Piano Girl
Disclaimer: I do not own any of Dark Angel.
Authers note: This is my first fanfic, i hope you like it.
Chapter 1:
As they walked into the prestigious restaurant, Logan took O.C's arm in his as Alec did the same with Max's. Logan had dug up some incriminating evidence on the owner of the restaurant earlier that day. The only way to get in and have a snoop around was to use Logan's family name and book a table. It was the kind of restaurant rich couples and business partners attend. It was classy, bold and tasteful, the kind of place you would never expect kidnapping children to go on under the radar. Yet, it was true. The owner had set up his restaurant using illegitimate and illegal finance, which was why Max and Alec were posing as a couple. Logan had to attend as it was his name they were using, and as he was still unable to touch Max without dying from the virus he was obliged to have O.C as his date.
Alec was enjoying watching Max squirm and attempt to wriggle out of his grip, shooting death stares his way. Even more, he enjoyed Logan's reaction, as he noticed what Alec was doing. They got to the front of the queue and Logan gave his name to the waitress, who took up some menus and walked them to their seats. "The little piano girl will be playing later tonight" she explained, as they sat down. "I'll give you a few minutes to decide what you want." She said before walking away.
They had finished their starter and were just beginning their main meal, as the lights dimmed. A man appeared on the stage, which was a few tables in front of theirs. "Hello, ladies and gentlemen, I am Rufus Scott, the owner of this restaurant," he paused as the light applause subsided. "Thank you, I would like to introduce the entertainment for this evening… she is a 6 year old girl residing from these very streets...Joplin ladies and gentlemen." He said with a bow towards the curtain. Max followed the direction of his gaze as a tiny girl, looking no more than 5 came out from behind the curtain. Her dress was old but had the air of once lost elegance, her hair lay limply just below her shoulders and her face, even from a distance was noticeably inexpressive. The attraction to Rufus' restaurant was the entertainment he provided. He found children who were the best at singing, dancing, and like this little girl, playing instruments. However, the rumour was he exploited their talents. All were considered geniuses in their chosen art form but as they were so young nobody was quite sure where they came from or why they all looked so resigned. Max wondered if this little girl had been plucked off the streets, away from her family and friends by Rufus Scott.
As the little girl turned to face the audience, Max couldn't conjure any more thoughts as she heard Alec's breath catch in his throat behind her. "What?" She asked, turning to face him. His eyes were hard and staring his teeth obviously clenched behind his closed tense lips and his nostrils flared in blatant anger. "Alec?" She asked more concerned this time. He tore his eyes away to look at Max.
"She's manticore" he said just a whisper. Max's brain whirled.
"But she's only 6, how do you know her?" He didn't answer; he just continued to stare at the little girl who had begun playing. She played beautifully, reminding Max of the time Alec was caught playing in Joshua's basement. All Logan and O.C could do was look from Alec to the girl. Alec turned to Max, with real trepidation in his eyes and said. "We need a plan." His gaze darkened. "I'm getting her out tonight." No snooping needed to be done, it was clear Rufus Scott was a dodgy man who needed to be brought down.
They stayed until the last group had left, paying their bill and making a move for the door. Logan spotted the waitress from earlier and asked her for the owner, as if he wanted to offer his compliments. She obliged and told him to take a near seat.
"Mr Cale." Rufus announced as he strolled towards Logan, hand extended. There was only one or two waitresses left on the restaurant floor clearing away the remaining plates and glasses.
"Hello Mr Scott." Logan replied, taking his hand firmly and shaking it.
"That little girl…Joplin was quite amazing." O.C cut in. "Where did you find her?" She asked. "It's amazing what you find right on your back door." He replied with I slight sneer.
Max and Alec had retreated towards the doorway, which led to the apartment above the restaurant. "This is my partner," they could hear Logan say, as he introduced O.C. They didn't have much time, as the distraction Logan and O.C were providing wasn't going to last long. Max opened the door, which was surprisingly unlocked and ventured up the stairs behind it with Alec hot on her heel. They reached another door at the top of the stairs, which Alec went to work on picking the lock. As it clicked open they stepped inside. All of a sudden a whirring alarm met their ears. They froze, completely taken a back by the unexpected security. At that they heard running footsteps ascending the staircase. They closed the door and stepped behind a near wall as Rufus' figured shot into the room.
