Post by MrsCarterRivera on Sept 26, 2020 15:37:22 GMT -5
I TOTALLY FORGOT TO THINK OF A TITLE BUT HERE IT ISSSS. LOVE YA!
Jock Sullivan was big enough and bad enough to know that life wasn't fair. It never had been.
He'd been a toddler when his Mam had passed. Breast cancer, which had ravished her body and taken her long blonde hair until she resembled nothing more than a skeleton. Not that he remembered, but he had heard enough stories.
Then his Da. Killed by his own brother, Patrick. Slaughtered by his own blood.
He'd lost Dermot in a way too. Going on the run from Barry with hundreds of thousands of pounds of the most potent cocaine he had ever got his hands on. He'd given up family and security that day. Left his cousin and his aunt and crossed the waters to England.
Though of course he would never have made it without Dermot. Dermot, who always had his back no matter what.
So Jock wasn't too surprised that he had fallen for Nora. More than fallen. Flung from a height, head first, face smashing the ground. He'd always wanted everything he couldn't have. He was almost talented at it.
The only difference between Nora and every other thing he wanted was that he couldn't just take her. She wasn't a shiny watch or a jewel-encrusted bracelet. She wasn't a bag of expensive drugs. She wasn't a purse or a wallet or a fucking till out of a pub.
She was Nora and her heart was with someone else.
Jock groaned softly and pressed his forehead against the window. The glass was cold, as was the weather outside. Snow blanketed every conceivable surface, reflecting the low winter sun like diamonds. Movement caught his eye and he watched the silver car crawl up the snow-laden driveway until it came to a standstill outside the house.
More snow began to fall. Big heavy flakes which drifted across the window to obscure his view. He heard the engine die as he pushed away from the window and headed for the stairs.
"Jesus, it's cold," Dermot said, voice drifting from the hall as he stamped his boots on the doormat. His woolly hat was covered in rapidly-melting snow, as was his large jacket, and he juggled several neatly-wrapped presents in his arms.
"What the fuck is this?" Jock grunted.
"Merry Christmas!" He grinned when he saw Jock coming down the stairs. Behind him, Nora appeared and at once, his heart began to race.
/Curse you, heart/, he thought miserably.
She was wearing jeans and wellies, wrapped up in a dark coat, topped with a purple scarf and hat. Her eyes were bright, cheeks and nose pink from the cold.
"I thought we agreed no Christmas," Jock muttered, striding past them and into the kitchen.
Dermot chuckled, following him through and depositing all the presents onto the kitchen table. "Aoife said I either bring you these or she'll come herself and make damn sure you have a Christmas. I'm guessing you'd rather spend the day with me... well, hoping."
"Rather spend it alone." Jock pulled a beer out the fridge and cracked the cap off with his teeth. He heard movement in the doorway and knew Nora was there and for a moment, he just couldn't bring himself to turn around.
"Any news on Rosa?" Dermot asked as he freed himself from his jacket, slinging it over the back of the chair.
"Not a word." Jock turned and leaned against the sink, gaze drifting to Nora. Her cheeks were still pink, delicate features which he wanted to trace. She'd removed her hat, scarf and coat and was wearing a cashmere jumper with a snowman printed on the front. /How festive./ He was surprised Dermot wasn't wearing a fucking matching one... "Once Nick has his claws in somebody, they're as good as gone."
"But she's your friend," Dermot frowned, leaning against the table, eyes on his cousin.
"She's also a nutter who does what the fuck she wants. I'm not her keeper," Jock growled. Dermot raised his hands with an apologetic smile.
"All right, I get it." His phone began to buzz and he sighed as he pulled it from his pocket, cursing beneath his breath. "It's work. I have to take this, sorry." Dermot winced as he slipped past Nora and out into the hall, answering with a stern, "It's my day off, what's gone wrong now?"
"I said I didn't want presents," Jock grunted, pointing at the offending pile with his bottle. Now it was just him and Nora, the atmosphere had got decidedly thicker.
She was looking everywhere but at him; the floor, the cupboards, glancing out the snow-frosted window. "We bought gifts because we care about you, Jock," she replied lightly, eyes on the clock. Jock scoffed and drained the beer, tossing the bottle into the bin with a clatter.
"Do you? Nora?"
"/We/ care about you." She glanced at him, but only briefly. "You're family. And you deserve a Christmas-"
"This isn't about Christmas and you know it," Jock hissed, pacing forward before he realised what he was doing. Nora did meet his eye then and didn't look away, back pressed against the counter. The caution in her face made him slow. In the hallway, they could both hear Dermot. "...No, the order should have been - what? Oh for fuck sake."
"You can't keep hiding from me, Nora," he said, voice low. Her eyes snapped to his, a flash of anger burning through them.
"I'm not /hiding/."
"Really? Then why didn't you reply to my messages?"
"Because we can't do this!" She hissed, shoving at his chest. "And I won't. I love Dermot, I'm in love with Dermot and I always will be."
"You don't mean that."
"I don't?" Nora raised an eyebrow.
"No."
"I can't stand to look at you, Jock Sullivan. Okay? I don't want anything to do with you. In fact... I /hate/ you."
Jock sucked in a breath as if she had punched him in the gut. The two stared at each other for a long moment.
."... Just get it sorted. I'm busy." Jock was over on the other side of the room in the few short moments it took for a flustered Dermot to step back into the room. He pushed a hand through his dark hair, leaving it mussed.
"One day. They can't even handle things for /one day/," he muttered, moving to Nora's side and slipping an arm around her waist.
"Maybe you should quit the 9 to 5 and get a real job then," Jock said over his shoulder as he put the kettle on, more to give his shaking hands something to do.
She hated him? How could she hate him?
"And what would that be?" Dermot teased with a boyish grin. "Drug smuggling? Maybe dumping a few bodies around the place?"
"Just to name a few," Jock replied, turning back with a strained smile. "Just like the good old days, eh?"
"What are you talkin' about?" Dermot chuckled. "I've always been good!"
***
The afternoon passed into evening. Nora barely said more than a few words when prompted, not that Dermot seemed to notice. He chatted away about anything and everything, until the sun had long set.
Finally, he sighed and glanced at Nora. "We should probably get going. Charlie has his Nativity tomorrow. He's Joseph," he added with a hint of pride. "Will you be there?"
"Probably not," Jock replied.
"Well, we'd love it if you were." Dermot and Nora both stood, but Jock didn't move, just waved a hand.
"See yourselves out."
