Chapter 20

A second month passed as Aless and her friends worked for the Wes. In the small town, all four were adopted by the people, especially Kay and Rafita. Kay, being a young, pretty waitress, became the center of attention at the restaurant with a small cult following of country boys and men. Reveling in the fandom, Kay spent her days flirting and taking orders, managing to save up enough money to pay back the Wes and treat herself to new clothes. In contrast, Rafita was adored by the older women in town. They fussed over her, calling her the little sweet chil'. They always brought their grand-kids over for Rafita to play with, which was really wonderful because it kept her from being bored, sitting around the restaurant. It allowed her to be a real child for a while.

It always seemed to Aless that only she and Jesus were working. Kay spent so much time flirting, Aless hardly thought of Kay as working and Rafita was too young to work. Jesus's culinary skills had made the restaurant even more popular, so he was always over run with orders and requests. At the store, Aless was usually bored during the day, but nights could be overwhelmingly busy. After only a few weeks, the Wes taught her to take inventory and order supplies. Even being a small store, the extra work was time consuming. Yet Aless liked being able to help the Wes after all they were doing for her and her friends.

The wonderful thing about the small town was that everyone was extremely welcoming and pleasant to the four. They never asked questions or pushed any issues about where the four came from or where they were going. Aless was sure that they talked about it among themselves, but, as long as they didn't make an issue about it and were respectful, it didn't matter to her. No one really seemed to have an interest in finding out the truth. Even Madame Wes didn't press the issue.

After two months in town, the four children finally looked healthy. Their faces were fuller and their figures no longer looked emaciated. Despite the weight gain, Madame Wes still fed them as if they were starving. Kay complained that Madame Wes was going to make her fat to which Madame Wes would reply that Kay would be so lucky. The rest of the group got a big laugh out their regular exchange.

During their down time, Jesus and Alessandra would go for walks to talk. Rafita was too young to talk and understand the issues that were concerning Jesus. Originally Kay had joined them, but with her new fame, Kay was far too involved with her admirers to make the time for Aless and Jesus. Kay and Aless still talked at night, which Kay seemed to prefer. It was odd to Aless, who had noticed that Kay was only happy when she and Aless hung out alone. This fact Aless kept to herself. Jesus and Aless had agreed early on not to talk about Kay, because it often led to arguments. So, instead they focused on the slave hunt, something Kay refused to talk about.

"Do you still have the note?" he asked one day as they were walking along the local train tracks.

He was referring the note on the money. It was a frequent item of discussion.

"Yeah."

"Are you still reading it every night?"

"Almost."

"Why?"

"I don't know. I keep thinking that it has some clue in it to who sent it and why. I mean do you think it is just a coincidence? Was it by chance that it got into my bag?"

"No. I don't. I mean there were how many different slaves and yet it got into your bag. It wasn't even in the top like it had been put there last minute. It was wrapped up in your sleeping bag. That tells me it was planned."

"But by who?"

"Could it be Dominic?"

"No. He would rather me be starving and struggling so that way when he finds me, he will appear to be the savior and I would have to be 'grateful.'"

Jesus nodded. They had discussed Dominic several times and in length. Jesus agreed that Aless hadn't seen the last of Dominic. Even though Dominic had told Aless that they would never run into each other again, Aless wasn't stupid. Dominic lied like most people breathed. He hadn't "won" which meant that Alessandra would see Dominic again. She knew in her heart that it wasn't the end.

"What about that Jᴔnsa guy?"

"Yeah, I thought about that too. Actually, I keep coming back to him, but why? I mean if he wants me as a slave, why help me?"

"Some twisted pleasure or something?"

"I don't know. It could be that old lady who was at the auction. She didn't think I should be a slave. I could tell. And she hated Dominic. That was easy enough to see. Maybe she did it to help me get back home. Deity knows she's got the money to do it."

"Possible."

They were silent for a while, walking under the stars.

"Do you think it will be over when we get home?" she murmured, gazing at the stars.

"No," Jesus said firmly. "I don't think it will ever be over. They said that it won't end until the last slave gets home or is captured. That could take years. Even if we are home, we are free game until the last slaves end up somewhere and even then, how are we to know it's really over?"

"Sorry."

"For what?"

"I'm pretty sure that Kay and I are the farthest ones to go. It's going to take forever to get home. I mean we are, what, just on the edge of the Frying Pan. We are far from our home. It will never end."

"Hey, that's not your fault and you never know what is happening with the others."

"I guess."

"We are going to make it. You and I. Rafita and Kayla. We are going to make it home."

"I wish I had your confidence. Sometimes I think it would be best if I just stay here."

"Why do you say that?"

"I'm not sure what I'm going home to anymore. I mean I know you say Danny is probably waiting for me, but what about my dad? Sadly, I have felt more welcomed and loved here than I have at home in over seven years. I'm not sure I can go home to that empty house again."

