Better Run for Cover

Chapter 2: Not Entirely Stone

Chapter 2: Not Entirely Stone

{André's p.o.v.}

With me still in his grasp, Javert rode his horse back to his home, for he could not take me to the Bureau of Police because I was a child.

Once we reached his small house, Javert climbed down off of the horse's back, and dragging me behind him by the collar of my jacket, he guided the horse into its one-stall stable.

I didn't know what to do. If I really tried to fight the Inspector and if I really tried to run, then I had a feeling my sentence would be worse than if I just stayed put. I frowned, making a choking noise as Javert then dragged me into his small home and shoved me to the ground near the table I had seen earlier this morning.

I immediatly jumped to my feet and hid behind the chair that stood near the table.

"Get out from behind there, thief!" said Javert in a low, gravely voice.

I narrowed my eyes, staying behind the chair. "Ma name ain't thief," I muttered.

Javert grunted something I couldn't make out, then said, "Thief may not be your name, but a thief you are."

Slowly, I stepped out from behind the chair. "Ma name's Andrè. I'se only be a thief so I'se can stay alive. If I'se didn't steal, I'd be dead by's now. I'se never wanted to be a thief."

Javert raised an eyebrow, a slightly confused look in his eyes.

"What be's the matta?" I asked, noticing his expression. "The way you talk," he answered, "Have you no education?" I looked at him for a moment, surprised, and then I burst out laughing.

Javert frowned, not that that was unlike him... "What's so funny?" he asked.

I looked up at the Inspector, then said "I'se lived on the streets me entire life. Never knew ma parents, but ma brother took care a me when I'se was a little thing. He's neva got enough ta spare though. He tries ta give me a sou or two when 'e can, but he's got to make 'is own way, while I'se gotta make mine."

I paused for a moment, before saying, "Me's never had money to get bread or clothes, let alone go to school."

Javert's frown deepened and he stood there watching me for a moment. "How old are you?" he asked finally. "Twelve years, methinks," I answered, glancing out the window. The noonday sun streamed through the glass.

Javert groaned softly and my gaze flew to his face. "Twelve?" he muttered. I nodded and his frown deepened even more.

"You're too young to go to the galleys... they would never take you!" he growled. "And the galleys be no place for me's eitha!" I bit out, glaring up at the Inspector.

Javert looked down at me, his blue-grey eyes cold and unfriendly. "Even if you cannot go to the galleys, you're a thief all the same. What shall I do with you?"

I swallowed hard. "Monsieur Javert, please." Javert's eyes narrowed. "Me'sll do anything, just please don't be lockin' me away!" I pleaded.

Javert's gaze wavered momentarily, an emotion I couldn't place flashing in his eyes. "Thief..." he started. I shot him a look, and he paused. "Andrè," he growled, rolling his eyes. I grinned. "That's the first time ya said ma name," I giggled.

Javert glared at me. "Since I cannot send you to the galleys, you shall stay here for now. One wrong move and I will find some way to send you to the galleys within the following hour. Understood?"

My eyes widened. "Here? With you?"

The look in his eyes told me that he really didn't like the thought of it, but he nodded once. "One wrong move though..." he growled, leaving the threat hanging in the air.

I nodded quickly, shocked that the Inspector's heart might not be made completely and entirely out of stone...