Demon's Reborn

Chap 9

Bryan went straight to the café written on the paper on the indicated time. He headed straight towards the lady casually sipping her tea and sat across her. "Such a beautiful sight, isn't it," she said looking outside the window. Bryan followed her gaze and was surprised to find his wife and daughter playing at the nursery at the building in front of them. "Can you see the lady playing with them? The blonde one?" she asked. "Yeah, I see her," Bryan answered as he eyes at the lady intently with distrust. The lady suddenly glanced at them which took him by surprise then she looked back to the baby. "Are you sure she can protect them both?" he asked now looking at Yleine who's wearing a shoal and big rimmed sun glasses. "Would you prefer a man then?" she asked with a teasing smile. "I'm only asking if she's capable," he clearified but they both know that he doesn't trust the assigned body guard and neither does he want another man next to his wife and daughter.

"Her name is Vivian. Trust me, she can protect them when that time comes, which we both hope won't come," she said and stared back at him. "I hope you already know the consequence of trying to betray me." "What do you want me to do now?" he asked evading the question. It made her smile. "I just want you to be ready when I call you. I won't forbid you to be with your family of course. You can still live your normal life together. And do not worry about explaining things to your wife, I already talked to her." "What did you tell her?" he asked leaning forward.

"I told her that I hired you as my private aide and explained that your work under me can be as dangerous as your work as a Mole and that she shouldn't be surprised if you ever leave home without saying anything. I already told her that Vivian will help her at anything and is chosen by you specifically. The only thing I cleared between them is that they should always be together, never send either away. Her only responsibility is to be a good wife and a mother. Vivian will take care of the others. Your wife is much easier to talk with than you. She even said that if you trust us then why won't she. She thinks highly of you, so you better not disappoint her." "Is this all we're going to talk about?" he asked while taking glances at the nursery. "We haven't actually started yet."

Luigi went to the police station to have another copy of the report so he could review them. It was given to him automatically so he left the station soon. He again went at the park hoping he could meet Yleine. He was about to read when his phone rang. It was Hale. "Hey," he said. "Are you free today, I would need your assistance about the investigation," Hale said flatly. "I am actually about to read it. What of it?" he asked. "I don't think this is the real finding." "What made you say so?" Luigi asked confused and flipped the pages and started reading them. "I think Venice is still alive," Luigi stopped short and sighed. "Hale are you drunk?" "I'm not kidding Luigi." "So am I. Look, if she really is alive she should've shown herself. No one survived the massacre Hale." "What if she's just hiding somewhere?" "If she is then who's she hiding from?" Hale was quiet. "Look, no Hasfia won't face something or someone with their tail between their legs. They never turn their back nor hide for safety. You know that yourself." "Okay then," Hale said and ended the call.

Luigi read the report more than five times and had not found something suspicious nor something out of place. It's just actually a simple but specific one. And also, reading it again and again only adds weight to his grief so he just slid it in his mailer's bag and laid down on his blanket under the shady tree. Fresh cool air roamed around carrying sweet scents from blooming flowers nearby. Birds perched on the tree branches made such a beautiful music that made him think of the place where Venice brought him that last day he had with her. But instead of feeling a little joy, he felt saddened so he kept it away and thought of other things until he fell asleep.

Then there was humming, and someone caressing his hair. It felt nice and comforting, like of a mother singing her child to sleep. He woke up. When he opened his eyes, he saw her. Smiling, looking somewhere ahead of her, humming, and still caressing his hair. She's not a beggar anymore. She smelt nice and is wearing decent clothes. She's really more like a secret agent. There's just no way a beggar can change this much in such a short time, he smiled at the thought and at the lady whose lap he's laying his head on. "I'm sorry, did I wake you up?" her gentle voice almost made his heart melt. "I'm glad it did or I might not be able to see you again," she smiled and looked down at him still brushing her fingers on his hair. "I'm sorry I ran away last time, I just had to," she apologized and she mean it. He shook his head slowly. "As long as you're safe, I'd be at ease," he smiled.

"Why do you care so much for me? We just met not so many weeks ago," she asked sounding really confused. "Do I really have to answer that?" he asked and she nodded. "I want to know because maybe... maybe it is what is urging me to see you," she looked away again but not smiling anymore. It made him happy. "Well maybe because I really wanted you to be safe like... I want to take care of you and...--Can you still remember what I told you back at Gilbert's office? I mean it." "I see," she whispered. Even if she's looking away, he knows she's crying, but quietly. He sat up and held her in his arms. She didn't resist.

"Yleine, do you want to stay with me?" She withdrew herself and wiped her tears with her fingers then smiled at him. "Isn't it too early for a proposal?" she asked and Luigi's face went hot. She stood up and fixed her long dress. "Thank you but, I have to go." "Go where?" he stood up having the feeling of fear. "Go where? Take me with you," he said anxiously. She shook her head in disagreement. "I don't need to take you with me because fate always brings us together. Thank you, Luigi. Until we meet again," she gave him a soft kiss on his cheek and swiftly disappeared from his sight. Stunned, his heart starting to be filled with grief again, he's not able to even see which direction she went. Hoping he could still spot her, he shifted his feet and turned to all directions. He's lost her again.