19th March 2019;

"I hate flying," was the first thing she said since they boarded the plane.

"Well, it's over now." He offered gently, pulling her closer as to not lose her in the crowd.

She sighed; hand in the crook of his elbow, fingers kneading the fabric of his shirt, the other clasping the strap of her backpack. She's been silent throughout the flight, shooting down his attempts for random conversations. Aidan settled with playing with her fingers and soon, both were asleep.

The airport was packed to the brim. Making their way out, their rented car, as requested, was waiting for them. "Having money has its perks sometimes." Aurora muttered half-heartedly and he couldn't help feeling better.

"I'll drive; you're still queasy from the trip." She nodded.

The Volkswagen hummed to life and he stroked the steering-wheel. "Guys," her head moved from side to side, amused.

"You're yet to let me try the cars in your garage, Rho."

"We'll see about that." Freeing her hair from the ponytail it was in, fingertips pressed to the screen of her phone entering their direction and connecting it to the vehicle's GPS.

Two hours later, the car rolled to a stop in front of a farm house. Inaudible we're here and this is it passed between them, hands hovering over the handles. Getting out, Aidan opened the door for her.

"Are you sure this is the right address?" The place looked deserted. Her gaze moved scrutinizing the battered building. A sudden fluttering of some curtains caught her attention. "Someone is here." And, before Aidan could process anything, Aurora was marching toward the house and knocking on the door.

"Hi!" He tried, "We're looking for someone. Mind helping us-" The door cracked open.

"Who is this?" A shaky feminine voice asked, heavy accent coating the words.

"Um, salut." Aurora grimaced, "On est ici...pour...chercher madame Eleanor Blaise? " Aidan slapped a hand to his mouth to muffle his snorts. "What? You can do better?" After clearing his throat, he shook his head. "Good." Eyes back on the little girl. "Peux-tu nous aider, chérie?"

The girl nodded wildly and dashed inside leaving the door open. "Kids these days, I swear. By the way, nice accent. Didn't know you can speak French."

"Dad insisted I learn it. I'm rusty. Haven't read or spoken a word in years." She shrugged.

"Isn't it weird that the girl spoke English, though?"

"I taught her a few." Heads snapped to the woman standing before them, hands clutching the door so tight her knuckles turned white. Faint wrinkles, intense blue eyes, brown hair swept up in a messy bun. A skirt ending below the knees, fading sleeveless blue blouse tucked in and flats.

Her hands glistened with the remaining water from washing the dishes she was yet to wipe. "Sorry to bother you Ma'am." Aidan finally spoke when Aurora said nothing. Jaw set, body rigid. "But, we're looking for Eleanor Blaise."

"Well, you got it. What do you want?" She replied sharply, eyes narrowing, the girl wrapped around her leg.

His hands rose. "We came in peace-"

"Barbara Breslin." She mumbled. "It's you." The woman stiffened inhaling harshly.

"Who are you guys? My husband works with the police. Go away before I call him." She threatened, heart frantic.

Aurora's eyes shone with unshed tears. It was suffocating holding them in. "Can you...water, please?" She croaked, voice breaking.

"Rho," Aidan patted her back, "are you alright?" She nodded, the little girl handing her a cup. His attention moved to a blanching Eleanor. "We came all the way here from America. Will you, at least hear us out for a bit? I promise we mean no harm." His plea granted them access to the living room.

The heels of her palms pressed to her eyes. Unbelievable. A shaky breath dispersing the silence. The conversation drifted in and out of her ears, unable to focus.

"Va jouer avec tes amies, Estelle. On parlera après." Eleanor planted a quick kiss on the girl's cheek before she galloped out.

"Is that your daughter?" Eleanor nodded warily. "She looks just like you. How old is she?" Aidan tried to ease the tension.

"She's almost seven." A fleeting smile graced her lips before her expression morphed into a mix of fear and anger. "What do you want? I'm not a fan of Americans."

"Neither am I, currently." Aurora finally looked up, eyes red around the rims. "Which one is your real name?"

A couple of minutes passed before she got an answer. "Eleanor. Why are you interested in me? And how do you know about Barbara?"

"I suppose you're familiar with the name Joshua? Mark? Rings any bells?" Aidan glanced at Aurora, uneasy with her merciless attack.

"Calm down, Rho."

She stood up, furious. "Don't fucking tell me to calm down."

"Don't make me kick you out, stranger." Her heart stopped briefly.

"Stranger indeed." She whispered low enough for anyone to hear. "Come on, kick me out. Run. Hide. You're so good at that." Hysteric laughs. "We're the same in that department, at least."

Confusion clouded Eleanor's face. "Rho, sit down, please." Three blinks later, her eyes moved from the ceiling settling beside him. "Let's start over. We're really sorry, Ma'am."

"One more tantrum and you're out." He nodded solemnly. Huffing, hands resting in her lap, she pondered for a bit. "Would you explain what's going on to me? I'm clueless."

It took him half an hour to summarize the situation to her. All the while, Aurora kept silent, head resting on the back of the couch, legs tucked underneath her, his hand massaging her thigh. When he was done, Eleanor's cheeks were wet, eyes distant, expression blank.

Aurora dared a glimpse in her way and their gaze locked. "Sounds like a nightmare, doesn't it?"

The woman laughed dryly. "The realest nightmare you can possibly have. I'll get us some coffee." And, she headed to the kitchen to recollect her thoughts.

Aidan glanced at her. "Rho, you need to control your anger sometimes." Covering her mouth with his hand, he added. "You really do. It's hard; I know." Understanding flashed through her eyes and her head moved to his shoulder.

"You bring out my sane side," she joked. But, it was truthful enough.

Ten minutes later, Eleanor walked back in, a tray of steamy coffee cups in hand. The heavenly smell already lightening the mood.

After few quiet sips, she spoke. "So, where do I start?"

Aidan offered an encouraging smile. "The beginning would be the best."

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