The Landlord

forty seven - protection

[third person's pov]

Larissa was focused on accommodating a few friends from the FBI who had come to pay their respects for Carol. The room was filled with soft murmurs and the scent of lilies, creating an atmosphere that felt both heavy and comforting.

“Larissa, it’s so good to see you,” said Mark, wrapping her in a gentle hug. “I’m really sorry about Carol. She was such a bright light and a great loss to Waterloo Homes."

“Thank you, Sir,” Larissa replied, her voice barely above a whisper. “It will be tough without her.”

Katherine, also a colleague, standing nearby, added, “Remember that time Carol organized that surprise party for your birthday? She really knew how to make everyone feel special.”

“Yeah, that was something,” Larissa said with a shrug, her expression unchanged. “She had a knack for those things, but life goes on, doesn’t it?"

Mark nodded, searching for the right words. “It just feels so sudden. She had so much left to give. I hope she gets the justice she deserves. But I trust you, Larissa. I know you'll take care of it. She was your closest friend."

Her gaze drifted to the corner of the room, where Carol’s empty chair stood. For a brief moment, her composure faltered, and a flicker of pain crossed her face. “I just wish…” she started, then paused, forcing a smile. “Well, I guess wishing won’t help. We’ll just carry on, like we always do.”

Katherine nodded, sensing the tension beneath Larissa's calm facade. “You know, we could do something in her honor. Maybe a small gathering with the agents?”

“Yeah, that sounds nice,” Larissa replied, her tone flat. “Just something simple. Carol would have liked that.” She turned back to the conversation, pushing her feelings deeper down, masking her grief with practicality.

Larissa smiled at the memory, but her gaze drifted around the room. Just moments ago, she had seen Aliyah chatting with some Ely and Florence, but now she was nowhere to be found. “Has anyone seen the young lady? The one wearing a skirt?” Larissa asked, her heart beginning to race.

"Oh, the beautiful girl? I haven't seen her for awhile."

"Will you excuse me for a moment?" she said before leaving her colleagues. She immediately went to Abby and Morticia, who were standing in front of Carol's coffin. "Have you ladies seen Aliyah?" she asked, gulping.

"She was with Yoko and Enid," Morticia replied.

Larissa quickly scanned the room for Yoko and Enid to confirm if Aliyah was with them. When she spotted them, her heart sank; Aliyah wasn’t there. Panic started to rise in her chest. “Where could she be?” Larissa muttered, feeling a knot of worry tighten within her.

“Maybe she stepped outside?” Abby suggested, her voice tinged with concern.

“Yeah, maybe,” Larissa said, but the uncertainty gnawed at her. She took a deep breath, forcing herself to focus. “I’ll check the lobby. Can you both stay here and keep an eye out? Also, talk to Enid and Yoko if they saw her.”

“Of course,” Morticia assured her, but Larissa didn’t wait for a response. She moved swiftly through the crowd, her mind racing as she searched for Aliyah, the weight of grief and worry pressing down on her.

Feeling increasingly anxious, she returned to Abby and Morticia. “I didn’t find her in the lobby,” Larissa said, her voice tight. “We need to ask around. She’s not anywhere I expected.”