleading in his ear and grabbing at his arm trying to calm him down when his temper was up.

They retired back to the family room. Laying over armchairs and sofas. The maids has shepherd the kids elsewhere as the adults started drinking more heavily. The Gray girls had polished a good chunk of that gin bottle. Anna was sitting sprawled in an armchair in front of the roaring fire. Close enough her skin had taken a rosy tint. She didn't notice. She was flicking Tommy's lighter open and shutting it close over and over again. Her gaze imprisoned by the writhing flames.

A hand grabbing her wrist jolting her away from the whispering voices. Her head felt heavy as she focused on an kneeling Tommy. "You're alright, eh? Come on, up, love."

She rose and Thomas slithered in her seat still holding onto her wrist taking his lighter back. He guided her on his lap. Her head resting in the crook of his neck where it met his shoulder. Anna cuddling in, closing her eyes and breathing in his calming scent. He brought his arms around her lighting a cigarette. His hand holding her close and as he exhaled he could see through the smoke the eyes boring onto them. Tommy leaned his head back caressed Anna's back and took another drag from his cigarette ignoring them all.

Chapter Text

It was a rare sunny day when Anna went back. Bethany waiting to greet her with a bunch of people who were anticipating her return. For all their mistrust they respected her power. She would have to spend some time doing readings and brewing for them. Anna was fine with it she's honestly missed it. The sun rays warmed her cheeks and her tussled hair danced in the wind. Softly it whispered to her telling her of stories she's missed.

She took over Bethany's vardo. Meeting half the camp that first day. One after the other asking for her help offering her gold and favours. She missed the control that Tommy so easily highjacked from her. It took well into the night for the few still waiting for her to give up. She assured them that she'll see them tomorrow. She stayed for three days. It was the second night that she found the way. It took a trance guided by Bethany herself. Falling into a sleep so conscious that left her exhausted the next morning.

The dream took her to a cobblestone street. The freezing rain drops drizzled around. The few lights illuminating the way gave off a sickly yellow tint. The voices she overheard were telling of a sorrowful diagnosis. The trembling child was standing there his familiar eyes full of anger born from an unfair world. She looked around her but couldn't recognise the place. A man's hand grasped on the boy's shoulder. He spoke softly at him. The boy looked up at the man. A man Anna knew.

She came to gasping for air and calling out his name. Bethany knew where he was. They passed him a week past as they travelled shouth. Eliza and Jacob had already packed with Anna teasing them that they'll need heavier coats. Jacob cursed his luck.

"Scotland? Really, of all the places it had to be Scotland." He whined.

"Where did you want to go?"

"Paris. Maybe Spain, I hear it's warm there even in winter."

"Dreams are good to have. Being realistic will help you more though." Liza mocked him.

"You shush. Don't make me start talking."

"Why what's going on?"

"She went out with Isaiah." Jacob giggled.

"Only to learn more about you. You vanished after we met at that horrid pub."

"It's not that horrid." She sounded offended. "And John said it'll be better to wait..."

"The doctor?" Jacob was confused.

"Her cousin you knob. Wait for Thomas fucking Shelby to return and dictate your life."

"It was about business. If it was only a social visit it he wouldn't get a say."

"Next time we will be sure not to mention any business then." Jacob offered.

"Something tells me that man will interfere with anything if it implicates you."

The trip they took was longer than they anticipated. Anna felt she was running out of time. She dared not mention it to Liza. He only offered her a week off. Sometimes Anna wondered at her willingness to just adhere at his orders with no push back. She always gave her poor man back in London cheek. Driving him grazy with her attitude and disobedience. But for Tom she was always ready to obey. Well, not today.

She called and called but no one picked up. It was later in the afternoon when she called again that someone finally answered. John was breathless on the other side of the line and she could hear commotion in the background. She told him she'll need another week at least. He told her to wait for him to fetch Tommy. The giggling woman was not Esme. She knew Esme. She called him a prick and to give her regards to his brother. She'll take as much time as she needed. John tried to ask her where she was but Anna hung the phone then.

