Chapter Three

    Marigold Twilight, a tall black haired woman in her late 30s open the door. She smiled brightly on seeing who it was.

    "Janelle darling" she greeted and hugged Janelle affectionately.

    "Hi Marigold" Janelle greeted Dael's mother with a sweet smile. She wore a red T-shirt green plaid skirt and red ankle boots. It was cold out, so she also wore a red jacket on top.

    "Come on in!" Marigold ushered in the young girl and closed the door. "Dael's still asleep. You know he came in late last night."

    "Jay" Dael called from a doorway in the corridor. He looked like he had just woken up; his thick black hair was in a mess and he still wore pyjamas.

    He looked her over.

    "Did Christmas come early?"

    She rolled her eyes at him.

    "Shut up and go change"

    She took of her jacket.

    "Aunty Jane!" A girl screamed.

    7 year-old Gabrielle jumped on Janelle. Behind her was calm- looking, 13 year-old Persephone.

    "Hello Aunty Jane. Sorry about Gabrielle" Persephone said with all the calm big sister contempt you could get from a thirteen year old.

    Janelle was already carrying Gabrielle. She smiled at Persephone.

    "Don't worry. Where's Felix?"

    Five year-old Felix came running towards her, arms outstretched.

    "Aunty Jane! Aunty Jane!"

    She picked the little boy up and dropped Gabrielle.

    "Hi Felix! I heard you just celebrated your birthday, how old are you now?"

    "Five! Five!" he declared with childish ecstasy.

    "Five? Well you're a grown man!"

    "Me big boy!" Felix said proudly.

    "But ofcourse you are!" Janelle agreed.

    "You didn't ask my age." Gabrielle complained, pouting. Persephone shook her head.

    "Oh? How old are you,Gabrielle?" Janelle asked

    "10!" she proudly declared.

    "Stop lying." Persephone chided. "She's still seven"

    "No I'm not. Mom says I can be anything I dream, and last night, I dreamt I was ten"

    Janelle patted Gabrielle's head. "Your dream WILL come true, but it'd take a few years."

    "Ugh" Gabrielle was saddened, but she quickly perked up. "Well okay!"

    "Kids, let's allow Janelle come in properly." Marigold finally cut in. They all moved to the living room.

    Gavin Twilight, Dael's Father,sat on an armchair reading a newspaper. Janelle greeted him as she sat on the sofa.

    Gavin regarded her with a smile that brought out the dimples Dael inherited.

    "Hello Janelle. How are you today?"

    "All good." Janelle replied.

    "Breakfast is almost ready." Marigold announced. "Janelle, would you like some?"

    It was a question, but Janelle knew she could NOT refuse.

    "Sure Aunty. I know it would be good."

    "Persephone, please set the table."

    "Yes mom."

    Just then, Dael walked in. He had changed his clothes, brushed his teeth and washed his face. He had also arranged his hair.

    He sat on the arm of the sofa and leaned towards Janelle.

    "You came." he almost whispered.

    "Of course. I said I would." she replied whilst playing with the younger children.

    "Well I'm glad you did." He smiled.

    The Twilight family were the closest people to Janelle. They all knew what Janelle did (though the younger children knew in much less detail), but they kept their lips sealed. They were also the only people Janelle felt anything around. She laughed and played with them, which was something she couldn't bring herself to do with other people.

    In all honesty, Mr and Mrs Twilight had not been exactly happy when their son got a child assassin as a friend, though she had saved his life. They were afraid of the girl and tried to dissolve the friendship, but of course, they fell in love with the little girl and looked to her as a daughter. Since The Man left, the entire family had tried to persuade her to give up assassination and join the family, but she refused.

    Dael stood up.

    "Let's see what's on TV."

    The first channel was a news channel. He changed it.

    "Go back." Janelle ordered. He obeyed.

    The reporter was saying "22 year-old son of Dave Morrison, James Morrison, was found dead in a club bathroom with two large holes in his belly region. Investigations are ongoing, but there's no sign of the murderer or his weapon. The girl last seen with him has been in a state of hysteria and has therefore not been of much use in the investigation.

    "Few can help but wonder if this death is related to the murder of Rachel Morrison, his 19 year-old sister, just two weeks prior."

    Dael muted the TV. Everyone turned to Janelle.

    Gavin asked "Are you related to those murders Janelle?"

    She was smiling. "No, but I think I know who is. It looks like her style. A clean job all round."

    Dael sighed. "Thank goodness you didn't go on a rampage the minute I left you."

    "Yesterday was my day off."

    "Breakfast is ready!" announced Marigold and Persephone simultaneously. Everyone moved to the dining.

    The family talked with Janelle about school. It was agreed that she moved in with them so she could go with Dael.

    Since Janelle already had her important documents, it would not be difficult to register her. The Man had provided all that was needed for the girls to live a normal life. Just incase.

...****************...

    The death of Sarah Morrison was aired a few days later. Her fragile heart could not stand the loss of her husband and kids. She had lain comatose, before slowly slipping away.

    Watching the news, Jean smiled slightly. It was ironic how the poor woman had to pay for the sins of her husband. Then again, she had gladly eaten of the dirty wealth, knowing it's source, so she was as much an accomplice as the madames who housed the trafficked girls.

    Although Jean would have liked to deal with the big boss herself, preparations for school had made her relegate it to a disciple. All she had to do now was wait for her payment.

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