The Heart Collector (Under Editing)

Chapter Six: Safety

"Her name is Fare Blackglade. Kila called her a few days before she died. We had to trace the number since she had it listed as an unknown."

"What do you think their relationship was?"

Fare knew she was in deep shit as soon as she heard her name. Agatha may have sounded calm, but she knew that underneath the façade Agatha was pissed.

"I think she may have been an informant. I plan on questioning her soon."

"I see. I'm sorry I couldn't be more help. Please keep me updated.""

Is the number we have on file the best to use?"

"Yes. Have a good day Captain Snow."

"You too Mrs. Woods."

Several minutes later, Fare watched Agatha exit the Thirteenth Division and made a beeline for the alleyway two buildings over. Fare made her way down and steeled herself for the inevitable scolding she was about to receive. When she entered the alley, she found Agatha braced against the wall gasping through tears. Fare ran to her, but before she could fully reach her, Agatha extended a hand with her index finger pointed towards her. Fare stopped and watched Agatha compose herself.

"Why?" She croaked.

"Aggie-."

"Why didn't you tell me your sister called you before she died?"

"Aggie-."

"What did you talk about?"

"Aggie, please-."

She turned sharply, "What did you talk about Fare?!"

Fare swallowed, "She asked for advice on hiding something."

"What."

"Please-."

"What Fare."

"A file of some sort. I'm not sure. I looked for it, but I don't know really know what she hid. I swear Aggie. I was going to tell you when I found something."

"Damn it, Fare. You should have told me. I could have used it in that meeting."

"Even if I had told you, they still would have traced the number to check to see if what you were saying was true. They would have found out and we would have been in even more trouble. I did it to protect you."

"You shouldn't have too though! I'm your mother! I should be protecting you!" She abruptly sat down against the wall and started to sob into her hands, "I already failed one child. I won't do that to you. You're all I have left."

Fare crouched in front of her and tried to lightened the mood, "Come on Aggie. You still have Petra."

"Not funny. You know that that relationship is pretty much gone."

She sighed, "Sorry. Bad joke. Seriously though, you don't think that I'm scared too? You are truly the last of my family. I've never had a relationship with Petra. So I'm doing everything that I can to make sure that know one knows about you. I owe your family everything."

Agatha was wide eyed. She knew that Fare was scared of other Fae finding out about them, but she never really grasped the full extent of that fear. Fare had always hidden herself behind a stone exterior and wit, but Kila's death was eroding it little by little. Instead of seeing the strong woman that she had become, Agatha saw the little girl the Kila brought home that day. She reached out to grab her arm and Fare clasped her hand over her's to try and ground herself. No one said anything for several minutes. They had no idea how much time had passed since they hid themselves in the dark alleyway. They were in their own little world, but Fare knew that they would need to leave soon because she was unsure if anyone overheard their argument.