Dermot looked at him for a moment and then shrugged. "Hopefully old Saint Nick will bring you some Christmas cheer, cousin."
Jock did smile then, tilting his head as he looked back at the two of them. His gaze lingered on Nora. "Something tells me I'm on his naughty list this year."
After they had left, the house fell into silence. Jock wandered to the kitchen, finding the bottle of whiskey in the cupboard and unscrewing the cap. He drank without a glass, then moved to the table and eyed the mass of presents. From Aoife and Pup, from Dermot, from Aunt Cait... and a small one, intricately wrapped with a silver ribbon, from Nora.
Jock picked it up and turned it carefully in his hands. Ran his thumb over the neat lines of her name. /Merry Christmas Jock, love Nora x/
He unwrapped it carefully and opened the small box inside. It was a whiskey flask with his name engraved on the front.
Jock smiled. She didn't hate him. It just wasn't possible. She was afraid of her feelings and that much he could allow. He just had to be patient. Filling up the flask, he went back to the front room to sit by the fire, taking slow drinks of the burning whiskey.
He fell asleep with the image of Nora in his mind.
***
The crash woke Jock with a start. The fire had died, it was morning and he ached all over from a night in the armchair. He sat for a few seconds, wondering if he'd just been dreaming when he heard the crunch of glass and the murmur of voices in the hall.
Jock surged to his feet and headed straight to through the kitchen and into the hall. Sat amongst a pile of glass from the broken window was Rosa. She looked a mess. Her dress, so skimpy that it didn't even resemble clothing, was muddy and blood oozed from the cuts over her legs and hands. She groaned, eyes glazed, slumping back against the wall.
"Rosa?" He stepped forward, concern gripping his heart, but movement made him look up.
Nick Walker climbed in through what was left of the window and stepped down, boots crunching shards. He straightened and smirked over at Jock.
"Happy Christmas."
"What the fuck are you doin' here?" Jock demanded, though he didn't move from the spot. Rosa's eyes fluttered shut and Jock noticed her wrists were bleeding and raw from constant scratching. "What did you do to Rosa?"
"Oh, I just gave her what she wanted." Nick approached him with a lazy gaite, looking around, still smiling pleasantly. "Anyway, is that how you greet old friends, Sullivan?"
"Friends is a bit of a loose term," Jock shrugged. Nick chuckled, looking at a photograph on the wall. Jock and Dermot as young teens in front of a red caravan, with a curly haired Max peering out from behind.
"Cute." Nick turned back to face him, completely at ease, whereas Jock could feel the tension building in his muscles. He still didn't move.
"What are you doin' here?" He asked again, voice low. "You got your costume jewellery back, so what's the fucking problem?"
Nick began to laugh. He picked another photograph off the side table; Dermot and Nora's wedding day. Her smiling face was radiant and his fingers itched to snatch it back. "You really thought that was the end of it? That you could give back what you stole and all would be forgiven?"
"Jock?" Rosa was stirring, confused. She grappled for the window ledge to lift herself up, smearing blood, and giving up after a moment. She slumped still again.
Nick looked at her, the corner of his mouth lifted in a smile. "She's sweet"
"Why the fuck are you here?" Jock snarled, losing patience and striding forward. Nick didn't even flinch as the Irishman squared up to him.
"I told you. I'm going to take everything from you. One by one." He set the photograph back on the table and pushed past Jock to the door. He opened it and watched it swing wide. "So it was open. Maybe I didn't have to throw Rosa through the window after all."
"You bastard."
Nick stepped outside and angled his face to the snow-laden sky. Then he looked at Jock with a smile. "Good day for a Nativity, I believe." And he strode off, whistling a tune as he went.
Jock gathered Rosa in his arms and carried her upstairs, mind racing. The Nativity. What did that arsehole have planned? Nothing good, that much he knew. And Nora and Dermot would be there, and little Charlie...
He laid Rosa in his bed and hurried from the room, being sure to lock it behind him. The last thing he needed was for her to escape and get in the way. Leaving the house, snow blowing in through the broken window, he felt nothing but panic.
Nora. He had to get Nora safe.
***
The Nativity was well underway by the time Jock reached the school. He headed in through the reception, ducking past an elderly couple and into the corridor. The sound of Silent Night echoed up ahead and he charged towards the sound. A pair of double doors were waited at the end and he slipped inside before a passing teacher noticed him.
The room was completely dark besides the stage, lit up at the front of the hall and there was little Charlie Dunham, singing his heart out with his classmates, wearing a dressing gown with a tea towel on his head.
Jock's gaze darted around the dark room, trying desperately to locate Dermot and Nora and ....
The whole room fell pitch black, the music juttering into silence. There were a few nervous laughs from the audience and a child on the stage wailed. Another teacher called out, "Must be a power cut! Everybody stay seated and -"
The explosion shook the building. Whatever the teacher had been saying was drowned out byscreams. Parents were instantly on their feet, shouting childrens name, shoving each other, children crying -
"Dermot!" Jock added his shout to the surrounding chaos. Torchlight flittered across the room, the teacher shouting and trying to calm everyone. There was a stampede to the double doors which had seemed to shrink in size in the last few minutes.
Someone knocked into him and he realised it was Dermot. He looked surprised. "Jock? What's going on?"
"We have to leave. It's Walker."
He nodded his understanding, turning back. Not far behind him in the rapidly emptying hall were Nora, Lara and Pete.
"Charlie?!" Lara looked crazed. Racing here, there and everywhere, looking at each child, screaming for her son. "Charlie? Charlie!"
"He'll be ere," Pete tried to reassure her, but his own voice was tense and he looked at Jock warily.
"I tried to warn you," Jock retorted.
"Charlie?!" Lara shook Pete off and ran towards the stage, looking behind the curtain and throwing toy sheep and cows aside. "Charlie, come on, it's okay. Charlie? He's not here Pete!"
The hall was empty now. Without waiting, Lara dashed out the doors and into the corridor, still screaming his name. The others followed her out, Pete grabbing her shoulders as she gasped for breath, tears streaming. "Lara, we'll find him!"
"He's not here, Pete, why isn't he -"
"Now, now," said a cold voice from behind them. They turned to see Nick stalking up the corridor, a gun clenched in a fist. He wore a twisted smile. "Why don't you put a smile on that pretty face?" He asked Lara, smirking as Pete pushed her protectively behind him. "It's time for me to give you your Christmas present." And he rasied the gun.
