The Girl in the Middle

Moving in with Tom

*Amber*

Hope is standing in the middle of the room with the gun ready in her hand. Michael is so quiet on the couch that I wonder if he has fallen asleep. I am still in the armchair, listening for the smallest sound. This time I hear the steps on the stairs, just as Hope turns towards the door, with the gun raised.

But luckily it is just Kattie and KC coming through the door. Even though Hope has remained cool enough, she seem relieved when she realise that she don't have to shoot.

"Put it down". Kattie say nodding to Hope. Then she look at Michael. "I am going to the police station right away". She tell him. "Tom has agreed to have Amber at his place until Clay is back on the streets".

"So he think that we can't protect her ?" Michael sound slightly offended.

"You can't see and you hardly can't move". Kattie point out. "KC and I are doing the work of four people and Hope is still only a kid in training. So no honestly, I don't think we can protect her".

"I am not a kid". There is nothing childish in the way Hope says it. She is just stating the obvious and her voice is calm. "Let me help you with work. I can easily do that along with my training".

"You can handle the laundry". Kattie answer. "I won't have you out on the streets selling. Not yet. You can help KC taking inventory tomorrow". Then she turn towards me. "KC is driving you to Tom's place right away, you'll be safe there".

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It isn't before I am on my way down the stairs in a pair of Kattie's shoes that are way to big for me, that I realised they expects me to get up behind KC on a motorbike.

Kattie has already turned the other bike on, before I slowly walked closer to the one KC is sitting on.

"Come on Amber". KC says impatiently, padding the seat behind him. "I happen to be very good at this".

"You might be, but I am not". I mumble. I have never been on a motorbike before and honestly they scare me.

"You have to learn it at some point". Kattie say. "Just you wait, when you are done with your training you won't be able to wait to get to do it yourself".

"I highly doubt it". I say closing my eyes and taking a deep breath before getting up behind KC, putting my arms tightly around his waist.

"Hold on". I can practically hear the smile in his voice, as he turned the gas handle and we fly forward.

Deep down I know it isn't going as fast as it feels to me, but no matter what, it is still way to fast for my comfort. I hide my head against KC's back and focus on the feeling of his muscles working when he navigates the heavy machine through the streets. That and my breathing or I fear I am going to throw up.

"You need to learn how to relax". KC sigh when we stop and he has to practically pry me of him. "It is a lot easier driving when the passenger isn't stiff as a board and choking the life out of you".

"Well excuse me that I am about to s**t myself from fear of dying". I say acidly and pull myself together enough to dismount. KC grabs my elbow to support me, which is good, because I hadn't realised how dizzy I am before I almost tumble into him.

"Oh first time I hear sarcasm from you". KC says grinning. "Maybe we can actually turn you into someone usable". He wink at me.

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Tom's headquarters is in an old abandoned school. It is clear to see from the way it is build. Around the area is a high wall with only one gate. We are presently walking through that gate after two guards has nodded to KC.

"Chark, Tom's predecessor understood the importance of having a place that is easily defended against enemies". KC explains to me, as we walk over the playground. "I think The Eagle's are the ones who have the best headquarters and the safest. You are going to love it here".

Maybe I will. But there will be one thing missing. Ben won't be here, but of course he isn't at the apartment right now either.

I look curiously at KC. "So where did you find Kattie ?" Wondering if Michael is right and there is something going on between her and Tom. I have noticed little touches and some saying glance pass between them.

"She was training". Is all he says and I get the clear feeling that I should not ask any closer.

Tom is waiting for us right inside the door, where another two guards has let us through. KC says his goodbyes right away and I am left with Tom. At least I have met him a couple of times, so it isn't like being left with a total stranger.

"As it is getting late we are going to wait with the tour for tomorrow". Tom says politely as he lead me down a long hallway. He looks like he had been on his way to bed. Wearing only a white undershirt with his pants. His body are long and lean and I can't help noticing how impressive his biceps are.

"Because it is you, you will get my room as your own as long as you are staying here. The girls in the sleeping hall can be a bit to much in the long run". Tom opens a door. There is a king size bed and two bunk beds along the wall. "You can sleep where you want".

"There are room enough for both of us in here". I mumble, feeling myself blush badly. I am trying to be nice, and not just take his room.

Tom smiles. "Without a doubt, but Clay would most likely kill me. There is a toilet and bath right on the other side of the hall and if you need something there is alway someone at the office, it is last door on the left. If I am not there, I am in Drews room right next door". He points to the next door, winking at me. "Because he has a lot of room too, and no one gets their knickers in a twist about me sharing a room with him".