Chapter Two - Liam

1864, London. Lewis Barrett was a honest man. He lived in the more rural parts of London, he made a good living though, he kept his kids fed and his wife warm. He had a job selling fruits on the streets of London. His farm had been putting up nice fruit of late. It was an ambitious venture for Lewis and his family, as he quit his job at the mill and pursued farm life as his father before him; Ernest Barrett, in his mind he made the right choice.

It was a new day, he set up his stand the same way he always did, he'd lay out a nice cloth over a large wooden table and then, would sit his fruits across it. The order never changed; lemons to the left, oranges the right and dead centre of the table were his apples, he loved those apples but, only managed to grow so few, he kept most at home for his kids, and his wife to make her scrumptious apple pie. So he sold the odd few for whoever was lucky enough to pass his table the day they were there but, his main draw was his oranges and lemons; vitamin c was the game and Lewis was the name to bring them to you, at least in rural London. The streets were always busy, he'd sell all his fruit that he set out every time he'd got out.

Lewis would get bored on his shifts though, this being one of those days he picked up one of his prized apples and, started shining it. He serviced customers here and there but when he got any free time between his sales he'd keep shining that apple. It was getting so slick and clean, he wondered if he could shine it some more, the more he rubbed it against his shirt, the shinier it got. He was so proud, it might as well be his shiniest apple yet he'd think to himself. He then decided to put it on display with the rest of his apples, an opportune moment to showcase his apple shinning skills.

Later, Lewis saw a boy, he was black. He had a large afro and his clothes were tattered. He had a pair of pants and a large shirt that almost reached his knees, he looked very young, couldn't have been more than twelve years old. Lewis could tell by looking at him that he was hungry. He wanted to offer him some fruit but, he knew if you offered street kids any money or food, that they'd continue to come back and ask for more. It was like feeding a stray animal that would continue to follow you after. He had to assume the boy was a street kid, he couldn't offer him any fruit, as much as he wanted to, he couldn't afford to be a charity case. He had his own family to think of.

The boy approached the stand and, looked longingly at the fruit. Lewis saw the hunger on his face but chose to ignore it. He looked away for a second and turned when he caught the boy grab his shiny apple with his peripheral vision. The boy ran and Lewis took chase. "Hey! Get back here," He shouted at the boy but 10 seconds into the chase he knew he wasn't going to catch him. Defeated, Lewis went back to his stand a broken man, he'd lost his perfect apple. He had to continue selling his fruit. He took position behind his stall and carried on tending to his fruit stand.

Business was good, he was selling fruits faster every day. The folks here in London were dependent on him to sell them fruit, his prices and quality were both reasonable. However today, he was too sour about his stolen apple, he decided to give in early for today. It was only half three and he usually packed up at five. Today, he just didn't have the stomach for it. He put what was left of his fruits into his sack, sat them in his small carriage. He climbed on top of the front driver seat and began to usher the horses on. The carriage began to move and he waved at the people of London as he left town and began his journey back to Silverlake.

He was just about out of London now and, was continuing down the Muddy road that took him down to Silverlake. He was greeted with trees and uncivilized land. He was catching the open air of farm country; he'd officially left the city.

He began to hear faint sounds from behind the carriage like distant shouts, he stopped the horses and took a look behind his carriage and couldn't believe it, it was the boy from earlier who had stolen his apple. His blood began to boil, there's something dearly frustrating about not being able to catch a perpetrator in a foot race, it was just a new and bitter type of frustration for Lewis. Nonetheless, he was overwhelmed by it, he had nothing but resentfulness towards this boy. He quickly disembarked from his carriage and started walking his way. "You menace! How dare you. Are you looking for a hiding from me? You bloody well deserve one." The boy then stopped a few metre short of Lewis and revealed an apple, his apple. It was still as shiny as Lewis left it. Lewis was caught by surprise, he wondered what he was playing at. The boy opened his mouth and began to speak.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to take it. I was just hungry sir please, I'm here to return it." The boy then stretched his arm out and presented the apple towards Lewis, whilst doing so he kept his eyes on the ground avoiding his eyes.

Lewis became filled with a new emotion; sadness, he couldn't believe that this boy despite his hunger would bring back the only piece of food he may have gotten today. He could see how sorry he was and how desperate, admittedly Lewis did feel some shame over not offering the boy any fruit back in London, street kid or not. He then in his own mind made a split second decision, whilst he was looking at the boy.

