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Chapter Text

- Mr. Pierre! What do you say about the safety of your toys?

- Mr. Pierre! Does Eliot Ludwig's death have anything to do with the latest incident?

- Mr. Pierre! Please answer one more question!

A crowd of journalists with microphones surrounded the man, not stopping for a second to ask questions. Leith Pierre stood proudly in the middle of them with a wide smile that you can see in movies and family photos, and his back was straight as a stick. His whole appearance created the image of an exemplary citizen working exclusively for the benefit of the motherland. And how can a man who has dedicated his life to the happiness of children all over the world not be an angel in the flesh?

He raised his hand, stopping the flow of questions with one gesture and smiled even wider, which seemed impossible.:

- Gentlemen, please calm down. His tone was calm and gentle, as if he were talking to children. – I understand that you have a lot of questions, but I hasten to assure you that Playtime co. I have nothing to do with the terrible rumors you've heard. We have been working for several years to create toys that will delight your children. After all, this is exactly what our founder, Eliot Ludwig, always wanted, may he rest in peace. Luit put his hand to his heart with a sorrowful face. – But unfortunately, I must say, there are always minor problems in production. Some toys may turn out to be defective due to the negligence of our workers. That is why we try to ensure that such copies do not fall into the hands of our customers. Of course, this is not always possible, the infamous Cat-Nap is an example of this. My colleagues and I will try to make sure that this does not happen again. We all at the company want children to be able to enjoy their childhood to their heart's content. But let's move on to the positive news. I know that you are interested in the affairs of our company, so I hasten to please you with a new limited collection of toys for teenagers! It will be released next week, so hurry up or miss your chance! He was looking at the camera, addressing the viewer directly. – I'll leave it at that, but remember the Poppy Playtime co. Always take care of your children!

- Mr. Pierre!

- Mr. Pierre, one more question!

- Please answer, Mr. Pierre!

The TV clicked off, leaving only a black screen. She could no longer listen to the nonsense that was shown on the news. Leith Pierre got away with it again, with a couple of promises, a sweet smile, and a new line of toys. A year has passed since the death of Eliot Ludwig, and the passions around the factory have only been heating up. The disappearance of Playtime co. employees became more frequent, and the so-called "defects" constantly terrorized young customers. It was simply impossible to ignore the direct connection. But no matter how much the press made a big deal out of a molehill, and no matter how many times the investigators came to the factory, nothing changed. Absolutely nothing! And that was what annoyed Marie the most.

There was a mountain of papers on the table in front of the TV, but a bright brochure stood out among them. "Workers needed at Poppy Playtime co." read the headline. Inside, all possible qualities needed by the employee and the advantages of working under the leadership of Leith Pierre were listed. Information about constant overwork and terrible treatment, of course, was kept silent. Marie would never have been attracted to a job in this place if it weren't for her great desire to bring this company to the surface.

Marie was a former detective and her home board was already bursting with the number of missing persons photos. Despite her retirement, the girl continued to run businesses and even taking cases, but only if they were interesting enough for her. And what was happening now was just one of those cases. People disappeared without a trace almost every day, and without a trace, as if they had never existed. The police close the case without even starting, the investigators throw up their hands. The relatives are in turmoil and can't do anything about it. Moreover, all the missing people have one single thing in common: they all worked for or were somehow connected with Poppy Playtime. But on all questions Leith Pierre found a justification or an excuse.: "Unfortunately, we can't help you in any way", "We are sorry for your loss", "Poppy Playtime had nothing to do with this, we are a friendly organization"…

It was time to end this nonsense once and for all.

That's why Marie, instead of drinking her favorite coffee, stood at the mirror and prepared for the upcoming interview. She needed to join the team, and then she could think about her next step. After straightening her hair, Marie looked at herself in the mirror and nodded approvingly. Everything was perfect. Grabbing her resume, she left the apartment and headed towards the infamous factory.

                                        ***

- So Miss Marietta Angel... - he man looked up from his resume. In front of him sat a pretty girl with her eyes lowered to the floor. She was clearly nervous, which could be seen by the way she fiddled with her gaudy yellow shirt and bit her lips. Not surprisingly, it's not every day that you sit for an interview to get a job at the most famous company. – It says here that you already have experience working with other companies. There are many places here, from offices to large companies. And all your former employers speak very highly of you. They say you are very hardworking, friendly and do your job very well. If you look at it that way, you have an almost perfect resume. But I have one question... - the employer looked up from the paper again and looked at Marie. She shuddered, as if she had been doused with water, and looked at the man. – Why haven't you worked for more than two months?

- You see, sir...I... - Marietta smiled sheepishly, looking away. She seemed to be considering her answer to please the man– It's a lot easier than you might think, sir... I just wasn't really interested in any of them. - Her voice trembled slightly, and she stumbled over her words. – I considered these options as an alternative to my possible career. But unfortunately, nothing came of it.… They didn't have what I was looking for. Something that could really interest me.

- Really? And what is it? -

I thought it was obvious. - Striving for universal happiness! She looked up, and there was no fear or excitement in her eyes now that there had been a moment ago. Even your voice has become firmer and more confident - You are making breakthroughs in creating unique toys, giving shelter to unfortunate orphans and continuing to improve. If this is not progress towards utopia, then I do not know what it is! Elliot Ludwig and Leith Pierre were able to create a revolution in the creation of toys! It makes you admire. - Her speech was convincing, as if she truly believed in what she was talking about. That's what fanatics who are convinced of their delusional rightness usually say.

The man in front of her was slightly surprised, and maybe even… Impressed. It's not every day you meet someone who so desperately believes in the fictional ideals of their company. He cleared his throat, clearly not knowing how to continue the dialogue.:

- So you want to work for our company because… Do you want to bring happiness?

- I thought it was clear from my little speech...- Marietta was confused again.

- And are you absolutely satisfied with the working conditions offered to you?

- Of course, otherwise I wouldn't be sitting here. Another embarrassed smile.

