The Empire's Descent (First Draft)

Chapter 15: Observations and Calculations

Luca checked the library for Danna and found all the girls in a corner of the expansive room. They tensed, but soon relaxed as he came closer.

"Girls, your doctors are here," Luca informed. They nodded and made their way to the living room with Luca. Ada was leading and the younger girls stayed close behind her, their eyes darting around and scanning every side corridor they passed. It made Luca think how loyal and protective they were of each other, but it also made him sad; their formation was a classic survival manoeuvre and it hurt to think this was all they knew right now.

They entered the living room and something smelled so good!

"Mr. Giordano, I think it's best the girls have a meal first?" Dr. Klaus said while Tiana began serving portions.

"I agree," he nodded.

Dr. Elle would also use this time to observe the dynamics of the family and among the girls. Ada was the protector evinced by the files stating she bore the brunt of the abuse. Also, how she ensures the girls are fed and she gives them some of her portions. Even though, the girls clearly have enough and she is even more underweight than they are; their BMI revealing this. She also placed the girls further away from everyone else and Dr. Elle noted that Ada knew she was observing.

The brunch went smoothly enough, but she noticed Ada's sweater pocket had some packaged snacks in it and a look at the other girls revealed same. Dr. Elle noted that it, most likely, is a survival tactic to hoard food because they didn't know when next they would be fed.

Luca was making casual conversation with the girls and the younger ones seemed to be receptive enough, but Ada kept looking around. The doctor also noted that Mma had what she dubbed a nervous tic until she could more closely assess the girl. It was measured and rhythmic, was she counting the seconds?

Ada was annoyed at the woman staring at them, but she knew the woman was only doing her job, but the incessant jotting was driving Ada up the wall! What was she writing? Ada managed to eat half the meal before her consisting of whole grain bread, porridge which she suspected had protein powder in it, some Pedialyte and various fruit and nut snacks.

"Ada, eat some more," Luca looked over at her.

"Actually, Mr Giordano, she did well," Dr. Klaus interjected with a look that Luca knew meant she would explain later.

"Oh, well, good job, Tesoro," Luca smiled.

Ada smiled and shifted her plate to Mma who happily ate half and then passed it to Danna who finished the rest. The adults looked on in fascination; the girls' behaviour was interesting and tells so much of the life they lived and the bond they have. Dr. Elle's pen scribbled again.

The girls retreated in their minds like they used to in the cage and waited for something to happen. Ada began reciting the elements she had spot and the various experiments she could engage in with them. Danna began thinking of the latest Philosophy book she had read and the theory of moral particularism which she found especially interesting. Mma had begun calculating the volume of the items she could spot in the dining room.

Luca was a little disturbed by the absent looks on their faces and he turned to Dr. Elle who had her head down, scribbling furiously before she came up for air.

"Mr. Giordano, I would like a word with you," she gestured to the living room and the scraping of the chair shocked the girls out of their reverie. It reminded them of the door to the cage scraping against the ground when Marlon came for Ada. So, it was only natural they were visibly panicked.

"Girls, calm down, you're okay," Luca rushed to reassure.

It took a beat, but they were as settled as they could be.

"I'm just going to talk to Doc here in the living room," he informed and left shortly thereafter.

The girls went back to their seated state, but they didn't imagine again. Ada pulled out a paper and pencil and set out some problems for Mma to solve; the little one had always been extremely proficient in calculations and Ada strived to encourage that so even in the cage, Ada gave her homework which she enjoyed when it was Math, Sciences, English, Literature-- everything! Danna, too, got homework, but the Arts were her joy, Math and everything else was of the devil. So, they spent their time in captivity.

"So, do you think you can help them?"

"I have the right tools to help them, but it's a partnership and the girls would have to work with me," she advised.

"I'll do what I can to help".

"Much appreciated. I'll be taking my leave now; I've observed enough for today. I'll communicate the details of the treatment plan in the next few hours and I would like to start sessions as soon as possible. We will also begin Adamma's speech training".

"That would be lovely, thank you," Luca shook hands and saw her out. He felt a smile creep on his face that things were headed in the right direction. He went back in the dining area to let the girls know they could leave the table. They quickly rushed out-to the library, he supposed.

'Lorenzo, you're in charge of the staff. Please, keep a watchful eye,' he texted and he was serious.

'Yes, sir' Lorenzo understood Luca's seriousness what with new people in the house. He left his room to round up the new staff and give them the house rules.

Luca's phone buzzed, it was Diego letting him know Ms. Banks was in their care now and things went smoothly. Luca sighed in relief.

'Let me know when you're almost in Hellshire'.

'Yes, sir'.

Luca ran through his checklist:

1. The girls' healthcare team- check;

2. Cecilia's safety- check;

3. Sniveling bastard- at large;

4. Giordano Industries- adjustments needed;

5. Meal plan from Dr. Klaus because he didn't want her in this house any longer- let's do that now.

"Dr. Klaus, have you devised a meal plan for the girls?"

"Er- yes, sir," She went to her bag, pulled out a binder and handed it to Luca. He thumbed through it and realized it was quite detailed and she seemed to have prepped for two months' worth of meals.

"Thank you very much, Doctor. This looks comprehensive and organized," Luca praised.

Dr. Klaus simply nodded and offered a polite smile.

"If that will be all, I'll take my leave and they can just see their paediatrician to monitor their health. Fast food is also okay for them once a week," she advised before gathering her things.

Luca saw her to the door and shook hands with her once more; her grip was still loose. Meal plan- check. Luca headed to his office to get some work done before the call to pick up Cecilia came.

'Standby' came Malco's text.

Luca hoped it would be good news because he was really irritated that the son-of-a-bitch has evaded him too many times. Plus, the rat needed to be apprehended. Luca's phone rang twelve minutes later.

"Come in," Luca informed.

"Sir, my informant got his information from a broker in the town the girls were held in," Malco reported.

"So, it's not our Family?"

"No, sir. His name is Thomas "Sly-finger Jhono" Odell, should we pick him up?"

"Yes, he's going to give me his boss".

"You want to see him, sir?" Malco asked in surprise.

"It doesn't matter if they see me; none will live to tell," Lucifer promised.

"Yes, sir. We're transferring him to the Basement in ten hours. Over?"

"Over," Luca ended the call.