"Have you had anything to eat today?"

"No sir, not today. This apple would be my first piece of food in two days."

"Two days?" Lewis said, almost in disbelief. Although most street kids probably have the same experience. He knew he shouldn't have been surprised, children on the street are treated poorly after all.

"Yes sir, please. May I have this apple. I promise to pay when I can but I can't right now. I didn't mean to steal."

Here it was, a second chance for Lewis to do the right thing. He wasn't going to let this boy's good deed pass him by. "No, eat it, in fact come get a few more. Come on." He gestured to the boy to follow him and he did. He pulled the sack from his carriage and grabbed another apple, a lemon and an orange. He gave them to the boy in open arms and said, "Here that should be enough. Although, not sure what you'll do with that lemon, it makes great lemon juice when you add it with water." The boys eyes opened wide, almost as if he couldn't believe his luck. As soon as he got a hold of the fruit he began to bite down into the apple. His hunger showing in every bite. Lewis chuckled, "Well slow down, there's no rush."

"Sorry."

Lewis this time laughing replied. "No, no. Eat up don't mind me." He began to build a deep respect for the boy, "What's your name?"

The boy looked up from his meal and looked at Lewis, "My name is Liam, Liam Madison."

"Well, nice to meet you Liam. Where are you off to, it's getting late. Is there somewhere you can stay?"

"No sir, I sleep during the days. It's dangerous to sleep at night."

"I can take you to an orphanage, yes?"

"No, I ran away from there. I'd rather the streets. You've done more than enough for me sir. I'll leave you now to go. Thank you." As the boy turned to head back to London Lewis yelled to him to stop.

"Wait! Go where, can't I take you to a poor house at least?"

"I can't go there. I'll be fine on my own."

"And why is that, you'd much rather steal on the street would you?"

The boy hesitated for a bit and then found his words again, "My skin, the people I had to live with told me I didn't belong. It was even worse in the orphanage".

Lewis felt sorry for the boy; now more than ever. There was a slight racial problem in London, even after the law passed to abolish slavery years ago and allow blacks to be equal citizens, some people didn't share the same sentiment and, had no trouble showing it. People of certain colour still had a hard time making ends meet in London or, even just coexisting among the folk. Lewis wasn't about to let the same happen for this little boy in which, despite his current struggle, still chose to do the right thing. Lewis was very appreciative of that. "Well, that brings and end to that conversation. Let's go Liam. There's better food back at my home, my wife Julia can dish us up a nice, warm meal. Well by the time we get there it may be cold, it usually is". He walked back to his carriage and smiled as a young Liam followed behind him. He got on the driver's seat behind the horses and gestured to Liam to climb up on the seat next to him by, patting the empty space by him. Liam climbed on, took his position next to Lewis. "Grab these", he gave him the reins to the horses. "You ever operate a carriage?" Liam shook his head. "Well, hold them firmly here". Lewis placed the reins in his hand, "Hold them firm and now whip it once but, gently." Liam held the reins in his hands and gently whipped them back and the horses began to move, pulling the carriage along with them. Liam's eyes lit up. "Easy right?"

"Yes, it's not as hard as I would have thought." Lewis smiled.

"Whether or not you look like me or not Liam, what you did today was a good thing. You've earned this, you'll be living with me and my family now. I have a son, his name is Alexander and my daughter, Tessa. Alex is eight and Tessa is twelve, She'll be thirteen soon, And how old are you Liam?"

"I think I'm twelve."

"You think, why don't you know?"

"I was at the orphanage since birth, never knew how old I was when my ma left me there, I was barely a year old."

"Ah I see, do you know what year you were born?"

"Eighteen fifty-two, I don't know the day or month though."

"Well, just make up a day and month."

"Like what sir?"

"How about my mother's birthday? It's November twenty-third."

"November twenty-third? I like that."

He laughs and smacks his knee, "November twenty-third then. It's settled, Liam Madison turns twelve in November twenty third." Lewis looked at Liam and saw for the first time, a smile. That made him feel way better about his decision to abruptly adopt him, he felt Liam was a good soul who may have been given unfortunate opportunities. "Okay Liam, now take us home, dead ahead to Silverlake."

