Caught in the Crossfire ↳ KNIVES OUT

Chapter 8

Rosie woke up from her nap just as they reached Ransom's house, after dropping Marta off.

"Is this your house?" Rosie asked critically, inspecting the exterior with a suspicious look.

"Yeah, you like it?" Ransom asked.

"You got any toys?"

"Uh- I might have a couple." Ransom hesitates, knowing that he has barely five child friendly items in the house, let alone toys.

"Then yes, it's alright I suppose." With that, Rosie marched straight up the drive and into the house.

"Shit."

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Once inside, Rosie instantly discovered the kitchen and began rapidly opening every cupboard in sight.

"What are you doing, pumpkin?" Ransom laughed quietly.

"We're having a tea party. Duh." Rosie stated, as if it were obvious. She began grabbing cups and plates and a large packet of cookies. Rosie then marched out of the kitchen and towards the living room, before pausing, walking back into the kitchen, grabbing a hold of Ransom's hand, and dragging him with her.

"I don't know if we should-" He paused as Rosie whipped around to face him, tears forming in her eyes at his response. "I just mean- I don't think I'm dressed for a tea party!"

A smile suddenly formed on Rosie's face. "Oh! Here, you can have my tiara!" The aforementioned item conveniently sat atop her head, she picked it up and put it on Ransom's head.

Knowing he was definitely not getting out of the situation, Ransom sighed, "Great."

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After a while, Ransom had managed to occupy Rosie with some paper and colouring pencils. She was drawing a bear, but to Ransom it seemed like more of a distorted alley cat - not that he would tell her that.

Soon after, Marta turned up and was showing Ransom a letter. She seemed distressed and was pacing back and forth, but Rosie didn't notice, too busy perfecting her bear drawing.

"So I'm screwed!" Marta said, as Rosie started listening to the conversation.

"Why are you screwed?" Rosie questioned innocently.

"Oh- I just, uh, didn't get my car fixed yet!" Marta lied.

"Anyway. What's the point of sending you this?" Ransom refocused the conversation.

That's when they noticed the logo on the letter.

"Go get your shoes on, pumpkin."

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As they approached the Norfolk County Examiners Office, Ransom and Marta were shocked to see the fire department at the scene as the building went up in smoke.

"The wheels on the bus go round and round, round and round, round and round, the wheels-" Rosie, as oblivious as ever, continued to sing.

"Holy shit!" Marta exclaimed, as Ransom turned the music off.

"Wha- hey! Oh, holy shit!" Rosie suddenly gasped seeing the fire in front of them.