Drake stood at the top of the shadowy hall, he raised an eyebrow. Grease stains on his band t-shirt. He gave a snicker, "Things not go so well with the rich and successful of Avarice?"

I kicked the step, frowning at my shoe. "You have no idea." Jude's condescending face circled my head, laughing at me, calling me stupid. I don't need that. I folded my coat on my arm, taking a deep breath. "How's business?"

Drake shrugged, stomping down the steps. "Good, very good. Plenty of rumors that stuff's going down. People are buying in bulk."

I cracked a smile "Which means more shipments?"

Drake laughed, rubbing his eyes. "Is this for real? Phynley Okie offering to move a shipment for me? This hasn't happened since never."

I rolled my eyes. "You could say I'm in the need of some cash, and a place to stay...I was hoping I could do something small now, and maybe something bigger later." I braced myself for a snarky comment about owing him too many favours.

Drake reached the bottom of the steps, waving me into the garage. "I could always use the help." He darted his eyes back. "Your fancy boyfriend's not paying for you anymore?"

I shot him a glare. "You know full well he's not my boyfriend." I rolled the metal door back, following him into the warehouse. "I'm a grown woman, I can pay my own way."

Drake nodded, his grin slipped away. "Is he asking too much for the money?" Real concern in his eyes, it made me pause. He actually cares.

"No..." I took a deep breath, relaxing my shoulders. "He's just being controlling and it's getting on my nerves."

Drake cackled, "The rich and powerful, usually are. I knew you'd eventually come to your senses and ditch 'em." He pulled out a stool at the corner bar. The fluorescent signs colored the room in neon purples and blues, something about beer. Drake waved one of his men over. "Get this woman a drink. She needs it."

One of his men ran behind the bar, pulling out a bottle. I waved my hand. "I'm good, honestly," I said. The barkeep poured the drink regardless, sliding it over. I drummed my fingers on the glass. Not sure if I've really ditched them, I just have to do this my way.

Drake grabbed the bottle, drinking straight from it. "A place to stay...huh?" He wiped his mouth, looking around the shop. "You could crash here a couple nights."

I shook my head. "No good, they can trace me here."

Drake whipped his head around, setting the bottle down. "Wait, what? You aren't running away from the capital are you? I'm not getting arrested-"

"Not the capital...someone else. I'm not safe at the Tower and I need something off the books," I muttered, leaning on my arm.

"Alright…" Drake hummed, scratching his head. "I can make some phone calls, but you might wanna get a fake apology ready if you have to go back to Mr. Money-bags."

"I'd rather sleep in a ditch." I raised the glass, taking a sip.

Drake snorted, covering his mouth. "He's really gotten under your skin...you sure you don't like this guy?"

I glared at Drake. "Stay out of my personal life."

"That wasn't a no," Drake said, cracking a grin.

"And it wasn't a yes either." I pushed the cup away. "Can we just talk business?"

"Ya, sure." Drake waved his hand. "Grab me a glass, Jacque," he said, catching it in his palm. He poured from the bottle, swirling his choice of booze. "I have a small shipment from the south. Luxury stuff, coffee beans, chocolate, batteries. I already got it past the border, but it's a little stickier getting it into the capital." He scratched his chin. "So if you can get it past, I'll put up your first month's rent."

I nodded my head. "You got it in a storage unit?" I took another swig.

"Unit 35, outside Pavilion Gate. I've been biding my time, looking for a good window, but if you want to give it a shot?"

"Deal...just run the place by me first, otherwise I want cash."

"Fair enough," Drake chuckled. "So when does this fit in your busy schedule?"

"I can move it tonight." I frowned, nodding my head. "Bring the truck to the usual spot, sometime around seven." I got to my feet, pushing the stool back.

"Where are you going?" Drake swiveled in his stool.

"Off on a wild goose chase," I laughed, holding the list tight under my jacket. "And that's as much as I can say, for your own safety."

"Ya whatever, keep your secrets," Drake grumbled, turning back to his drink.