Liam was living the dream, never would he have thought that he was going to be getting a new family today. He couldn't wait to meet them. He was excited. The carriage ride had been about over an hour or so now, Lewis had fallen asleep right next to Liam. The ride was smooth, along the way Lewis told him to wake him up when he saw a town before he slept. For the last hour or so, Liam's been having the time of his life.

One hundred or so metres away, Liam began to see glimpses of a town ahead, he then woke up Lewis by patting him on the shoulder. Lewis opened his eyes and sat up. "What is that place?" Liam asked.

"That is home, that's Silverlake. Not the most charming but, it's home." Lewis said proudly. They entered the town and were welcomed with waves and smiles, It seems like the town was full of friendly folk, either that or Lewis was extremely popular and Liam began to see why. He turned to look at Lewis, he was throwing fruit to people, the surplus from his sack. The carriage was moving slow enough so people managed to catch theirs rather easily. Lewis smiled as he did it, that made Liam happy as well.

They were leaving the town of Silverlake, Lewis had told Liam to keep the horses going. They were over a mile past Silverlake when, Lewis told him to take a right at an upcoming corner. They did and got onto an even narrower road. They travelled down the road for a couple of minutes and soon, Liam saw a house, there were trees surrounding it; apple, lemon and orange tress, many of them. "This is your house sir?"

"Yes it is, although it wouldn't be incorrect for you to say our house now Liam, keep her steady we're almost there." As the carriage was now mere metres from the front door, it came to a stop and both Liam and Lewis disembarked. There was a swing of the front door and a young woman emerged, with her two children, a girl and a boy.

"Lewis, I thought I saw you with company." She walked over, "Who is this young man?"

"His name is Liam, he's a boy who could use a place to belong."

"I see, well nice to meet you Liam, My name is Julia." The woman had bright red hair, her eyes blue and her voice soft.

"It's a pleasure to meet you as well miss, thank you for having me."

She looked at Lewis, "Look at the manners on this young man." She then turned back to Liam. "Well don't thank me yet. We're yet to see if you'll enjoy your time here." She then signalled Alex and Tessa to come over. "This is Tessa and Alex, say your hellos to Liam you two." Tessa stepped forward and stretched out her hand to greet Liam.

"Hello Liam, nice to meet you."

"Nice to meet you as well." He then stretched his hand to shake Tessa's hand. "Same to you Alex." Alex giggled and hid behind his mother.

"It's okay Liam, he's only shy," Tessa assured Liam. Lewis emerged from the back of the carriage, his sack on his back.

"Jules you wouldn't believe the circumstances where young Liam and I met. It's a tale of the highest order, I'll tell you about it inside." Julia looking at the sack on Lewis' back gave him a surprised look.

"The sack is barely halfway sold Lewis, slow day today?"

"No love, the sack here is part of the story; the proof of today's pudding," He grinned as he said so. "Speaking of which, have you almost finished dinner?"

"Just about done, we didn't expect you so early. Maybe today you get your meal whilst it's still hot for once." Julia teased.

Lewis bulged his eyes at his wife's remark, "By the way. Your food is best served hot; I was just telling Liam this on the way here. Also, Tessa. Take Liam and show him to the bathroom, let him wash up and be down for dinner."

"Also," Julia added. "Pick out your father's old white clothes, they're far too small for him now. They may do Liam some good. Having you with us today Liam will be a real family treat Liam." Liam smiled. Tessa responded to her parents

"Yes mother, father. Liam, come and I'll show you to the bath." Tessa began to walk ahead of Liam and he looked back at Lewis, Julia and Alex. They smiled longingly after Liam.

Liam followed Tessa through the medium sized house, it was neat and had a real homey feel, There was a dining room, kitchen and living room with a fireplace, all down stairs, he figured the bedrooms and baths would be upstairs. Liam couldn't believe his luck. Tessa walked in silence ahead of him, so he thought he'd start a conversation after all, this was going to be potentially his new sibling. "You have such a nice family Tessa, I'm grateful to be here."

"If that's how you feel Liam, I'm glad for it." Her reply was cold, Liam felt the lack of enthusiasm behind it.

"I'm not going to be any trouble. I can pull my wait around the house, I also think you're a year older than me. I've always wanted an older sister."

"My little brother will be enough." She stops by a door and opens it. The door lead to outside, it was the back door to the house. "You really should leave." Liam felt his emotion turn into complete turmoil. He couldn't believe what he was hearing.

