When We Were Younger

Bad Timing

This chapter is rated M for references and mentions of attempted suicide.

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Chaos was the only word Arthur could use to describe what exactly was going on in the house.  People were crowding the entire foyer trying to get into the library and they certainly weren't being calm about it.  Arthur searched for Dutch but couldn't find him, then he looked for Hosea. 

"Dammit," Arthur growled.  Suddenly he let out a loud whistle.  "Hey!" he shouted.

People stopped moving about and started to calm down, the occasional whimper and cry echoing through the area. 

"Everyone, just calm down!" he said, putting his hands up.  "The library ain't the only room with a secret passageway.  Lilly's main study has one, the ballroom has one...ah hell, throw a stone anywhere in the place and you'll hit a secret door.  Now stop crowdin' the way to the stairs!  I need to go get my children!"

People started making room for Arthur as he shifted to Finn.  "Finn, you join up with the crowd and go through the passageways."

"But m'lord!" Finn yelped as Arthur walked away.  "Your watch!"

Arthur looked back at him.  "Keep it for now.  It's got good luck."

Arthur raced up the stairs and to the nursery, charging through to find Abigail aiming a revolver at him.  She sighed in relief before lowering it.

"Jesus, Arthur..." she groaned before stuffing the gun in her green petticoat.  "You scared the livin' daylights outta me."

Arthur looked around.  "Where's Jack and Aisling?"

"Already in the tunnels," John replied as he picked up Arthur Jr.  "We ain't leavin' your kids with the nanny."

Arthur chuckled as he walked to Aoífe's crib, picking her up.  "Hey there, darlin'." 

Aoífe cooed and giggled before kissing his cheek and resting her red head on his shoulder.  "Hi, Daddy."

Arthur couldn't help but chortle at his daughter.  He watched as Abigail was packing things up in a traveling bag.  "Whatchu doin'?"

"Gettin' the kids packed," Abigail said plainly.

"We already got an emergency cache of their stuff in our bedroom."

Abigail turned and blinked.  "Oh.  Well, don't I feel silly..."

Arthur nodded before walking to the door.  "C'mon, let's hurry up and get you guys safe," he said as a flashing of light and a loud boom hit the house.

Arthur opened it and crossed the hallway to the master bedroom, putting Aoífe in Abigail's arms before pulling out a gun and turning the door knob slowly.  Lightning flashed again and the door creaked open a little.  Arthur stopped, chastising the door in his head.  He moved it a couple inches, another squeak ringing out. 

"God damn door..." he grumbled before pushing it harshly and yanking out his other gun, pointing the barrels around the room.  He took a few steps in, inspecting the area for intruders.  It was really dark now so the room was pitch black, except for the occasional lightning that was currently going on.

"John, the light," Arthur hissed softly.

The lights flickered on and Arthur read the room, taking a few steps forward and glancing into the master bathroom.  Satisfied that nothing was in there, he backed up and aimed at the closet door.

"It's in there," he said.  Lightning appeared outside and was soon followed by thunder.

John gave Arthur Jr. to Abigail before going to the door and placing his hand on the door knob gently.  John looked at Arthur with a gulp, raising his own revolver up.  Abigail took the babies into the hallway.  Arthur nodded to his adoptive brother and John turned the knob before yanking it open.