Trishank: A Way In

Prologue

"What am I to do with this?"

Evelyn arched an eyebrow at the document of bequeathal that lay before her. Never had she guessed that she would be in charge of something, anything. But there it was, a bookstore – inherited from her uncle, rest his beautiful soul. On that dull evening, she found herself in a bright-lit room with a staggering amount of books on Law and Justice. Has he read every single one in this room? The loud ruffle of papers from across the table brought her back from her musing.

"Just sign the bequeathal Evie, he wanted this for you. I will take care of the rest" said Christian, without raising his head from all the paperwork he was buried in. Evelyn couldn't help but wonder what a fine man her once snot-nosed derp classmate has become. Uncle Roland always did have a soft spot for strays. Evelyn took the pen and kept looking at the papers, but noticing nothing in particular. "Reading between the lines?" the now raised head of Christian held a smirk of sorts. The guy must have been proud at that non-joke he just made. Maybe seeing the derp once again made Evelyn find her smile back. It has been a long and sombre week after all. "Just reminiscing, I guess" she spoke through the smile, feeling up the pen for its non-existent cap so that she could sign the will and get it over with. "Give me that", he grabbed the pen and turned its head part. "This one was gifted by my senior, gets my clients every time" he sniggered as he gave her back the pen. She took it back and signed it with an overplayed sigh at Christian's antics. Some things never change, I guess.

Not much of the day remained, so Christian got out with her. The ever-bustling city of Amsterdam glittered before them from all the street lights and displays. He nudged her and nodded at the café down the street and without a word, they made way to the same. Huffing and puffing, he finally caught up with her, but only after she reached the café. She couldn't help but smile at her Suit and tie clad, well-built mate breathless. Begrudgingly, Christian mused, "One of these days, I'm beating you in a race. I won't let all those days in the gym crying go to waste" at which Evelyn burst out in laughter. "I can always let you win if you asked nicely" she said as she was scouting for an empty space. Ah, that one's good enough. They walked up to the table next to a window overlooking the Amstel.

As soon as they settled, her eyes wandered to the river, glistening from all the moonlights. Christian looked at her, and asked "How are you holding up, Evie?" and regretted the words as soon as they came out when those piercing eyes bore into his flesh. "After I lost the only family I ever had? Take a wild guess mate." Christian poured glasses of water to both of them as he continued, "I'm sorry. Don't know if I am sounding insensitive right now, but hey, even I lost the only family I ever had, so we can wallow and mourn together" and raised his glass at Evelyn. "Arsehole, you know just how to shut me up" Evelyn smirked as she raised her glass and started drinking. They discussed their days at the academy as they worked their way through a pastry along with a steaming cuppa when Christian came up with the question that had been eating at him since the signing. "What are you gonna do with the place?"

This launched Evelyn into a contemplative state, and she started thinking out loud. "Would catch a good penny, that's for sure... but I don't wanna sell it, the only lasting memory of my uncle. It's about time I get my arse up and start taking some responsibility over my life..." she stopped with a glint in her eyes Christian knew and brought himself to hate. Always appears when she is up to no good.

"I am taking it. I am gonna move and start maintaining the store. Besides, who wouldn't like books?"

"Please tell me you are joking. I really wish that you are, because I am gonna lose my shit if you're seriously thinking that"

"Why? Exactly what about me getting my life together make you lose your shit?"

"Because the store is in TRISHANK!" Evelyn never knew Christian could rise his voice that much. She looked around the room, only to see everybody else staring at their table. Christian heaved a sigh as he went on. "Look at me, and listen carefully. I am not letting you go to a goddamn prison city to get your goddamn life together, am I clear?"

For a while, Evelyn stared at Christian incredulously. "Come on, I know how to handle myself. And besides, what is it that bothers you? Trishank has been dubbed the most secure prison in the whole world. I am not IN danger Chris, I AM THE Danger!" she quipped, the no-good glint now accompanied with the trademark notorious smile.

Christian sighed hard and replied "The day you stop quoting centuries old shows will be the day you get your life together. Do whatever you think is good, and sorry for the over-reaction"

"Come on, it isn't that old. Also, thanks Chris" said Evelyn as they got up and got ready to leave. Her mind was swimming with thoughts of this whole new pathway her beloved uncle just opened up for her.