I waved at the barkeep, walking for the door. "Don't worry, I will." I rolled open the door, the rust creaking in response. I slipped past the doorman.Out into the afternoon sky, a sunset glaring off the windows.

Least I have something settled. I stepped onto the sidewalk, following the lane. I unwrinkled the list of Reimers', rummaging through names. I need a way to narrow down the options. Oliver's right, with fifty names on the page I can't go to every house. What are the odds of her even being home? I traced my finger down the page, freezing at one particular name, Loraine Reimer. An address in the middle district, this could be it. The paper rattled in my hand. How did we miss this? This was right in front of our faces.

I sat down on the curb, pulling out Ingrid's notebook. I wrote the street name and the house number in bigger letters, double checking the symbols were the same. I ripped the sheet out of the book.

I've spent most of my time in the middle district, so finding her house shouldn't be too hard. Rattling the page in my hand, I repeated the address again. I pictured the street, slipping into the rhythm.

Eyes opened to the sleepy suburban corner. Trimmed gardens, pastel painted houses. Quaint. I can't even imagine Raine living in one of these white picket fences. Not just middle district, it's nice middle district.

I strolled along the sidewalk, following the ascending numbers. I reached the corner. Stopping, I found the address. Wind chimes rattled at the breeze. A two-story beige house waited, a vegetable garden in the front. Light in the windows, a shadow of movement. Someone's home.

I pushed down the hesitation, walking up the driveway. I raised a fist to knock. A twinge of nerves, I shook my head. Loraine isn't necessarily Raine. What am I even doing? I knocked on the door anyway, taking a deep breath.

Footsteps inside, a muffled voice shouted from within, "You invite friends over, Ian?"

"No," another voice rang back. The lock clicked, the door swinging open. I tensed my shoulders. A short middle aged woman peered out, flour on her apron, over her hair. "Who are you?" she asked.

I peeked at my paper, and back at the numbers on the house. It's the right house. I cleared my throat, "I'm a friend of Raine's….We're on the same work project and I have something I need to drop off."

The woman's face lit up, she turned her head back into the house, "Joe, get the kettle going," she called, waving for me to enter, a warm smile. "Come in, come in."

I stepped over the mat, following her down the hall. A family photo on the wall, this woman in the picture, younger, a man beside her. Two kids stood in front of them. The little girl with Raine's toothy grin, a little boy crying.

The woman turned back, wiping the flour out of her hair. "Raine doesn't normally bring any friends around, I'm glad to see she has some."

I gave a chuckle, "She's not too focused on making friends."

Into a little nook of a dining room, I took a seat at the table. Potted plants in the window, more family photos across the walls. Something hopeful about this place. The woman moved across the room, stalling in another doorway. "Raine isn't back yet...would you like some tea?"

I nodded. "Only if it's no trouble," I said, folding my hands. She disappeared into the kitchen. I felt a twinge of guilt for lying. She's being so nice.

On a table in the corner rested a picture of a young man, his face serious, decked out in a full military uniform. The table covered in flowers, mementos, and the pictured-man's medals rested in front of it. This is a shrine.

Raine's mom walked back in, following my gaze to the picture. She paused, setting down her tray of crackers. "That's my brother, Devin, Raine's uncle. He was a real patriot, made us all proud." She gave a weak smile. "Especially Raine, she idolized him. Took it hard when he didn't come home." She shook her head, moving to sit. "I'm Maud, by the way." She extended her arm across the table.

"Phynley." I shook her hand, such an honest look in her eye. This isn't what I expected to find. Her family seems so normal.

Maud tilted her head. "You said you work with Raine?"

I nodded my head. "It's a collaborative project, our departments are working together. "

I looked at the snack tray, and she pushed it closer. "Help yourself, we have lots. Raine makes sure of that."

"Oh?" I grabbed one, taking a bite.

"Ya she's a good kid, and bright. Once she scored that big city job she moved out here, keeps sending us cheques." Maud beamed proudly. "I don't know what we'd do without her, my husband can't work because of his back, and I don't make enough myself."

