Unmarked

7. Caught Not Exposed

Stopping outside my shop, Teddy's arm is wrapped around my waist and I wonder what's gotten into him. His whole demeanour this evening is unusual. We never display affection in public; our kisses are always confined to the depths of the alley even though this area is mostly deserted.

The shop looks closed, as usual, the blinds are pulled down. Most people think it's empty like most of the buildings in this area. It's how me and my mum like it. The less people who know about our whereabouts the better and after tonight, this place will be completely deserted because we'll have left and be heading to our next destination.

On arrival in a new location, we always look for an isolated area to set up and then I'll seek out new customers. Walking the streets, I watch for signs of any illegal business which may need our laundry services. I've gotten good at spotting the telltale characteristics of businesses which are covering for their illegal activities.

Excess visitors- check. People staying for long periods of time-check. Back door access with above average use- check. Excessive activity within the evenings- check. Guilty and flushed looking people leaving building- check.

A few choice words and self-confidence has meant I've never had a problem obtaining customers quickly. I'm not sure how my mum did it before I was put in charge. We ate so she must have managed but I remember it was a struggle.

"What are you thinking?" Teddy pulls me to face him.

"How much I've enjoyed this evening." Gazing at his birth brand on the dip between his collarbone, I give into the urge I've been fighting since we first kissed. I've got nothing to lose now, this will be the last time I see him.

Allowing my index finger to trace the brand, I suppress a sigh. Hard and solid, the blue numbers and gold circle feel cold to the touch. This is a first for me. I've never had the opportunity to touch a Birth Brand before.

My mum's birth brand was gouged out before I knew what they represented. Only a large blotch of mottled scarred flesh remains where it should be. I'm not sure who decided my mum had no use for it anymore. I like to believe it was done as an act of solidarity, to show her love for me. I imagine she choose to remove it because I never received one. It's a wishful thought on my part. I've never known the reasons for most of the motives behind my mum's actions.

My mum has always used her lack of speech as an excuse to keep me in the dark, revealing little. In many ways, my mum is a stranger to me.

"I've had a great time too. I'm looking forward to marking you with my new branding pen and choosing the location," Teddy whispers in my ear.

I ignore the tug of guilt and smile. "I have one last present for you." Taking out the small USB stick from my pocket, I hesitate before whispering, "I understand if you don't want to accept this, but I know you love music and you've mentioned being bored by the current selection on offer so I got you these. I asked specifically for ones that are not overly illicit so if anyone finds it you shouldn't get into too much trouble."

Teddy tilts my head up with one hand. His eyes darken with concern as his other hand closes around the small stick. "How did you get this?"

"I'm not going to reveal my secrets otherwise you might forget me and attempt to go straight to the source." I smile weakly, worried I've overstepped the mark. He's innocent. He's pure. He's not like me.

"I could never forget you." Teddy kisses me hard and mumbles, "Cady, promise me you'll be careful."

"I always am." Even now, I don't let myself think too deeply about this. Being overly emotional isn't productive, it's a hindrance. "Good luck, Teddy."