"Run!" Jock yelled, grabbing Nora's arm and shoving Dermot further down the corridor.
Nick fired, the bullet hitting the lights overhead and sending sparks cascading over them.
They turned and ran.
***
Lara ran. Where was her baby? Had Nick taken him? What was going on? Why did these things still keep happening?!
Lara didn't even know where she was going. She just ran and ran until she found herself in another desserted corridor. Turning to Pete, she frowned to see he wasn't there. She was alone.
Fuck! Somehow they'd been split up and Lara had no idea what to do. Leaning against the wall, she shut her eyes and tried not to hyperventilate. Think, Lara, think! Opening her eyes, she looked out the opposite window and watched the figure with the child in a dressing gown disappear into a outbuilding beside the playing field.
Charlie!
***
Jock, Nora and Dermot all stumbled into a classroom, Dermot slamming the door shut behind them. He leaned against it, shutting his eyes for a moment as he tried to calm his breathing. Pacing the room, Jock ran a hand over his face, but it was only moments before Nora was rounding on him.
"Just what is going on? This is a school! There are children -"
"I know, Nora, I know!" Jock hissed at her, anger flaring in his eyes. He looked over her shoulder to see Dermot looking at him, brow creased. "He came to the house. With Rosa."
"I should have known she would be involved," Nora muttered, but Jock ignored her.
"He said he was coming for us all. I'm sorry, I..." With a frustrated growl, Jock turned away, scrubbing his hands through his hair. Why did evil follow him wherever he went? "He's going to kill us all. Because you're associated with me..." When he looked up, Dermot was looking at Nora, a distant look in his eye. Jock realised what he was about to do and lurched forward. "No."
"Get Nora to safety," he replied, opening the door and disappearing out into the corridor before either could stop him.
"Always playin' the fuckin' hero," Jock spat, grabbing Nora roughly by the elbow when she tried to follow. She spun around and slapped him, the crack echoing around the empty classroom, her eyes brimming with tears. Jock growled and yanked her against him. "He'll be fine."
"You don't know that!" She spat, struggling against him. "You always bring trouble to our door, Jock! First Barry, then Rosa, now Nick?" She tore away from him furiously. "You're nothing but bad luck!"
"Rosa is fragile," he defended.
"Rosa needs a mental institute!"
And then the gunshots rang out. Three in quick succession.
***
Lara dashed down the corridor, throwing herself against the nearest fire exit and stumbling out into the snow. She was struggling to even process her thoughts. All she could see was Charlie's little face in her mind. He must be terrified! When she got her hands on whoever had grabbed him-
Lara slammed into the outbuilding, eyes wild. Charlie was stood in the corner, sobbing quietly and a man was knelt in front of him. She stared in shock, then lurched forward. "Get away from him!"
"Lar, calm down." Max stood and grabbed her by the shoulders and she fought against him viciously. "You're scaring him."
"Get away from him!"
"Mummy!" Charlie began to cry louder, large tears rolling down pink cheeks. Max slammed her against the wall and pressed a hand firmly against her mouth.
"I said calm down!" He hissed. "If he finds us, he'll kill us all. Do you understand?" Lara blinked tearfully, confused and overwhelmed. Max stared for a long moment. "I'm going to move my hand. Do. Not. Scream."
Lara nodded. As soon as he released her, she shoved past, hurried to Charlie, falling to her knees and grabbing him close. "Are you okay?" Charlie nodded, pressing his face into the crook of her neck, arms tight around her. She looked back at Max, eyes narrowed. "You're working with Nick?"
"No." Max stood a few paces behind.
"Bullshit."
"I heard rumours, Lar." He moved forward, ignoring the way she flinched and pulled Charlie closer into her. His brow furrowed, eyes darkening. "I'm not here to hurt him. Either of you."
"Then why are you here?"
"Jock pissed off too many people. He's running out of lives." Max's gaze drifted to Charlie and she noticed how it softened. "I heard talk that Mr Walker was out for Sullivan blood. That he was going to attack today. Here."
"How convenient," she muttered, getting to her feet and pushing Charlie behind her. "I don't believe you."
"I came here to save my son." He paced towards her. "As if I would leave him in harm's way." He paused in front of her, dipping his head to look into her eyes. "You have to believe me, Lara."
In the distance, three gunshots echoed.
***
Pete stared in horror as Dermot hit the canteen floor. Blood gushed from his leg and spilled crimson over the floor. But he couldn't move from his spot, crouched behind the servery with a bread knife in his hand.
He'd lost Lara and he still had no idea where Charlie was. The thought made his throat tighten until he could barely breathe.
/They're gonna be all right. They're gonna be all right./
He'd seen Nick walk in a few minutes earlier, looking around with a scowl and Pete had been waiting for him to get close enough to attack - until Dermot had walked in, a look of determination on his face. And weaponless. Pete could only watched in silence as Nick whirled around and shot at him; once in the leg, another grazing his forearm, the third hitting the door behind him.
Pete was thankful Kimmy was being safely looked after by their neighbour and not here amongst the carnage.
Now Nick approached the groaning man as Dermot clutched his thigh on the floor. "Very brave of you," he smiled. "A lot braver than your shit-eating cousin. Still hiding, is he? Why am I not surprised?"
"I won't let you hurt them," Dermot grunted, sitting up and using his good leg to kick himself back. A trail of blood followed him.
"You don't have a choice, mate." Nick inspected his gun with a smile. "Merry Christmas," he added, before pointing it at Dermot's face.
Pete didn't have time to think. He stood, stuffing the knife in his trousers and grabbed the first thing he saw. A pot of heated mulled wine.
Dermot saw him first, eyes widening. And just as Nick turned to see, Pete threw the mulled wine into his face.
Nick screamed as Pete tackled him, the gun skittering away as they both hit the floor hard. Nick's face was already beginning to blister as he furiously fought Pete.
Pete couldn't reach the knife. As Nick blinded him with a punch, sparks flashing, he did his best to stop the crazed man from overpowering him. But it wasn't enough. With a grunt, Nick forced him onto his back and punched him again.
Gritting his teeth, Dermot dragged himself as quick as he could towards the gun. His leg was still bleeding badly and he felt weaker by the minute. With a groan, he heaved himself closer, reaching out to snag the weapon and drag it closer. Then with every ounce of strength he had left, he pulled himself to his feet and aimed the gun.
"Fuck you," he hissed, pulling the trigger. The bullet slid through Nick's temple like butter and exploded out the other side in a shower of skull and brain. His body remained upright for a moment, the look of confusion evident on Nick's face before he collasped to the side.