It bothered her more than she thought it would. Maybe because it was flaunted so blatantly. At least they had the decency to wait for her to leave. But that meant they went behind her back. She thought of calling Esme. She didn't. She had a baby on the way and five more to take care of. John will get an earful when she's back. Maybe Liza was right and men deserved to be ignored.

Her mood soured and Jacob had the forthouhgt to wait till Eliza was occupied to approach her. He came with a cup of hot tea and a platter of scones. His goofy smile already made her feel better. She explained to him what she overheard on the phone call and with a pitying glance he wrapped his arm around her.

"You know, men usually sleep around."

"Not all of them." Jacob knew who she was refering to.

"He wouldn't marry you because you were gentile but at least he was loyal... Your cousin is not the type of man who'll stay in one bed."

"But... They care about each other. I even caught them fucking in the bet shop."

"Wait who did you caught fucking?"

"Esme, you twat, with John. Why would he cheat on her?"

"I thought... Are you in denial?" He slithered his eyes taking a closer look at her.

"Have you gone mental?"

"Have you? I thought we were talking about Thomas."

"Thomas is a widower. He can do as he likes." Jacob laughed a mirthless chuckle.

"Tell him then love, how interested you are in the doctor and let's see how he reacts."

"He wouldn't care." She pouted at her obtuse friend.

"You are in denial." He gasped.

She was not. There was a moment or two when they neared the line but never crossed it. She was free to do as she liked. She was momentarily shocked. She remembered Bethany's words and facepulmed.

"I need something stronger." She groaned.

The something stronger was whiskey and the place they found it was none other than yet another dodgy pub in the middle of nowhere. The company was sparse and their pints drinkable. A man her age came by sat next to her. Jacob was quite taken with him and Liza was bereft over his inclusion. A smack over the back of his head made them all startle.

"This is what you are doing? Getting pissed in fine company?"

The man grabbed his arm and ordered him to go back to training pushing him out the door. He took his seat and stared right into Anna's eyes.

"I know you." She pointed at him with her drink. "I saw you." She leaned into him.

"And I know you little girl. You're far away from home." He leaned in too. Their noses slightly touching. "Are you going to read my bleak fortune?"

"Depends on where I'll be doing that?" He smirked at her ordering more drinks for their table. "First things first. Why are you here?"

"I'm looking for someone. A young boy. I saw you with him around these parts. His mother is sick." He stared skeptical of her.

"What do you want with the boy?"

"I don't know, he came to me."

He bowed his head while raising his cup at her. "I heard of you. Never thought I'll get the honour to meet you. Aberama Gold, my queen."

"Please call me Sallyna."

His eyes were a striking colour and the mischieve displayed on his smirk made Anna move closer to the older man. She took his hand in hers, stroking her fingers down his palm.

"It's a miserable thing. Knowing what should have been unknown. Are you sure you want this?"

"Your hand in mine? Hard to turn you down love." He grasped her hand, their knees bumping. Anna spread hers letting him bring his leg in between. "I would like to know though, if that's alright with you."

She smiled at the bold man and made him follow her out the pub and into her room across the street. She lit candles and got him kneeling at her feet. It wasn't really necessary but the man was willingly listening and following her demands.

"I need payment." She was holding a bowl filled with herbs and everything else she needed. Aberama knew what she asked for. He cut his hand with his knife letting a few droplets fall into the bowl removing one silver ring offering it to her. She slipped the ring onto her finger and lit the bowl on fire inhaling deeply.

She saw a shadow moving over him. Thick black tar chasing him while dogs were howling. A shot then three more. Anna shuddered. She felt those shots hitting close to her heart. A sweetness enveloped her and a rose fell in her lap. Then another flower and another.

"Your's like any other life. Love, pain and loss."

"Love?" He smirked and raised his brow.

"Not me. Another will come later, in a few years I think. Oh and someone will be chasing you. So good luck."

"I've heard better things about you."

"That's all I saw. Anything specific you want to ask?"

He leaned on his heels starring up at her. "Will it bring me luck laying with you?"

"What'll bring me, I wonder?" She sighed.