- And you... uh... agree with our policy that the Poppy Platime co. Is she in any way involved in your injuries at work and the complete confidentiality of any information?

- Absolutely!

The employer couldn't believe it. There had to be a catch in the girl's mawkish words. Who would even agree to overwork and a small salary with such ideal data? Everything was going too smoothly… But on the other hand, the girl was clearly one of the timid ones. They are called "gray mice". Her whole appearance spoke of self-doubt, from an untidy bun to unremarkable clothes. And with such faith in the good intentions of the company, it can be easily manipulated. They really needed workers right now.… It was a winning situation!

- Well, Miss Angel, I am glad to welcome you to our friendly family. He held out his hand to shake.

- I'm so glad. - Marie smiled triumphantly, shaking the man's hand.

Everything was going very well.

                                      ***

The factory was huge. Even more than outside. Marie followed her colleague, whose name she had already forgotten, and looked at her surroundings.

As it turned out, getting here was much easier than she thought. She compiled her dossier from old papers that she attended as a student and while still working as a detective. Most often, her employers asked her to keep an eye on a certain person, and it's best to do it at his place of work. Thus, her folder has become quite large from the history of her work and letters of recommendation. And she had prepared her little speech in advance, the sweetness of which made her teeth rot. It was enough to turn her employer's head and now walk around the factory calmly.

While she was being given a tour, she counted about 37 cameras and 9 doors with a higher security clearance than hers. A logical question followed from this. Why does this company need protection and cameras on literally every corner? One could make an assumption that Leith Pierre wants to control all his employees in this way. To observe how effectively they do their job and whether they mind their own business. Such thoughts might make some people feel sick, but obviously not Marie. She assumed anything about this man: even the murder of Eliot Ludwig. Although there is a simpler explanation for this paranoia: fear of spies. Poppy Playtime co. At the moment, the most successful toy company, so it was logical if the head of the company was worried about a data leak. But there was something else that confused the girl.:

The smell of poppy

The company lived up to its name, because it was everywhere. It feels like an ocean of perfume from this flower has been poured over the entire building. The smell filled all the rooms in this company, making its way even into the most secret places. And the deeper they went into the factory, the stronger the smell became.

The guide was saying something ahead, something about toys, about the burden of work, about children… Nothing useful. And he didn't seem bothered by the foul stench at all. No one seemed to notice it except Marie. The smell made her feel sick and her head started to ache. Even her own perfume couldn't save her, their scent had almost disappeared in the hours she'd spent here.

- And here we have laboratories... - the man's voice was annoying, it got in the way, it rang in my ears and caused pain in my temples. My legs were getting harder to move. Marie tried her best to keep her composure, but it was getting worse by the minute. One more step and she would fall. I wanted to leave this place, give up my mission, take a breath of clean air and never see poppy again.

Crash

Did she bump into something or someone?

It doesn't matter. The main thing is that the unknown object smelled of something other than this disgusting stench. The smell quickly spread through the body, remained in the memory and dispelled the tension. It was not possible to recognize it, but this small respite was enough for Marie's brain to function again. Her body recoiled by inertia.

- Look where you're going!

A man's hoarse voice was heard. He was clearly unhappy with the collision, unlike Marie. A variety of papers flew to the floor, which the previously unknown man was holding in his hands.

-I'm sorry...- the voice broke on its own, there was no need to even pretend. Marie bent down automatically, picking up the papers. Mentally, she berated herself for showing weakness in such a dangerous place, and hoped that her behavior would not be considered strange. - I'm really sorry…

Her eyes began to run frantically over the pages. "Project", "report", "insufficient information"… She might have been able to read something useful, but her brain wasn't thinking straight. Marie handed the collected sheets to the man, who pulled them out of her hands. Angel's eyes tried to focus on his face, but only thing she managed to see was the badge on his robe: "Dr.Harley Sawyer." It's worth remembering.

- Of course, you should be sorry. His voice became calm, even slightly dismissive. It was as if he was talking to an inferior being who didn't deserve attention.

The man walked around her and continued on his way. All the girl could do was look after him.

So who was it? It is clear that he is not an ordinary worker, his attitude is too arrogant. His robe and the postscript "Dr." indicated that he was a scientist. But why would a toy company need a scientist? Dr. Harley Sawyer… she needs to find information about him.

Marie was brought out of her thoughts by the guide, who grabbed her by the shoulder and pulled her aside. The girl did not like the sudden touch, so she threw off someone else's hand.

- Newbie, what are you doing!? Do you even know who you bumped into? People like him. He nodded in the direction Sawyer had gone.- It's better not to get caught once again. Otherwise, you'll be out of here faster than Hoppy Hopscotch can reach the moon.

Marie didn't like the comparison, she didn't like much about the situation at all.

-So, who was that?– She needs to find out as much information as possible while she still had the opportunity.

The man frowned, considering the girl's question:

- All you need to know is that he's a big shot here. Considering him to be a business partner of Leith Pierre. - The guide's voice became unreadable. - Now come on, I need to show you your workplace." I don't want to get into trouble because of you.

Marie followed the guide. There was a lot of new food for thought, and most importantly, it became easier for her to tolerate this vile stench of poppy. The memory of an unfamiliar smell drove nausea into the background.

                                      ***

Her workplace was a small desk with a computer in the middle of numerous other desks with computers. People were rushing back and forth, clutching stacks of papers tightly to their chests, as if their lives depended on them. Air conditioners and fans constantly pumped air to get rid of the stuffiness, creating a draft. Basically, there is nothing that distinguishes this place from other offices that Marie has visited. Only the bright yellow shirts and motivational posters with the company's mascots reminded that this was hardly an ordinary office.

I should have taken up my new job and immersed myself in the world of office plankton. It was the most boring part of her mission, but it was also the most important.: "Do your job well and don't attract too much attention." With a heavy sigh, Marie sat down on an uncomfortable chair with wheels and turned on the computer. There was a videotape on the table with the inscription "Welcome to Playtime", it was given to all newcomers. With a click, the girl inserted it into the player, and the video started downloading. Haggy Waggy, beloved by the children, appeared on the screen almost immediately and a friendly voice sounded:

- Welcome to our staff! Today is your first day at Playtime company — congratulations! The speaker, with his intonation and feigned joy, reminded Leith of Pierre. It was like he was talking to a stupid kid who needed to be told simple things. This annoyed Marie, and as long as the staff didn't pay attention to her, she could afford to openly show her displeasure.