Pete shoved him off with a gasp, looking at the Irishman in concern. "Dermot?"
Dermot smiled weakly, then crumpled heavily to the floor.
"Fuck." Pete scrambled towards him, slipping on mulled wine, shaking Dermot by the shoulders, but he remained limp, eyes closed.
Was he even alive?!
***
Nora was out the door before Jock could stop her. She'd instantly paled at the sound of gunshots, slipping free from his grasp and tearing off down the corridor.
Jock followed behind, heart hammering. This was all his fault. If he had dealt with Nick in the first place... if he /hadn't/ gotten involved with Nick in the first place... Images of a dead Dermot flitted through his mind. God, what had he done?
Nora reached the end of the corridor and screamed, her hands flying to her mouth and Jock stopped dead a few paces behind, not daring to look, not able to. He'd destroyed his family and Nora would never forgive him...
"Dermot!" She rushed into the canteen and he followed, dreading what he was about to see.
Dermot was laid in a pool of his own blood, features white but relaxed. Pete had his sleeves rolled up, blood splatter across his shirt, giving Dermot chest compressions. In the distance, the wail of sirens growing closer.
Nora felt to her knees beside him with a sob. "Dermot, please, no!" Behind them sprawled Nick's body. Jock approached, but there was no doubt he was dead, judging by the fact half his skull was missing. His face had been scalded too, pink and raw.
"The ambulance is on its way, Nora," Pete tried to reassure her, but there was a shake in his voice. She just gave a muted wail and buried her face in her hands.
"I can't lose him, Pete."
"You're not going to lose him. I swear, I won't let that happen."
***
Max moved to the door and peered out. An ambulance and three police cars had squealed into the school car park, where the rest of the teachers, parents and children had gathered.
Lara stood slowly, watching as he turned back to face her. "... The police are here. You'll be safe now. You should go."
She could feel Charlie against her leg, trembling as he stood silent, but she couldn't tear her eyes from Max. Now mixed emotions were battling away inside of her. "You really did come here to save him," she murmured, unable to keep the disbelief out her voice.
"Whatever has happened between us, he's still my son. And I still care for you, Lara. I always have and I always will." When she dropped her gaze, he approached and reached out, fingers grazing her chin and angling her face to his. She fought a shiver.
"Max..."
"I know, okay?" He replied, his voice barely a whisper. "I..." Max frowned and dropped his hand. Out the window, police officers and two paramedics rushed into the school. Max looked away. "Go. You're both safe. That's all that matters."
Lara flung her arms around his neck, startling him for a moment before he hugged her back just as tight. "Thank you," she whispered tearfully before she drew back. Max nodded, a pink flush rising. He knelt down and looked at Charlie, studying every inch of his face and looking into brown eyes identical to his own.
"Look after your Ma, okay?"
Charlie nodded, wiping his nose on the back of his hand and glancing uncertainly at Lara. She smiled reassuringly back. Max stood, moving away from them. "Lara?"
"Yes."
"... Please look after yourself." He didn't look at her again.
***
Jock leaned against a table in the canteen and watched as the paramedics wheeled Dermot out on a stretcher. Police officers gathered around Nick's body, talking into radios and taking notes. Pete had ran out, calling desperately for Lara and Charlie, and Nora stood by the doors, arms wrapped tight around her middle as she cried.
He felt numb. If Dermot died... How many times had his cousin put himself at risk for him? Too many. And as he looked up and caught sight of Nora, he felt the guilt twist deep in his gut. He knew what he had to do. He knew he had to be fair.
Pushing away from the table, he headed towards him. Seeing him coming, Nora pulled a face and walked off. Jock jogged to catch up, moving in front of her and blocking her path. "Nora, wait."
"I don't want to speak to you."
Jock nodded, but didn't let her pass. "I've been selfish. This whole time. Nora, listen to me-"
"It was supposed to be a good day," she protested, tears welling.
"I'm sorry. But Dermot will be okay. The paramedics said-"
She rubbed her eyes, suddenly exhausted. "But he couls have been dead, Jock. He was nearly killed again and I... I just can't keep doing this."
"I know." Jock swallowed hard. "And I truly am sorry. For the past few months, putting pressure on you, I had no right." When she said nothing, he sighed and ran a hand over his face. "I had no right. I should have respected you both from the start and... I won't be interfering anymore, Nora."
She looked at the floor between their feet. "... I'm sorry too. For letting it go this far."
"You didn't-"
"But I did. The kiss. That wasn't just you. And I really am sorry."
An awkward silence passed between them before Jock stepped aside. "You should go. The ambulance."
"Yeah." But she still didn't move for a moment. Finally she looked at him, sadness in her eyes. "I'll call you, okay?"
Jock nodded and she moved past him. "...Nora?"
"Yeah?" She paused to look back at him.
"I'll always love you."
Nora smiled sadly. "I know," she told him before she turned and walked out into the snow.
***
"Pete!"
Pete was stood by the ambulance when he heard his name. He spun on the spot, nearly collapsing with relief at the sight of Lara and Charlie running across the snowy yard towards him. She flung herself against him, clutching him tight as Charlie wriggled between them, grabbing onto Pete as tight as he could.
Pete cupped her face in his hands. "Are you okay? Is Charlie okay?" Lara nodded, tears streaming. "Where did you find him?"
"With Max," she whispered, feeling him tense. "He saved him, Pete. He knew Nick was going to strike and he saved him."
Pete could only gape in disbelief. Unable to find words, they held each other again, before Pete lifted Charlie and held him tight.
They were safe. They were alive. And that was all that mattered.
***
It was dark by the time Jock got home. He cut the engine and crossed the snowy driveway to his front door. The window would need fixing, the blood cleaned up, but for now, that could wait.
Dermot would survive. Nora had rang from the hospital. After a two hour surgery to remove the bullet, he was already awake, if groggy.
Nora was alive. Little Charlie was safe.
There were no more threats. Nothing more to fear.
Going up the stairs, he unlocked the bedroom door and stepped inside. Rosa was sat on the bed, eyes red raw from crying. She bandaged her hands with torn strips from one of his shirts. When she saw him, she burst into fresh tears.
"I'm so sorry, Jock. H-He wouldn't let me go."
"Hey," he murmured softly, helping her off the bed and hugging her tight. "You're safe now. That's all that matters. Everyone's safe." As he stroked her back, he looked out the window as snow began to fall, thick and heavy and swirling. "Pack your bags, Rosa," he sighed. "I think it's time for a holiday."