She kneeled before him, holding his face close to hers. "There is something familiar about you, I cannot figure it out." She kissed him.

He stole her breath as he gently reciprocated. Taking her in his arms Anna stood still. Shee gently pushed him away smirking at him. "It'll bring you only trouble, laying with me."

He left her with a pat on her head and the time he''ll meet her tomorrow taking her where she was supposed to be. Jacob's knowing face drove her another type of mad the next day. Liza was prickly today too. They drove to a camp following Aberama's own car. The place was odd unlike the Boswell's merry group. Here the mist was thick and the people held onto their frowns. He led them before a rickety vardo, entering first and telling them to wait.

"So... How was he?" Jacob had the gull to ask.

"He wasn't." She answered unfazed by his squeel and hit on her arm.

"Jesus Christ." Liza sneered releaved.

The door opened drawing Anna's attention away from her friends' antics. A boy of maybe ten years came out his head hidden under a big hat with Aberama who told her that Duke's mother wanted to speak with her. The place was a mess and the woman was hunched over a chair. She was too sick to be out of bed, Anna could tell by the pale skin and the purple under her eyes.

"Shouldn't you be in a hospital?"

"They don't treat gypsies there." The woman turned then taking a good look at her. "What do you want from my boy?"

"I'm not sure. I dreamt of him. Years ago he was a baby crying his little heart out. I sang to him and he calmed down. He came to me asking for help I think."

"What's your name? Your real one, not the one they gave you."

"Anna Gray. I go by Sallyna though."

"I don't remember any Grays..."

"Shelby. My mother's maiden name."

"I know a Shelby..." She exhaled.

Zelda didn't want her around. Duke seemed intrigued by her. They stayed in town venturing out to the camp every day. Aberama was kind enough to show her around. Jacob's knowing look filled with pity made her wish she left him behind. Leon as always stood behind observing everything.

"Say Leon, are you going to report everything to your boss?"

"Yes." He said it matter of fact. No inflection of any remorse.

She nodded her head. "Ok. Have you called then? Letting him know where I am and with whom?"

"I told Mr. Shelby what he wants to know. Nothing more."

What he wants to know stayed a mystery as the man wasn't to indulge her further. He gave a warning though. They are to return in a day or two. Anna thought back on the few days. Freeing as they were made her want to run back home. Charles prickling at a whole left behind in her heart. She missed them.

"I miss home." She pouted at the boy sitting beside her.

"Are you leaving?" He had this little frowning face with this cute growl in his juvenile voice.

"Remember what I taught you?" She brought the boy closer hugging him to her side.

"Yeah. Although I already knew how to pick locks." He sounded smug.

"Not like I do."

They spoke of their time on the road and of their fine skills. Thievery was common enough in their circles. Duke was crafted like she was and like Tommy. Alone even with others around and greedy enough to just take what they felt was owed to them. She gave him a phone number and scribbled down a few of their addresses. The boy look at it confused.

"If you ever need me give this to Aberama and he'll contact me. Those are addresses if you need to run somewhere you run to one of those."

"Is my father with you?" It was the first time he asked about him. Anna tried to circle their talks towards Tommy but Duke managed to out talk her drawing her attention to anything else.

"Yes." His jaw was clenched so tight as he looked off to the distance. "I didn't know what I'd find here. We didn't know about you. Duke, if you ever want something you come to us. Tom or me and my mother. She will love to get to know you. You are one of us."

His blue eyes reminiscent of his father's own held hers and just like his father he simply gave a nod. Fewer words never needed to be spoken. Aberama was given instructions to keep an eye on them. The man had grown to liken her to a daughter. She teased the poor man for wishing to sleep with her one moment and being all fatherly the next.

"Something about you. It makes me want to protect you as if you're one of my own." She smirked all knowingly which he caught and with a wagging finger he called her out on it.

"I know what the ancestors wanted me to know. And you are not to know untill it's time. Have patience tá."

Zelda hadn't come soften when it came to Anna being around her son. The last day as she was saying her goodbyes in the unfriendly camp she came over. They had managed to find a bit of morphine and the woman had a reprieve from the constant pain.

