"We have received word that the abandoned shoe factory is currently being occupied.. we have no identity who is being kept there, but we are currently dabbling into it.."
Ratigan listened to Nicolas as Rosalie marched into the room "I think I know who it is.." she walked in and noticed the paperwork on the table "I was followed tonight.. and a few days ago.." she paused "Now hear me out, I think I saw Alex in the marketplace. I know it sounds ridiculous but I swear it was him.." Ratigan quirked an eyebrow "Did you see his face?"
"Yes!" her green eyes brightened "He was running from the clock repair shop.. and he ran into me.. That face, those eyes.. just like yours darling, I followed him and he disappeared." She finished and sat down "Now, Alex is part of my family too.. and I want to help find him."
Ratigan shook his head "No. Absolutely not." Rosalie was about to speak up, Nicolas jumped in between "No, no sir I really think we should bring Rosalie.."
"What?!" Rosalie and Ratigan said at the same time.
Nicolas continued "I mean she knew she saw Alex.. and she is probably one of the most resorcefull one here.." he noticed his boss cringe "Besides you sir." He cleared his throat as Rosalie grinned and kissed him on the cheek "I think that is a marvelous idea Nicolas, we'll go tomorrow night.." she walked up to her husband and kissed him on the cheek "Goodnight my wonderful husband." Ratigan smiled as he watched her leave, she winked as she closed the door. Ratigan sighed to himself, then he turned back to Nicolas with a scowl, he was about to say another word when Rosalie peered through again "James.. I'm waiting." He smiled and followed her "Coming dear.." he smiled and whispered to Nicolas "One more stunt like that.. and Felicia will have a very special treat for her." He slammed the door as Nicolas nearly fainted on the floor, he took of his hat and fanned himself "Nicolas.. keep your big mouth shut."
The next morning, Rosalie met up with Lorenzo in the marketplace:
"Are you serious?" Lorenzo nearly fell over, he tripped over a cart.
"Yes.." Rosalie rolled her eyes as she helped Lorenzo up off the cobblestone street.
Lorenzo shouted "And you haven't told him!?" Rosalie slapped him on the shoulder and hushed him as the townsfolk looked on with curious eyes "Do you think I haven't tried? I don't know what to do.. I'm at a loss." She huffed and sat on a stoop of a house, Lorenzo sat next to her, she heard her mutter to herself "Oh come on.. don't be like that.. Now I'm pretty lucky I didn't marry you."
Rosalie nudged him playfully as she rubbed her temples. Lorenzo paced for a moment and snapped his fingers "Rosalie, I'll talk to him."
"You mean it? I-I mean you would do that?" Rosalie sat up.
The grey mouse patted her on the back "Of course I would! I care about you and Ratigan.. your love is the strongest of any couple I know.. if I had anything you two had, I'd be on top of the world."
Rosalie smiled as she held both of his hands "Promise me you won't spoil anything.. just.. bring up the subject when, and only when it's appropriate." He was about to leave as she yanked his sleeve "And don't tell him I sent you." He smiled and was about to leave once again "But do please be-"
"Rosalie!" he yanked free "I got this! Have I ever let you down?"
She raised both her eyebrows, crossing both her arms "Long list or short list?"
Lorenzo laughed as he walked off, and disappeared behind the corner. Rosalie looked around the marketplace as she noticed a small store of weapons. She walked through the store and saw the small vendor, a little brown mouse with large glasses smiled at her. He dusted off his white shirt and adjusted his green apron "Ah Mrs. Hampstead-Ratigan.. I'd thought I'd never see you in here."
She raised her eyebrows in amazement "How did you-"
"Oh gossip goes around fast, and I actually used to work with your husband.." he chuckled and walked behind the counter "I 'ave just the thing for you!" he walked into the supply room as Rosalie looked at the wall, covered with pictures and memories. Most importantly, there were many pictures of that little mouse, Ratigan and the boys; Bill, Nicolas, and even Fidget. One picture included the mouse handing Ratigan a black pistol, with silver lining on the handle. "Ah, one of my personal best works.." he sighed "That was his pride and joy, they don't make those pistols like they used to.. not like mine anyway."
The mouse held out his hand "Bayne miss… no last name. Just Bayne." She shook his hand and looked at the pictures, Bayne smiled and pointed to them "Me and James had many adventures together.. traveled to many different places.. then one day we had 'Artistic differences' and had to leave." He chuckled "It's a long story.."
Rosalie smiled politely "Well I think he'd be happy to see you." She headed to the door "Nice meeting you Mr. Bayne." Bayne stopped her "Wait! I have something for you." He brought up the box on the counter and motioned her to it. He smiled as he opened the metal box, inside was a white pistol with gold trimming on the handle, there was a gold shape of a rose on the handle as he lifted it out of the case "I think this would be a way to make amends.."
She smiled and politely backed away "Oh I'm sorry.. I shouldn't be carrying this around.."
"Oh he's one of those husbands now.." he nudged her playfully as she looked on with amazement "Trust me.. in these times you'll need a beautiful weapon like this.. Even at his discretion " he motioned her up and down "A beautiful woman like you, I'm sure you are more than a pretty face, unless James is into that?" Rosalie scoffed "Thank you for your hospitality but I think that I have heard enough."
Bayne smiled as she reached for the door "There is more than a pretty face to you.. and I commend him for seeing it in you before you became a stuffy debutante people want you to be." Rosalie sighed and turned around, her pout turned into a grin as she grabbed the white pistol "It's absolutely gorgeous." she placed it back on the table "But I do apologize I have no money on me right now."
"For you my dear lady, it is free."
The tan mouse's eyes brightened "But sir-"
Bayne shook his head "Nonsense!" he placed the gun inside the case again and handed it to her. Rosalie was about to walk out of the door "Mr. Bayne, if you could indulge me.. how did you know I was going to come in?"
Bayne grabbed a cloth and started to wipe off the counter "Easy." He walked up to her and gently touched her on the shoulder "Ratigan always protects the people he loves." She smiled and walked out of the store "Thank you Bayne."
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