"Your dad will be there waiting for you just like Danny. He's your dad. I'm sure he's helping the cops look for you. You must know he loves you."

"I used to think so, but I just don't know anymore."

"Aless…"

"Tell me about that new recipe you are working on."

Sighing, Jesus took the hint and allowed the conversation to change without a pause. They talked for another hour before heading off to bed. Once tucked in with Kay sleeping on her chest as usual, Aless reached under her pillow and pulled out the envelope she looked at almost every night. Kayla snored slightly and hugging Aless tighter in her sleep.

I have sinned more than the Three-Eyed Cąȶ.

"Who are you, sinning man?" Alessandra whispered to the card. "Who are you and what do you want?"

The next morning Alessandra opened the store bright and early as always. She stocked the shelves and got the orders together. Her usual clients came in and the evening rush came and went. The store was a simplistic job, but she was happy to help the Wes any way she could. She liked helping them. Around seven she decided to read the old magazines that always sat on the counter. Aless adored them. They were at least twenty years old and it made her laugh to read about their estimates on the future in politics, technology and entertainment.

Hindsight is 20-20 she mused to herself. The door jingled as someone walked in. All the orders had already been filled for the day, so Aless figured that it was just someone browsing or picking up a few things for dinner. They would call for her if they needed anything. Her nose was buried in the magazine when a thunk on the counter made her look from behind it.

A six pack and a bag of beef jerky were on the counter. Trucker she figured without even looking up, typing in the items to the register.

"Twelve dollars and seventy-eight cents," she chimed.

"Is a twenty okay?" a soft, eerily silkily voice inquired.

Turning, Alessandra looked up into a face. At first Aless thought the man was black skinned. Not dark skinned as so many people were, but literally black skinned. Staring transfixed, it slowly dawned on Aless that the man was not black, but that every inch of his skin was tattooed with small dots and triangles. Whatever his real skin tone was laid hidden under the ink. Never had Aless seen such intense tattooing. He had no visible Josӕng, the tattoos even covering his eye lids. His eyebrows had been removed to expose the skin for tattooing. The dark black of the tattoos made his eye jump out of his face. They were small, burning, and two different colors. The left eye was a rich mauve color, while the right was a pebble gray. Despite the difference in color, both eyes seemed to have a yellow ring around the iris that mimicked a glowing ember.

"Sure. No problem," she smiled.

Shaking off her initial surprise, Aless reached for the twenty, noticing that the man's skin was remarkably smooth. The tattooing had not pebbled or scarred his skin at all. And there was something delicate about the shape of his nose and mouth, contrary to the largeness of his body, hands, and muscles. His calm, dead eyes held Aless's gaze. As she took the money, the man, Cain, studied her. He figured she must be an idiot to smile at him in such a way. No one ever smiled so sincerely at him. They usually forced a smile or look terrified. Either way Cain could smell their trepidation like perfume. This girl seemed too placid and normal.

"What is your name?" he inquired purposefully.

Widening his smile, Cain wanted to see if it would intimidate her.

"I'm Aless," she grinned back.

In her usual good mood, Aless smiled so wide her eyes shut so it looked like she had three smiles on her face instead of one.

"How about you? I haven't seen you around before? New in town?"

"Cain. I'm just passing through."

"Trucker?"

"No."

"Oh, was just a guess. We have a lot of them passing through this time of year."

"I have other business."

"Really? What kind?"

"I'm a finder."

"Oh cool. Like those TV shows of people finding lost stuff or junk that is actually worth a fortune?"

"Something like that."

His smile had ebbed into a genuine one. Very few people talked to him like she was, as if he was a real person. Despite himself, Cain found that he was enjoying it. The girl, Aless, was a tiny thing compared to him. Her hair a fun mess and her eyes kind.

"Did you stop for some snacks and food or for the night?"

"For the night, unfortunately. My car blew out a tire."

"Happens a lot around here. Those damn tumbleweeds get into people's gears and the rocks bust people's tires. No one ever seems to realize how tough those tumbleweeds are."

"Yeah."

"If you're looking for a great dinner, you should try the diner down the street. Great food. The owners own this store as well. Nicest folks you've ever met. Plus, the chef is amazing. You can tell them Aless sent you and you should get a small discount."

"Oh…thank you."

"No problem. It's better than living on beer and beef jerky."

Grunting, Cain said nothing. He could tell that their conversation was over, but he didn't want to leave just yet. Aless went back to her magazine and hadn't given him another thought. Sure, he was an intimidating man, but it didn't bother her. After Dominic few people scared Aless. She interpreted his quiet voice as being shy or maybe it was to make up for the fact that he was so big and covered in tattoos. Back in high school, Aless had known a boy who was about Cain's size, tall and extremely muscular, but it made the boy self-conscious because he was "too big" in his mind's eye and everyone thought he would be tough and mean. Maybe it was the same for Cain.