"When the time comes, take care of him." Her yellow tinted eyes dull and tired held hers in a fierce plead. "I don't trust him. I've heard things of him. You keep Duke safe even if it's from him."

She took a vow making the ill woman calm and as if this invisible weight lifted off of her shoulders she smiled at her, even giggled a little. "I must be going mad trusting a Shelby." She patted her on her arm and went back to her vardo.

Little Duke having witnessed his mother's sudden happiness hugged Anna tightly and promised to find her if he ever needed help. That's all she wished for so Anna took the train back home.

Jacob had destructed Leon away from their compartment. Eliza was sitting all stifly across from her. Anna was shuffling through her tarot cards.

"I've went by to see them. They're alright but you're missed." She stayed silent. "Nothing to say to that? What it doesn't fit with your picturesque life anymore." She accused her of things she didn't understand.

"Everyone is where they're supposed to be. The time will come sooner than you think. But not yet."

"Speak in riddles all you like. I know you. I see it." She hissed. "You get lost in an idea. I'm going there for me mother you said and look at you now. Locked into a house obeying orders like a dog."

"Are you done?" She was anything but calm and yet her voice was steady and even.

"You're a fool."

"Pinning after someone will make anyone foolish." Eliza gasped as if she was hit. "I love you Eliza you are my closest friend but sometimes I don't think you understand what's happening around you."

"Because you keep me in the dark."

"Did you fuck him? Isaiah. Did you?"

"Did you fuck him?"

"I think he belongs to someone else." She said smiling thinking of Aberama.

"And yet he acts as if you're his." Anna frowned starting to grasp of whom her friend was speaking off. "Everyone knows you are in is bed. Word has travelled and reached many ears. I wonder what that raging monster you used to fuck will do when he finds out."

"He''ll rage." That was the main cause of their issues. They were closer once, before London. Before she fell in love and got twisted in all her lies. She broke his heart and subsequently smashed Eliza's in tiny pieces. Anna knew, she always knew. And as much as she loves her, her love is to remain forever sisterly. There was never lust to be found for other women. Sometimes she wishes for it. Her life would be so much more calm and easier if her other half was Eliza. And she is a part of her but there is one thing neither she nor her first love can give her.

Chapter Text

It was chaos all around them. The Lees and the Boswells branches all conjuring in one place. Fires were lit, one bigger than the other, competing. The food was plentiful, different fire pits had similar game on them. Everyone was drunk already with loud voices and laughter taking up the usually serene field. Many a wedding was to take place this evening. Vardos of all colours littered chaotically around the place all close as there was no space left untouched by them.

The Shelby's occupied the northern area atop a hill looking over the chaos of everyone underneath. Linda is not as opposed as she was when first she learnt of their little trip. First time in a vardo will do that to you. Anna comforted her when the teasing became more and more condescending. She too had to get used to it once and Ada had a green look about her as they were traveling. John had the biggest smile she had seen on his face. Esme looking at her husband on the road made her realise something that she hadn't thought possible before. Finn had taken to it more easily than her own brother. Michael winched with every harsh sway and every ditch they hit. The mud they made by traipsing about the camp was not his favourite either. The teasing towards him became downright cruel.

Thomas hadn't slept she knew. She was gone for nearly two weeks staying away from him and now they traveled in different vardos. Her mother hadn't spoken to him in those weeks. Polly Gray was waiting. Why exactly she couldn't tell. Remorse, a voice whispered harshly in her ear. They met with Bethany. They spent an entire evening together drinking tea and smoking reminiscing, with aunty Bethy telling stories of Anna's exploits. Her mother had tears running down her cheeks rarely seen by others but in their drunken stupor and as high as they were Polly had little control of her reactions.

The Golds joined them with Aberama reassuring her that the boy was looked after. She introduced them all to her new friends. The glare she received by Thomas made her blood boil. He all but dragged her to his vardo throwing her in. She fell to her knees glowering at him as he stood leaning on the wall by the door.

"Was that necessary?" She got up, dusting at her skirt.

"What did you do in Scotland?" He asked in this calm way of his.