- We are sure that very soon you will find a second family at the factory, who will love and support you as much as your own.

Marie glanced at the staff nearby. The manager loudly and obscenely chastised his subordinate, while the other tried to justify himself and prove something. There was no support or love from either of them, but rather, on the contrary, hatred and distrust. Marie chuckled at the irony. She will definitely get a lot of positive emotions from them.

- Explore the space! All doors are open for you.

Sure. And passes and security clearance levels are just a formality. Leith Pierre would personally show her where his dirtiest and most secret secrets were kept.

- Dine in the midst of a creative mess.

Not practical.

- Watch our children play and learn. They will be very pleased.

Unlikely. With the amount of work she has to do, she definitely won't have time to visit any children.

- Join the company of innovators who expand the boundaries of modern science.

Thank you. This was point N.3 of Marie's plan.

- Do you want to take care of children? Then become counselors at the shelter.

It is unlikely that the shelter will have the information she needs.

- You will help to lay the foundation for our bright future!

We strive for the opposite.

- Each of you has a role to play.

We've already figured it out. All people are gears in your mechanism-companies.

- So if tomorrow you get overwhelmed by gloomy thoughts about your actions and elections, don't worry! Your supervisors will definitely listen to you.

If such trifles come to Marie's mind, she'd rather turn to a professional psychologist than to someone from here. I hope Playtime has insurance?

Marie chuckled softly and rolled her eyes, listening to the words of the unknown. She was bursting with unspoken sarcasm. Angel only heard nonsense similar to Pierre's chatter on TV. Nothing new, nothing interesting. She was about to pull out the tape, but the announcer continued.

- And... I hope you will take into account all precautions and will not create problems for your colleagues and your supervisors. Otherwise, unfortunately, we will have to take extreme measures and say goodbye to you forever. Therefore, if you want to bring happiness to our world, then we ask you to follow all the rules and do the work on time! Good luck and welcome to Playtime!

The tape jumped out of the player and remained lying on the table. The announcer's words were sweet and friendly, but the hidden implication in them was like a warning and even a threat. Marie stared at the already darkened screen, thinking about something, and then she chuckled merrily. Cute. If the management thinks to intimidate in this way, then they have chosen the wrong girl. Angel already had a plan and she was going to follow it to the end. Voices were heard across the table from her:

- Have you heard about Rowan from IT?

- Who hasn't heard of him? It seems to me that Leith Pierre's entire e-mail is already filled with letters from him. He's already bothered everyone with his paranoia.

- That's for sure. Stoll is completely crazy to think that there is something in Haggy's eyes. As if people had nothing better to do.

Now that's interesting.

The first clue has been found. Rowan could be a good source of information and an ally, or an ordinary paranoid. In any case, we'll have to question him. And if it doesn't work out to get useful information, then get the support of someone from IT. Angel leaned back in her chair and smiled contentedly.

Well, Leith, the game has begun.

Chapter Text

The working day starts at 8 a.m. sharp. Everyone is rushing somewhere, carrying their reports and documents. No one wants to get caught in the hot hand of a supervisor and be fired. And as usual, the workers are greeted at the entrance by a friendly statue of Hagga, which everyone runs past, not even paying attention to the mascot. Only Rowan involuntarily stopped at its base, looking the toy straight in the eyes.

It all started with one simple complaint. It was as if there were cameras in Haggy's eyes, watching every movement of people, and this made the visitors tense. Stoll immediately came up with ideas about some kind of abnormal person who watched the children for his own pleasure. This had to be dealt with urgently, but no one was going to do it. Leith simply brushed aside Stoll's complaints and messages, saying that the visitors were exaggerating and Rowan should get on with his job instead of making up all sorts of tall tales. But the complaints didn't stop. It's all starting to look like a silly joke, a very not funny joke. There was a very simple explanation for the whole situation – a small breakdown. The toy's eyes just broke, creating a frightening appearance for others. It could have ended peacefully, but Stoll was too stubborn to admit he was wrong. And he was looking. He was looking for answers to the questions that tormented him at night. Why is Leith trying so hard to distract Rowan? What kind of freak put cameras in there? What's wrong with this toy? And he found something that could give him the answers he needed. That's just… Now this "something" kept him awake at night... he was afraid that his newfound knowledge might lead to his death.…

- I beg your pardon… Mr. Rowan Stoll, right? - An uncertain and soft female voice was heard from behind.

Stoll turned around and saw a young girl with a stack of papers in her hands. She was awkwardly twirling a strand of hair around her finger and smiling sweetly. Rowan couldn't remember ever seeing this stranger before. Maybe a new girl?

- Yes, it's me. What can I do for you?

- My name is Marietta Angel. Pleased to meet you, Mr. Stoll," she held out her hand for a handshake, which Rowan took with some pleasure. It's not every day that pretty girls come up to you to get to know you.

- Angel? An unusual surname. - He gave her a friendly smile.- It suits you very well. You probably hear this a lot.

- Thank you.… Your name is also not without charm. -Marietta looked away, embarrassed.- But I'm here on a work issue. I wanted to talk about your recent statement about... - she hesitated, choosing her words. - About your problem report.

Rowan immediately wilted. Is it because of Huggy? Did he give himself away somehow? Did Luit understand something, did he learn something?

- I already promised Leith Pierre that I won't touch Huggy anymore in my last video message. It was my mistake, I saw something that really wasn't there. Stoll ran a worried hand through his curls, trying to force a smile on his face. He remembered sending the last recording to Pierre. Rowan rewrote it 5 times, just to make his voice sound more convincing, and his lies were not so noticeable.