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

"I'm sorry," I muttered, leaning on the table. They don't seem to know where the money comes from.

Maud shrugged, her smile staying bright. "It would be difficult if my kids weren't so smart. Ian's even got a scholarship to university." She smiled at the teenager as he walked past.

He rolled his eyes, hands in his pockets. "It's not that big of a deal, Mum."

She shook her head "I don't think so, your test scores are second best in your region." She leaned over, whispering to me, "I'm a mum, I'm allowed to be proud."

I chuckled, Ian fleeing the room. Raine's mom is adorable. I stole another cracker off the tray. She stood, heading back to the kitchen. "The tea should be ready soon." Two mugs clinked, placed on the counter, water being poured. She called through the open door, "Raine's taking care of herself though? Eating three square meals, keeping out of trouble?"

I can't attest to the trouble. I nodded my head. "I don't see her all the time, but she seems to be doing alright."

Maud came back with the mugs, passing me one. "I only ask, because she's gotten into trouble before." She lowered her voice, speaking in hushed tones, "Bad influences from some revolutionary punks. Thankfully for both my poor nerves and Raine's wellbeing, she grew out of that phase and settled into her career." She really doesn't know. Maud waved her hand, a twitch of nerves in her smile. "But that's all behind us now."

Raine does what she does, for them...this is all for their sake. All this talk of gold, and greed, that's a mask. I cleared my throat, sliding the mug into my hands. "I see, I missed a lot of that chaos, I only moved here in the last few years."

Maud shook her head, taking a deep sigh. "You're lucky, it was a horrible time. The streets were all riots, you couldn't leave your home. The whole upper district went on lock down, people trying to break through the barrier. She looked out the window as if remembering. "I can sympathize with the rioters, I wanted conditions to be better too, but violence only seems to make things worse." She took a sip of her tea, taking a deep breath. "I was so relieved when Raine came home...even if she wasn't whole."

"Her eye?" I asked.

Maud nodded, "Poor girl would never talk about it. I always worry about her."

The man from the photo limped in, slipping past Maud he kissed her forehead. "You worry about everyone, darling," he said.

Maud rolled her eyes, her face turning pink. "Yes, I guess, I do." She smiled back at me. "I'm sure your mother worries all the time about you too."

Oh...A lump forming in my throat, I held onto the mug with a death grip. "Ya sure…of course..." the words pettered off, stopping as my voice shook. I don't want to say she's dead. I don't want to talk about it.

"Have I said something wrong?" She reached across the table, blinking at me.

"No…" I smiled, an ache in my chest. "I'm just more of a lone wolf, there isn't anyone worrying about me."

"I'm sure that's not true," she said, patting my hand. But it is true...I bit the inside of my cheek.

Her husband swatted the air. "Maud, don't pry, you can see she doesn't want to get into it." He pulled up another chair. "I'm Joe," he said. Turning, he pointed at the kitchen. "Maud's cooked lots, you're welcome to stay for supper."

She nodded in agreement. "We'll happily feed you."

I gave a nervous laugh, looking back towards the front door. "I don't know, Raine might want a break from work people-"

"Oh, nonsense. It's our food, Raine gets no say," Joe chuckled.

"Well-" I started, the front door slamming.

"That'll be her." Maud smiled, standing up from her chair. "Raine, come say hello to your visitor."

"Visitor?" her voice sounded strange without the bravado. Footsteps coming down the hall, I squirmed in my seat. I didn't think this far ahead. Eyes on the doorway, I held my breath.

The one-eyed mercenary walked into the room, a grey hoodie and a brand new eye patch. Raine froze where she stood, rage washing over her face. Her bag clamored to the floor. "What is this?" she hissed, her posture stiffening.

I coughed on my sip of tea. "I brought some stuff from work, I hope it's alright."

