Chapter 70:
Subtle Murder
Cecelia excused herself while the rest of us continued looking at clothing. I stalled as long as I could while she "went to freshen up". If that guard was doing what I thought he was, then I felt no remorse for him. This was the day I spent with Alana, and she was making friends with Rosa. I'd be damned if anyone, and I mean anyone got in the way of that. Especially a damn voyeur pervert.
Alana and Rosa picked out several more outfits, some dresses, others more casual clothing. I was happy to assist and give me opinion, but it was often Sadia and Yuriko who chimed in. I knew nothing about fashion, though Alana seemed to appreciate my thoughts. Smiling anytime I liked something.
By the time they chose a fifth outfit they enjoyed, Cecelia returned. Casually strolling up next to me, I couldn't help but notice a bit of blood on the corner of her blouse.
"Dear..." I called softly, drawing her attention to her blouse.
"Ah...Tch," Clicking her tongue, she quickly found light scarf that matched her blouse; Without missing a beat, she covered the stain with the scarf, "Sorry, love. I tried to be clean...he squirmed too much."
"It's alright," I whispered, shaking my head slightly, "Was it what we thought?"
"Unfortunately," She held out her hand with several small disk shards in it, "All videos of girls from younger than Alana and Rosa, all the way up to adults."
"...Sick bastard," I found my anger rising, but then had a thought, "What about the cameras? Are they disabled or do we need to go into the fitting room?"
"All taken care of, love," She smiled mischievously, "Don't worry about the how."
"...Alright," I smiled back, though a bit nervous.
As Alana and Rosa tried on each outfit, they fit perfectly and soon it was all purchased, including one scarf. I was pleased to see their happy faces, and as we left, I felt a small tap on my left arm. It was Rosa. Her eyes were averted nervously as she shifted her feet.
"Yes?" I asked kindly.
"Uhm..." Glancing up at me, it was obvious she was nervous, "I just...wanted to say thank you, again. I don't know how I can repay you..."
"Rosa..." I said softly, "You don't have to. I'm happy to be able to. For a long time, I could never afford anything. Alana knows that well. Now, I can, and if I am able to do so for either you or Alana, I will."
She frowned slightly, glancing over at Cecelia who was quite intimidating. Motioning for her to head up with the others, she nodded. Left alone with Rosa, she seemed a bit more comfortable without Cecelia so close.
"She's intimidating, I know," I told her, smiling fondly over at my wife, "But she won't harm you. I promise you."
"How do you know?" She asked, worried, "My mother kidnapped you...She killed everyone at the facility. What if-"
"Rosa," I interrupted gently, "Cecelia will not harm you, nor will she harm your mother. I know because I asked her not to. Your mother got this job because of it. Cecelia may be vicious, but only to those who harm, threaten, or are an obstacle for me. Or for her to get to me..."
I laughed lightly, but realized Rosa wasn't quite reassured. Placing my hand on her shoulder cautiously, she flinched but didn't pull away. Squeezing her shoulder reassuringly, I gave her my best smile.
"I promise you, Rosa," I tried my best to sound as convincing as possible, "You and your mother are safe. If anything happens to either of you, I'd be pretty upset, and that's something Cecelia wants to avoid. You seem like a smart girl, so judge for yourself, but I promise you. You're safe."
"O-Okay..." She seemed a bit better, but still unsure.
"I understand it's a lot," Looking over towards Cecelia, she waited for us with Alana, Yuriko, and Sadia, "It took me a while as well. Also...if you really want to pay me back..."
Looking towards her again, I met her eye as best as I can.
"What?" She inquired, seeming rather eager.
"Just be good friends with Alana," I told her, much to her surprise as her eyes went wide and a blush came to her cheeks, "I've seen the way you look at her. I am her uncle, and am very protective of her. I want her happy. So...just be good friends with her, and if things go further...just don't hide it from me."
Now, Rosa's cheeks were really red as she smiled dumbly.
"Y-Yeah...I can do that," She seemed more relaxed now, "I-If that's okay?"
