It was roughly half an hour later when Spike returned with Mayor Mare. Twilight was waiting for them in the castle library. When they entered, she waited respectfully until the mayor sat down. Once the mayor had done so, Twilight dismissed Spike. He was a little reluctant to leave, but again knew better than to argue. The mayor for her part couldn't help gazing at her surroundings. She'd been in the castle a few times before to discuss town related matters with Twilight, and each time she was taken aback by how beautiful the castle was. Still, it was clear that Twilight had sent for her because she had an urgent matter to discuss. Turning her attention to the purple alicorn, she waited respectfully for her to speak.

Twilight wasted no time. "I apologize for asking you here on such short notice," she said. "But I'm afraid this is a matter that can't be put off."

"It's no problem, Twilight," the mayor answered. "Tell me, what is it you wanted to discuss?"

"It's not good, I'm afraid."Twilight's expression was serious. "Mayor, a little earlier today I received a letter from Captain Frostfall, Manehatten's fifth precinct leader. It said to be on the lookout for a stallion called Fleet arriving in town in the next few days. The letter didn't include much else, only that Fleet is a dangerous former officer and should be arrested on sight."

"You think there's something more they're not telling us?" asked the mayor.

Twilight nodded. "I'd call it a hunch, but yes."

"Well," the mayor said encouragingly. "Whatever it is that's going on, I'm confident you'll get to the bottom of it." After a moment of silence she spoke again. "Shall I go inform Captain Blaze at the station?"

Twilight considered this for a moment.

"Yes," she said finally. "That would be best. And tell the captain I'll see him in an hour to help organize the arrest."

"Yes ma'am."

After the mayor left, Twilight sat alone for some time, thinking. She didn't know how, but something told her that this Fleet and the recent arrival of a certain mare were somehow connected. But what was the connection?

Twilight got up and started pacing. From what she could tell, there was something about Violet that didn't add up. Sure, Violet had said that she had come to Ponyville looking for peace and quiet, but that statement seemed off somehow. Then there were the bruises on her face. Anyone who saw them could see they were from a fight. Not to mention, Violet had seemed worn out, like she hadn't slept in weeks. And now Twilight had received a letter warning of a dangerous former cop?

Then it clicked. Violet had run away from an abusive relationship. Since Fleet was an officer, she'd have no other choice, would she? As for Frostfall's letter, clearly they'd caught wind of Fleet's abuse. Knowing that he would likely try and pursue Violet, they had written ahead to warn the authorities of other towns to prevent Fleet from causing further harm.

Now that she'd figured out the truth, Twilight knew that she had to tell Violet what was going to happen. She had a right to know, after all.

Twilight stopped pacing. Turning around, she walked out of the library. She found Spike sitting outside the doors and nudged him. Spike stood up.

"Oh, hey Twilight," he said. "What was all that about?"

"I'll explain on the way," said Twilight. "Right now we need to get to Sweet Apple Acres. There's something important I need to tell Apple Jack."

.....

"Hooey!" exclaimed Apple Jack. "I gotta tell ya, nothin' works up an appetite like an honest day's work!"

"Tell me about it," said Lilac. "I'm so hungry I could eat a haystack!"

This statement was answered almost immediately by a loud growl. Startled, Lilac glanced around and realized that Big Mac was blushing. He grinned sheepishly.

"Tell ya what," said Apple Jack. "Whataya say we take a break? It's time we had lunch anyhow."

"Sounds good to me," said Lilac.

.....

A little while later they were seated under the apple trees. Apple Jack leaned against a tree trunk, occasionally sipping from a bottle of apple juice. Lilac sat opposite her, quietly munching her way through a dandelion sandwich. Sitting beside her was Big Mac, who was gradually chomping through his second sandwich.

The silence, broken occasionally by the sound of wind rustling through the leaves, gave Lilac a sense of peace that she hadn't known for a long time.

It wouldn't last long. Out of the corner of her eye, Lilac could see a pony approaching them. Turning her gaze, she felt her stomach sink.

Princess Twilight Sparkle was walking towards them, and next to her was a small dragon. Although Twilight's expression gave nothing away, Lilac was unsettled by her sudden appearance. Cold sweat broke out on her as her mind began to race. Suppose Twilight knew the truth? No. If that was the case she would have been arrested. Or would she be arrested? Surely she'd be given a chance to explain herself?

Big Mac noticed Lilac's worried expression.

"Are ya feelin' all right, Violet?" he said.

"Huh?" Lilac turned her head. "Oh yeah, I'm fine. But I think we might have company."

"Really? Who?"

In answer, Lilac pointed a hoof in Twilight's direction. Realizing what she meant, Apple Jack stood up just as Twilight reached them.

"Hey Twilight!" said Apple Jack. "Hey there, Spike. What bring you...."

She broke off. Now that Twilight was up close, she looked awkward. Spike, for his part, seemed to be trying very hard not to look in Violet's direction. This made Apple Jack raise an eyebrow.

"Are you all right, sugar cube?" she said to Twilight.

"I'm fine," said Twilight. There was an awkward pause before she said, "Mind if we sit with you?"

"Sure," Apple Jack said slowly. When Twilight and Spike had done so, she did the same. "So, what's up?"

"Well, um..." Twilight said. "It's a little hard to explain. Uh..."

"I know why she's here."

Everyone looked at Lilac. The brown mare was sitting rigidly, and they could see that she was shaking.

"What are ya'll talking about?" said Apple Jack.

Twilight opened her mouth to speak, but Lilac held up a hoof.

"No, I'll explain."

Big Mac didn't understand why, but he scared. He didn't know if it was because of Violet's downcast expression or the resignation in her voice, but this whole situation seemed wrong somehow. He suddenly had the urge to wrap his forelegs around her. But that wouldn't be right. So he remained motionless, watching her.

"The truth is," said Lilac. "I'm not who you think I am."

Author's Note

Oh snap...