"You want me to leave, why? I haven't done anything to you."

"I'm doing this for you. You can't be here, leave whilst you can. They won't see you on the way out and make sure they don't and, don't come back."

Liam was trying his hardest to fight back the tears that were rushing to his eyes. Everyone has shunned him all his life, he wanted this life, this family, more than anything. "I can't. I don't care if you hate me. I have nowhere else to go. I'm always alone and have no one. Your father has shown me a great kindness, he accepts me as I am. You wouldn't understand. I never wanted to hurt anyone ever and never have. I want a home and I want my own parents. I'll never have a family on the street or in the orphanage. I'm sorry, hate me if you like, you wouldn't be the first. I can't help how I look and, I can assure you if you give me the opportunity I will be the best brother you and Alex could ever have." His voice quivered as he spoke and Tessa looked back at him with steel, unwavering, dead blue eyes. She was completely unmoved by Liam's words. She shut the door and continued to gaze at Liam for ten more seconds and then spoke once more.

"I'll show you to the wash then." She brushed past him and walked briskly upstairs and a saddened Liam followed. There were several doors that lined either side of the walls upstairs. They came to the first door on the left, Tessa opened it and inside was a large metal dish with another large metal dish beside it which was full of water. "Wait here." She walked down the hallway for a brief moment and came back handing Liam a white piece of clothing. "You'll wear this when you're done. Everyone will be waiting downstairs."

"Thank you." As Liam turned to enter the bathroom, Tessa grabbed his arm, she was surprisingly strong. Her eyes piercing into his. "Tessa, let me go." Just like that, Tessa did. Liam hurried into the bathroom and shut the door behind him. He waited a while and then heard Tessa walk down the stairs, he was relieved. One thing was sure, he didn't like Tessa at all and was sure her feelings towards him were mutual. He stepped into the metal dish with water in it. It was cold but, it was the first bath he's had in a while. He soaked his large afro and rinsed all the dirt into the water. He wiped the dirt from his face and body. Liam lay down in the metal dish which was fairly large and laid there for a while.

Once he had his fill, he decided not to keep the other's waiting. He got out and hopped up and down as an attempt to dry himself and slipped into the white clothing he was given. It resembled a dress or a gown almost, it went all the way down to his feet and was baggy but, comfortable. Maybe this is normal for white people, he thought to himself. He opened the door to the rest of the house and headed downstairs.

He was met with Lewis at the door that lead into the dining room, they smiled at each other. "There you are Liam, It's an odd fit but you won't need it long. Come now, time to eat." Lewis lead the way into the dining room as Liam followed in his oversized clothing. As he walked in he saw the rest of the family seated at the table. There was an empty chair at the far end of the table that Liam sat at. In front of him and the others were empty plates, cutlery and plastic cups filled with something that he'd never seen before, could be wine. He thought, he wasn't sure, He'd never seen wine before up close.

"Welcome Liam, pleasure for you being here." Julia's words were just as warm and welcoming as before, this made Liam more comfortable.

"Thank you. It is."

"Right," Lewis began. "Liam your arrival is just what this family needed. We're glad to have you join us. I have already informed my wife that you're on your own. So we've made the evening extra special." He raised his glass as did the rest of the family and Liam, "To Liam." As Liam raised the cup to his face to drink. Tessa grabbed the knife from her cutlery off of her table and dashed at Liam. She knocked the cup out of his hand and Liam fell back, scared for his life he backed up against the wall away from the table. Tessa walked backwards not taking her eyes off of her family, her knife pointed in their direction.

"This has to stop, please jut let Liam leave." Liam was now more confused than ever, Tessa was acting as if she was protecting him from her own family.

Lewis and Julia stood up, they're eyes digging into Tessa's. Their whole demeanor had changed. "Tessa, what are you doing?" Liam's eyes went wide open as Lewis spoke, his voice was not the voice he was used to. It went from enthusiastic and kind to deep and stern. "Tessa. He's not like the others. He's an orphan. No one will come looking or even miss him." Lewis began to move around the table slowly to where Tessa and Liam were. His eyes became red and the skin from his face began to lose colour turning grey and, veins began to show around his mouth. Liam turned to look at Julia who moved to the entrance of the living room and blocked it. There was no other way to leave the living room but there. Julia herself began to turn grey, have red eyes and veins covered her face and mouth. He turned to Alex and saw the exact same thing as he was grinning with his teeth looking directly at him.

