We Meet Again (Thomas Shelby)

Chapter Eleven: The Ugly Truth

Sorina's POV:
"Rory, love! Please stop running in the house!" I called out as Sasha and he chased each other around. I stopped stirring the eggs on the stove top when I heard a very distinct thump in the stairs, followed by a loud, "he just pushed me!" I shook my head at the commotion as Rory claimed, "she fell on her own!" John came jogging down the stairs, adjusting his jacket as he passed them. "They're rowdier than usual." I laughed and tossed a piece of bread at him. He caught it easily with a chuckle. "Eat that on your way out the door. You're already late, and Thomas is already angry at you considering yesterday!" He took a big bite out of the bread. "I didn't do anythin' yesterday." A piece of bread fell out of his mouth as he spoke. Katie squealed in mock disgust, laughing at her father. "That's the point. Now-" I grabbed his peaky hat and handed it to him, to which he took gratefully. "Leave my presence at once!" I said dramatically, pointing to the door. Katie imitated my actions behind me, much to John's utter surprise. He couldn't believe Katie would 'turn' on him so easily. Little does he know, Katie has become my shadow, almost like a mini me. Spending the amount of time together that we have, I've sort of taken on this role model persona to her. "Remind me not to let ya read anymore fairy tale books. Gettin' bossed 'round my own house." He kissed the top of her head followed by the other little ones before giving me a quick wave goodbye. "When do you think Dad will return tonight?" Nigel questioned as he entered the room. "I'm not sure. He shouldn't be too late." I assured him with a smile.

Throughout the day, I cleaned the entire house, I made the children lunch, and after they finished eating, we started playing cards at the dinner table. The kids played a brutal game. I've seen adult games at the Garrison be more civil than this. Katie tossed her cards at Nigel's face, barely missing him. "Katie! No throwing cards." I chastised her. She seemed to have been at a loss of words before she pouted in her chair. Nigel smirked arrogantly at her, but stopped once he noticed my pointed expression. "Shuffle the cards. We'll just have to start over." As Katie started to shuffle the deck, I heard a loud and abrupt scream from outside, followed by aggressive bangs. I stood up and rushed over to the window, looking out. Coppers...everywhere.

They were going door to door, dragging people out so carelessly and painfully as if they were dirt. My heart started pounding a mile a minute as I ran to the door, dead bolting it quickly. The first priority is protecting the kids. The way they were handling those people, it was clear they didn't care about their safety. I couldn't get them out any other way, they would be easily seen. The only alternative is for them to hide. I ran back to the kitchen and grabbed onto Rory and Sasha's hands. "Come with me, now!" I took them to the staircase that led to the second floor. "Katie, take your siblings and hide in the smallest, most discrete places you can find. Make it fast and don't come out until you know the house is completely vacant." Her eyes were welling up with tears as her fear started to kick in. "But Ms. Tempest-"

"No buts! Just do as I say." She grabbed onto her siblings and ran as fast as she could. I didn't move from the bottom of the stairs until I heard a door slam closed. My hands started to shake as I ran back towards the front door, the banging becoming more and more frantic. Before I could reach the door, it was broken down. Four coppers came barging in, two of which grabbing onto my arms so tight I could feel the bruises already beginning to form. "What is this? Let go of me!"

"Just cooperate and everythin' will be okay." One copper said. "Search the house!"

"On what grounds?" I hissed angrily, looking at the officer that was clearly the leader. He got so close to my face I could smell the horrid dogs breath seeping from his mouth. I accidentally gagged, making him glare at me harder. "On the grounds that you shut your fuckin' mouth!" I watched as three of the four officers searched the downstairs, tossing out drawers and cabinets. Papers, picture frames, treasured memories were thrown all over the floor. My heart sank as a picture of John's late wife laid shattered at my feet. The actions of these men are completely unjust, it's sickening. My eyes followed the cop that decided to head upstairs. The nerves started to eat its way into my heart as he disappeared from sight. I couldn't help but pray to God that those kids were hidden safely from what's happening. 'Please God, protect those children with your light and love. Shade them from danger and the horrible situation we're all facing here today. In the Lords name, please. Amen.'