THE END!
Jock Sullivan was big enough and bad enough to know that life wasn't fair. It never had been.
He'd been a toddler when his Mam had passed. Breast cancer, which had ravished her body and taken her long blonde hair until she resembled nothing more than a skeleton. Not that he remembered, but he had heard enough stories.
Then his Da. Killed by his own brother, Patrick. Slaughtered by his own blood.
He'd lost Dermot in a way too. Going on the run from Barry with hundreds of thousands of pounds of the most potent cocaine he had ever got his hands on. He'd given up family and security that day. Left his cousin and his aunt and crossed the waters to England.
Though of course he would never have made it without Dermot. Dermot, who always had his back no matter what.
So Jock wasn't too surprised that he had fallen for Nora. More than fallen. Flung from a height, head first, face smashing the ground. He'd always wanted everything he couldn't have. He was almost talented at it.
The only difference between Nora and every other thing he wanted was that he couldn't just take her. She wasn't a shiny watch or a jewel-encrusted bracelet. She wasn't a bag of expensive drugs. She wasn't a purse or a wallet or a fucking till out of a pub.
She was Nora and her heart was with someone else.
Jock groaned softly and pressed his forehead against the window. The glass was cold, as was the weather outside. Snow blanketed every conceivable surface, reflecting the low winter sun like diamonds. Movement caught his eye and he watched the silver car crawl up the snow-laden driveway until it came to a standstill outside the house.
More snow began to fall. Big heavy flakes which drifted across the window to obscure his view. He heard the engine die as he pushed away from the window and headed for the stairs.
"Jesus, it's cold," Dermot said, voice drifting from the hall as he stamped his boots on the doormat. His woolly hat was covered in rapidly-melting snow, as was his large jacket, and he juggled several neatly-wrapped presents in his arms.
"What the fuck is this?" Jock grunted.
"Merry Christmas!" He grinned when he saw Jock coming down the stairs. Behind him, Nora appeared and at once, his heart began to race.
/Curse you, heart/, he thought miserably.
She was wearing jeans and wellies, wrapped up in a dark coat, topped with a purple scarf and hat. Her eyes were bright, cheeks and nose pink from the cold.
"I thought we agreed no Christmas," Jock muttered, striding past them and into the kitchen.
Dermot chuckled, following him through and depositing all the presents onto the kitchen table. "Aoife said I either bring you these or she'll come herself and make damn sure you have a Christmas. I'm guessing you'd rather spend the day with me... well, hoping."
"Rather spend it alone." Jock pulled a beer out the fridge and cracked the cap off with his teeth. He heard movement in the doorway and knew Nora was there and for a moment, he just couldn't bring himself to turn around.
"Any news on Rosa?" Dermot asked as he freed himself from his jacket, slinging it over the back of the chair.
"Not a word." Jock turned and leaned against the sink, gaze drifting to Nora. Her cheeks were still pink, delicate features which he wanted to trace. She'd removed her hat, scarf and coat and was wearing a cashmere jumper with a snowman printed on the front. /How festive./ He was surprised Dermot wasn't wearing a fucking matching one... "Once Nick has his claws in somebody, they're as good as gone."
"But she's your friend," Dermot frowned, leaning against the table, eyes on his cousin.
"She's also a nutter who does what the fuck she wants. I'm not her keeper," Jock growled. Dermot raised his hands with an apologetic smile.
"All right, I get it." His phone began to buzz and he sighed as he pulled it from his pocket, cursing beneath his breath. "It's work. I have to take this, sorry." Dermot winced as he slipped past Nora and out into the hall, answering with a stern, "It's my day off, what's gone wrong now?"
"I said I didn't want presents," Jock grunted, pointing at the offending pile with his bottle. Now it was just him and Nora, the atmosphere had got decidedly thicker.
She was looking everywhere but at him; the floor, the cupboards, glancing out the snow-frosted window. "We bought gifts because we care about you, Jock," she replied lightly, eyes on the clock. Jock scoffed and drained the beer, tossing the bottle into the bin with a clatter.
"Do you? Nora?"
"/We/ care about you." She glanced at him, but only briefly. "You're family. And you deserve a Christmas-"
"This isn't about Christmas and you know it," Jock hissed, pacing forward before he realised what he was doing. Nora did meet his eye then and didn't look away, back pressed against the counter. The caution in her face made him slow. In the hallway, they could both hear Dermot. "...No, the order should have been - what? Oh for fuck sake."
"You can't keep hiding from me, Nora," he said, voice low. Her eyes snapped to his, a flash of anger burning through them.
"I'm not /hiding/."
"Really? Then why didn't you reply to my messages?"
"Because we can't do this!" She hissed, shoving at his chest. "And I won't. I love Dermot, I'm in love with Dermot and I always will be."
"You don't mean that."
"I don't?" Nora raised an eyebrow.
"No."
"I can't stand to look at you, Jock Sullivan. Okay? I don't want anything to do with you. In fact... I /hate/ you."
Jock sucked in a breath as if she had punched him in the gut. The two stared at each other for a long moment.
."... Just get it sorted. I'm busy." Jock was over on the other side of the room in the few short moments it took for a flustered Dermot to step back into the room. He pushed a hand through his dark hair, leaving it mussed.
"One day. They can't even handle things for /one day/," he muttered, moving to Nora's side and slipping an arm around her waist.
"Maybe you should quit the 9 to 5 and get a real job then," Jock said over his shoulder as he put the kettle on, more to give his shaking hands something to do.
She hated him? How could she hate him?
"And what would that be?" Dermot teased with a boyish grin. "Drug smuggling? Maybe dumping a few bodies around the place?"
"Just to name a few," Jock replied, turning back with a strained smile. "Just like the good old days, eh?"
"What are you talkin' about?" Dermot chuckled. "I've always been good!"
***
The afternoon passed into evening. Nora barely said more than a few words when prompted, not that Dermot seemed to notice. He chatted away about anything and everything, until the sun had long set.
Finally, he sighed and glanced at Nora. "We should probably get going. Charlie has his Nativity tomorrow. He's Joseph," he added with a hint of pride. "Will you be there?"
"Probably not," Jock replied.
"Well, we'd love it if you were." Dermot and Nora both stood, but Jock didn't move, just waved a hand.
"See yourselves out."
Dermot looked at him for a moment and then shrugged. "Hopefully old Saint Nick will bring you some Christmas cheer, cousin."