After a few minutes, Cain left. He felt silly for standing near the counter when the girl had become absorbed in her magazine again. It was possible if he started talking again, she would talk back, but that felt needy to him. It didn't matter anyways. He couldn't afford to be distracted from his mission. Jᴔnsa had sent him out to trail a special slave. The other men were already chasing the rest of the slaves that Cain's master had bid on, but Cain had been trusted with a special slave while Jᴔnsa dealt with business. The other men had described her as a potentially dangerous, which intrigued Cain.

Cain didn't have a picture of the girl, but he had the general description. Eighteen, pretty enough…that described most women though. He couldn't recall the girl's name. Jᴔnsa always referred to her as the Lassie. Since his car had broken down, Cain had called Jᴔnsa and been told he would receive a care pack soon with a photo of the girl and her name. They couldn't send by phone because that was too easily traced.

"What if I come across her before then, sir?" Cain had inquired. "How will I recognize her?"

"Trust me, Cain, you'll know my lassie when you see her," was all Jᴔnsa had said.

So now Cain was stuck in this godforsaken town, which looked like it was from an old movie. His hotel room barely had a door tall enough for him to walk through. He knew that everyone in town must already know that he was there. Word travels fast in such a town. The only bright spot was the girl behind the counter. Of course, she had to be short a few bricks to be acting so normal around him. He could have fun with that though.

Entering his room, Cain set the beer down and collapsed on the bed, causing it to creek in protest against his massive weight. Ripping the bag of jerky open, he started eating as the TV blinked on with an old sitcom. Ugh. He hated happy people.

Aless closed up the shop that night and strolled home. It was a warm summer night and she could feel her shirt starting to stick to her. The Frying Pan was alright, but nowhere she would personally live. Too hot and dry. There was a crunching noise and Alessandra stopped. Her ears pricked as she looked around. Master Wes had stopped walking her home a couple weeks ago, at her insistence, but now her skin crawled. Someone was near bye, but she couldn't see them.

Taking a deep breathe, she started walking again, trying to seem casual. Had she been found? Was it Dominic? Cahan? Any of the other slave hunters? Aless strolled to the diner, whose bright sign she could see even from a distance. Her heart was pounding so loud that it filled her ears. It made it difficult to hear anything else.

"Aless!" a voice called, making Alessandra jump a little.

Squinting, Alessandra saw Jesus waving his hands in front of the diner. He was wearing his cook's uniform and big smile. Sighing, Aless waved back before jogging to him.

"What's up, Jesus?" she laughed.

Giving him a hug, she felt his sweaty body stick to her momentarily.

"Ugh, Jesus, you need a shower."

"Hey, you try working behind a hot stove all day."

"Pashaw, women's work."

Winking at him, Aless ducked as he swung playfully at her. Wrapping his arm around her, Jesus nodded to the window in which Alessandra could see Kayla blushing as some well-to-do man brushed hair back from her cheek.

"I had to get out for a minute. Was going to puke," Jesus scoffed, rolling his eyes.

"Who's that?"

"You know Madame Bittmen?"

"Yeah?"

"That's her wealthy, successful grandson she always talking about. He's in town for the week for a visit. Of course, when he came in this afternoon for lunch, Kayla made a bee line to him. I think she can smell money."

"Yeah, I think we could rent her out as a blood hound or something."

"So he came back for dinner, alone of course, to see her. It's damn nauseating."

"Well, good for her?"

"Whatever. Just come in and keep me company so I don't slit my own wrists from listening to them or stab my ears with the meat thermometer."

"Gave that a lot of thought, have you?"

"Been three hours, Aless…Three hours!"

"Ouch…"

Giggling, Aless walked in the restaurant with Jesus's arm still around her. As soon as the door opened, she could hear Kayla's familiar flirtatious laugh. Instantly, she had the urge to use the meat thermometer as well. Taking a deep breath, Alessandra put her arm around Jesus's waist and gave it a squeeze.

"We'll make it through," she said, trying to appear solemn.

"Yeah, but Kayla might not."

Both laughed as the diner's door shut behind them.

Watching from an alley across the street, Cain thrust his jaw from side to side as he thought. He had seen the girl leave her store and followed her. The hotel room was boring and he couldn't stop thinking about her smile.

As she walked, alone, in the dark, Cain had considered snatching her. She would keep him entertained for a few days before he could leave. Then he could make it look like she had an accident or something. Girls from small towns were always running away with truckers, etc. Yet as he had taken his first step to grab her, the loose gravel under his feet had crunched and she stopped.

Her hearing must be exceptional, because she looked right in his direction. She hadn't seen him since his darken skin melded so beautifully in the shadows, but Aless had known where the sound came from.

