Flight and Fall [ON HOLD]

Chapter 4

“I don’t think this is a good idea, Mycroft. Going to the Government. We may have just escaped from a Government facility.” Mycroft turned around to face the small group all huddled on the stairs outside one of the Government buildings in London. It was the second city they’d reached on their travels and they’d been hanging around for just over two weeks. They were a rather bedraggled lot, now. They had managed to get some money of people who took pity on them and their state. More specifically Molly. She really had the sweet and innocent look in the bag. With this they had got food and also some clothes from a charity shop that were more normal than their all white outfits.

But they couldn’t go on like this. They had barely enough to eat and got barely enough sleep, moving about constantly. Mycroft most of all. He and Lestrade took it in turns to keep watch. Because they were the oldest and had to look after Irene and Molly.

“It’s our only option. What do you suggest we do?” Lestrade opened his mouth to reply then close it. Molly was huddled close to Irene, looking scared. “Anyway, I doubt that the place we escaped from was run by the Government. It looked more secret than that.” Without another word Mycroft entered the building, striding up to the receptionist with a calm aura. The other three followed him.

“Could I please have all your names?” An hour later and the group of four were sitting in a small interview room. In front of them sat some member of a secret service. Standing around there were some police officers and other agents.

“I’m Mike,” Mycroft began, glancing at the other three. “This is Greg, Molly and Irene.” He indicated to each in turn. Their names were ordinary enough, meaning it would be near impossible to track them if they were ever put in records. His, however... was less commonplace.

“I’m Mr Adams,” the guy from the secret service glanced at the rather dirty group of kids. “So you’re telling us that there is a secret... laboratory where they experiment on children to cause them to mutate? What proof do you have?”

“Well, sir...” Mycroft frowned, glancing at the others again. “We don’t exactly have proof of the secret place but... we do have proof of the experimentation.”

“And this is?” Mr Adams looked sceptical.

“Our wings,” Mycroft replied calmly. He slowly stood, unfurling his reddish-brown wings through the slits in his top. Gasps spread around the room at this.

“And you all have these?”

“Yes. All of us...”

“Are you the only... ones that have been experimented on?”

“No, sir. There was one more, sir. My brother. We... had to leave him. He’s only five, no six, and has wings like us.” Mycroft bit his lip as Mr Adams nodded.

“Thank you, Mike. I’m going to need to talk to my superiors. You four will have to stay here with a few people watching you. I’m assuming you’re hungry?”

“Yes, sir, but we’re not fussy about what you eat,” Mike replied politely. Mr Adams nodded again before turning to one of the other people in the room.

“Go out and get some food from McDonalds for these four.”

Soon there were only two adults in the room, watching the group sit and eat their McDonalds. Greg practically devoured his burger in one bite, stuffing chips into his mouth. Mycroft, Molly and Irene all ate a little more delicately but still rather quickly. As if the food would suddenly disappear.

“Actually, you’re idea wasn’t too bad, Mycro- Myc,” Greg grinned wolfishly. “We get food and they actually listened to us.”

“There’s a reason I’m in charge,” Mycroft retorted, almost teasingly. Molly giggled as she took a sip of her coca cola. Greg was obviously trying to think of something smart to say in reply but didn’t get to a chance to as Mr Adams walked back in. Right behind him was a middle age man, rather nice looking with a wide smile.

“We’ve decided we’re going to put you on something similar to witness protection,” Mr Adams announced. “As you are all minors under the law we cannot exactly give you your own house and make sure it’s protected. It would not be a good idea to put you in care either. Luckily Mr Donovan, one of our top agents, has offered to give you a place. He has a very large house; well you could probably call it a mansion. His wife is lovely and he has a daughter around your age. You will all attend the local school, beginning when you are ready. You will basically lead normal lives.”

“Sounds great,” Mycroft smiled. Greg, Irene and Molly all nodded in agreement.