THE HANDSOME DOLL

CHAPTER XXX

When the waiter change the table into a small tea party, I then begin my inquiries.

"How was it then Mr. La Fontant?"

They all look at me, with furrow eyebrows. What are those look? Fear? Regret? The silence deafening as my temples starts to pulsate until I can no longer hold my reasons.

I shrug and wipe the corners of my mouth with the table napkin, never wavering my gaze from Mr. Albert. I flashes them a wide smile.

"I mean... both of you were there, right? Oh! I remember that night as clear as crystal... I wonder how it feels to watch a helpless little girl with her mentor's blood splash all over her horror-stricken face?..." I can't believe I'll enjoy watching them as the the blood drain from their faces. I glance at Boss Cheston. His gray eyes emotionless.

"And let's see.. Hmm.. I remember you both standing behind those men, with faces I can't yet picture out but I believe I will, soon.. Why do you smile at me back then Mrs. Margerie, is the scene that funny?.. Don't just look at me people, I deserve explanations, after all its your fault for letting me live... What the hell? Live? Did I really live on after that?

WHY?!" I scream.

They were taken aback.

Mr. Albert grab his napkin with shaking hands. "Its... its not what you think child.."

I will hear his excuse while standing in front of them, my hands clench hard as I lean over the table. Some men step inside but Mrs. Margeri lift a hand to tell them everything's under control.

"Mother.. Old man.. don't tell me.." says Boss Cheston.

I stare at them, eyes burning and breathing heavily as his Father explains it all.

"I believe Mr. Hendricks spoil you damn much, making you believe that the world is fair and just"

"He was a good man, a very honorable man.. he tried to change our clan from murderers and racketeers to landlords, reputable landlords, I was with him walking down the streets as poor people take off their hats as we passed by, some police officers greeted him the same, as well as the priest, all of them respects him, admiring his deeds... He doesn't deserve to die like that!!" I shouted.

"I've know Gregory Hendrick almost all my life child, he called me the night they found you at your old home, doubting whether to send you to the orphanage or gather you under his wings to up bring you into his chosen world and I'm the one next to him when he receives his first death threat from the rival clan of this town.."

It takes minutes for me to absorb what he just revealed.

This time its Mrs. Margerie's turns to speak. "Before you've known Mr. Hendricks, his clan were originally residing at the far countryside. He climb his way to fame in this place by dealing with the black market lords, offering security to politicians, accepting assassination requests and loan sharking.. and since you're his suppose to be successor, I hope you're aware that this town has four different families competing for territory during those times--- fortunately, its our organizations rise to power nowadays."

"I'm aware of that.."

"and I trust you've heard about the Gesseron Family right? the ones we crushed seven years ago.. they were the ones responsible for the massacre on your home that night.. they fear that the rising popularity of Mr. Hendrick's clan will cause wealthy clients to slip away from them.."

"But why are you.."

"We came to arrive at your rescue but we've been awfully late.. All we can do is kill those men before they kill you and your brother.."

"But I'm afraid we're murderers too, child. We're guilty for leading the Gesseron Family right before your doorstep.." Mr. Albert continues. "You heard it right, I am the one who secretly feeds information to the Gesseron Family about your headquarter.."

"You betrayed him." I said in contempt.

"Betrayal is for men who trust other men! We may have known each other for years but we're never been friends. There had been no trust, only mutual desire to share territory. I'm sure Mr. Hendrick will do the same to us if he got the first chance"

Silence.

"He wouldn't do that, he's not a piece of trash like you" I said, my eyes on the verge of crying again but I force myself to remain unmoving.

"We can have you killed right at that very spot chi---"

"FATHER!" Boss Cheston's interrupts. "I'm warning you.."

They both hold each other's glare.

"Of all the ladies out there..." he shout to him and then turn to me. "I should have killed you both way back then.."

There was a long silence again after that.

Both of us. He means harming my brother if i ever lay a hand on him now. I couldn't afford that.

I breathe out and accepted my defeat. "Don't worry Sir, you wouldn't see my face again.."

"Good." he said and lift his hands for his men to come inside.

I start to turn around but Boss Cheston grab me by the wrist until the men get hold of him and all I have to do is snap my hand away and walks, never daring to glance behind.

"Blythe! Wait!" he shouts. "I told you I have you cage if.."

And I hear them knock him off, forcing him to his knees.

I walk away.

Not planning to see the face of that person again.