Yet when the girl had looked around, right at him, Cain had felt his heart stop. Her eyes were so aware, sharp, keen and intelligent. For a moment, he was sure he had been following the wrong girl. However, it was Aless from the store. Cain knew that. The sweetness that masked her face seemed to have slipped off and he saw the raw strength underneath. This revelation distracted him long enough that an unknown boy appeared from the diner Aless was heading to.

She had run to him and given him a hug. Cain sneered at the two of them. He had lost his opportunity, but there would be others. He noted, as he watched them talk for a few minutes, that the boy was not typically handsome, the type Cain pictured with Aless. Compared to the Aless, the boy was almost homely, though not yet to that extreme. They were talking and watching a girl in the window.

Cain directed his gaze to the girl as well and smirked. Slut. He knew a slut when he saw one and he knew he was looking at one. Probably would trade her own mother for a man with money. Maybe that was the one Jᴔnsa was talking about. Jᴔnsa had said he would know her when he saw her. Sure she didn't have blonde hair, but women dye their hair all the time. It had probably been dyed blonde and grew out on the road. Or, maybe she had dyed it brown. Her hair was streaked with honey blonde as if it was resisting brown dye.

"Found ya," he growled in the dark.

He watched the girl blush coyly as a man in an expensive suit brushed hair from her cheek. She definitely was Cahan's usual type, pretty, large breasted, and shallow. Yet how this girl could ever be viewed as a threat by his Cahan's other men, Cain didn't know. Maybe they were as pathetic as he always thought they were. Annoyed, Cain realized he would have to check out the diner after all.

Aless worked solidly for the next three days. She found herself growing restless. She didn't know why but her guts were twisted in trepidation. Something was going to happen and happen soon, but what? There were barely any new people in town. Those who were new had all made their way to the store and Alessandra was keeping an eye on them.

Cain came to visit her once a day for beer. They would talk and she found him to be pleasant enough. He was definitely shy, she decided, as he always appeared to want to talk more, yet never did. He would just stand there awkwardly, watching her. At first it had made her uncomfortable; however, by the second day, she just took the hint and started talking to him. She led the conversations and before she knew it his five minutes beer runs would turn into an hour or an hour and a half.

Every time Aless saw him, she couldn't believe his size. He was the tallest man she'd ever seen, outside of movies and TV shows. Guessing, Alessandra placed him at about six-six, maybe six-seven. He was easily double her in width, though she knew it wasn't fat. One day he came in and found her drawing.

It started a discussion on secret talents. Explaining how she had always loved to draw, Aless showed him some of her sketches. Cain appeared impressed, which pleased her. She was proud of her work but was always cautious about letting others see it.

"Do you have any special skills?" she beamed.

She slid her sketch pad away.

"Not really," he said in his soft voice.

He thought in his mind, "None that you'd want to know about anyways."

"Come on. No party tricks or anything?" she nudged him, her smiling catching.

"Uh…maybe one thing."

"Really what?"

"I can do a trick with an apple."

"An apple? What can you do?"

"It just a little trick. Nothing impressive."

"Go to the back and grab an apple. I want to see. You're probably just being modest. Don't worry about it. I'll pay for the apple."

"I don't…"

"Go!"

Aless walked from behind the counter and pushed Cain towards the fruit section of the store. Stunned, Cain started walking. That little girl had pushed him. Not in an aggressive way but none the less…that had never happened to him before.

After a few short minutes, he came back with an apple the size of Aless's clenched fist. She leaned on her elbows, eager to see the trick. Her eyes were wide and Cain, again for the first time in his life, felt uncomfortable under her gaze. It was as if her opinion mattered. Clearing his throat, Cain put the apple between his massive index and middle finger.

Curious, Aless leaned forward a bit more and wondered what in the world Cain was going to do. He made sure the apple was placed just right then smiled at her as he squeezed his two fingers together.

It was an amazing trick. His fingers sliced through the apple as if it was butter. There was a small crunching sound as they broke past the skin and through the core. Aless felt her jaw fall open as the two, almost even halves, dropped onto the counter.

Cain studied her face as she stared transfixed on the halves. Was she impressed or scared? He couldn't tell from her expression. After a long moment, in which he felt the discomfort slipping back in, Aless looked up, starry eyed and opened mouthed.

"That was awesome!" she squealed.

Jumping up and down on the balls of her feet a little, she clasped her hands in front of her.

"I can't believe you can do that! That was just…like oh my Deity! So cool!"

"Really?"

"Really! Can you do other fruit? How did you learn how to do that? Did it take practice? You must be so strong! Does it work on bigger fruit? Softer fruits? What about vegetables? Or are apples just your thing?"