Jock did smile then, tilting his head as he looked back at the two of them. His gaze lingered on Nora. "Something tells me I'm on his naughty list this year."
After they had left, the house fell into silence. Jock wandered to the kitchen, finding the bottle of whiskey in the cupboard and unscrewing the cap. He drank without a glass, then moved to the table and eyed the mass of presents. From Aoife and Pup, from Dermot, from Aunt Cait... and a small one, intricately wrapped with a silver ribbon, from Nora.
Jock picked it up and turned it carefully in his hands. Ran his thumb over the neat lines of her name. /Merry Christmas Jock, love Nora x/
He unwrapped it carefully and opened the small box inside. It was a whiskey flask with his name engraved on the front.
Jock smiled. She didn't hate him. It just wasn't possible. She was afraid of her feelings and that much he could allow. He just had to be patient. Filling up the flask, he went back to the front room to sit by the fire, taking slow drinks of the burning whiskey.
He fell asleep with the image of Nora in his mind.
***
The crash woke Jock with a start. The fire had died, it was morning and he ached all over from a night in the armchair. He sat for a few seconds, wondering if he'd just been dreaming when he heard the crunch of glass and the murmur of voices in the hall.
Jock surged to his feet and headed straight to through the kitchen and into the hall. Sat amongst a pile of glass from the broken window was Rosa. She looked a mess. Her dress, so skimpy that it didn't even resemble clothing, was muddy and blood oozed from the cuts over her legs and hands. She groaned, eyes glazed, slumping back against the wall.
"Rosa?" He stepped forward, concern gripping his heart, but movement made him look up.
Nick Walker climbed in through what was left of the window and stepped down, boots crunching shards. He straightened and smirked over at Jock.
"Happy Christmas."
"What the fuck are you doin' here?" Jock demanded, though he didn't move from the spot. Rosa's eyes fluttered shut and Jock noticed her wrists were bleeding and raw from constant scratching. "What did you do to Rosa?"
"Oh, I just gave her what she wanted." Nick approached him with a lazy gaite, looking around, still smiling pleasantly. "Anyway, is that how you greet old friends, Sullivan?"
"Friends is a bit of a loose term," Jock shrugged. Nick chuckled, looking at a photograph on the wall. Jock and Dermot as young teens in front of a red caravan, with a curly haired Max peering out from behind.
"Cute." Nick turned back to face him, completely at ease, whereas Jock could feel the tension building in his muscles. He still didn't move.
"What are you doin' here?" He asked again, voice low. "You got your costume jewellery back, so what's the fucking problem?"
Nick began to laugh. He picked another photograph off the side table; Dermot and Nora's wedding day. Her smiling face was radiant and his fingers itched to snatch it back. "You really thought that was the end of it? That you could give back what you stole and all would be forgiven?"
"Jock?" Rosa was stirring, confused. She grappled for the window ledge to lift herself up, smearing blood, and giving up after a moment. She slumped still again.
Nick looked at her, the corner of his mouth lifted in a smile. "She's sweet"
"Why the fuck are you here?" Jock snarled, losing patience and striding forward. Nick didn't even flinch as the Irishman squared up to him.
"I told you. I'm going to take everything from you. One by one." He set the photograph back on the table and pushed past Jock to the door. He opened it and watched it swing wide. "So it was open. Maybe I didn't have to throw Rosa through the window after all."
"You bastard."
Nick stepped outside and angled his face to the snow-laden sky. Then he looked at Jock with a smile. "Good day for a Nativity, I believe." And he strode off, whistling a tune as he went.
Jock gathered Rosa in his arms and carried her upstairs, mind racing. The Nativity. What did that arsehole have planned? Nothing good, that much he knew. And Nora and Dermot would be there, and little Charlie...
He laid Rosa in his bed and hurried from the room, being sure to lock it behind him. The last thing he needed was for her to escape and get in the way. Leaving the house, snow blowing in through the broken window, he felt nothing but panic.
Nora. He had to get Nora safe.
***
The Nativity was well underway by the time Jock reached the school. He headed in through the reception, ducking past an elderly couple and into the corridor. The sound of Silent Night echoed up ahead and he charged towards the sound. A pair of double doors were waited at the end and he slipped inside before a passing teacher noticed him.
The room was completely dark besides the stage, lit up at the front of the hall and there was little Charlie Dunham, singing his heart out with his classmates, wearing a dressing gown with a tea towel on his head.
Jock's gaze darted around the dark room, trying desperately to locate Dermot and Nora and ....
The whole room fell pitch black, the music juttering into silence. There were a few nervous laughs from the audience and a child on the stage wailed. Another teacher called out, "Must be a power cut! Everybody stay seated and -"
The explosion shook the building. Whatever the teacher had been saying was drowned out byscreams. Parents were instantly on their feet, shouting childrens name, shoving each other, children crying -
"Dermot!" Jock added his shout to the surrounding chaos. Torchlight flittered across the room, the teacher shouting and trying to calm everyone. There was a stampede to the double doors which had seemed to shrink in size in the last few minutes.
Someone knocked into him and he realised it was Dermot. He looked surprised. "Jock? What's going on?"
"We have to leave. It's Walker."
He nodded his understanding, turning back. Not far behind him in the rapidly emptying hall were Nora, Lara and Pete.
"Charlie?!" Lara looked crazed. Racing here, there and everywhere, looking at each child, screaming for her son. "Charlie? Charlie!"
"He'll be ere," Pete tried to reassure her, but his own voice was tense and he looked at Jock warily.
"I tried to warn you," Jock retorted.
"Charlie?!" Lara shook Pete off and ran towards the stage, looking behind the curtain and throwing toy sheep and cows aside. "Charlie, come on, it's okay. Charlie? He's not here Pete!"
The hall was empty now. Without waiting, Lara dashed out the doors and into the corridor, still screaming his name. The others followed her out, Pete grabbing her shoulders as she gasped for breath, tears streaming. "Lara, we'll find him!"
"He's not here, Pete, why isn't he -"
"Now, now," said a cold voice from behind them. They turned to see Nick stalking up the corridor, a gun clenched in a fist. He wore a twisted smile. "Why don't you put a smile on that pretty face?" He asked Lara, smirking as Pete pushed her protectively behind him. "It's time for me to give you your Christmas present." And he rasied the gun.
"Run!" Jock yelled, grabbing Nora's arm and shoving Dermot further down the corridor.
Nick fired, the bullet hitting the lights overhead and sending sparks cascading over them.