"Didn't Leon tell you?" She said mockingly, after all the man may have been posted for her protection but he mostly reported on her whereabouts.

"He told me. Of your whoring with that Gold bastard. Is that why you brought him here?"

"I didn't bring him. The man joined on his own. And I didn't sleep with him, I don't just fuck anybody like some people." She said pointedly.

"Is that what this is? eh? You think I'll allow you fucking around like we do? You think yourself one of the men is that it?" He took a step towards her.

"It says a lot about you that you are so bothered by me fucking Abe." She walked closer to him.

"It says a lot more that you fucked him after you phoned home, love. Did you hear us, is that it? Or did Mary tell you?" Their faces were inches apart.

"Did you fuck your whore in our bed?" She leaned in.

"I fucked her in mine." He whispered against her lips.

The subsequent slap was expected. Tommy twisting her hair in his fist as she writhed against him while she was hitting his chest less so. He just kept her there taking her abuse. Cold glacial eyes locked on her face gazing at her longingly.

"Hit me all you like love, I can take it. I'll take everything you give me, Anna." His whispered confession made her halt her assault.

"Even my indifference?"

He snorted. "Is this you not caring?" His arms wrapped around her. "It's business."

"The amount of times you used that excuse." She hugged him back. "What if I give you nothing?"

"What is nothing Anna? You in my bed? Taking care of my son? In my fucking house?"

"Me leaving." Their foreheads were touching.

"You're not leaving." His whispered words brushed over her lips.

"I'm not?" He didn't answer, only his lips brushed gently against hers. With a hitched breath she couldn't tell you whom it came from, Anna pushed him weakly away. He groaned holding her tightly to him. With shared breaths and a demanding heartbeat she finally allowed him a kiss. He let go of her only to craddle her head in his hands tilting it where he wanted it deepening their kiss. His soft lips tasting of tobacco made her weak knees lose their balance he didn't let go following her to the ground. He broke the kiss only when he was comfortable laying on top of her. A hand supporting his weight while the other caressing her cheek. He kissed her again. His tongue demanding entry with his heartbeat out of sync on her palm. He slipped into her mouth drawing a loud moan much to his amusement. She slapped at his chest in protest to his mocking. He drew another moan out of her. A knock on the crickety door and Michael's bemoaning at his cousins and at her audacious guest made Anna giggle.

"Michael, we'll be out in a moment." He growled out, leaning in for another kiss. She smooched him loudly and pushed him away. She got up, listening as her brother's groaning grew distant. Thomas was lying down watching her fondly.

"Did you sleep at all?"

"I tried."

After a silent moment between them Anna confessed. "I didn't sleep with him. I think he belongs with Polly."

"What was he doing in your room then?"

"He wanted me to read his fortune." He hummed and brought his arm to rest over his eyes. "Tommy... I might have kissed him after he propositioned me." He looked at her with his deadpan expression. She smiled sweetly at him laying next to him. "That's all."

"That's all..." He sighs.

She put him in bed like she did the first time he stayed in her vardo. She tucked him in and layed next to him for awhile making sure he got some rest. Her mother was waiting for her near, accosting her the moment she exited. Polly's expression was guarded her lips pinched and her eyes travelling behind Anna, trying but finding nothing of whom she was looking for.

"What were you two doing?" She outright asked.

"He is sleeping. Thomas has a hard time finding rest. I thought you knew."

"And you... Help him with that?"

"He feels calm when someone is there with him." She took her arm in her hand drawing her near, petting her hoping to reassure her. "He needs our help."

"Thomas can deal with the mess he created. He's a big boy. He doesn't need you." She implores her wayward daughter. "You don't want to be caught up in his business, Anna."

"He needs me and I'm here for him." Polly pulled away from her abruptly.

"I would have thought you were here for me and your brother... For the rest of your family, not just him."

"I didn't know if I wanted to meet you. I wanted to confront you for abandoning me. Tommy told me of what happened, that I was taken. He was the one reassuring me that you wanted me. That you'de love to have me back." Polly drew her near.