- What? Oh, no, not really! That's not why I came here! She started waving her hands, which almost made her drop her papers. - It's about your other report, about the recent crash. He understands that I need you to clarify some details so that I can transfer the document to another department.…

Oh

It was just a work assignment. Luit didn't suspect anything… He just screwed himself up.… Again... a weight was lifted from his soul and Rowan was able to take a deep breath.

- I will be happy to help you, Miss Angel! What information do you need?

- Oh, it won't take long! Just a couple of clarifying questions.… And I'll also need a copy of the documents on this case...- she opened the folder she had been holding in her hands and flipped through a couple of pages, searching for something. - It's here somewhere…

A couple of sheets slipped out of her hands and Rowan bent down to pick them up. The people around them began to look around more often and whisper something. The new and Crazy head of IT, which company… Stoll didn't want to be the center of attention again. A new rumor could have reached the head and then the Table would definitely not be spiced up. He blurted out the first thing that came to mind.:

- Maybe we should move to a quieter place.- So that no one interferes with us," he suggested, already holding the documents that had fallen out.

- What? Marietta jerked her head up, and finally noticed the crowd gathering around them. -Yes... you're right. We really should go.… Can we discuss all the details in your office?

- Great idea! I'll show you the way.

- I would be very grateful.

Rowan tucked the papers under his arm and led the way. The devouring stares of onlookers drilled into their backs, which sent chills down the man's spine. It was getting harder to ignore them every day.

                                      ***

They talked pleasantly about all sorts of trifles all the way, Marietta turned out to be a very pleasant company. She listened attentively to Stoll's every word, occasionally asking questions and laughing at silly jokes. Rowan was actually very nervous. As he had already found out, Angel was indeed a new employee from the office, she had only started working fully a couple of days ago and so far knew almost nothing about the factory. So Stoll hoped she hadn't heard any rumors yet. He didn't want to make a first impression as an inadequate and unreliable employee.

- Here we are. - Rowan opened the door to his small office, allowing the girl to precede him. She nodded gratefully and went inside.

Basically, nothing distinguished this room from other offices. Only the photograph on the table and the calendar on the wall gave the room a lively look.

- It's very nice here, Mr. Stoll.

Well, if only a couple of concrete walls, an almost dead flower, and a desk with a computer can really be considered cute.

- You can just call me Rowan, no need for formalities. Please have a seat. - The man pulled a small chair, which was standing in the coals, closer to Marietta.

- Whatever you say, Rowan. - She smiled and sat down on the proffered seat. Angel looked around the office with her gaze, and when Rowan sat down, it was already directed at him.

There was an awkward silence. Stoll expected the girl to do something, but she just continued to look into his eyes. The man shifted in his seat. It wasn't that he didn't like being the center of attention of such a beautiful lady, it was just that such close observation was a bit stressful.

- So… What should I help you with, Miss Angel? - Rowan began uncertainly.

- Oh, right, I'm sorry, I was thinking a little. It's not every day that I get to talk to the head of an entire department, you've probably worked hard to fill this position. - Rowan smiled sheepishly at the girl's flattery. She reached into her folder, took out a piece of paper, and handed it to Stoll. – I just need to clarify a couple of questions. There was a small error in the system, as you may remember, so some data was erased. The authorities want you to provide full information on what happened.

He carefully took the paper from the girl's hand and read its contents. It was his own report that he wrote a couple of weeks ago. Then there really was a small disaster, a lot of data was lost. The error has been completely fixed, and it has not been talked about for a long time. Apparently, the authorities want to prevent this from happening again, so they decided to play it safe. Rowan looked up from the paper and adjusted his glasses.:

- I'll do what I can. - With that, he turned to his computer. The task was really very simple, all you had to do was find the data, print it out and give it to Marietta. – Wait a few minutes… It shouldn't take long. Rowan said without looking up from his computer.

Click

The sound was so much more unexpected that the man jumped slightly in his seat. Stoll immediately turned around to find its source. Angel was already holding a ballpoint pen in her hands and writing something down in her folder. She was probably doing other work so she wouldn't waste time while Rowan was going through the data. She crossed her legs and wrote out each letter with concentration, ignoring Stoll's hesitation. The sight of the working girl was unexpectedly attractive. She was like a statue of a goddess carved out of marble, brooding and ethereal. I wonder what she's thinking at the moment.

- Rowan, can I ask you a few questions?- The voice brought Rowan out of his thoughts. Angel looked at him with pleading eyes. - For me… It's very difficult to integrate into the team and adapt to working here... so I wanted to ask you for advice on some things that interest me. Marietta's voice was low, as if she was hesitating to say it or not. – I would really appreciate it if you could help me.

Stoll swallowed involuntarily.

- Understanding, Miss Angel, I think you're asking the wrong person. The man became nervous, trying to look anywhere but at Marietta. – Maybe you should contact someone more… Uh... professional?

- Mr. Stoll,– she began to address him by his last name again.- I am absolutely sure that you are no less professional than other managers. Her voice was more confident and firmer. – I've heard so much about you from my colleagues! - Oh, God… She already knows... - You are a technical genius! Leith himself has never paid attention to your talent! You have moved up the career ladder the fastest and have taken the place of the head of the department! Everyone in the office is talking about how easy it is for you to fix any mistakes and how dedicated you are to your work. I admire you, Mr. Stoll!

Rowan was too startled to respond. He couldn't have expected such a reaction from a girl who a few seconds ago couldn't even pronounce a word without hesitation. But it's not that Stoll didn't like it, on the contrary. He could feel the tips of his ears turning red at every word the girl said. Rowan had never imagined that anyone could admire him so much. Really, what's going on in this unusual person's head? Perhaps his shock had lasted too long, so there was concern in Marietta's eyes.

- Mr. Stoll? - The brevity returned to her tone. - I'm sorry, I didn't mean to push you so hard. -… It's just that I wanted to talk to you so much that I couldn't stand it and spilled everything that was on my mind. - She was embarrassed by her behavior and looked down. Her hands began nervously kneading the hem of her pencil skirt. – I promise you, this dialogue will be just between us.… I won't tell anyone else.…

Rowan cleared his throat and smiled at the Angel again.

