DIS: Welcome back everyone to Thank you for saving me. Thanks to everyone who reviewed! I'm glad you are liking the story. And also, I know I said this was going to be a short fic, but I've discovered that this will probably be maybe as long as Surprise my mind or even longer. It's going to take awhile for the plot to build up. (sigh) And I was hoping to not have another story to worry about. (sweat drop) Anyway, here's chapter three, so enjoy!

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Chapter Three

The fire was crackling a low, offbeat melody. The flames that were so dangerous and mysterious were licking the top of the fireplace and were presently dancing in the dark, furiously fierce eyes of Thomas Hatton. He had been sitting in front of his fireplace for awhile and though he knew that there was no need to have it going (since it was spring), he knew that sitting in front of the fire, brooding, was the only comfort to him. Sighing a bit wearily, he raised a hand to his face and rubbed his forehead, muttering, "Things are not going as planned..."

"Sir?" Thomas turned to see his servant, Gerald Loveall, peering at him nervously. Gerald had been a faithful servant to Thomas since he first became the wealthy businessman he now was. The man was elderly with a sad face, a straight spine and reluctant, drooping eyes. He knew that working for Thomas would be more dirty work than with his father and it was wearying business. Luckily, however, no one knew that Gerald was a servant – and spy – of Thomas'. "I...came with some information on Mr. Sesshomaru Inutaisho, sir."

"Have you?" The younger male queried skeptically. "I wonder..." He sighed and stood, reflecting on the youkai he so rarely saw. The demon was dedicated entirely to his work and was careful what he revealed to people if he revealed anything at all. What troubled Thomas about him more than John Reynolds was how sly and clever Sesshomaru was. Thomas knew by confidences inside Sesshomaru's business, that he hadn't been the one that picked up the severely poisoned letter sent to him. Of course, he had it specifically ordered by someone that could handle such a thing. Either way, he was not pleased that his trick – weak and feeble, though it was – had not worked. "How, pray tell, Gerald, did you manage to get information?"

"Well, I confess...It was a bit of an accident." Raising his eyebrows, Thomas turned to look at him, leaning on his cane. "You see...I was taking the alleys from my other job – the one with construction, you recall?" Thomas nodded. "Well, anyway, I was taking those alleys when I saw a young girl that works with me – Rin, I think her name was – and she was talking to Mr. Inutaisho. Not quite talking, mind you, but he didn't seem too bothered by it. Had an odd expression on his face, actually." Thomas' eyebrows shot upward, almost vanishing to his hairline.

"Is that so? What interesting information you've brought me, Gerald. And this girl, Rin, what is she like? Is she around his age? Do you think he might – "

"She's, er, fourteen, sir," Gerald interrupted in embarrassment.

"Point being?" Thomas asked irritably. "Are you truly as naïve as you look, Gerald? Most businessmen take girls around that age into their beds. They enjoy it," he finished with a shrug. Gerald's face seemed to go paler and slackened in surprise. Apparently, the man was as naïve as Thomas as implied. But then again, Gerald was an old-fashioned man and didn't exactly revel in the thought of men sullying themselves in females so young. Clearing his throat, Gerald gave a firm nod, as though reassuring himself. Smiling thinly, knowing that he had shaken Gerald up, Thomas continued, "As I was saying. This girl, what is she like? Perhaps the type that Sesshomaru might enjoy? Eh?"

"Ah, I...um, what?" Gerald looked startled at the question, before his pasty cheeks flushed a dull brick red. It looked unbecoming on his old, withered face. "I...am not sure if Mr. Inutaisho would enjoy her, sir," he answered in embarrassment. "As for what she's like..." He shrugged. "I'm not exactly certain how to explain it. She isn't unhandsome, if that is what you are asking. She is a lovely girl, but a bit too skinny. I think she's homeless, actually. Er, uh, anyway, she is a perfectly fine girl. Has a good heart, always has a smile to give to anyone she comes upon and is always willing to help."

"So a pure, virgin female, in other words?" Thomas concluded, looking thoughtful.

"I wouldn't...Excuse me?"

"Stop being such a prude, Gerald!" Thomas scolded with a grin. "Would you say that she's a virgin?"

"Sir...I don't...like where this conversation seems to be going," Gerald said uncomfortably. Why his employer would bring up the topic of her virginity made him cynical and slightly protective of the innocent Rin that all the men at work seemed to enjoy having around. He was certain that if anything happened to their bright assistant, each of them would react like a shielding father would. They all knew she was an orphan and homeless. It was what made them accept her and bring her closer to them. Gerald wondered if he should have even said anything about Rin talking to Sesshomaru.

"Listen, if she's what she says she is, I could easily make her bait for Sesshomaru! I could pay her and she could try and coax Sesshomaru to like her. All men like gentle-handed, sweet girls like her. He'll be under her mercy!" Gerald felt his blood run cold and he swallowed.

"Sir, I cannot allow this."

"If you get in my way, Gerald, I will eliminate you personally," Thomas told him, limping past him. "I always get my way – whether my force or persuasiveness." He gave a toothy grin, making Gerald almost whimper with fear. He couldn't tell Rin, though. That would be filed under the category of 'getting in his way.' "Now, get out of my house. I'll see you when you have information for me again, Gerald. Goodnight."

I've practically put her at the devil's mercy, Gerald realized sadly. I am very sorry Rin. I truly am.

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The next morning, Rin was up early again, peeking out of the door to see if the dashing stranger she had met yesterday was going to come down the alley. I'll give it five minutes, she decided to herself. And, if he doesn't come, I'll just assume he didn't walk today. Rin glanced down at a shard of glass by her foot and picked it up, flicking a glance at her reflection. Thanks to Mayala, who had broke into the house last night to give Rin the chance to clean herself up, she wasn't looking filthy. Her creamy skin was clear of any dirt or grime and her black hair that went to her waist was glittering in a clean manner. There was a small ponytail at the top of her head that was her usual hairstyle – if that was even what you could call it.

