FATHER ALWAYS SMILING

Chapter 54 ~~~~~

Alastor stepped out of the car with his briefcase and a rather puzzled smile. "Goodness, what brings so many people to my home today?" his gaze then shifted to Kira. "Ah, that must be about that phone call. I hope you weren't waiting all that long."

"Alastor ..." Elija breathed in awe.

Alastor looked at the young FBI Agent, his smile and tone did not change. "You must be his partner." only to pause and then say. "Oh, I remember you. You were at my last performance."

Anthony looked rather puzzled; did he not know that Alastor used to act on stage?

"Yes," Elija answered enthusiastically. "Your performance as Doctor Jekyll in Jekyll & Hyde was truly wonderful. And when I heard that it would be your last, I and so many others were disheartened to hear."

"There was a stage play of Jekyll & Hyde?" Kira asked Jeremiah in a hushed whisper.

"It was a Broadway musical," Jeremiah answered rather straightforwardly.

Alastor smiled rather fondly. "Ah yes, that was a wonderful role, I still sing some of the songs on occasion." There was a glint of what Kira could only ascertain as faint disappointment. "Sometimes I wish I could go back to those days." But it was gone a moment later. "But one cannot change time, and besides, my experiences have done wonders for me with my current work and day-to-day life with my daughter."

Elija's smile froze on his face. "Ah... so the rumour was true..." he turned to look at Amalie who faintly peaked behind Anthony, clutching his shirt. "You did get married." He then looked back to Alastor with a cheery smile. "She's adorable and takes a lot after you. And you, you look amazing!"

Alastor chuckled softly. "Thank you, but I doubt you are simply here to reminisce over long-dead times." He then walked past them, scooped up his daughter in his free arm, and opened the front door while still holding the briefcase. "Please come in, would either of you like coffee or tea? Agents, Detective?"

"Tea for Detective Song," Jeremiah answered for Kira, who scowled in response. "She hasn't been sleeping well."

To Kira's added confusion, Alastor agreed with him. "Hm, yes, I suppose. You do look somewhat tired." He says to her. "Does this involve what you need from me?"

"No," Kira glanced at Amalie who was now cautiously staring at Elija who was simply smiling at the little girl. "But regardless of how I feel, I need to continue my job."

"Don't we all." Alastor let Amalie down on the first step of the stairs. "I need to speak with them for a little bit. So, until I finish with the detective and gentlemen, I want you to stay in your room for now, all right?"

Kira caught Amalie glancing at them, the expression was what she could only see as concern, but the little girl nodded.

"Good girl," he says as he kissed the top of her head, before looking at Anthony. "Keep her company, won't you Anthony?"

Kira had completely forgotten that the man was even here. Anthony simply shrugged in response. "Sure, not like I have anything else goin' on right now. Give us a shout if ya need anythin'."

Alastor simply watched as the two went upstairs before turning to the two agents and Kira with a rather knowing smile as he placed the suite case on the floor by the front door. "So, what can I do for you three, this fine day?"

"It's about the case," Jeremiah answered as Alastor strode into the kitchen and began making tea and coffee.

He didn't even so much as look over his shoulder and he pulled out tins with different teas and looked at what he had before picking one. "What about it?"