Her questions bombarded him and Cain didn't know what to do or what to answer. She reminded him a little puppy, who just learned how to play fetch. It overwhelmed him a bit. And despite himself, though no one could tell due to his tattooed skin, Cain felt his cheeks blush.

"I can do it with a lot of things. The bigger it is, the hard it is, because I can't fit it between my fingers."

"Oh…duh on my part."

She grinned foolishly. Alessandra could not believe that Cain could do that. As a kid she had heard her grandfather talk about man he served in the military with who had done the same trick, but she had figured it was a war tale. But Cain could. It was amazing! It made her feel silly, but she really wanted to see it again. From the way Cain kept looking at her face then down at his feet, Alessandra was sure he wasn't used to such attention. It was sweet. He must have had a hard time growing up with such strength.

"Remind me to never piss him off," she thought as she picked up one of the halves and studied it.

Though being kidnapped from her home and life in general had been awful and still was awful, a part of Aless was grateful. If she hadn't been, Aless would never have experienced some many new things. The people, and talents, and events! It was just something you couldn't find normally.

"Do you want to try it?" Cain offered.

He nodded to the fruits in the back.

"Me? No…" she chuckled at the thought. "Look at me, Cain. I'm nowhere strong enough or big enough to pull off that trick. Give me a grape and I'll do that."

"Sounds like a plan."

"Sure, then we can make at traveling show…Come see Cain the amazing apple slicer and Aless the grape squisher!"

Cain raised an eyebrow but didn't see the humor in her suggestion. Shrugging Alessandra sighed. So, he didn't really have the best humor. He was still a nice guy.

Alessandra did notice that aside from his daily visits to her store, Cain always went to the diner at least once a day, usually towards the end. She would have thought that this was suspicious, but the diner was the best restaurant in town, and almost everyone ate there once a day or once every other day.

Unlike Aless though, Kayla was not a fan of the large man. Truth was Cain gave her the creeps. She didn't like his soft voice and smile. It reminded her of a cat. The first time she had served him, his smile had sent unpleasant shivers down her back. Kay knew that Aless hung out with Cain at the store, but she couldn't understand how her best friend could spend so much time talking to the man. He always talked like he was at a funeral and his eyes felt empty to her.

Cain's eyes reminded her of Dominic's but without the charm to distract from them. Unfortunately, as much as she wanted to and tried, she couldn't avoid Cain's gaze. And since he wasn't a bad tipper and he never acted rudely, Kayla couldn't complain to Madame Wes. Yet every time he walked through the door Kay could sense it. It was like an icy hand had touched the back of her neck.

By the middle of the week, his presence ended up becoming more and more of a distraction. Kayla could have sworn she saw him outside the diner when it closed, in the alley across the way, watching. Watching who or what she wasn't sure. But Kay could feel him there.

And he was. Cain would watch Kayla every day. The more he did, the surer he was that she was the girl Jᴔnsa had been talking about. There was no accounting for taste, but his master wanted what he wanted. He could have easily snatched the girl at any time but knew it would do no good until his car was fixed. And if, by small margin of error, he was wrong, Cain would rather be safe than sorry with Jᴔnsa. To play it safe, Cain decided to wait since the package would be there in a few days.

Despite knowing that Kayla was his objective, Cain couldn't help following Aless. He would walk her home, though she didn't know. Every time he would plan on taking her. It would be so easy. He liked her, in his own way. She would be fun to have even if for only a few days. Yet every night something would make him pause.

"Tomorrow," he would tell himself as she would enter the diner. "I'll just take her tomorrow."

When his stay reached a week in length, Cain began to feel uneasy and tense. The blown-out tire had mutated into serious car problems. As a result, his car had need parts ordered, stranding him in the Deity forsaken town. On top of that, Jᴔnsa's instructions wouldn't arrive for two more days. There had been delays with the post due to federal interference. Cain was ready to move on. He was stifled in the small town. He hadn't done what he did best in three weeks. His fingers were itching to do some harm. Yet like the gift that kept on giving, Alessandra provided him with an opportunity to exercise his urges.

By a week in Kay was a jumble of nerves in Cain's presence. Whenever he was in the restaurant, Kay became jumpy and distracted. On that day, as she was trying to cut lemons, she felt the familiar cold touch on her neck which signaled that Cain had come into the diner. The sensation caused her to jump nearly out of her skin. Memories flashed into her mind of the fevered dreams she had been having since he arrived. Gasping, her hands jerked, slicing her index finger with the lemon knife clear to the bone. Stunned, Kay stared at it for a long moment before Jesus noticed her and saw the blood.

"Holy Three-Eyed Cąȶ, Kayla," he sucked in air.

Grabbing a towel and wrapping her hand up tight, Jesus called to Madame Wes.

"Madame Wes! We need to get Kayla to the emergency room!"

