𝐎𝐍𝐄𝐒𝐇𝐎𝐓𝐒 | 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘭𝘪𝘻𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘰𝘯

➥ lorraine; tree

The blizzard pounds down on our bodies - Lorraine's crouched figure checks that my harness is fully safe and properly attached (as if that's a task I couldn't accomplish by my own means) so we can continue with the operation. One that is destined to ruin someones Christmas.

"You know what to do?" She questions for what must be the hundredth time as I secure the pistol concealed beneath my coat. I turn to face her and give her a look of withering anger, her siren blue eyes watching my figure meticulously.

"Yes Lorraine, I know how to crash a party and kill people." She simply turns her head, pink cheeks and nose flooded by red, in a feeble attempt to hide her embarrassment. I choose not to tease her on this particular occasion and allow the snow to cool her face before she turns back to my awaiting, but busy looking, presence.

"Whenever you're ready L/N."

I take a deep breath before shooting the glass and dropping through, rope unraveling steadily behind me. Unfortunately I don't land where planned, instead the outdated antique Christmas tree is the offender. I land on my back, Lorraine's boots thudding on the wooden floor beside me.

"Freeze!" She points her handgun at the small gathering of people in the room, completely unfazed by the children. "Don't move and we won't shoot you."

"Mama, the Christmas tree!" A small boy cries as I groan in the rubble, shards of baubles and broken glass cutting through the layers of clothing and into my flesh. The woman I assume to be the mother ushers him into her arms and holds him close - using her body to protect him from the gun and whispering promises into his ears about getting a new one.

"I think the tree should be the least of your worries kid." I roll over and stand next to my associate, brushing off the remaining golden decor from me; my gun already in my hand and loaded. His large green eyes stare into mine, face dropping and starting to turn a light pink. I feel a hint of guilt as his frame shakes silently, sobs unheard but tears spilling like a fresh wound.

Lorraine gives mt the signal that shes going to find the main target and that I should hold the five people in the room at gunpoint until she returns. They huddle together, a man who I assume to be the woman's brother, wraps his arm around her shoulder supportively. The other two are an older married couple, hair silver rather than grey and they huddle together; grandparents perhaps? The kid looks at me again, eyes tired and sad.

"Hey kid. Come here." I whisper crouching down to his height and holstering my gun. He attempts to come forward but is dragged back flinching by his mother (who looks guilty for causing pain), the aged woman gasping at his actions and covering her mouth with her hand in utter shock. "I won't hurt you. I promise."

He approaches with caution and when within reach I take one of his hands, the other stuffed in his mouth nervously. "Wanna know a secret?" Enthusiastically, his head bobbles up and down. "Okay, but you have to tell me one of yours first. Seem like a deal?" Another nod of affirmation.

I reach tenderly for his sleeve and push it up to his elbow, watching the little purple marks scattering his skin, reveal themselves undrr the light. His rhinestone eyes look at me like a deer in headlights, timid. "Papa." He whispers, tears welling in his eyes. The cloth returns to its original place.

"I'll get you a new Christmas tree, I swear." I offer my pinky to which he interlocks his own tenderly. Smiling softly, I let him run back to his family, immediately being embraced in a hug. A gunshot resounds soon after, echoing through the manor. I pull my gun from the holster as they start to cry.

"Your husband, mademoiselle, was running a case discontinued and unapproved by the British government. After considering our options and offering to talk things out, he rejected and left us no choice." I start to explain, her eyes are not the same colour as her son's, "We had to exterminate him."

"But" Lorraine interjects, "It seems you need the help as he's been keeping you here against your will. You will be relocated and any money he earned lawfully is yours to have."

"The cleanup team will sort you out." I finish as they bust through the door, "Have a Merry Christmas!" Walking away from the scene, junior agents flood the premises, cleaning any evidence of a break in and replacing damaged property. To say this family has been hit suddenly is an understatement. "So, was he in his office smocking a fat cigar like a mafia drug lord?"

"Yes." Lorraine keeps the conversation short, "I still can't believe you fell into the tree." She mutters.

"I'll have you know you'll be cleaning my back because the medical team is in shambles, so I wouldn't be taking the mick, Lorraine Broughton." I grin, pulling another piece of glass from my arm.

"Unbelievable."