Running with Wolves

The Start

I sat on one of the benches, my tanned skin soaking up the suns bright, warm rays. I had dropped off most of my valuables en route, so I let myself relax, my head lolling back, my eyes closing. This was a public area, and I was a relatively light sleeper, so I let myself drift off.

"GET OFF THAT BENCH, RAT!" I jerked myself awake, looking about in a panic. There was no one near me. So who was the speaker and who were they speaking to? I stood up anyway. Then I saw it. A kid, about four or five years old, was being screamed at by a police officer. Dusk had fallen while I snoozed, I must have gone off deep. The kid rolled off the bench and started backing away. From the state of their clothes, they couldn't have been on the streets too long. The kid tried to run, but the police officer caught them and struck them. I leapt to my feet without thinking, intending to go over and assist the child, but I caught myself, remembering one of Jack's first lessons.

"The police aren't the good guys for us, kid. Give them half a reason and they'll blow your brains out, especially if you try to interfere with their business. When you come face to face with one, keep your head to the ground and your mouth shut. Don't give them any reason at all to hurt ya, lassie."

If I tried to interfere, the police man would probably kill the both of us for defiance. I stood and followed the narrow, looping path. It should take me right past the kid. Hopefully the cop will have cleared off by then. He was still yelling at the child, who'd started to cry hysterically. I stuffed my clenched fists into my pockets, tucking my chin into my collar to hide my scowl.

As an officer of the law, he should be more morally upstanding than a citizen, not less. With a flash of panic, I realised he had left the kid alone, but he was now walking towards me. Any evasive action would just look suspicious, so I dropped my eyes to the ground and prayed that he would just ignore me. The path was too narrow for both of us, so I stepped onto the grass to let him pass. He paused, then tapped my arm, a scowl on his face.
"Hey, a young lady like you shouldn't be out at this time. Get yourself home, sweetheart." He said. I nodded, eyes wide with shock. Then I realised, with my new clothes, I could easily pass for a citizen. I gave him a polite smile and moved off.

If he knew I was a street rat, he wouldn't have been half as nice. I wandered a little past the sniffling child, then dodged behind a tree until the police man left that section of the park. I trotted to the kid, kneeling down beside them. At first glance, I thought they were a boy, but a closer look told me it was a girl with a boy's haircut. I reached out and gently placed my hand on her shoulder. She jumped as though I'd hit her.
"Hey there. My name is Ruby. I'm guessing that you're new around here. What's your name?" I said in soft tones. I could hear Jack's Scottish little coming through in my voice. It made sense, he was like an older brother to me, and I hung around him a lot. The kid looked at my warily, but I didn't rush her. Finally she opened her mouth, revealing white teeth with a few gaps in, and stuttered out her answer.
"Mary. My name is Mary." I echoed Jack's words from years ago

"That's not how it works around here. New life, new name. So what's your name?" Mary blinked at me in confusion. I knew how she felt. After being thrown in the streets, you end up fairly dazed.
"Lilly. I like Lilly." I smiled at her, and she smiled back.
"Well then Lilly. To me it seems like you could do with a bit of help. I have friends in this city that will help you out. I know a place where there's shelter and food. If you let me, I'll look after you." I offered, holding my hand out to her. Unlike me, she never even hesitated, Lilly just took my hand and let me lead her from the park, away from her old life and into her new life.

Two years later

The four of us crouched low in the rooftops, patiently waiting for them to leave. It was time. Tonight, we were pulling off our biggest heist yet. Adrenaline was coursing through my veins, and I was grinning uncontrollably. One month for the setup, and now the moment was nigh. Me and Lilly glanced at each other, eyes meeting, identical smiles. She was six now, and my most trusty side kick. Lilly was very small, something that came in handy in heists. She was lying to my left, and Kieron and Fern was on my right. They were my age, and twins, but they'd only been on the streets for about a year.