Maria's Gift: Peter 5/6
Maria was genuinely confused as her guard led her toward the warden's office. Never before had she been summoned before the warden, having been a model prisoner.
The summons had been abrupt, with no explanation given. Maria was completely baffled.
"Prisoner Maria Romanoff," she was announced.
She walked in to see the warden seated at her desk and a man standing in the shadows. "Yes, ma'am?" Maria asked, baffled. "You sent for me?"
"No, Maria," the man said, stepping into the light. "I sent for you."
Confusion turned to absolute delight. Maria's face lit and she stepped toward him, manacled wrists outstretched. "David!"
Davy allowed the awkward hug, then he broke the embrace and cupped her chin, gazing intently into her eyes. "Maria." His voice was kind but firm. "You need to come with me. I've cleared it with the warden."
"Certainly, my smallest grub-chick," she said even as her brow furrowed in confusion. "Where are we going?"
"We're going home, Maria. There's something you need to see - words can't adequately describe it."
Slowly, Maria nodded. The manacles were removed and a small blinking bracelet was fastened to her ankle.
"Ah," Davy smiled. "You've perfected the technology, then? Micky will be happy to hear that!"
"We're experimenting," the warden smiled. "Have her back by noon tomorrow."
"I will." With that, Davy led the baffled Gypsy out of the prison.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
When they pulled up outside a yellow beach house, Maria asked, "Where are we, David?"
He turned off the car. "This is our home, Maria. One of us is very ill, and only you can help him."
"Who, David? Who is ill?"
His gaze turned hard and the word he spoke made her realise just what she had done.
"Peter."