- Well... since this dialogue is just between us, I think I can answer a couple of your questions.…

Something flickered in Mariette's gaze. It was like a spark of victory and arrogance, such as a predator has when it has caught its prey. Rowan didn't like the comparison. Marietta didn't look like a wild animal, more like a quiet and timid mouse, sometimes beeping too loudly.

- Wonderful! Then I think I'll start. - She picked up her pen again and started writing something down, but abruptly stopped. - There aren't any cameras here, are there?

The question strained Stoll. He asked it himself sometimes. Is he safe in this little concrete box? The day after he sent the apology note to Pierre, Rowan searched his entire office for anything that proved he was being followed. But he never found any cameras or drying equipment.

- No, there are no cameras here, don't worry, Miss Angel. – the necessary data was successfully found, it only remained to print them. - Wait a bit, I'm almost done with your first request…

- Doesn't that bother you?

Marietta's voice distracted Rowan again. This girl had a talent for knocking people out.

- Excuse me?

- I'm talking about the cameras. Doesn't it bother you that they're constantly watching us? It feels like they're trying to get under my skin. Angel shuddered at her own words. – It's a little uncomfortable for me to work like this.… Doesn't that bother you, Mr. Stoll?

Rowan drummed his fingers nervously on the table. He had been working here for so long that before the incident with Huggy, he hadn't even noticed watching himself. Now, he was twitching at every sound and sidelong glance. But he couldn't say that to a worried girl. No. Absolutely not.

- Not a bit. To be honest, I don't give a damn about all of Leith's antics. - Rowan made a smug face, watching the girl's surprised face. – I've known for a long time that Pierre was not right in the head. Only a psycho would watch his charges' every breath.

- Don't say that, Mr. Stoll! What if someone hears you! - The concern was becoming more and more evident on the girl's face.

Rowan began to get excited. He didn't tell her about the soundproofing of all the offices, it added drama to the situation. He liked this little freedom he got too much.

- I told you, Miss Angel, to address me by my last name. - Rowan leaned back in his chair with a sense of superiority. – Let them listen, because it's true! After he took over the company, things only got worse! Defectes have become more frequent, profits are jumping, and workers are getting more and more stuck on recycling! If Eliot was still in charge, this wouldn't be happening! I think it's high time he left the company's business and handed it over to someone more sane.

Rowan looked at the stunned girl and became worried. Did he overdo it? The angel sat in her place and stared at the man with all her eyes. She seemed to be thinking about something in her head, weighing a decision. Stoll just wanted to make a good impression on the girl. Instead, Marietta stared at him like he was an elephant in a china shop. Rowan cleared his throat and spoke uncertainly.:

- Did you have any questions there, Miss Angel…

She blinked, recovering from the shock, and said.

- Yes, yes… I'm sorry, I just didn't think you were such... - for a moment, Stoll thought she wanted to say "reckless man." Those words would probably be perfect for this situation. Rowan was already burning with shame for his bragging and wanted to apologize, but the next word knocked all the words out of him. –Such an idiot.

The insult echoed in the room.

- What?

Silence again.

Rowan looked into Marietta's eyes and did not see the usual softness and warmth there. There was coldness and calculation in her eyes. She was completely different now. His back was straight as a stick, his hands were no longer shaking, his lips were pursed and he was no longer smiling. It felt like a completely different person was sitting in front of him, the differences in how she behaved were too enormous. Even his appearance seemed to have changed. His eyes were sharper, and his brows were furrowed.

- Idiot. – She repeated, like a verdict. - I've never met someone as reckless as you. - She tsked in displeasure. – It's so open to talk about your hatred of Leith to an unknown employee who might report you to your superiors. How stupid. - Her words were full of venom. -Are you sure you're worried about your life, Rowan?- The name sounded like an insult.

- I don't understand what you mean. - Panic immediately rose in his throat.

- You understand everything.…

Marietta got up from her seat and put her hands on the table. She towered over Stoll, creating the illusion that she was bigger than him. Her shadow completely covered the man, making him want to cower into a ball. Angel looked more like a predator now, and Rowan looked like prey caught right in her net. I had to get caught like that…

- Sweet, young woman is so scared and defenseless, she came to your office and asks for advice from a more experienced employee.… And you're happy to present yourself as a knight on a white horse, aren't you? Wanted to show off how cool and brave you are. But you just turned out to be weaker than a lamb. You tremble at every rustle, you run to your hole, hoping for a miraculous rescue. What a pity. - Her voice was cold and without any sympathy.

A sudden rage enveloped Rowan. He couldn't just let himself be humiliated like that. Especially some smug lady.

- What do you allow yourself!?

A sudden urge to defend himself made Stoll jump up from his seat. He was taller than the girl, much taller, to be honest, and it made him feel more confident. Behind him, the printer finished printing the document and turned off with a loud click. This was his chance to get rid of the girl. Rowan tried to pull himself together, he adjusted his glasses, which had slipped down his nose and continued:

- Miss Angel, if you don't have any serious questions for me, then I ask you to take your documents and leave my office immediately. - He tried to sound more confident, but the longer he was under Marietta's dark gaze, the harder it became. It seemed that the girl did not take her gaze off him for a second and was not even embarrassed when he began to tower over her.

- Do you know what I learned about you while I was here? – she began, as if nothing had happened. Angel sat back down in her seat, ignoring Stoll. - You're a lonely and unhappy man, Mr. Stoll. You don't have a wedding ring on your hand, so you're not married. Your clothes are completely sloppy and cheap, which means there is no girlfriend, otherwise she would not tolerate you shaming her in public like that. There is fur on your shirt, and on the table is a photo of two dogs, your only companions and friends. You have a date marked on your calendar for visiting your mother's grave. - She waved at the calendar on the wall. – Who seems to have died a long time ago. And also…

- What do you want to say by that? – Rowan was already tired of listening to the facts of his life and wanted to get to the point.