"And I do. But I don't like this. You should come live with me and your brother. You can see Charlie on the weekends."

"I'm raising that child. I'm all he knows now. Are you going to rip me away from him?"

"No, of course not. I'm sorry, you are right. That baby needs you." Her mother was awkwardly swaying before her eyes. Lips pressed tight and with pleading eyes she holds onto her daughter.

"He wanted to know of Aberama. That is why he dragged me off."

"He dragged you? That boy has another thing coming thinking he can treat my daughter this way." Anna snorted at the abrupt change of her tone.

"What do you think of him? Abe?" Polly took a long look at her trying to figure something out.

"Why the sudden interest? He seems like a brute." Anna smirked at her mother knowingly irritating the frazzled woman.

"Whatever you say. Doctor John will join us later, you'll finally get to meet him." She sing-songed as she walked away, leaving behind a befuddled Polly.

This was peculiar. With Michael even when things were awkward at first, he had stayed with her. They had lived together learning about each other builting a routine and had learned to coexist. Her boy was easier to get along with. Back then Michael had been almost shy, he didn't know where he fit in with them yet. Anna it seems has taken her rightful place the moment she met Tommy. He was the one her daughter approached. He was the one she came back to. She stayed by his side making excuses for him and raising that baby boy of his.

Polly is glad to have her back alive and well. Her girl is nothing like she thought her to be. She has the stature of her mother, Birdie and she resembles her quite a lot. Some of the glares and exasperated looks she throws at the boys Polly knows resemble her own. When she came home that infamous day giggling and muttering about meeting someone Polly had thought for a moment that not all was lost that her baby would meet hopefully someone decent and live this life behind but this life is all Anna knows it seems. It was a doctor, Finn told her and John had already met him. The poor man was already roped into treating the peaky boys who trail to his practise all bloodied. It gave her a false sense of security that Thomas thwarted the moment he walked through her door. Anna's full attention was on him and he... He hadn't taken his eyes away from her.

All this time Polly thought she was being unreasonable. Seeing things where there was nothing. Charlie tried to reassure her. Tommy was the one who brought her back so it was natural to cling to him as she did when she was a baby. But as she sits there watching poor Lizzie try for the hundredth time to catch Tommy's attention and utterly failing finally giving up and approaching the doctor something in Polly snaps. The man had sought her out after hearing many a tale of Polly Gray he wished to meet her himself. He was a good man if not a bit awkward and gittery. Lizzie's smarter than her daughter. They are sitting by the fire passing a bottle of whiskey between them. Back and forth it goes between the odd pair as Polly watches while she overhears the men warning the younger ones away from her daughter.

"Avert your eyes, boy, if you wish to keep them. The devil's watching." The man pointed at Tommy who was sitting back watching Anna dance and sing. Polly watches as her nephew rises from his throne and approaches her. He wraps his arms around her and Anna smiles brilliantly. The many dancers sway around them hiding them from her view. She stretches, her eyes dancing on their own anxious rhythm searching for the couple.

"You won't find them." She startles and turns to face the man who had dared sneak on her. Even when faced with her indignant glare the man doesn't cower. "Why do you care so much? Are you worried for your nephew? People tell tall tales of her but I assure you she is an angel."

"I know. She is my daughter."

"Ah... Well, she is lovely. Your nephew I've heard things of him too."

"You should believe in those ones."

He bows his head at her. "Aberama Gold." He introduces himself taking her hand and brushes a kiss over her knuckles.

"Elisabeth Gray." She snutches her hand away from his smirking mouth.

"Your daughter's a queen. What does that make you? I know, a princess. Would you honour me with this dance, princess?"

"That's not how that works... How do you know my daughter?"

"She saw me in her dreams, she told me of my fortune and took a kiss as payment." He takes her hand as she stands there shocked and leads her amidst the dancing parterns. She is swaying in his arms before all he said registers with her.

"Dreams? Anna saw you in her dreams? That's what you said." She is not paying attention on his reply. She makes to leave but Aberama holds her still in his arms.