Tossing the glass shard back to the ground, she peered outside and frowned, seeing that he had still not arrived. Oh well. A little disappointed, she exited the storage garage, smoothing out her dress that went to her knees. I wish I had money to buy different clothes. I only have four things to wear... Sighing almost miserably, she left down the alley and this time, she crashed headlong into someone. An odd, but pleasant smell drifted to her nostrils briefly, before two slender, long and sharp-nailed hands steadied her. Blinking, she peered up with her soulful brown eyes to see the handsome man from yesterday. His eyebrows had snapped down and he was observing her with a cold, calculating look. "Oh, I'm sorry," she apologized hastily, backing away from him, thoroughly embarrassed with herself. "I wasn't really...Um, I'm sorry."

"...It's fine," he answered in an indifferent tone. Rin's eyes widened a fraction. This was the first time she had heard him say anything, let alone to her! His amber eyes flickered to the storage garage, before turning to her. "You live there." It wasn't a question, but a statement. Ashamed that he had figured it out, she bowed her head, nodding. "Hm. I see." Without another word, he passed her. Curiously, Rin watched after him.

He's so strange, she thought to herself, but he has such nice hair. Rin seemed to completely bypass the fact that he was handsome and had a terribly masculine voice. All she seemed to notice was his long, silver hair. I wonder what those markings are on his face, though. He can't be a...youkai, can he? Fear tingled her spine and she swallowed, hurrying to the construction site. Even if he is...he doesn't seem to be a bad one. Once again, her mind drifted to his hair. Such pretty hair...

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At the end of the day, he watched with dismay as Rin happily jogged away towards the alleys. He could feel panic building in his chest. He wanted to tell her to come back, to beware of strangers and explain to her how merciless the world is – but he knew that was impossible. He couldn't risk his and his wife's life like that. Tugging at what was left of his gray hair, he stormed away, ashamed of himself. He wished that he hadn't said anything to Thomas Hatton.

I am so very sorry, Rin, he thought, closing his eyes. Truly, I am.

X

As Rin moved through the alleys with a smile, she realized that she wasn't the only one in her small little "neighborhood." She could hear something ahead. It sounded like a stick tapping at the concrete. Tipping her head to the side in a curious gesture, she passed her own alleyway and went ahead to another where she found an elderly rich man limping down it. Biting her lip, she hesitantly approached him and gently laid her hand on his arm. "Excuse me? Are you lost?" The man turned and blinked. "Oh. Um, I'm sorry, I didn't mean..." Again, nervously, she halted her words and backed away from him. "I'm sorry," she repeated.

"Are you Rin?" He asked in a curious tone. A smile curled his lips upward behind his mustache. The friendly gesture seemed to ease some of her anxiety, but she couldn't help but remember that he had addressed her by her name. Not many knew her, especially not a rich-appearing man like him. "Don't be afraid, sweetheart, I don't mean to hurt you." He flashed a charming smile to her. "I just happen to be a friend of a man you work with."

"Oh...Yes, um, I'm Rin," she answered, offering her own bright smile. "What can I help you with, sir?"

Yes, Gerald was quite right about her, Thomas thought in satisfaction. Pretty, polite, and sweet as sugar. She is just what I need to succeed in bringing Sesshomaru down. "Tell me, have you seen a wealthy youkai wandering around here?" Her smile lessened a bit and she gazed at him, almost in surprise. "Yes, I see you have...His name is Sesshomaru Inutaisho. I have a proposition for you, darling."

"...A proposition?" She repeated, suddenly cynical. "And it has to do with Mr. Inutaisho?"

"Yes," he answered, beaming, "it does. I'm glad that I'm not working with an imbecile. Anyway, I want you to...work your way into his heart, darling, and get as much information about him as you can."

"I'm sorry, sir, but I don't wish to harm him or – "

"Harm him?" Thomas repeated, acting horrified at such a thought. He let out a boisterous laugh, before continuing with a bright expression, "My dear girl, I don't want to harm him! I simply want to know him better. Surely you understand?" Thomas could see that she was trying to figure out whether he was deceiving her or not. He didn't think that she would be able to see through his plan. He doubted that such an uneducated female would realize what he was really doing. Making my way to destroy him, Thomas thought viciously.

"...Do I get something in return, sir?" She questioned curiously. Smiling in triumph, Thomas held up a large box for her to see. "A box?"

"It's what's in the box that matters, darling," he told her. "Fifty-thousand dollars for your cooperation." She gasped, her eyes shooting wide.

"Fifty-thousand?" She repeated, aghast. "That's such an extraordinary amount of money for something so simple, sir!" Rin eyed him, then looked at the box, appearing uneasy. I don't know what this man will do with the information I get of Mr. Inutaisho, but so much money! I need money like that. I wouldn't be homeless ever again! She raised her eyes to Thomas and he knew he had won her over. "I don't believe I got your name, sir."

"Mr. Thomas Hatton," he introduced with a grin. "Have we got a deal, my dear?" He held his hand out and Rin lifted her petite hand. She hesitated, her fingers inches from his, before shaking his hand.

"We have a deal, sir," she answered quietly.

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DIS: (grimace) I don't know where this story is going or if it's very good. I'm...hoping that I can make something out of it. Also, sorry for such a short chapter! It'd be nice for some suggestions or any ideas at all. I happily accept constructive criticism. So, if you guys don't like it, be blunt and say that you don't. If you do...Well, hooray! Please review and tell me how it is. Ciao!