They turned and ran.
***
Lara ran. Where was her baby? Had Nick taken him? What was going on? Why did these things still keep happening?!
Lara didn't even know where she was going. She just ran and ran until she found herself in another desserted corridor. Turning to Pete, she frowned to see he wasn't there. She was alone.
Fuck! Somehow they'd been split up and Lara had no idea what to do. Leaning against the wall, she shut her eyes and tried not to hyperventilate. Think, Lara, think! Opening her eyes, she looked out the opposite window and watched the figure with the child in a dressing gown disappear into a outbuilding beside the playing field.
Charlie!
***
Jock, Nora and Dermot all stumbled into a classroom, Dermot slamming the door shut behind them. He leaned against it, shutting his eyes for a moment as he tried to calm his breathing. Pacing the room, Jock ran a hand over his face, but it was only moments before Nora was rounding on him.
"Just what is going on? This is a school! There are children -"
"I know, Nora, I know!" Jock hissed at her, anger flaring in his eyes. He looked over her shoulder to see Dermot looking at him, brow creased. "He came to the house. With Rosa."
"I should have known she would be involved," Nora muttered, but Jock ignored her.
"He said he was coming for us all. I'm sorry, I..." With a frustrated growl, Jock turned away, scrubbing his hands through his hair. Why did evil follow him wherever he went? "He's going to kill us all. Because you're associated with me..." When he looked up, Dermot was looking at Nora, a distant look in his eye. Jock realised what he was about to do and lurched forward. "No."
"Get Nora to safety," he replied, opening the door and disappearing out into the corridor before either could stop him.
"Always playin' the fuckin' hero," Jock spat, grabbing Nora roughly by the elbow when she tried to follow. She spun around and slapped him, the crack echoing around the empty classroom, her eyes brimming with tears. Jock growled and yanked her against him. "He'll be fine."
"You don't know that!" She spat, struggling against him. "You always bring trouble to our door, Jock! First Barry, then Rosa, now Nick?" She tore away from him furiously. "You're nothing but bad luck!"
"Rosa is fragile," he defended.
"Rosa needs a mental institute!"
And then the gunshots rang out. Three in quick succession.
***
Lara dashed down the corridor, throwing herself against the nearest fire exit and stumbling out into the snow. She was struggling to even process her thoughts. All she could see was Charlie's little face in her mind. He must be terrified! When she got her hands on whoever had grabbed him-
Lara slammed into the outbuilding, eyes wild. Charlie was stood in the corner, sobbing quietly and a man was knelt in front of him. She stared in shock, then lurched forward. "Get away from him!"
"Lar, calm down." Max stood and grabbed her by the shoulders and she fought against him viciously. "You're scaring him."
"Get away from him!"
"Mummy!" Charlie began to cry louder, large tears rolling down pink cheeks. Max slammed her against the wall and pressed a hand firmly against her mouth.
"I said calm down!" He hissed. "If he finds us, he'll kill us all. Do you understand?" Lara blinked tearfully, confused and overwhelmed. Max stared for a long moment. "I'm going to move my hand. Do. Not. Scream."
Lara nodded. As soon as he released her, she shoved past, hurried to Charlie, falling to her knees and grabbing him close. "Are you okay?" Charlie nodded, pressing his face into the crook of her neck, arms tight around her. She looked back at Max, eyes narrowed. "You're working with Nick?"
"No." Max stood a few paces behind.
"Bullshit."
"I heard rumours, Lar." He moved forward, ignoring the way she flinched and pulled Charlie closer into her. His brow furrowed, eyes darkening. "I'm not here to hurt him. Either of you."
"Then why are you here?"
"Jock pissed off too many people. He's running out of lives." Max's gaze drifted to Charlie and she noticed how it softened. "I heard talk that Mr Walker was out for Sullivan blood. That he was going to attack today. Here."
"How convenient," she muttered, getting to her feet and pushing Charlie behind her. "I don't believe you."
"I came here to save my son." He paced towards her. "As if I would leave him in harm's way." He paused in front of her, dipping his head to look into her eyes. "You have to believe me, Lara."
In the distance, three gunshots echoed.
***
Pete stared in horror as Dermot hit the canteen floor. Blood gushed from his leg and spilled crimson over the floor. But he couldn't move from his spot, crouched behind the servery with a bread knife in his hand.
He'd lost Lara and he still had no idea where Charlie was. The thought made his throat tighten until he could barely breathe.
/They're gonna be all right. They're gonna be all right./
He'd seen Nick walk in a few minutes earlier, looking around with a scowl and Pete had been waiting for him to get close enough to attack - until Dermot had walked in, a look of determination on his face. And weaponless. Pete could only watched in silence as Nick whirled around and shot at him; once in the leg, another grazing his forearm, the third hitting the door behind him.
Pete was thankful Kimmy was being safely looked after by their neighbour and not here amongst the carnage.
Now Nick approached the groaning man as Dermot clutched his thigh on the floor. "Very brave of you," he smiled. "A lot braver than your shit-eating cousin. Still hiding, is he? Why am I not surprised?"
"I won't let you hurt them," Dermot grunted, sitting up and using his good leg to kick himself back. A trail of blood followed him.
"You don't have a choice, mate." Nick inspected his gun with a smile. "Merry Christmas," he added, before pointing it at Dermot's face.
Pete didn't have time to think. He stood, stuffing the knife in his trousers and grabbed the first thing he saw. A pot of heated mulled wine.
Dermot saw him first, eyes widening. And just as Nick turned to see, Pete threw the mulled wine into his face.
Nick screamed as Pete tackled him, the gun skittering away as they both hit the floor hard. Nick's face was already beginning to blister as he furiously fought Pete.
Pete couldn't reach the knife. As Nick blinded him with a punch, sparks flashing, he did his best to stop the crazed man from overpowering him. But it wasn't enough. With a grunt, Nick forced him onto his back and punched him again.
Gritting his teeth, Dermot dragged himself as quick as he could towards the gun. His leg was still bleeding badly and he felt weaker by the minute. With a groan, he heaved himself closer, reaching out to snag the weapon and drag it closer. Then with every ounce of strength he had left, he pulled himself to his feet and aimed the gun.
"Fuck you," he hissed, pulling the trigger. The bullet slid through Nick's temple like butter and exploded out the other side in a shower of skull and brain. His body remained upright for a moment, the look of confusion evident on Nick's face before he collasped to the side.
