Fight for Me

Chapter 35

Lydia had almost made it back to the flat when another dark car rode up, stopping beside her. She tensed, wondering if she should make a run for the flat. However, with the shopping weighing her down, she knew that she would not make it. Besides, she was ninety-five percent sure it was the Rose Foundation this time and while she did not want to deal with them, she doubted they would hurt her too badly. Not after they had let her live the last time.

"Lydia Evans, your presence has been requested by Mr. Stinton," the man in the driver seat spoke after rolling down the window.

A sigh passed through Lydia's lips as she wondered if she would ever actually get the shopping back to the flat. Thankfully, she hadn't bought anything that was frozen, however she was slightly concerned that if Stinton kept her there too long the milk would spoil. But Lydia gave the man a nod and adjusted the bags in her hands so she could open the back seat.

The drive was not long and she soon found herself sitting in the lounge of a rather fancy flat. She resisted the urge to explore about the flat, trying to make herself seem less antsy than she actually felt.

"Ah, Lydia, you have a lot to explain," Sinton spoke as he entered the lounge, immediately going to pour himself a drink.

Her heartbeat quickened, but she masked her nervousness as she replied, "in my defense, the boss chose to take his chances on whether I lived or died, if he truly wished to kill me he could have."

"Yes, I do not understand why he would give you such leniency, but he decided you could be more useful alive rather than dead." He downed the drink and placed the glass back on the counter before turning to her. Like a predator stalking his prey, he approached her slowly, peeling back the neck of her turtle neck to reveal the bruising that had formed from the events of the night before. "And to think you were willing to throw away his gift," he clicked his tongue as he ran his thumb along bruises.

"It's a dangerous world out there," Lydia replied simply, trying to keep from shaking beneath his predatory touch.

He frowned as he pressed into one of the bruises, forcing Lydia to stifle a cry of pain. "Well, it certainly is if you choose to parade around with Sherlock Holmes."

"I didn't want to do that, but I am trying to remain on his good side so that he does not try to pry information out of me. John offered me a place to stay for free and I couldn't refuse. Besides, M wanted me to be in contact with Sherlock again, to deliver his message, although I have denied any connection to him when Sherlock has asked."

"As much as I would like to believe you, I am afraid that I have rather lost my trust in you. Quite understandably, I might add. However, when I brought this up with M, he seemed quite excited. We have decided that it would be best for you to remain in Holmes's flat, but we will be monitoring both of you," Stinton spoke, removing a box from his pocket.

"Mr. Stinton, I am afraid that that may be problematic. I was approached tonight by Mycroft Holmes and he gave me until the end of the week to clear out of the flat, I do not know if I can stand up to someone with such power without consequences. He did not say anything directly and I wouldn't have confirmed it if he did, but I think he knows about the Foundation."

Stinton's face hardened as he pulled out a gold locket from the box. "Lydia, have you really lost your touch? Your entire career is based on lying, surely this man, despite his power will be of no problem to you. Need I remind you what is at stake if you fail? Although your previous failures suggest that maybe you don't care about your friends as much as you appear to. Perhaps I will just order their executions now."

"No, I will do what you ask. I just thought it best to alert you to the new obstacles in my path. How long do you need me to remain at 221B? John and Sherlock currently believe that I will be there until my friends return from the States."