Madame Wes acted fast, swooping up her car keys and grabbing Kayla around the shoulder. Kay followed in shock, not talking or even crying, just staring at the blood that seeped into the towel.

"Hun," Madame Wes called to her husband, "get Aless over here to help serve. We can close the shop for today."

"Yes, Merry," her husband nodded.

Immediately, Master Wes picked up the phone and dialing the store. The only thing Kayla registered was Cain, holding the door open, his eyes meeting with hers. The thought that entered her mind as she was rushed past him was, "This man is going to kill me one day."

Receiving the call, Alessandra rushed over. Master Wes had only said that Kay had been hurt and they needed Aless at the restaurant while Kay went to the emergency clinic. Images flooded her mind as she fumbled to lock the store door and sprint down the street. All she could think of was if someone had gotten to her. Had they been found? Aless ran so fast that when she was a few feet from the door she had to slam on the brakes. Skidding, Aless almost tripped over herself, but was caught by waves of ebony dots and triangles.

Watching her from the diner, Cain had seen the frantic look on the girl's face and the incredible speed she was moving at. It didn't take a genius to realize she would fall over herself. So, in his oddly graceful manner, he stood up from his booth holding his fresh coffee with cream, flowed to the door and opened it, just in time to catch the tumbling Aless.

Aless panted in Cain's arms for a moment before she pushed herself up out of his arms. His face was blank and Aless didn't register how weird it looked on him. Pushing past him without even a thank you, Aless hit the serving counter and called for Jesus.

"Jesus! Jesus!" she called her face flushed with strain.

"Aless? What's going on? You okay?" he replied.

Appearing, Jesus wiped his hands clean on a kitchen towel.

"I'm fine. Where is Kay? What happened? Is she okay?"

"Breathe, Aless…she just cut herself with a knife. Madame Wes took her to the hospital. She'll be fine."

Suddenly it was like someone had drained all the air and energy from Aless. She sat down heavily onto a bar chair and took deep breaths. Kayla had cut herself with a knife. That was it. No one had found them. She had been over reacting, big time. Her head spun from the exertion and her hands began to shake a bit. Alessandra had no idea that the thought of being found was so scary to her.

A glass of water appeared in front of her and Aless looked up into Cain's face. He smiled softly as always, but it was his best attempt to appear kind. Glassy eyed, Alessandra took the water and drank slowly. Her heart was pounding in her ears and for a few minutes she shook still.

"You must really love your friend to get so worked up over her being hurt," Cain said.

It took some effort, but Cain tried to force sympathy into his voice.

"She is all I have," Aless whispered.

Staring into the water, Aless had never realized how true that was until then. Kayla was all Aless had in the world right now.

"No family? No friends?"

"No family. I have Jesus and Rafita, but that's it, aside from Kay. I don't know what I would do if I lost her."

Cain studied the girl and realized she was speaking the truth. This filled him with momentary joy as he realized he could easily take her and no one would notice or care. Yet at the same time he felt an unusual pity sensation, which he quickly shook off. Being alone wasn't so bad. Cain was alone all the time. He preferred it. He required it.

Just then Master Wes came over and handed Aless a server's apron and a pen. She stood up and nodded, understanding her role for the day. Working her way around the room, Aless smiled and laughed with the customers about her tornado of an entrance. Cain moved back to his booth and sipped his coffee. It was basically cold now, but he drank it anyways. Watching her work, Cain enjoyed Aless's movements. While she was still young, her body and steps echoed of the women she would be one day in the future. He could see the elegant lady that lay in wait inside her adolescent frame. Alessandra would be a lady one day, in mind and grace, Cain concluded. Cain's mind fluttered back to the moment he caught her in the doorway. The feel of her warm skin and rapidly beating heart against his arms and chest. The electricity that had run through him as her face lay buried in his chest. The smell of her fear and innocence that had wafted up to his nostrils.

His heart beat at an unusual tempo and Cain looked back at his coffee. Cain took a deep breath to control his beating heart. Glancing up, he saw Aless laughing as she turned gently away from a table. She smiled and winked at him before turning away, the image of class. Alessandra would be a lady one day, he repeated mentally, if he let her reach that age.

After a few hours the restaurant slowed, and Cain left. He wanted to talk to Jᴔnsa and he felt antsy sitting so close to Alessandra and not taking her. She had stopped by at one point to thank him for catching her and brought him a free dessert to show her gratification. Aless already knew that Cain had a sweet tooth.

Aless continued to work through the day as the customers flowed in and out. To her surprise, there were a great deal of new faces. Grumpily, Master Wes informed her that a convention was beginning at the next town over, which was about twenty minutes north of them.

"These businessmen like finding a secluded place to stay during these conventions where it is cheaper. Since they never hold the convention here, our rates are a lot better," Master Wes sighed.