Pete shoved him off with a gasp, looking at the Irishman in concern. "Dermot?"
Dermot smiled weakly, then crumpled heavily to the floor.
"Fuck." Pete scrambled towards him, slipping on mulled wine, shaking Dermot by the shoulders, but he remained limp, eyes closed.
Was he even alive?!
***
Nora was out the door before Jock could stop her. She'd instantly paled at the sound of gunshots, slipping free from his grasp and tearing off down the corridor.
Jock followed behind, heart hammering. This was all his fault. If he had dealt with Nick in the first place... if he /hadn't/ gotten involved with Nick in the first place... Images of a dead Dermot flitted through his mind. God, what had he done?
Nora reached the end of the corridor and screamed, her hands flying to her mouth and Jock stopped dead a few paces behind, not daring to look, not able to. He'd destroyed his family and Nora would never forgive him...
"Dermot!" She rushed into the canteen and he followed, dreading what he was about to see.
Dermot was laid in a pool of his own blood, features white but relaxed. Pete had his sleeves rolled up, blood splatter across his shirt, giving Dermot chest compressions. In the distance, the wail of sirens growing closer.
Nora felt to her knees beside him with a sob. "Dermot, please, no!" Behind them sprawled Nick's body. Jock approached, but there was no doubt he was dead, judging by the fact half his skull was missing. His face had been scalded too, pink and raw.
"The ambulance is on its way, Nora," Pete tried to reassure her, but there was a shake in his voice. She just gave a muted wail and buried her face in her hands.
"I can't lose him, Pete."
"You're not going to lose him. I swear, I won't let that happen."
***
Max moved to the door and peered out. An ambulance and three police cars had squealed into the school car park, where the rest of the teachers, parents and children had gathered.
Lara stood slowly, watching as he turned back to face her. "... The police are here. You'll be safe now. You should go."
She could feel Charlie against her leg, trembling as he stood silent, but she couldn't tear her eyes from Max. Now mixed emotions were battling away inside of her. "You really did come here to save him," she murmured, unable to keep the disbelief out her voice.
"Whatever has happened between us, he's still my son. And I still care for you, Lara. I always have and I always will." When she dropped her gaze, he approached and reached out, fingers grazing her chin and angling her face to his. She fought a shiver.
"Max..."
"I know, okay?" He replied, his voice barely a whisper. "I..." Max frowned and dropped his hand. Out the window, police officers and two paramedics rushed into the school. Max looked away. "Go. You're both safe. That's all that matters."
Lara flung her arms around his neck, startling him for a moment before he hugged her back just as tight. "Thank you," she whispered tearfully before she drew back. Max nodded, a pink flush rising. He knelt down and looked at Charlie, studying every inch of his face and looking into brown eyes identical to his own.
"Look after your Ma, okay?"
Charlie nodded, wiping his nose on the back of his hand and glancing uncertainly at Lara. She smiled reassuringly back. Max stood, moving away from them. "Lara?"
"Yes."
"... Please look after yourself." He didn't look at her again.
***
Jock leaned against a table in the canteen and watched as the paramedics wheeled Dermot out on a stretcher. Police officers gathered around Nick's body, talking into radios and taking notes. Pete had ran out, calling desperately for Lara and Charlie, and Nora stood by the doors, arms wrapped tight around her middle as she cried.
He felt numb. If Dermot died... How many times had his cousin put himself at risk for him? Too many. And as he looked up and caught sight of Nora, he felt the guilt twist deep in his gut. He knew what he had to do. He knew he had to be fair.
Pushing away from the table, he headed towards him. Seeing him coming, Nora pulled a face and walked off. Jock jogged to catch up, moving in front of her and blocking her path. "Nora, wait."
"I don't want to speak to you."
Jock nodded, but didn't let her pass. "I've been selfish. This whole time. Nora, listen to me-"
"It was supposed to be a good day," she protested, tears welling.
"I'm sorry. But Dermot will be okay. The paramedics said-"
She rubbed her eyes, suddenly exhausted. "But he couls have been dead, Jock. He was nearly killed again and I... I just can't keep doing this."
"I know." Jock swallowed hard. "And I truly am sorry. For the past few months, putting pressure on you, I had no right." When she said nothing, he sighed and ran a hand over his face. "I had no right. I should have respected you both from the start and... I won't be interfering anymore, Nora."
She looked at the floor between their feet. "... I'm sorry too. For letting it go this far."
"You didn't-"
"But I did. The kiss. That wasn't just you. And I really am sorry."
An awkward silence passed between them before Jock stepped aside. "You should go. The ambulance."
"Yeah." But she still didn't move for a moment. Finally she looked at him, sadness in her eyes. "I'll call you, okay?"
Jock nodded and she moved past him. "...Nora?"
"Yeah?" She paused to look back at him.
"I'll always love you."
Nora smiled sadly. "I know," she told him before she turned and walked out into the snow.
***
"Pete!"
Pete was stood by the ambulance when he heard his name. He spun on the spot, nearly collapsing with relief at the sight of Lara and Charlie running across the snowy yard towards him. She flung herself against him, clutching him tight as Charlie wriggled between them, grabbing onto Pete as tight as he could.
Pete cupped her face in his hands. "Are you okay? Is Charlie okay?" Lara nodded, tears streaming. "Where did you find him?"
"With Max," she whispered, feeling him tense. "He saved him, Pete. He knew Nick was going to strike and he saved him."
Pete could only gape in disbelief. Unable to find words, they held each other again, before Pete lifted Charlie and held him tight.
They were safe. They were alive. And that was all that mattered.
***
It was dark by the time Jock got home. He cut the engine and crossed the snowy driveway to his front door. The window would need fixing, the blood cleaned up, but for now, that could wait.
Dermot would survive. Nora had rang from the hospital. After a two hour surgery to remove the bullet, he was already awake, if groggy.
Nora was alive. Little Charlie was safe.
There were no more threats. Nothing more to fear.
Going up the stairs, he unlocked the bedroom door and stepped inside. Rosa was sat on the bed, eyes red raw from crying. She bandaged her hands with torn strips from one of his shirts. When she saw him, she burst into fresh tears.
"I'm so sorry, Jock. H-He wouldn't let me go."
"Hey," he murmured softly, helping her off the bed and hugging her tight. "You're safe now. That's all that matters. Everyone's safe." As he stroked her back, he looked out the window as snow began to fall, thick and heavy and swirling. "Pack your bags, Rosa," he sighed. "I think it's time for a holiday."
THE END!