"Those damn kids…" He was muttering under his breath as his fingers worked at a hidden security key pad. Max and Alec slipped further into a room at the back of the apartment. Logan and O.C had used the alarm as an excuse to follow Rufus up the stairs.
"Mr Scott? Is everything alright?" As Logan reached the apartment door Rufus was obviously uncomfortable with their presence.
"Yes, everything is fine, sometimes the alarm just trips, it's a pain really, I'm thinking about getting another installed." He commented pushing them towards the stairs. Max and Alec were silently sweeping the rooms until they came across a closed door. On first glance they could see it was a kind of walk in wardrobe, however as Alec put his ear to the door, he heard small whispers. Max heard them too, making her approach with caution. Turning to Alec, her eyes were wide as she could hear what was being said inside.
"Don't worry Sammy, he wont hurt you." It was the sound of an older child comforting another. Alec opened the door, to which squeaks and gasps escaped from the sight that met their eyes. At the sudden outburst of noise, Logan came jogging in, with Rufus straight behind him.
"Honestly, I'm sure It was nothing…I'll meet you down…" he stopped as he saw Max and Alec, holding the opened wardrobe door.
6 children were huddled together, all looking utterly terrified. The piano girl's head craned up to see who was invading their sanctuary. As she noticed Alec, she stared at him as if not quite believe what she saw. She slowly stood up and cautiously made her way through the pile of children. Alec kneeled as she positioned herself directly in front of his face. Her hand slowly came up to touch his cheek and when it made contact, she let out a gasp of relief, her shoulders sagged and she fell into his arms. Big silent tears were running down her face as he held her in a bone crushing embrace. Her fingers were white from holding onto him, as if terrified that he would fade like all her other dreams had, if she let go. O.C peered round the corner and gasped at the scene. "What the hell is going on?" She asked. "Why are there babies sitting in a closet?" Rufus was obviously lost for words. How was he going to talk his way out of this? He said nothing but winced as Max grabbed his arm, making sure he wasn't going anywhere. Their attention, however, was brought back to Alec and the little girl.
"Did he hurt you?" He asked her. She emerged from Alec's grip at last. She looked him in the eye but said nothing. "Tell me." He said but still she said nothing. One of the older girls began making her way out of the wardrobe.
"She doesn't talk." Alec was confused. He had watched over this little girl for more than 3 years and always found her so happy, chatty and alive. Now she seemed the complete opposite, not even smiling.
"How long have you all been her?" Max asked the girl, who was now completely free of the wardrobe.
"I've been here the longest, the others only a few months a part. Joplin's been here about 6 months." She replied.
"He hits her the most you know." Another little girl whispered looking at Alec as she climbed out of the wardrobe and stood behind the older girl. Alec's head snapped in her direction. "It's because when he does, there's not usually much of a mark the next day." She continued. "Sometimes, when he comes for one of us, she makes trouble, so he goes for her instead. She's the youngest but the bravest." Max's hand dropped from Rufus's arm as she turned to look at him, she was utterly disgusted. They were all children.
The wardrobe had one mattress on the floor which was shared between the piano girl and five other girls. It had no window, no light and no air. How could he keep children locked up like this? You wouldn't even keep your animals in it, Max thought. Rufus began stepping back, gradually speeding up. Not even looking at him Alec felt the movement and before anyone could blink he had slammed Rufus into a wall and had him in a vice-like grip around the neck. "You know in the animal kingdom when they say not to mess with a mother an her young?...well, I'm the daddy and believe me, that's much worse." His face was almost touching Rufus'. Max had never felt such power radiate from Alec before. It was like pure alpha dominance, his instincts wanting to protect his young.
"Alec." Logan called, which Max thought was brave as Alec's threatening authority showed his clear anger. Just as quickly as before, he punched the wall centimetres from Rufus' face. The plaster shattered and Alec's hand was embedded deep inside the wall. He dropped Rufus and walked over to the piano girl.
"Max and I are going to have a little chat with him. Can you do me a favour? Help O.C, get your friends ready to leave, okay baby?" He asked with a small smile. She looked nervously at Alec. Feeling her uncertainty he added, "Don't worry, you'll be safe with O.C, she kicks ass…more than Max sometimes." He joked. As O.C beamed inwardly, Max hit Alec round the head for good measure.
"For sure." O.C replied, taking up the little girl's hand. Logan and O.C helped the girls out of the small wardrobe room, while Max and Alec took hold of Rufus. They escorted him into the living room and strapped him to a chair.