"I've heard many a thing of her. Of Sallyna Boswell that is. She is respected amongst our people and she seems to know what she is doing. I think you should let her be for tonight. It is a full moon after all when better to enjoy the night with another."

Polly protested the man's insinuation only for him to chuckle. "I didn't mean us. I hardly know you and you seem the kind of woman one should prove himself to."

"Unlike my daughter that is. That you've already kissed?"

"A kiss for good luck. I came to see her as one of my own daughters."

"I don't know if I ought to shoot you for how disturbing that is." Polly much to her protests is still dancing with him. "What was she doing with you? You came from up north, right?"

He nodded, taking a moment to gather his thoughts. "She was looking for someone. You should ask her." She tries again to leave. "Not tonight. Tonight we rejoice. Let our troubles reach us tomorrow."

He was persistent but not particularly off putting. Polly's thoughts were running haywire. She glanced around again but they weren't there anymore. Anna had dreams. Like her own. But hers had failed her, betrayed her the worse way for her baby was alive and Polly shamefully had felt a sort of relief when she got that black file. She mourned her daughter, of course she did but the anxiety of not knowing where she was or how or with whom had left her. The shame she felt when Thomas uttered those words. Words she hoped to hear everyday. Anna's alive. We were mistaken. Anna's waiting to meet you. The girl knocking on her door was not Anna and Polly wished to know if she was even real. Who that eighteen year old woman with her eyes was and why was she visiting her.

"Kids often do that." At her inquisitive glance Abe relaxed knowing that he drew her out of her thoughts. "Live their lives as they see fit." Polly settled in his arms then.

The fires had grown taller as time passed. The married couples, finally uniting the two clans, had taken off as was custom. The guest were the ones truly enjoying the celebration. Linda was swapped by the Lee women she met the other day. She danced and drunk like them and in the end of the night she was sitting on her hushband's lap giving him teasing kisses all over his smilling face. John with a sleepy Esme by his side was laughing at his older brother. There was a fodness there amidst the mocking words. A softness of contentment seeing Arthur at last somewhat at ease. Finn had joined Jacob in tricking some of the intoxicated men out of their money.

Eliza was dancing with Isaiah giving the poor lad false hope. Ada sat by Bethany Boswell talking her ear off about women's rights and politics. Bethany for her part would nod at her telling her stories of how women were truly the backbone of any camp. The girl reminded Bethy of Birdie as did Polly who had joined them later in the evening earning the teasing comments by both women. After all she danced with Aberama all night. Lizzie had enchanted the doctor. They were dancing now and had spent most of the night together. Michael had found his own entertainment. A commely girl had taken his hand and guided him behind some caravans.

Anna had sang and danced all night. She swayed to the music feeling the drums thruming through her and a pair of eyes watching. Tommy had sat in a chair his family surrounding him but he could only see her. Lizzie almost caught his attention but as his eyes trailed away from Anna, she moved away from his periphery. He sought her out immediately, his head turning away from Lizzie making her huff at his indeference. She left at some point Tommy could not tell when.

He waited for Anna to be done not wishing to interrupt her singing. People pointed at him, whispering how Anna belonged to him. That the devil has set his eyes on her. And even then there was the idiotic ones who dared approach her. A boy her age got too close he thought putting his arms around her. Tommy didn't think for a moment about his family sitting around the same fire as him or Polly's knowing gaze who rarely flickered away from him.

He stalked close and with only a halfhearted glare he made the boy run away. Anna's brilliant smile soothed his soul. Her sweet voice eased his mind and her smokey smell drove him crazy. It was moments like this he dreaded when his want of her took over. He had ran away once or twice leaving behind a confused Anna. He knows she has no recollection of her early years. She has her dreams and she had the stories she was told. But she doesn't remember not like he does.

When an exhausted Polly first allowed them to see her newborn daughter or when she would fuss so much a reluctant Polly would shove her to his chest. She always settled down when she was snuggled by his heart. She always ran to him and always giggled the loudest for him. She was his to protect that is what he thought. But who is going to protect her from him when all Anna does is put herself in his path. He was determined to only take what she was allowing him. He took a kiss and felt his resolve crack. Tommy had done worse things.