Suspect

The news about Rita wasn't something Alexis could process easily. Her mind was lost in thought; why hunt the little child? Was this just a betrayal or something else?

Joan's reaction was cold and calm. He drove down to the kindergarten school when the principal called him about Rita's whereabouts and the class teacher.

Still packing the car, Alexia's hand against the car handle. “Hold on.”  his gaze fixed on hers; very calm. But she was impatient. “For what, Joan? I need to see my child.”

“Don't overreact… hold your strength.” He said, trying to keep his voice low despite the tension brewing in the car.

“You don’t tell me what to do. Joan, you have no right.”

“At least listen, it will help.” He said, his voice --demur.

“Especially when my child is involved, do you know what threat messages I receive every day about my other child, Rhoda, not knowing their focus—on Rita instead”

“This won't help,” he shot back at her. He knew she was wrong about her feelings.

Alexia's eyes filled with tears, her hands still were tight close to her arm gently. “I need to see my daughter, Rita.” 

He nodded. “I'm right here. Together, we will find her.”

Alexia sighed, her frustration predictable on her face, but he had to calm her nerves.

Just then, a car drove into the kindergarten school. “Who could that be? The police? Did you invite them over?”

He waved his head, observing the vehicle. “I have no idea.”

She chuckled. “Oh, I think I'm dealing with a dumb ass. I'm out of here.” She ran out of the car, raising her hand as the car reached her level.

Bruce growled low inside the car. “Stop the car.” 

The car came to a halt a few steps away from Alexia.

She realized that he was the one, took a deep sigh. “Why are you here... I know that you are part of it.”

“You always do it in your own way.” She shot back.

Bruce raised a brow. “My way?,” moving close to her.

“Yes,” She said boldly, though her eyes were more focused behind, wondering what could be going on.

“If it's my way, I won't be here saving the day. Alexia.  And if Joan's innocent, he won't drive down to school at least alert the police. But he told the school management not to.”

Alexia shrugged. “If he's guilty. Allow me to deal with it.” She said.

The tension between the both of them was suffocating, but for once, Bruce never said a word to her

Rita was carried to the sickbay, though sleeping peacefully, as they walked past Alexia to the school management. She looked back, observing that they were behind her, her expression calm but observant.

“Where did you find her,” She asked as she moved her head towards Bruce. Then her gaze shifted to Rhoda, their eyes flicked on each other— guilt? It was hard to tell.

Alexia didn't waste time, moved close to her. “What happened, are you alright? Rhoda”

Rhoda nodded but she didn't move. “It was uncle big Joan– evil plan plotted out.”

“Rhoda, tell me the truth,” Alexia muttered, her tone was low but demanding.

Rhoda set her eyes low, began biting her little finger. “It wasn't meant for her. She took it for me instead.”

“What?. Help me understand.” She muttered, closing the space between them.

Rhoda ignored her words, her focus was on Bruce. “They are all playing games, mum. Always. Trying to sow a seed of hate and chaos.” She whispered slowly, 

Alexia crossed her arms around her body. “Who's behind the scenes?”

“I didn't want to lose my sister.” She admitted. “I have no other information.” 

She walked past her daughter, hiding her face on Bruce's back.

“Bruce, I want to say thank you.” She said, her voice softer than before.

Bruce snorted. “Sounds like a defeat– so odd.”

“Maybe,” She said, meeting his gaze directly. “You did your role as a father. And I'm ever grateful, for now I will speak with the school management.”

Bruce's expression, unreadable, followed behind into the office.

“A hidden culprit?” She asked, pressing hard on the principal. But she didn't answer, instead she turned to Joan. “I will find a way to find the teacher. For now, no valid information is assured.”

Joan shook his head. “Alright. Just that they’re closer than we thought. Children need to be safe.”

“Thank you for your cooperation. Sir”, the school management said,

Alexia was distant, her focus was entirely on Rita— bedridden. Bruce, on the other hand, seemed amused by the chaos going on lately. 

Still on medication, she sat close to her silent, rubbing her head, her mind— Rhoda's words.

“I need to be with my daughter just for tonight,” she said softly.

"I know,” Bruce whispered, he knew that she would ask for that, leaning against the door.

Immediately, Joan entered the room, which disrupted their conversation.

“Any news yet?” She asked, too tired from the endless search. 

“No. To check on you,” he said, his tone skeptical… “Things are getting… serious.”

“You need to be protected.”

He walked inside, his presence drawing close to her small space. 

“You need to be safe.”

“Safe?,” Bruce chuckled, his expression—mockery. “I mean everyone is a prime suspect, Alexia. Including him.”

The words in his voice caught her off guard, and for a moment, she saw a side of Bruce. She wasn't sure whom to trust— Joan or him. 

“All I need is to be with my kids alone tonight.” She said, gazing at both of them. 

Bruce swallowed hard, then said, “Because of the situation, I will grant this request.”

“But you need to trust me,” he said.

“Trust you?” She raised her eyebrows. “It's not about trust here. About the children.”

“I know,” he admitted. “But you need me to get information about the culprit. You'll need my cooperation.”

His words hung in the air, before she could respond. Another knock interrupted them.

This time, it was school management. 

“Am I interrupting?’ she asked, her tone softening 

She sighed. “Not at all.” her gaze flicked to Rita, who was awake. “Mummy,” she called.

“I'm here.” She said, dressing her hair properly, hugged her behind. 

The tension between them lessened as everyone hoped to hear what she had to say, at least a word could say that day.