"Of course," I nodded, "Alana is a good kid. She's been through a lot. I love her and will do anything for her. Do you think you can match that?"
A determination entered her eyes as she nodded.
"I want to get to know her first," She said, but was confident, "At the very least...I'd like to be friends with her."
"Good, now..." Turning her towards the rest of the group, I pushed her gently forward, "Let's continue this shopping trip, and don't hold back. Enjoy your time with Alana. I think both of you need it."
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After our heart to heart, Rosa seemed to be more comfortable shopping with Alana. While she looked for permission for things, it was always a yes. Anything either of them wanted, we got. Sadia soon became draped with bags from all the various stores, but the smile she wore as she saw her daughter smiling and enjoying herself felt like it was worth it.
"Let go!" Rosa's voice suddenly called out, causing my head to whip around.
"You're a thief!" A man in a sleek black suit yelled, accosting her.
Holding Rosa by her wrist, Alana was nearby with terror in her eyes. A rage built inside of me as I made my way quickly over to her, but not before Cecelia. Her hand upon the man's wrist, I heard the subtle creaking of bones as the man exclaimed out in pain. His grip releasing Rosa as she ran to her mother's side.
Wrapping my arms around Alana, she held to me tightly, absolutely shaking in fear. "This bastard...Alana's shaking like a leaf." I knew her trauma was kicking in, reminding her of her mother's abusive exes.
"It's not polite to grab young ladies like that," Cecelia threatened, twisting his wrist slightly.
"Agh! Y-You..." He groaned in pain, "That girl stole that!"
With his other hand, he pointed towards Rosa and the beret she wore that we had just bought.
"Sir..." I spoke with steel in my voice, "We just bought that. Yet, you claim she stole it?"
He baulked, looking around as a crowd began to gather. Tilting my head, Cecelia and I locked eyes, exchanging a look. I was furious, holding Alana to me as I consoled her. Cecelia needed no other confirmation.
"Let's discuss this elsewhere," Cecelia smiled sadistically, "I'm sure we can reach some arrangement..."
"What the hell is that guys problem?" I couldn't care less about his reasoning, because right now Alana was petrified.
"Hey..." I spoke softly, stroking her head gently, "It's alright...I'm here. Come on, let's go get something to eat."
"Y-Yeah..." Alana spoke, barely above a whisper, the fear in her voice tore at my heart.
Giving one last glare at the man being dragged off by Cecelia, as they turned a corner, I ignored the muffled scream, covering Alana's ears as I guided her away. The gathering onlookers quickly moved on before they could gather en masse. Though they murmured among themselves, a single look from Sadia and Yuriko silenced them.
By the time Cecelia got back, I had my handkerchief ready, as her cheek bore that familiar red smear. Smiling thankfully, we entered the restaurant for a lovely meal. Alana and Rosa enjoyed the food, and I was happy to see it. Unfortunately, the rest of our trip wasn't as pleasant. However, for Alana and Rosa it was. We made sure of it.
Even Yuriko and Sadia understood the assignment as more obstacles continued to get in our way. From perverts trying to take secret photos, to rude passersby. I distracted Rosa and Alana with looking at various things as the three women took care of business. My handkerchief at the ready, and it was a good thing I carried a few of them.
Thankfully, Sadia and Yuriko were the cleanest.
"Honestly, love," I teased her, wiping some of the blood again as Alana and Rosa looked at some crystal figurines, "You need to learn from Yuriko and Sadia...So messy."
"...Oh, shut up," She blushed, teasing back with a bashful smile.
As I finished up, we were almost done with our trip. As a thanks for all she did, I placed a gentle, loving kiss upon her cheek.
"Thank you, my love," I whispered, her cheeks growing red as she smiled happily.
"Of course," She said, attempting to compose herself, "I've told you before...I'll do anything for you."
Blushing myself, I took her hand in mine as we returned to the rest of the group, making our final purchases before returning home.
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Of course! Hope you and everyone else reading this is enjoying them. :) So, thank you and everyone for reading them.