Master Wes hated the big business men that came in at this time of year. They all reeked of arrogance and money. They always thought that this small town was "quaint" and "hick." The massive number of new people made Alessandra nervous as well, but for very different reasons. Soon, she found that not all the new customers were bad. In fact, Aless met quite a few who were pleasantly friendly, male and female. They talked animatedly about their work and the towns they were from. Aless saw a good amount of baby pictures and family photos. Each photo made her smile as she saw the pure joy and love on the parents' faces. It made her wonder if her own father had ever done that, shown her photo to a stranger.

Unfortunately for every good customer there was a bad one as it happens in restaurants. Some of the convention attendees were rude and demanding. Towards the end of the night, some even came in smelling of the local tavern. Master Wes and Madame Wes always kept the restaurant open late during conventions because of the increased in business. Yet this meant that many came over with the munchies from heavy drinking. That first night, Aless found herself counting to ten repeatedly to keep her calm. Since Kay had nicked her bone and lost a lot of blood, she was in the emergency clinic for the night. By ten, Aless wondered how Kay could handle these customers day in and day out. It was taking all Aless's effort not to pour hot coffee on some of them.

Close to closing four men came in. Reeking of ice whiskey and cranberry, they smiled goofily at Aless as she approached the table. Once she was close enough for them to focus their bleary eyes on her, they tried flirting with Aless. Tired from being on her feet for twelve hours, Aless could barely muster up a fake smile. It was made more difficult by the fact that their comments were more derogatory then flattering. Maintaining a neutral express, Aless hoped they would get the hint that she wasn't interested or flattered. Unfortunately, due to either their own arrogance or the multitude of drinks in their system, her passive face didn't discourage them. Finally crossing the line, one pinched her backside as she walked away.

Growling under her breath, Aless tried to concentrate on placing their order to Jesus, but her temper was shortened by fatigue and worry. When it happened a second time, Aless snapped.

"Sir, I will ask you kindly to not touch me!" she barked.

Her eyes narrowed at the letch's grinning face.

"Oh, comeson, baby," he slurred, attempting at a wink. "Justs playin'."

"I would not come to your work and treat this way. I ask you do the same."

"You…you can comes to work anytime…we can play secretary…"

He slapped her butt and his friends chuckled. Luckily, they were the last customers in the diner, so Aless was only embarrassed not mortified. Feeling her face go hot, Aless leaned forward and hissed through clenched teeth.

"If you touch me again, sir, I will tell my manager and you will be forced to leave."

"Hey…hey…hey now, chickie…don't be so hos..hositle…jus playin' round…"

"I don't find it fun or funny."

"Maybe cause yous jus need to get some. Huh? You wants sums? I can gives you sums right now…got a nice hotel room with your name on it."

As he spoke, he placed his hand on her backside and caressed it. Aless curled her fists in fury.

"That's it. I'm talking to my manager. You're a disgusting pig!"

Turning on her heels, Aless went to walk away when the man grabbed her wrist roughly. He was still smiling, but the look in his eyes was much more aggressive.

"I know what you small town gurls likes…so jus shut up and get over here."

"Let go of me!"

Elevating her volume, Aless tried to pull free. The man was not listening. His grip tightened as he reached for her shirt.

"Shut up and get over heres I said."

Out of nowhere, a large hand closed around the man's wrist and the letch gave a cry of pain. Aless looked up to see Cain standing over all of them. His face was smiling, yet it was a smile Aless had not seen before. It gave Alessandra the shivers.

"The lady asked you to let her go," he said sweetly, his eyes pinpoints of black.

His heart was racing, and he felt the joy of causing pain. The drunken man had gone ashen, though his face was still set in a look of defiance.

"Mind your own damn business, fat boy."

"Fat boy? Really?"

Cain flexed his muscles just slightly and the customer practically screamed in pain. Guessing he had fractured some of the man's wrist bones, Cain felt pleasure ripple from his shoulders to his knees.. The grip on Aless was instantly released and the rest of the group had gone quiet. Aless massaged her wrist for a moment then placed her hand on Cain.

"Thank you, Cain, but that's enough. He's drunk," she murmured.

Flashing a scowl at the customer, Aless tried to sooth Cain. A loser like this drunk would also be the type of man who was a coward and would press charges against Cain. Aless didn't want Cain getting in trouble for her sake.

"Being drunk isn't an excuse," Cain grinned.

Tightening his grip ever so slightly again, Cain reveled in the sweat of agony gathering at the man's hair line.

"Cain, please, for me…stop," Aless whispered.

Standing on her tippy-toes to reach his ear, her arms snaked around his and held tight. Jesus had appeared from the kitchen along with Master Wes, both of who were watching the scene carefully. Cain flicked his eyes to Aless and saw that she genuinely didn't want the slim ball to be hurt. Compassion was such a disgusting trait. Grunting he released the vermin, whose skin was so soft that Cain wondered how the customer could call himself a man.