She crossed her arms, fidgeting in place. "Alright?" Her face switched into a smile. "Why wouldn't it be alright?" She gave a nervous laugh, picking up her bag. "It's great….awesome, Mom, Dad, can you give us a minute." A sliver of rage behind her eye.

Joe waved his hand. "You can talk business after supper, pull up a chair."

Raine nearly choked on her spit. "You invited her to supper?"

Maud nodded her head, giving a chuckle. "We're not going to turn your friend away, Raine."

She pursed her lips, crossing her arms. "Can you give us a minute? This really can't wait."

"Alright, dear." Maud stood up, dragging Joe with her. "Come help me in the kitchen, let the girls talk business."

Raine kept her smile till they left the room, turning back. She gave a scowl that could peel paint. "What the hell are you doing in my house, talking to my family," she snarled. "If you think you can blackmail me-"

"No, that's not what I want!" I waved my hands. "I was looking for you, I found them by accident."

She gave an evil laugh, marching towards me. "Nice story, hocus-pocus, but I know better than to believe the enemy." She slipped her hand into her, her gaze steady. "If you think I won't kill you here."

I pushed out my chair, staying stiff. "I won't tell anyone about them. No one even knows I'm here." My eyes drifted to the kitchen door. "They're good people."

"And who cares what you promise?" she growled, sliding out a seat. "I have no reason to trust a stranger."

I clenched my jaw, keeping my breath steady. "I told you the truth about time travel, didn't I?"

Raine narrowed her eye. Breaking from her stern exterior, she sighed. "Yes...fine. Take your maps and go. I have them upstairs." She pointed at the ceiling.

I shook my head. "I'm not here for the maps, well I still want them but-" I shut my eyes. "-I need your help, Raine."

She blinked at me, giving a laugh. "My help? You want my help? What kinda trick is this?" She plopped in the chair beside me, rubbing her forehead.

I shrugged. "If this is going to work, I need to understand what I'm up against. Even better, someone who isn't government."

Raine laughed, "Like Murray doesn't fit that-" she stopped, her smile falling. "He's missing isn't he?"

I gave a weak nod. "He disappeared before things went down in Lattice...I didn't know till I got back."

Raine threw her fist on the table. "I should've guessed, It's been too quiet. " She shook her head, frowning at me. "So what is this? Are you working on your own now?" She leaned on the table. "Finally coming to your senses about Avaricain leadership?"

I sunk back in my seat. "I can't trust them, it's as simple as that."

"But you think you can trust me?" she snorted leaning back. "Honestly what's wrong with you?"

I raised an eyebrow. "Your brother is what, sixteen or seventeen? Just about the age of conscription-"

"You leave my family out of this," she snarled.

I lifted my hands. "All I'm saying is you want this war to end as much as the rest of us. Don't you?"

"Say that I do." She drummed her fingers. "I've already admitted to being paid off by your kidnappers. My loyalties are divided."

I shrugged. "And yet you didn't give them my maps, I'm optimistic."

She raised an eyebrow. "But my loyalty is bought with gold. You don't have any and Avarice isn't going to pay."

"True…" I tapped my chin. "I can offer you anything they pay me. "That's the best I got."

She laughed, "Wow, what a deal. I'm speechless." She rolled her eyes. "Murray would think this is reckless."

"It is reckless, but can you really say your revolutionary spirit is dead? That you don't want to fight"

Raine sighed, "Ideals don't pay the bills…"

"And what good does standing by do?" I pushed away the chair, staring her dead in the eye. "You know better than I what we're up against, do you want to live in the world they're making? Can you really stomach propping them up to survive? Cause I can't. " My voice shook, I hung my head. "I'm done with being a means to an end... even if it's reckless."

Raine pursed her lips, frowning at me. "You really must have some screws loose." She shot me a glare, stretching out her arms. "This'll tick off all the gravy trains, Vitriol, Avarice, unspecified third-parties. I'm insane, to even consider this."

I blinked at her. "But you are?"

