Wavering Mollisher

A Larger Threat

I was a fool.” Della moans as she buries her head in her legs.

Caroline runs over to comfort her. “Nonsense. Lucas Clarke is a Casanova. He is quite skilled at bedding women. Don't be so hard on yourself, doll. You saw the good in him despite everyone’s objections.”

Della’s head lifts up to glance at Caroline. “Caroline, why are you so nice to me? I treated you horrendously the first time we met and yet you forgave me and gave me another chance." 

Caroline brushes her fingers through Della’s curls. “Water under the bridge, my doll.” Della feels sparks fly through her body as Caroline brushes her fingers through her hair. 

“That feels good,” Della murmurs as she leans her head into Caroline's touch. The blond restrains herself from tasting Della’s lips as she reminisces about their soft first kiss. 

“OH!” Della remembers. “I have something I must tell you!”

Caroline removes her hand from Della. “Do tell.”

“Lucas claims his community had nothing to do with my mother’s murder or my father’s kidnapping. However, after we…uh…you know, his ex-girlfriend, Ruth, walks into his room and starts talking about how she is the new president of the High Society Committee.”

“Ruth Connell is his ex-girlfriend?!” Caroline asks incredulously.

“Yes, why?” Della innocently asks.

“She has quite the interesting history. Ever since she took over the mantel of the president, weird occurrences started happening around her-like disappearances of members. She is the subject of an investigation involving fraud.” Caroline taps her chin. “This makes things interesting. I am going to run this by Henry and see if we need to investigate Lucas and Ruth's relationship further." 

 A teenage boy guides them to Charles Delacroix's flat. Della observes the neighborhood as the group walks the street. The buildings are a stark contrast to her glittering neighborhood. Here, old cogs make inhuman sounds as it turns. Della can imagine the wheels hardly got greased in the prior years. Out of street vents, only a small plume of steam blows out, telling the story of how little power is offered to the poverty-stricken Merryville residents. Della can even see lights in windows flickering, and she wonders how often the city would cut the steam supply to the community, plunging them into an electricity-less abyss. 

“ e’s ere, miss.” The lad turns to Caroline and Della. “I will warn ya- Mr. Charles hasn’t been up for much compan’ lately. I ‘ope with ya here he will be ‘appier.”

Della gives the boy a small smile as he slips past the two women. It was just like her father to make friends regardless of the location. Della walks up first, lifting her fist to the dilapidated door. She knocks loudly, giving her father a moment to answer.

A rustle of cans and a whispered voice is the first clue to Della that her father is awake. The door in front of her swings open, and the unkempt face of Charles Delacroix appears.

“PAPA!” Della screams in delight, throwing herself into his arms.

“Della? “Charles wonders if he’s dreaming of his daughter returning to him. That fear is assuaged when he feels the warmth of Della in his arms. His daughter finally came home. “Della, you’re well! Oh, my dear girl, I’m so happy to see you. Come in!” He holds the door wide for Della and Caroline to enter.

“I see you brought Caroline! How are you, my girl? Are you and Henry tying the knot soon?” Charles enthusiastically asks.

“No, sir. We have been worried about you.” Caroline answers the question.

Charles sadly nods. “ I have been better. I’m sure you have heard about my wife.”

“Yes, sir.” Caroline sits on a chair near him.

“Papa, what happened?” Della’s eyes fill up tears. “What did Lucas Clarke do to you and mother?”

Charles eyes her like she stated the sky is purple. “My dear, Lucas Clarke has been offering me protection since your mother’s passing! You shouldn’t worry about him. You should be worried about whoever ordered my kidnapping and your mother’s execution!"

“Papa, what are you talking about?” Della shakes her head in confusion. “Who would want to cause us harm?”

“That, my girl, is the million-gold question. The people that took me, I didn’t recognize them. I managed to escape while they were distracted.  Lucas caught me as I was running. I thought he was going to take me hostage. Instead, we hid behind a textile store until the men stopped looking for me. He offered to protect me until he found the culprit responsible for my wife’s murder. I didn’t have much choice at the time, so I followed him back here. I love it here, Della. I can work and live without the pressures of the higher-class society. Everyone here is equal.”

“Why would Lucas Clarke protect you?” Caroline pries. 

“That is a great question, no? After kidnapping my daughter no less!” Charles exclaims.

“Maybe he is buying your trust?” Della offers a solution.

“Or there is something bigger than all of us in play.” Caroline rubs her arms. “As awful as Lucas Clarke is, he lives by a code-rob from the rich, he doesn't hurt, kill, or maim any kidnapees or their family members."

“This could be someone who is trying to frame him or has a vendetta against father.” Della thinks out loud. “If this is not Lucas’s work, then I’m terrified of who is responsible.”

Caroline nods in agreement. “I must say that I’m in agreement with Lucas for once. Della, you must stay here until it is safe.”

 “You can take the room. I can have the kids go fetch a pull-away mattress for me.” Charles disappears around a corner.

“Father, no!” Della protests. “Caroline, this is ridiculous! I can handle myself out!”

 “Della, you promised to head my warnings after what happened last month. You are staying here! I’m going to tell Henry what is happening, and I will check on you often.” Caroline brushes her lips against Della’s cheek.

 “Try not to fall in Lucas’s bed while I’m away.” She whispers. Della’s hand flies to the kissed cheek, feeling heat begin to rise on the spot.

“Mr. Delacroix, I will be back.” Caroline politely curtsied to the older gentleman. “I will bring back some of  Della’s things.”

“Be careful, my girl.” Charles opens the door for her. Once Caroline takes her departure, Charles waltzes to the kitchen. “Well, I think we should celebrate, my girl! Your return calls for biscuits and tea! Perhaps while I prepare our tea, you can change into something that fits you better.” Charles eyes Della’s oversized garments critically.

“I got into an accident earlier helping a little girl. Lucas had my things sent to the wash.” Della quickly explains.

“Ah, I see.” Charles turns his back towards Della and smirks. He could sense something was brewing in his daughter’s life.