Corrode - [Charles Leclerc]

𝙌𝙪𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙪𝙣𝙤

"You have to get out of bed, honey". Joanne said as she gently tugged the sheets of Liam's body while he was half asleep. "Mom?". He muttered. "It's too early". He grumbled, rubbing his tired eyes. "I know". Joanne replied. "But it's dangerous for us to stay here. There are bad guys who want to hurt aunt Fran and dad is going to make sure they stay away from us. We have to go some place safe". Joanne said, making her son frown at her. "Why?". Liam asked, but she didn't answer as she needed them downstairs and dressed within five minutes. "Fran, please get him into some clothes, I'll go to Jules". She asked her friend, who silently nodded and got some clothes for Liam. "Come on, we need to go". She said and Joanne got out of his bedroom to cross the hall and get to Jules. "Mom, what's going on?". Jules had woken up from the disturbing sounds on the hallway and he was already seated in his bed. "You need to get dressed, baby". Joanne said, taking a pair of joggers and a sweater from his closet. "Your dad is handling something and we need to go somewhere safe". He said.

"The safehouse?". Jules asked, pulling the sweater over his head. "Yes". Joanne confirmed. "I have been there before". He said next. Joanne kneeled in front of him. "Liam hasn't". She said. "I want you to be a strong, big brother for him, alright? Even if you're scared". She continued and he firmly nodded. "Good". She sighed and leaned up to kiss his forehead. Both of the kids were clothed not much later, a small bag packed in case of an emergency. Francesca took both of the boys by their hands, waiting for Joanne in the hallway downstairs by the front door. Mick and Marcus were on either of their sides, while Pierre and Joanne got to Charles' office. Charles got up from his chair at the head of the table as soon as the doors opened, Arthur and Sebastian on his sides and Romain stood up as well, Antonio following soon after. "Liam and Jules are ready". Joanne said. "Are you?". Charles asked and she nodded lightly. "A few of Sebastian's crew will escort you to the safehouse and keep an eye on the traffic. We can't pull too much attention either. We know where Gabriel's crew is hiding, so we plan to ambush them". Charles explained.

"It's going to be a long night and day". He followed up, approaching her with his thick, dark eyebrows furrowed heavily together. "Pierre and the others will stay with you, provide you with anything you need". Charles finished. Joanne nodded again, her throat feeling dry as she tried to swallow. She looked over at the men behind him and she was thankful for them, knowing that three of them didn't live close and made the effort to fly over here as soon as Charles called. "When this is over, it's going to be over for good". He said, his fingers caressing her face. "Let's get going". Charles mumbled and Joanne went in front of him through the hall. He kneeled down in front of his sons. "Take good care of your mom, alright? We have to catch some badguys and then we'll be home together". Charles kept it brief and the boys nodded, hard looks on their faces while Charles kissed both of their foreheads and then stood up straight to face Joanne. "You can do this. You're my mafia wife". Charles gritted through his teeth as she nodded again, her fingers clenching around the material of his jacket.

He kissed her firmly again before he let go of her, knowing he should let Pierre take them to the safehouse. "Don't open the door for anybody. If we send someone, you will know. Unless there is no sign given, you don't open the door". Charles said. "I know". Pierre said. "We'll see you soon". He added before his hand rested between Joanne's shoulderblades to take her outside. The Land Rover was ready for her and she got into the backseat. Francesca was driving with Mick and Marcus while she was in the car with Pierre. Other cars waited in front of the gate and she remembered Sebastian's crew would help them. Charles watched how they drove off before he threw the door closed, the echo of the bang moving through the house. "This is the hardest thing I've done in my life besides the day at the school". Charles said. "But we're going to end this". He sounded resolute and he caught the bullet proof vest Romain threw him. "We sure are". Antonio replied, cocking his gun. "La Brise de La Mer is going to be the last thing they've seen". Arthur clicked his vest around his torso. "Let's move". Charles confirmed.