Kit awoke just as the sun poked its head over the horizon and greeted them with bright summer sunlight and a warmth that he knew would only grow as the day progressed. He stretched his arms behind him, rolling his neck. After a night sleeping in the car, his limbs had grown stiff and the bruises on his leg ached a little.

Moving silently so he didn't wake Emily, he pushed the blanket off his legs and stepped out of the car. He limped a couple of paces away from the car and back again until the slight aching in his leg had disappeared. Kit arched his head a little to feel the rising sun on his face. He watched the sky transform through a kaleidoscope of colours; pink, purple, blue. There was something calming about the rising sun.

It was the thing he missed most in Newgate. He would search for the small strip of window that streamed in through the tiny window of his cell. It wasn't much, but it was enough to get him by. What he really wanted was to feel the sun on his face, to feel the wind stirring through his hair. He finally had that and so much more.

He turned from the sunrise and back to the car just as Emily stirred.

"Good morning," she said, stretching her arms behind her head. "This motorcar was surprisingly comfortable to sleep in."

"I've definitely slept in worse places, though I ain't a fan of the leg cramp."

"I was thinking about where we go today."

Kit climbed back into the car, throwing the blanket into the backseat. "Oh yeah? What's that?"

"There's a town not too far from here. We've spent so long in the motorcar, and even yesterday we didn't spend too much time away from it. We can spend the day there and then head off later on."

"I don't see why not. I don't reckon they would have followed us this far."

"Great. We can eat something and then go."

Kit nodded, reaching him behind him and grabbing two apples from the supplies. He passed one to Emily and the two of them ate in silence, savouring the juicy apples whilst they had them. They watched the sun continue to rise; the heat growing as they sat there. It would be a hot day and Kit welcomed a slight change in pace and for the chance to just walk around a town for a little while.

Their trip so far had been a lot of fast-paced movement to get away; from London, from the town. Kit liked the idea of having a few hours to themselves where they could just walk around without having to hide. They could spend time together without glancing over their shoulders the whole time. That was why they ran in the first place, to live without fear.

Now they had the chance.

Once they'd eaten, Kit put some petrol in the car and they set off for the nearest town with Emily directing. As he drove, he found himself sneaking glances at Emily. He noticed the way the bright sunlight reflected on her hair, the small smile on her face, and the slight pink tinge to her cheeks after spending so much time in the sun. She tapped her fingertips on the side of the car as though she were tapping along to a tune.

He smiled when he watched her and the happiness oozing from her body. He knew how she felt. No one was chasing them, no one was waiting for them in the next town. They didn't have to be afraid. The weight that had been draped over his shoulders since he could remember was gone. He could breathe freely, and enjoy the sun on his face, and he knew that every step they took would be the next greatest adventure.

They reached the town just as the midday sun hit. Kit found a place to park the motorcar, though he was reluctant to leave it. Being a thief, he knew that a Royce would attract a lot of attention and most of that attention would be people wanting to get their hands on it.

"It will be fine for a little while, especially if you have the key," Emily said. She helped him put the top on to keep the sun off the seats and the food in the back. "And if anyone steals it, we can always get it back."

Kit tugged on the back of his jacket to cover the gun. "True. I'm sure it'll be fine." He nodded as though trying to convince himself. "Where do you want to start?"

"Let's just walk around. Enjoy ourselves before we try anything. We don't want to get chased out without having seen something."

"Just a day on the town."

"Exactly!"

Emily looped her arm through his and Kit felt that familiar swooping sensation in his stomach. He let her drag him through the town, stopping to look in shop windows and gaze at what was inside. They looked through a sweet shop window and admired the chocolate, bonbons and toffees inside. There was a tailor with the finest suits he had ever seen, a dress shop, and a little tea room full of people.

The streets were crowded with people out to enjoy the bright summer sunlight. Women carried parasols to shield themselves from its rays. The men kept their hats on despite the sweat trickling down their faces. Kit shed his jacket out of necessity, but Emily kept hers on. She hadn't replaced the cap, and it was obvious to all those they passed that she wasn't the young man she was dressed to be.

"They keep staring at me," she muttered, turning her head to watch a woman who had given her a judgemental glare for her outfit.

"Ignore them. They don't matter today."

"No, you're right. Today is about enjoying ourselves."

Kit nodded. They approached another shop window, and Kit's eyes moved towards two posters in the window. When they got closer, his breath caught in his chest and his eyes widened. Emily's grip on his arm tightened and her nails dug through his shirt.

Staring back at him, with 'WANTED' printed above it, was a photograph of him taken five months before. The London police had moved faster than he thought.

~~~

First Published - February 12th, 2024