Sweeter Than Wine

Eventuality

****John's POV****

I crawl back through the basement window, staying as silent as possible to not alert the guard at the front door.

I walk quietly toward the woods, nearly jumping out of my skin at the sound of a car pulling into the drive behind me.

Using the engine noise to my advantage I sprint into the forest, concealing myself from whoever just arrived.

I make my way through the trees, eventually emerging where I abandoned the car.

Wasting no time, I jump in and speed off back to Mabel's.

I arrive in no time at all, walking briskly into the little shop, pushing through the door into the house.

I walk in to find Mabel serving Paul and Ringo tea.

"Hey Johnny boy, want a cuppa?" Paul asks me before sipping his own.

I plop myself down on a chair, shaking my head no. I've already got too much expendable energy coursing through my body.

"You've got something on your mind John. You've got that thousand yard stare, mate. What's wrong?" Paul asks, shooting Ringo a look.

My eyes flick between to two for a few moments before pointedly looking at Mabel busying herself with tidying up the table.

Ringo raises his eyebrows, catching my hint. "Hey, do you two mind coming with me to look at this strange mark on my back?" He asks.

While I appreciate Ringo's attempt, I resist the urge to face palm.

Paul creases his eyebrows, "...uhhh...sure thing, mate....lead the way. Mabel, dear, we'll be right back. This is a bit...personal."

Mabel hums, "take your time, boys. If you need any assistance let me know."

Ringo stands and walks off to Mabel's room, Paul and I close behind him.

I shut the door firmly behind us, shooting Ringo a look. "What kind of excuse was that?!"

He shrugs, "I don't know! I didn't want her to follow us!"

I shake my head, "whatever. Listen. ______ and George are back at the house."

"What?!" They say in unison, confusion pulling their eyebrows down.

"Emma apparently told Samuel about..._____'s ability to create another Psyche. So he allowed them back home to...y'know."

Paul's mouth falls open, "that's disgusting! He's treating them like animals!"

I nod, "I know. But the house isn't being protected very well....which raises my suspicion...."

"That is strange...perhaps he's got more eyes than he's letting on?" Ringo says.

I purse my lips, thinking back to the car arriving just as I left.

"...a car did pull in just as I made it back outside..."

I frown, feeling the urge to go racing back there immediately.

Reading my thoughts Paul steps to me, placing a hand on my shoulder, "...maybe one of us should go back after it gets dark? To make sure they're even there anymore...."