"Thank you, Cain," Ale smiled.

Kissing Cain on the cheek, Aless pressed her body against his briefly. Shocked, Cain couldn't move or think for a moment. His cheek felt odd as he watched Aless's passive face. If he hadn't been so stunned by her sign of affection, he could have easily blocked the punch that made it to his face. There was a crunch as the drunken man's fist made contact with Cain's jaw, a momentary look of glee and redemption on his face.

Everyone gasped and stayed quiet. Cain counted to three before turning his ice-cold eyes onto the man, their two different colors flashing like warning lights. The man, who had been so elated moments before, had turned gone stony in fear and pain. The crunch had been from his own hand, not Cain's face. Sure, Cain would have a bad bruise, invisible to the world, but the man had broken his hand. He was such an amateur he didn't even know how punch correctly.

"Did you really just strike me, sir?" Cain crooned delicately.

The hair on everyone who could hear him went on end. Aless suppressed a shiver, but clung to Cain's arm, pulling him backwards. She could sense the tension rise and knew how strong Cain was. He could easily pulverize his opponent, but then he would for sure be in trouble with the law.

"Cain, don't. He isn't worth it. He is the gunk that stick between the Three-Eyed Cąȶ's pads," Aless whispered desperately against his skin.

Focusing on Aless, Cain could see worry in her eyes, not about him but for him. The girl was so strange. Nodding he stepped back from the weakling and laughed.

"Fine, the lady is right, and you are a lucky man. Walk away…quickly."

The man stood stunned, but his friends rose quickly, sobered by the events, and dragged him out of the diner. They all looked at Cain as is he was Death itself before disappearing into the night. Aless instantly rushed to get ice for Cain's face and ignored his protests as she pressed the compress to him.

"Thank you, Cain, for standing up for me, but," she started.

He waved her off.

"First of all, don't thank me. Second of all, don't say you could have handled it. You're just a little thing. He could snap you in two."

Ego flaming, Aless bit her tongue, reminding herself that Cain had just been punched in the face because of her. His eyes were much cooler now, no longer burning with the excitement of a fight. Truthfully, he was disappointed that he hadn't been able to hit the dumbass even once. Master Wes brought him a meal on the house as Aless sat close, her body pressed to his side so that she could reach his face. Cain had been rewarded before and quite often by Jᴔnsa for his work, but he had never had this kind of attention, like he was a hero or something. Musing to himself, Cain thought that maybe this was just a week of firsts for him. Odd that it would happen on the job in such a small town.

When the ice melted in the compress, Aless ran to the back to get more. Cleaning in the back, Jesus looked up as she came in. Smiling, he watched her rush hurriedly around for more ice and a new cloth to wrap it in. He loved how caring she was, but, as he let his eyes dart to the Cain, his skin crawled. Cain didn't look like a man to trust. Yes, he had helped Aless, yet there was something unsettling about him. Unable to bite his tongue, Jesus called to Aless.

"Aless, real quick please," he said, keeping his tone light hearted.

"Yes, Jesus?" she stopped mid step.

Back tracking to him, Aless beamed at her friend.

"Are you okay?"

"I'm fine. A little sore but that will pass. You know I've suffered worse."

"Just because you've suffered worse doesn't diminish the pain you're in now. Why don't you use that ice on yourself?"

"Naw, I told you, Jesus, I'm good. Cain got cracked right in the face. He needs it. We can't tell due to his tattoos but he must have a nasty bruise."

"I'm sure…and I'm glad he helped you but…"

"But what?"

"I don't. There is something about him I don't trust."

"Jesus, you're starting to sound like Kay."

"Aless, if two of your friends are saying the same thing, maybe you should listen."

Both irritated and understanding his point, Aless huffed then thought.

"Okay. I'll keep an eye on him. I really think he's just intimidating looking but an okay guy at heart. Yet if you're that avid about it, I'll be on my toes. Okay?"

"That's all I'm asking. Thank you."

"I mean I get why you'd think he's scary…"

"I don't think he's scary. I think he's off. Just the way his eyes looked when he was hurting that guy."

"That guy deserved it!"

"I'm not saying that he didn't…it's just there was something there that wasn't right. I know you felt it too. I saw your body tense."

"Yeah, I felt something too."

Recalling the change around Cain, Aless suppressed a shiver.

"Thank you for worrying about me."

Leaning over, she kissed Jesus on the cheek. She was lucky to have him around to worry about her. Briskly she strolled back to Cain, who rolled his eyes at more the sight of more ice for his face. Yet from the back, Jesus could see the way Cain gazed at Aless and the slow path that Cain's hand took to lay around her waist. For a moment Jesus fueled on some confusing emotion. He was unsure if it was jealousy or alarm. All he knew was that something was very, very wrong.