She nodded, burying her head in her hands. "Impossible odds, sticking it to the man, vague possibilities of being paid….it's all the stuff I dream of." She threw her hands on the table, a sour look on her face. "You speak my language, Phynley Okie and I hate it."

"Well, good then." I sat back down. "Glad we understand each other."

"This is gonna be the death of me," Raine snorted, shaking her head. "I'll have to talk to mum, about inviting strangers in."

I smiled at the kitchen door. "They're sweet. You have a lovely family."

"A lovely weakness," Raine huffed. She pointed a finger at me. "You better hold to not telling anyone."

"Of course." I raised my hands. "Even if you double cross me."

"Double cross you?" She scowled, sliding the chair back as she stood. "Thought you trusted me?"

I snorted, "A trust you feel is misplaced. So I'll reserve some suspicion."

"Ah well, fine," she muttered, raising her eyebrow. "What's your plan anyway?"

"Exactly what we talked about before, you bring me straight to Alaric."

Raine's jaw dropped. Maud strolled back in, setting down a roast. "Everything alright?" She dusted off her hands.

Shooting me a glare, Raine mumbled, "Phyn just has wild ideas about the work project."

Maud shrugged. "You have some wild ideas yourself." She paced back to the kitchen. "Help me set the table?"

Raine made faces, getting up out of the chair. She pointed at me. "We're discussing this later, okay?"

"Okay." I raised my hands. At least she's willing to help. A sigh of relief, I pushed my mug aside.

Maud passed around a stack of plates. She swiped up my empty cup. "Where are you living, Phynley?" she asked.

Oh that. I gave a nervous laugh, "Well, I'm kinda between places right now. I couldn't make rent, so now I gotta find somewhere cheaper."

"Oh my." She stopped, blinking at me. "But you have somewhere to stay, right?"

I wavered my head. "A friend of mine is making some calls. I'm hoping something pans out."

Raine walked back into the dining room, fists full of cutlery. Maud tilted her head, eyes lighting up. "Why don't you stay here tonight?"

"Mum," Raine growled.

Maud showed Raine. "We have the guest room, it wouldn't be any trouble." She turned towards the hall. "Do you mind if Phynley stays the night? The poor girl lost her apartment."

Joe's voice echoed through the wall, "Not if you don't, dear."

Maud beamed. "See? No one minds."

I waved my hand. "No, honestly that would be too much. It's fine really."

Raine huffed, sulking to herself. "No use refusing...Mum's mind is settled."

Maud nodded. "She's right, you're more than welcome to stay."

I laughed, scratching my head. "Alright, I'll stay one night, but I really don't want to bother you."

"You're not a bother, I like the extra company," she said, walking back in the kitchen.

Raine leaned in, lowering her voice, "You lost your apartment? You're really going off the grid."

I stared at the empty plate. "Your mystery employer tried to kidnap me again." I cleared my throat. "That's why I'm rethinking my allies."

She nodded, placing forks beside each space. "I didn't know about that," she mumbled, keeping her gaze low. "Its wise to be catious, guess you're not all stupid."

I raised my eyebrow, Raine's face went blank, a laugh escaping, "I'm kidding, you're at least average smart, smart enough to find me."

"Uh huh, Loraine," I snickered, standing up from my chair.

Her grin fell. "Okay, no, you can't call me by my full name." She scowled. "Honestly, do I look like a Loraine?"

Raine's brother walked into the room. He snorted, "No you look more like a Murtel, or a Gertrude-"

"And you look like a brat," she spat.

"Sure, but there's a family resemblance, " he laughed. He stalled, darting his eyes to me. Good to know she actually has friends-"

Raine stepped in. "I have friends!"

"Friend," he corrected, "I only see one."

Raine sneered at him. "Look here-"

"Enough bickering," Joe said, following behind Ian. He slinked into an empty chair, rolling his eyes. "I thought they'd grow out of this by now." I stifled back another chuckle, everyone taking their seats.

Maud brought out the last dish, smiling at the array. "That's it then." She sat down. "Let's eat."