It was all becoming clear to Liam. Tessa who seemed to be cold and hateful towards him earlier was trying to help him avoid this fate. He sat with his back against the wall and watched helplessly as Lewis began to ease in closer to them. Out of no where, Alex got off from his seat and darted at Liam from the side. Tessa with a swift kick caught Alex in the face and, sent him flipping backwards across the room slamming into the wall. Alex looked back at his sister and bared his teeth like a deranged animal.

"Tessa, you would strike your own brother?" Julia's voice had changed as well. It sounded strangled and weak but her face still just as evil. Alex got to his feet and joined his mother as she joined Lewis and, the family as a whole started walking towards Tessa and Liam. They switched their focus to Tessa and seemed prepared to attack her as well.

Tessa began to sob, "Stop, we can't keep doing this." Liam could hear the desperation in her voice.

"All you had to do was let him drink Tessa, it was the cleanest way. Have him drink and die so we can have his flesh. No one would want Liam to suffer. We have to eat, you know what must be done. Don't make us hurt you Tessa." Lewis began to show his teeth. Tessa opened her stance making herself wider. She was prepared to fight her family from all sides.

Tessa turned to Liam, he saw the tears in her eyes. "I'm so sorry Liam. I wish you would've ran. I wish we were what you thought we were." Liam couldn't find his words and stared blankly back at Tessa, a hopeless look on his face. Tessa looked back at her family, "I won't live like this anymore." The family was close now and as Julia reached out to grab Tessa, there was a loud bang and her head was blown in half. Everyone turned to look back at the entrance to the living room and there was a young woman holding a pistol.

Lewis turned and went after the woman, She fired and caught him in the leg. Lewis stumbled towards her. The lady pistol whipped him across the face, kicked him the gut and as Lewis was bent over, grabbed him by the head and smashed it into the wall. Lewis then recovered and tackled her to the ground. The woman then hooked her arms under his, tucked her legs and used the momentum he came at her with to launch Lewis right over her. Lewis went crashing on top of the living room table on his back. The woman then quickly got up and drew a cutlass from it's sheath on her hip and swung it down on Lewis cutting his body clean in half, he cried in pain. "Stay there." She said to Lewis and walked towards Alex who spread out his arms and charged at the woman. She shot him point blank in the face. His body hit the floor and she crushed his head under her boot.

"No!" Cried an incapacitated Lewis. His wife and child lay dead on the floor and he was in bad shape to fight. The woman then raised her gun at Tessa who was still in the same position she was in; protecting Liam.

"The bullet or the blade?" She asked Tessa.

"Either." Tessa replied. The woman went on to holster her gun and, unsheathed her cutlass and, angled it in a way to lop off Tessa's head.

"I'll rinse your head from your neck and then put a bullet in it. I heard it's less painful; the bullet in the head part. The decapitation is just my personal touch."

Tessa straightened up, "I'm ready when you are, except for him behind me. He's not like us."

"Oh don't worry. I can tell." She raised her cutlass and Liam stepped in front of Tessa. He spread his arms wide protecting her from the woman's cutlass. She had helped him, he wanted to return the favour.

"It's okay Liam, it's for the best." Tessa tried to assure him.

"No. You tried to help me. You're not like them, you don't deserve to die." Liam said. The lady lowered her cutlass and asked Liam,

"Who are these people to you anyway. Liam was it?"

"Tessa is my sister."

The lady stood baffled, "Oh, but you're... hmm, okay now I'm interested. I'll be back in a moment." She then turned and walked back to Lewis who laid still and unconscious on the table. She slapped him across the face and he woke up. "Hello again. Lewis Barrett, I presume. Tell me Lewis, where's the rest of you, the other ghouls?"

Lewis managed a weak laugh, "Miss Leighton, indeed it is an honour but I'm not sure as to what you're talking about."

"Spare me. There was an attack on Colback's Mill where you previously worked, seven men were attacked by another man, you being one of them. I believe you were attacked by a master ghoul, and that same master ghoul came back and converted your family into ghouls; which is disgusting behaviour on your part by the way and, there has been a majority of missing children in the town of Silverlake and more rural parts of London. After reading that you were one of the men attacked in the newspaper, I got curious and decided to follow you home to prove my hypothesis; that you and your family are a bunch of sordid little monsters eating helpless children. You worked closely with the other men who were attacked, where are they? The master ghoul must be with one of them."

