Legami Familiari (Shayde x Fathom)

[Fathom]

Sixteen hours! She was about to comment on that little fun fact when his phone went off, the ringtone making her giggle even as he picked up, voice serious. Her good time quickly ended when she recognized Carlisle’s voice. Visibly bristling when he asked if Evan had secured “the girl”. Mia rolled her eyes at the older man’s snarky attitude, and was thankful when he hung up. “I hate that guy. He’s always such a pompous prick.”

Mia bit her bottom lip when Evan turned his question to her instead. Clearly her father didn’t want his plans getting out if he hadn’t even told the man coming to fetch her the importance of her arrival. “Port access.” She said simply, trying to keep the bitterness out of her voice and failing miserably. “They have access to the Upper East Side. He’s been trying to break into that area for years but they keep it locked down pretty tight. There wasn’t any budging on contracts, until he offered me up. Proposed a ‘unified family unit’ he gets access to their ports, they have his blessing to peddle their……goods, on his turf.” She said hating the thought of referring to the people the De’Salvatores trafficked as goods, but there was no other way to put it.

“I’m his key to the city. He doesn’t care that Adrian is a sick bastard who probably would torture puppies for fun. He doesn’t care what happens to me as long as he gets what he wants. That’s why I ran away. Put as many miles as I could between me and him. I thought……” she trailed off, shaking her head. “Never mind, it doesn’t matter now.” She said finally, looking out the window, watching as the Arizona dessert stretched out before them.

 

[Lord Darkshayde]

"I know it's a longshot, but when we get there let's try and talk to your father. Maybe we can convince him to find another way." Evan knew all he was doing was spouting useless platitudes, but he wanted to try and offer her some comfort. He reached over and placed a hand gently on her shoulder. "We'll figure something out."

They rode in relative silence for the next hour when Evan's stomach rumbled. "Ugh, I haven't eaten since day before yesterday. Let's stop off and get some food." About ten minutes later they were pulling into the parking lot of a small diner called The Canyon Corral. Soon they were seated across from each other in a booth. He ordered a coffee and told Mia to get whatever she wanted. After they had put in their orders Evan looked at his young charge. "If you really wanted to get away, why didn't you go international? An ocean would have been a better buffer."

He weighed her words carefully as they waited for their meal. She didn't deserve the hand she was being dealt, but what could he do about it? He was doing this job solely to get his head off the chopping block. Was it really worth it though if he had to places hers on there instead?