FATHER ALWAYS SMILING

Chapter 56 ~~~~~

The woman smiled and extended her left hand. "My name is Anna, Anna Liebert."

Gina took the woman's hand. "It was nice to meet you, Anna."

Anna smiled a little more. "It was wonderful to meet you as well. I wish you all the best in your future endeavours. Ms. Miller." Then she turned to leave with her luggage.

Gina smiled at her. "Same to you as well, Anna."

Anna stopped in her tracks and added. "I think you'll be a tour de force when you arrive, have a goodnight, and goodbye, Ms. Miller." And then walked down the street and around the corner, disappearing from sight.

Leaving Gina alone to finish what she needed before leaving this city for good. Still, she found herself looking back, much like Layla and hoped that even if they wouldn't meet again, the woman named Anna Liebert would do well for herself, no matter what that was.

* * *

Walking through the nearly empty streets of Toronto, with only the sound of heels, and the slow roll of wheels from luggage while walking through the back streets, away from the heavy congestion of traffic and the dense populace that was this city's nightlife.

Not a word was said through this long walk, only to see a shop owner of a pastry store coming out to deal with the trash and smiling in response. "Evening Anna, heading off to work again soon?"

A smile in response. "Hello, Mr. Taluka, yes I won't be back for quite a long while."

"That's a shame, well, when you do come back be sure to visit, I'll be sure to let you try our newest pastry!"

"That'll be wonderful, have a goodnight." And kept going.

Walking, walking walking, in total silence without a soul to be seen.

Clack, clack, clack, went the heels.

Clunk, clunk, clunk, the luggage lumbered behind.

A woman smoking on the back-alley steps of her apartment waved in response. "Hey Anna, you should be careful walkin' around a night this late." The woman called out. "A woman like you is gonna get mugged or worse if you ain't careful. Where are you headed?"

Another smile. "Evening, Janelle. I'm headed off to the airport for another job. My car is just around the corner. No need to worry."

Janelle motioned with a flick of her chin to the luggage. "Is that why you're carryin' all that? It looks heavy, want some help?"

"No, it's alright, I'll be fine, this isn't anything I haven't done before but thank you."

"If ya say so. Just watch out for those thugs creepin' about!"

"I'll be careful," was the reply before returning to what was.

Walking, walking walking.

Then finally reaching the car, tucked away, hidden, left unseen by those be it of the upper class or those who were less favourable. Placed the case into the trunk and started the car and drove like all the others out late at night. Keeping pace with all the others.

Unassuming, unaware.

Taking the highway and soon drove out of the city and into a more relaxed area, a place with many homes. Unsuspecting people, fast asleep in the dead of night. Turning off the headlights when approaching, using an electric door opener as the garage door opened in almost total silence. Though no one would notice this.

Once inside, removed the luggage from the trunk of the car and make the short distance up the small steps in the garage and open the door leading into the home.

The faint sounds and white light illuminating from the tv could be seen from the entryway, removing shoes and creeping further in to see a young blond man fast asleep on the couch. Again, he hadn't taken to the spare bedroom, but he did not wake, completely unaware of another watching him.

Then taking the luggage up the stairs, carrying it with ease before silently placing it down when inside the bedroom, closing and locking the door and turning on a lamp atop a dresser across from the bed.

A familiar room, one that meant home.

Tossing the shawl onto the chair by the vanity, and making the short trip to the private bathroom pulling out a case for contacts and removing them from the eyes with ease, then followed by turning on the tap and removing the wig and cap underneath.

This look would not be used again for a while, that much was certain.

Scrubbing the face clean, removing any traces of makeup before looking into the mirror where grey eyes looked back rather than blue and a knowing smile.

"And like that, she's finally gone." Alastor mused to his reflection in the mirror. But he wouldn't have it any other way. After all, many problems had been dealt with now. Of course, there were others but they would be removed in due time.

He then changed out of those clothes and into a long sleeve black cotton shirt and plaid red and black pyjama bottoms before taking the rolling suitcase back into the hallway in bare feet so he wouldn't be heard. Then just as silently placed it down by the stairs before walking into his daughter's room.

Amalie was fast asleep, clinging tightly to that bunny she received as a gift.

He sat on the edge of the bed, watching her sleep, before leaning close and kissing the top of her sleeping head. Something he always did when coming home, be she aware or not.

Then left his daughter's room, took the luggage and headed back downstairs towards the basement door.

He needed to take care of this, but for now, he'd merely put it away in a proper place and deal with it in the morning. He punched in the code.

Amalie's date of birth.

One he would never change, no matter who entered here with unknown intent.

Lifting the rolling suitcase once more, he descended into the darkness of the basement to do what was needed like he had so many times before this.