- I want to say, that you're very easy to remove, Mr. Stoll.- She took out something and Rowan caught his breath. Voice recorder. He immediately remembered the sudden click that he had mistaken for a pen. Marietta recorded their entire dialogue from the very beginning. – If this recording gets into the hands of Leith Pierre, no one will think twice about what to do with you. No one will look for you, no one will worry about your loss, and only your beloved dogs will starve to death in your small apartment on Pesher Street.

Stoll slid into his chair and stared at the girl. He no longer wondered how Marie knew where he lived. Rowan just stared at his hands in shock and dejection. It must be some kind of joke. He looked up at Angel, and realized how ironic that name sounded, because her master was a real demon in the flesh. Perhaps it would have been funny if this devil hadn't come after him.

- Who are you? Did Leith send you?

The sudden laughter unsettled Rowan. It was so out of place in this tense environment that Stoll thought he was having an auditory hallucination.

- No. I don't work for that lying bag of money. - She wiped an invisible tear from her cheek. - I didn't lie. My name is indeed Marietta Angel. Although I prefer the short form of my name, Marie, but some people call me "Guardian Angel." - The last sentence was said as if Rowan had to understand something.

Stoll started going through all the possible uses of Guardian Angel lately. A report about the exposure of a businessman who cheated clients out of money came to mind. It was a real scandal back then, and it was all over the newspapers. No one has ever been able to prove this man's guilt, although they have tried to sue him more than once. In a private interview, one of the police officers involved in the arrest of the criminal let slip that they had been helped by a detective under the nickname "Guardian Angel." According to him, he did most of the work, and they only made the arrest. There was a lot of hype around that name. Various theories about this brilliant detective flashed in the newspapers. Does that mean the woman sitting infront of him is..?

Rowan swallowed and pulled himself together again.

- What do you want?

- So we finally getting down to business? – It seems that the whole situation was already annoying her, and she had no desire to prolong their dialogue. – Cooperation, of course. – Such an obvious thing for Marie was shocking for Rowan.

- Why do you need my help, Miss Guardian Angel? - Now he was mocking the name.

The woman clicked her tongue irritably. Stoll's slow-wittedness did not make up for her already bad mood.

- I didn't think I'd have to explain such simple truths, Rowan. You've obviously learned something about Leith, haven't you. Don't you dare lie, you're not good at it anyway. - Marie stopped him in mid–sentence. – And now you don't know how to properly use this information. She leaned back in her chair, relaxed. – My clients want to know what happened to their missing relatives, I want the fall of a lying bag of money, you want to save your own skin. - Her eyes sparkled with animation. – We can help each other. You will tell me everything you have learned and help me in my little mission, and I will save your soul from this situation. Well how does that sound?

The conditions were favorable. He really didn't know what to do in this situation, and then suddenly he was given a helping hand. But Rowan couldn't help but ask.

- And if I refuse?

For a moment, he regretted what he had said. The angel looked at him, with a chilling coldness in her eyes. She began to look much more threatening than she had a few minutes ago, which seemed impossible. She stood up from her seat and grabbed the badge around Rowan's neck with one hand. Stoll felt like he was suffocating. His hands grabbed the rope and tried to loosen the noose.

- Then I won't care what happens to you when that tape ends up on Pierre's desk. - She waved the recorder in her other hand. - It makes no sense for me to keep useless trash by my side. I hope I made myself clear, Rowan.

Marie let go of the badge and Stoll flew back to his seat. Rowan clutched his neck in relief and heaved a sigh.

- Well?

Rowan looked at the rather annoyed girl. The heel of her shoes beat a rhythm on the floor and waited for a response from the man. Stoll hesitated, but he knew he had no choice. Either waiting for death, or possible salvation. Everything had already been decided for him.

- I agree to your terms.… Miss Angel.

The girl finally smiled, for the first time after revealing her true identity and saying. Although this smile looked more like a snarl than a display of positive emotions.

- That's great. - Marie leaned back contentedly in her chair. – And now I ask you to tell me in detail everything that you know about the sins of Leith Pierre.

And he obeyed.

                                      ***

Marie quietly left Stoll's office, leaving him with his own thoughts. Everything went just fine, even if I had to listen to Rowan's silly babble most of the time. He, like most men, wanted to take advantage of the girl's naivety to show himself in the best light. Exaggerate here, lie here… That's the perfect personality. If Angel had been a really stupid girl, she might have bought into this bragging, but she wasn't.

Yes, it was worth it.

Rowan did learn something, but it was more generalized information. There was indeed illegal activity going on here at the factory, and as far as anyone could tell, Leith really wasn't above killing. Actually, this was not new information. It was all on the surface, but now Angel has received confirmation of this. It remains only to obtain material evidence. Thus, she will be able to present a weighty argument to the police and the government to close this institution. Because the babble of one scared-to-death employee and the guesses of the detective's girlfriend just aren't enough.

Someone grabbed her arm.

- Miss Angel, I've been looking for you everywhere!

Another unsolicited touch… Marie restrained herself from throwing off someone else's hand and smiled sweetly.

- Really? And for what reasons? – she got back into her image.

- You are being transferred to another department. There were... um... some difficulties with paperwork in another department, and there are very few workers. – The man nervously defended himself and hoped to end this dialogue as soon as possible. - Your skills will be greatly needed there.

That's interesting.

- And where am I being transferred to?

- Special projects led by Dr. Harley Sawyer.

What a coincidence. That's where she needs to go.

Chapter Text

She was led through unfamiliar corridors into the depths of the factory in complete silence. Only the clatter of her heels and the nervous coughing of the man in front of her reverberated off the walls. All the way, Marie pressed a cloth soaked in perfume to her nose. It was a measure that Angel had to take just to stay awake. Of course, she did it carefully, she didn't need any extra attention. The only reason she couldn't smell the stench of mac in Rowan's office was because the office fans were constantly running to keep the stench away. It was probably the only thing she could say "thank you" to Leit for.

