Willow Creek, Fall 1986
"Oh, my little Cassandra," Victoria Goth whispered as she kissed her sleeping daughter. "Sleep, and dream of wonders. You will be so amazing, my little girl. I wish..."
"Vickie? What are you doing up?" Mortimer said, sleep slurring his speech. "Why are you in your coat?"
"I have to go, Mortimer," Vickie replied softly, not looking away from her child, "but I couldn't leave without giving her a kiss."
"Go?" Mortimer struggled to clear his sleep-fogged mind. "It's the middle of the night, Vick. Where are you going?"
"Mortimer, you know I love you," Vickie stepped over to him. "I remember the first time I saw you... Ari pointed you out to me in the dorm. You looked so dashing. I think I fell in love you in that moment. I really did. What we have... it's real, Mortimer. Please, never doubt that."
"Vickie, you're scaring me," Mortimer said. "What's going on?"
"Just hold me for a minute," Vickie sighed, folding herself into her husband's arms.
"Is this about those men who came earlier? The ones from the Agency?" Mortimer asked.
"Yes," Vickie sighed.
"I know I promised to never ask about your past," Mortimer said. "I won't start now... but if something is wrong, we can face it together."
"I'm sorry, Mortimer," Vickie smiled sadly. "I need to face this alone. I've known this was coming for a long time. This is my Moment... and I know what I need to do."
"Vickie," Mortimer said sadly. "Will you come back to me?"
"I will always be with you, you silly man," Vickie whispered.
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Outside, the cool, night air smelled of rain. It should really be raining, Vickie thought to herself. It was the kind of night that called for rain. Still, she smiled sadly to herself, it was probably best not to tamper with things.
Turning, she saw a familiar face under the streetlights and smiled.
"Bella," Vickie said as the other woman came closer. "I'm glad you're here."
"Did you think I'd abandon you?" Bella Bachelor asked, a little stiffly.
"Not for a moment," Vickie smiled. "I knew you'd be here."
"They're coming for you Vick," Bella said seriously. "I can't... there's nothing I could do. They'll be here soon."
"I know," Vickie said calmly. "Bella, I need to ask you a favor."
"I'll do my best but, Vickie, they..." Bella started.
"It's not that," Vickie shook her head. "I need you take care of Mortimer and Cassandra for me."
"Vickie, I..." Bella stammered, shocked.
"You've always loved him, Bella," Vickie smiled sadly, "and he loves you too. He loves us both. I just got there first... but he's going to need you."
"Vick, don't talk like that," Bella said, shocked. "They're not going to..."
"No lies between us, Bella," Vickie said easily. "Not now."
"I always lie, Vickie," Bella said.
"I know, but not now, not about this," Vickie replied. "Promise me, Bella, that if something should happen to me, you will look after Mortimer and Cassanadra Goth. Promise me."
"I promise," Bella shuddered. "But Vickie..."
"By the Oak and the Ash and the Ivy, by the Sun and the Moon and the Sea, by the Open Eye and the Open Hand and the Open Heart, I bind you to your promise, Isabella Bachelor," Victoria incanted, finishing with a Word that Bella didn't know but felt she still somehow understood deep in her bones.
"Vickie... I work for them," Bella breathed.
"I know," Victoria smiled. "I've always known, ever since you were that pretty freshman following Ari and me around. Just like I know you keep your promises.
"Goodbye, Bella," she added as she turned away. "Take care of my daughter."
"Like she was my very own," Bella replied.
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Bella followed at a discrete distance. She hated that this was happening, hated herself for being part of it. She wasn't sure what she was going to do. She knew she couldn't let Vickie walk into this alone.
She saw Vickie intercepted shortly after crossing the street.
Of course, it's Agent Hand, Bella thought. Who else would they have entrusted with Containment order for an Active?
He's trying to reason with her. Standard procedure - talk her in. Avoid a confrontation if at all possible.
She's arguing with him. Does she know not to try to appeal to his emotions, to his humanity? Hand has neither. Surely, with everything else she knows, she knows that.
Reason with him, she silently urged her friend. Logic and reason are what Hand will respond to.
Or you could yell at him, Bella groaned inwardly.
That surprised you, didn't it, Hand. Caught you off guard. She isn't intimidated by you. Under all the cold discipline you do have some feelings, if only a sense of self preservation.
Confrontations with Actives generally don't end well for Agents.
They see me, Bella sighed. Too much to hope they wouldn't, I guess.
She's coming over here.
Oh, what are you doing, Vickie? Please don't tell me you've convinced him to let you surrender to me. I don't want that. How can I...
Vickie!
"Vickie! Look out!" Bella shouted.
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In Memoriam
Victoria Lenore Rowan Goth
Wife to Mortimer
Mother to Cassandra
"The Raven"
D. 1986
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