I was home alone.

Smith had stopped by earlier, bringing a few gifts for Mira. It was surprising, but not really. He loved Mira. She was like a sister to him. Smith didn't have any siblings, and no kids of his own. He took her out to the zoo. He had invited me but I decided against it.

I just wanted to lay in bed and relax.

The thoughts weren't quiet, and my brain hurt. The city was becoming unbearable, and I was restless. My life felt dull and boring. I was just going to live here forever, get old, and die. No lover, no kids, no nothing.

Just me and Mira till the end.

Should I try dating? Try to find someone with the same interests? But men are so fake, especially these days. I don't want to be a toy or anyone's second choice.

Should I try girls? I'm not against it. Maybe I should give it a shot. Just once. It wouldn't hurt to try.

But where do you even meet someone? Online? No, too many creeps. A bar? No thanks, too many drunks and married men. Maybe in person? But you can never tell who is who until they fuck you over.

I groaned out loud. I should really stop over thinking.

A knock sounded on the door, followed by another, more insistent.

I reached for my gun and made my way to the front door.

I hid the gun and eased the handle down.

A man stood in the doorway, immediately familiar.

It was the same one who had chased Mira and me. I didn't hesitate. I grabbed his collar and yanked him inside. He looked shocked as I leveled the gun at him.

"Woah easy!" He exclaimed, putting both of his hands up.

"Who the fuck sent you?" I asked, my voice stern.

"Nobody did. I just wanted to see Mira," he replied. I shoved him against the door. I pushed the gun under his chin, hitting it so it made a sound.

He shrieked, and I smirked.

"Mira? The same one who you and your brother sold off?"

His face twisted into confusion. "That's... that's what happened? My brother told me she ran away from home. I thought she actually did until I saw you guys in the city."

I hummed softly, the gun still pressed against his chin. "Move."

He tilted his head, then complied, stepping aside as I followed him. He sank onto the couch, and I took the seat opposite of him.

"What's your name?" I asked, gun still in my hand.

"I'm Mark," he replied.

I studied his face, his demeanor calm.

"How are you so calm? You just had a gun to your face?" I asked, a smirk on my face.

He smiled. "I'm a detective, it's not a first time thing."

My lips fell. He's in the force, and I was here pointing a gun at him.

He looked at the gun then back at me.

"Hey, don't worry about the gun. I just want to know about Mira. You said she was sold, to who?" He asked, and I sighed.

"I found her in a warehouse, locked in a hatch. They were going to either sell her for sex, or remove her organs."

He ran a hand through his hair, clearly stunned by the news.

"Was it the same warehouse on the outskirts of the city?" He asked eagerly and I nodded.

He groaned. "I arrived late. It was a crime scene, alot of dead bodies."

I nodded. He didn't need to know that I killed most of them.

"I'm sorry if I scared you guys that day. I just wanted to see her, she's my only niece," he said next, a sad smile on his face.

I placed the gun on my lap. "She was scared that you might take her back to her dad."

He nodded in understanding. "I wouldn't, once I learned the truth."

Then there was silence.

I took my time to examine his festures. He had his hair tied to the back in a bun, and a pair of deep blue eyes highlighted his features. He had a stubble, but it was neatly trimmed.

He was handsome.

"So, are you here to take her back with you?" I asked after sometime had passed.

He shook his head. "If she's with you, I'm sure she's happy enough. You seem like a cool woman...with a gun."

I chuckled at his statement. He smirked, one that flashed a few of his pearly whites.

"I wanted her to go back to school, but she said her father would have to be there to answer questions."

He bit the inside of his cheek. "He doesn't. I'm a relative, I can do all of that. I would have to make up an excuse. Maybe she would have to repeat eight grade."

I nodded. "I don't want her to throw her life away."

"She won't have to. You can talk to her and then I'll get her back in."

I smiled a little. "Thank you."

"It's nothing. I want the best for my niece."

I nodded once more.

"So, what are you planning to do about your brother?"

He scoffed. "Some fucking brother he is! I'm taking him in for questioning. And no matter what he says, he will be charged. Mira would probably have to testify as well."

That would be good. She wouldn't have to live in fear anymore and school will also be a safe place for her.

"That sounds good. I'm sure you have your ways to make him talk," I stated with a smirk.

"I do. I'm a detective, it's what I do. If they don't talk willingly, I make them regret lying. With my fists."

I smirked, a wider one.

"Umm, I need a favor from you," I said, my face turning serious.

He nodded. "Go ahead."

I began. "There's an orphanage in the city called Safe Nest, I went there a few days ago and I found something suspicious. "

"What?" He asked, with a raised eyebrow.

"I found a contract. One that had a girl's photo on it, and a price was written in bold letters. I don't want to jump to anything but, I think the owner, Mother Hazel, is selling off the young teen girls," I finished off.

He clasped his hands together. "Do you have the contract?"

I shook my head. "I couldn't take it. I didn't want to raise any suspicion that would endanger the girls even more."

He clenched his jaw. "I've been to the orphanage twice, but everything seemed fine. Guess that was just an illusion."

"It is. Since you're a detective, could you investigate undercover?"

He nodded. "I will definitely do that. A place where the children should be safe. This world is fucked up!"

"It truly is. I care because Mira could've ended up like one of those girls being sold off. You have to do something," I told him.

"I will, don't worry."

I flipped my gun. "If you need any back up, Just let me know."

He smirked. "Trust me, I will.

There was a long silence before he sighed and got up. "I should head out."

I stood up and walked him to the door.

"What should I do if you go back on your word?" I asked him, a playful tone in my voice.

He stepped outside, then turned around.

"Hunt me down," he replied, a smirk playing on his lips.

I smiled, then he turned and walked away. I closed the door and lock it.

I will talk to Mira when she gets home. I hope she doesn't see this as betrayal, because I would never do that. I want her back in school, maybe after she finishes eight grade, things would be different and we could leave the city.

As for Mark, I hope I won't have to hunt him down.

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