- We're almost there, Miss Angel. - her former boss said without turning around. Now this position will be occupied by Harley Sawyer, a man still unknown to her.

The man stopped at one of the doors and took out a pass in the shape of a white palm. To be honest, the design and convenience of this structure left much to be desired. They were bulky, heavy, and couldn't fit anywhere. It was like Elliot and Leith were bullying the staff. She wanted to say it out loud, but she knew better than to say anything. The boss handed her a pass and said:

- This is your admission to this department, try not to lose it. His hands and voice were shaking. Was he afraid? - Miss Angel, since you've managed to show your best side during our short acquaintance, I'll give you a little advice: don't make Mr. Sawyer lose his temper. Make your life easier and stay here longer. - As he pronounced the name, he nervously began to look around, as if he was afraid that the doctor would appear behind him. - With that, I'm in a hurry to take my leave. Good luck to you, Miss Angel, you'll need it...-  with these words, he hurried away from this place.

The woman watched the hurrying man with her eyes. Another man who tells her to stay away from Sawyer. This couldn't help but make Angel smile faintly. They themselves do not suspect that they are only adding oil to the fire. Marie was terribly interested to find out what kind of scary man this Harley was. She tried to find at least some information about this man, but she couldn't find anything worthwhile. Angel's gut told her that this man could give her the right clues, and it was never wrong. Full of enthusiasm, Angel put her brand-new pass to the door and entered the room.

It was surprisingly empty inside. No running, no commotion, as it was everywhere in the factory. It was as if all the people here had died out, which of course was not the case. Sometimes people would pass by, but they were so quiet, as if trying to blend in with their surroundings, that it was hard to notice them. It was... Unusual. But there was no time for weirdness right now, she needed to find Sawyer's office. That's why the girl approached the first employee she saw and asked:

- Excuse me, but where is Dr. Harley Sawyer's office? She put on her friendliest smile, the one Pierre often used on TV. The man in front of her paled.

- Dr. Sawyer...?-  he repeated in a low voice.

- Yes, could you tell me where he is? Marie was getting annoyed, she didn't like to repeat herself, but she kept playing anyway.

The man in front of her got nervous and started fidgeting in his seat.

People, of whom there were quite a few in the room, began to pay attention to us. The unwanted attention she was trying to avoid. Marie began to guess what she was doing here and why she had been transferred here so easily. And she didn't like the idea. A consumable that you don't mind throwing away. If Sawyer didn't like something, she'd really fly out of here like a champagne cork. And it wasn't exaggerated, as Marie had thought from the beginning. Hence the shortage of staff in this place. A moody boss who jeopardized her mission.

Wonderful, just amazing.

— Okay.-  She said it simply and easily when she realized she wasn't going to get an answer. - If no one wants to help me, I'll find him myself.- She walked around the man in front of her and headed down the hallway, ignoring the whispers behind her. She wasn't up to it right now.

She walked around the man in front of her and headed down the hallway, ignoring the whispers behind her. She wasn't up to it right now.

Harley Sawyer's office was found surprisingly quickly. His name was literally etched on the door in iron letters. Marietta stopped at the door and before entering and saying hello, she sighed a couple of times, adjusting herself to the role she needed, and smiled sweetly. She shouldn't have screwed up. The girl knocked on the door. Silence. Maybe he's not inside? The girl listened, and there was a barely audible commotion inside. So he's there. Angel stood at the door, weighing the pros and cons. Finally, she couldn't stand it anymore and opened the door a crack.

- Mr. Sawyer?

The man everyone was so afraid of was sitting at a table, almost in total darkness, with only the light of a desk lamp illuminating the space. He was writing something on papers in front of him and didn't even look at the girl. Marie took this as an invitation and went inside. Sawyer's office was bigger than Stoll's, much bigger. Everywhere there are cabinets with books and various medical equipment, folders with documents and other papers. And most importantly: no poppy. The whole office was filled with that strange smell from her first meeting with Sawyer. Marie could finally stand and not breathe through her homemade gas mask.

The doctor seemed to pay attention to the newcomer for once and raised his gaze from under his glasses. He looked gloomy and unfriendly. The white coat gave him the image of a mad scientist. Her black hair, slicked back carelessly, made her look even more menacing. Marie caught herself staring and quickly looked away. It fits her image well

- Did you want something? His voice was calm and hoarse, though there was a hint of irritation. Angel mentally noted for herself the details that she had missed the last time.

- Yes, sir, I'm Marietta Angel, your new clerk. - She repeated the phrase she had memorized. Angel tried to make her voice soft and uncertain. - I was told that I need to personally hand over my case to you... And that you will not give access to your... Archive.

Harley stared at her for a couple of seconds, as if Marie hadn't existed before. There was a slight interest in his gaze.

- Angel?- he asked.

Marietta clenched her teeth imperceptibly. Marie was annoyed by any interest in her name, as if pointing a finger at a huge birthmark. Everyone she's ever met has asked the same question. And Harley was no exception.

- Yes, sir.

Most people would compliment her on her looks and her resemblance to an angel. That's what coward Rowan did. Others would point out the strangeness of the surname and ask about the origin. Both options were annoying, but the doctor surpassed them. He grinned and looked at Marie more closely, searching for something.

- You don't look much like an angel. - Marietta clasped her hands together as a low, hoarse laugh echoed through the room. - Where are your wings and halo? - He was probably looking for them - It's disappointing how you don't match your image. Don't you think?

- Not all angels have halos, Dr. Sawyer. - Despite herself, her tone hardened. She should have stopped there, but she continued. - And not all people have a sense of tact. - The last sentence was quieter, but so that Harley could hear it.

They stood in complete silence while the Doctor continued to examine her like a guinea pig. A predatory grin appeared on his face, and there was mockery in his eyes. Harley got up from the table and began to slowly approach the girl. Marie didn't flinch from the tension, and she didn't even think about moving.

- A little mouse ran out of its deep hole, the smell of cheese attracted it. But knowing nothing about the world around her.

Step. One more.