"How didn't I sense you all this time?"

"Easy, while you went on that pathetic excuse of a pursuit after Liam over there back at the market. I took the liberty of hiding under your carriage with a concocted solution that keeps me from the ghoul's senses of smell. I was under the carriage when you left all the way to Silverlake. I do really wish you would've taught Liam how to go a bit faster, my arms were in bad shape when we arrived. And I'll say Mr. Barrett you seemed very normal and had me fooled on your general hospitality towards Liam. Also, how normal a family you seemed to be but, this stunt at the dinner table was just divine too see. Safe enough to say, day not wasted in the slightest."

Lewis chuckled, "The master knows of your endeavours Miss Leighton. You won't prevail."

"So I take it that's your way of saying you won't help me?'

"It was a great ride, I had fun while it lasted."

"Had fun killing poor lost children did you? Look around you, you're at your end. Your wife is gone, you've turned your children into monsters and one of them is dead as well and, the other you were willing to kill. You're a failure of a man and, so was your master for choosing you as one of his fledglings. I'll have his head, it's a shame you won't be there to see it."

"Can I say goodbye to my daughter Tessa? To tell her how sorry I am."

"Don't bother. I'm sure she sends her regards." She raised her gun to Lewis' head and pulled the trigger. The table became a spoil of red that flowed over plates and cutlery. She then turned to Liam and Tessa. "Okay, now I want to hear what all this is about then, go on. Do you know what she is Liam?"

Liam looked back at her and maintained his cover over Tessa, "You said that they were monsters; that she's a ghoul."

"Yes, like in the scary stories older people used to tell. You know she can't live long without eating another person yes? She'll need to feed. The ghoul's eating habits are a part of her now."

"I prefer apples." Tessa said quietly behind Liam.

"And you reckon you can hold out on apples alone, I know ghouls like apples. That's why your father was so inseparable from them but, you still need flesh otherwise you will eventually die. Kind of like how the bible tells us "Man cannot live by bread alone". Ghoul cannot live by apples alone now can they, Tessa?"

"I'll eat from the dead."

"I see. Well you look harmless enough, willing even to go against your own family to save another person. You say Liam is your brother?"

After hearing Liam say it, Tessa figured why not. "Yes he is."

"Take care of him Tessa, he's all you have now. I'll have some very discreet people come here and clean the mess. This never happened. The people of Silverlake will never know, as far as they're concerned. The Barretts never existed, I'll make sure that's the narrative. You both can continue to live here but, keep the events that happened here a secret. Tessa you may have the unmarked graves outside of town, never be caught feeding from them and never step outside of that jurisdiction." Footsteps found themselves into the living room and there was a tall man that stood next to the woman. He was slender, had black hair, a nice black overcoat, black pants, black shoes, black gloves, a black hat and a grey cloth over his eyes.

"Sorry master. I was asleep." His voice was deep and hollow.

"No matter Erandel. It's done. This is Tessa and Liam, take care of them whilst I'm gone. The girl is ghoul."

"Ah I see."

"Hard to believe you see anything behind that cloth. Look after the manor, I'll be back in about six years time. I'm off to the Royal College of Physicians, I'll be a doctor in no time so don't sulk about it and, then maybe my parents will stop looming over me like pests." Erandel burst out laughing.

"Seventeen years old and already talking like him, my they do grow. It'll be fun to have the manor to myself a while. You say I look after these two?"

"Yes the boy and girl ghoul. Anything else that comes around here that isn't human. Kill it."

"My order are sound master." The man took a bow. He had to be at least six foot seven or eight. The woman was about six foot herself.

"Right, We'll continue my work when I get back from my studies. Au revoir." The woman turned and waved.

"Wait." Liam called out and the woman turned to face him. This time getting a good look at her, she had the prettiest face he had ever seen, the most enchanting green eyes and darkest shade of black for hair. She wore boots, tight pants, a long overcoat and had a book hanging by the side of her belt by a chain. Her cutlass right next to it, a long rifle on her back and her pistol still in her right hand. "Who are you?"

She smiled at Liam and replied, "Roselyn James Alba Leighton but, Rose works just as fine. I'm the duchess of Silverlake."