- She didn't know that the owners were setting mousetraps here and there, just as she didn't know about the cat living with her. But luck smiled on her, and she became bolder.

Sawyer's shadow had already covered her, and Angel could see their height difference. Harley was taller than her, as were most men. But this detail gave the doctor another dominant feature.

- But the cat was well aware of the mouse, and she did not like the arrogance of the pest.

He emphasized the last word to Marie. The girl suppressed her nervous state and proudly remained silent, looking Sawyer in the eye. It's not hard to guess who's the cat and who's the mouse here. The situation was escalating, and she didn't like it.

- Then the cat's patience ran out, and the next time the mouse reached for a treat, the predator did not stand on ceremony with her. His tone abruptly became gloomy and devoid of the fun that it was at the beginning, and the smile disappeared. - I hope,  Miss Angel, - he specifically emphasized her last name.- That you will be smarter than an ordinary rodent. I will not tolerate people who will interfere with me or my work.

- Absolutely, Doctor. -  she agreed easily. I should have stopped there. I should have swallowed my pride and followed my role. But Marie couldn't help but respond to the threat. - But you know, a cat should also not be too arrogant. After all, the owner can get rid of it if he doesn't need it. After all, the house is his and it's up to him to decide who will live in it. A mouse or a cat? – It's too obvious an allusion to their conscientious leader.

The reaction was immediate. Sawyer's lips tightened into a thin line, and his pupils narrowed. The man himself looked at Angel with a mixture of anger and disgust. And this caused only an indirect mention of Leith? Marie made another mental note. Fixated on the Doctor's expression, Angel Na noticed how he took something out of the pocket of his robe.

- Everything you need is here. Finally, he said in a flat voice."Have a nice day, Marinette."

- It's Marietta. - She corrected, destroying any hope of a good relationship with this man.

- It doesn't matter. - He waved it away.

Marie watched Sawyer walk back to his seat, completely losing interest in the girl. Angel took this as a sign that she should leave. On the way to the door, she couldn't stop berating herself for falling for the Doctor's teasing so easily. Marie should have kept quiet, let the man indulge his ego and throw mud at her. Now her entire mission was in jeopardy. Excellent, Marie. The only thing Angel could hope for now was that Sawyer wouldn't take her words to heart and forget about the little wayward mouse.

- Oh, and one more thing.-   Harley stopped her when she reached for the door handle. - I hope you really enjoy your time working here. It will be very sad if you cannot keep up with the requirements of our department. Isn't that right, Miss Angel? - The dangerous smile returned to his face.

Of course he won't forget.

Marie smiled as widely as she could in this situation.

- Of course, Mr. Sawyer, I'll do my best.

If she's allowed to, of course.

                                         ***

Her whole next week was a complete work hell. The documents she needed for her work were lost or unavailable. Marie had to run for copies in other people's offices, wait for them to respond to her message, and write various requests. So Sawyer also imposed additional responsibilities on her. He left a mountain of folders and documents on her desk, sent her extra files for work, and set time limits. But at the same time, he perfectly bordered between "part of her duties" and "unnecessary stress." Sawyer made sure that Marie didn't have a free minute.

It wasn't the most annoying thing, though. Marie hated it the most when she was sent for coffee. It was a personal mockery of her. Harley hated instant coffee, which all the workers drink, so he sent Angel to a coffee shop near the factory. The job itself was humiliating, but what was worse was that Sawyer's taste was constantly changing. It was impossible to say for sure if he wanted an Americano or cappuccino with extra milk. And when Marie didn't guess, she went through another round of verbal humiliation.

Right now, Marietta was bringing the Doctor his damn coffee and hoping she wasn't mistaken this time. Instead of building theories about what exactly was going on at the factory, or looking for clues or following her own little plan, she figured out the pattern by which Sawyer chooses his drink and fiddled with the paperwork. It was a very tedious and uninteresting task, but Marie couldn't lose this battle, not when she started it herself, by her own mistake.

She came across the Doctor in the hallway. It was an unexpected encounter, which caused her to almost drop the paper cup of liquid when the familiar smell hit her in the face. Sawyer looked more annoyed than usual, as if someone else had ruined his day, but when he saw Angel, his eyes lit up. No matter how his favorite anti-stress ball helps to get rid of negative emotions.

- Ah, Miss Angel, what a meeting. He smiled dangerously.- This time you are faster than usual. Even rodents can be trained. What an interesting observation.

Marie restrained herself from clutching her coffee cup from the anger that was coursing through her. Instead, she smiled sweetly, showing no hint of annoyance.

- Thank you, Mr. Sawyer, you are more supportive than usual today. She tried to sound as sincere as possible. She held out the drink. - Your coffee, sir.

Sawyer took the cup from the girl's hand and took a tentative sip. For a moment, an emotion unfamiliar to Angel flashed across his face-satisfaction. This made her exhale in a relaxed manner. I guessed right. Marie didn't have much time to realize that people were starting to look at them and whisper. Now this attention was her eternal companion.

- That's not the coffee I wanted.

What?

Before the she could ask out loud, she felt the liquid poured on her.

- Oops. How clumsy I am. He said in the same calm and hoarse voice.

Marie just stood there while the already cold coffee ran down her perfectly styled hair and washed off her makeup. She just couldn't believe that he really did it. The whispers around them grew louder.

- Is that the new girl from the office?

- I told you she wouldn't stay here more than a week."

- Poor thing, Dr. Sawyer has never bullied anyone like this.

Harley began to smile even more broadly.

- You can't work like this, it's a pity that you don't have any spare clothes. At this rate, you're only dragging your progress back. I think I should do something about it.

Angel could feel the rage building up inside her.

Calm down.

She could allow personal humiliation, but it went beyond all bounds of decency.

You don't need to show your real emotions.

Her body began to shake, and her fists clenched to white knuckles.

Calm down and breathe. Don't make things worse.

But instead, she slammed her hand on the cup in the Doctor's hands. The coffee left inside was poured over Harley's snow-white robe and his clothes. Marie watched with some pleasure as the smile faded from the man's face.

- Oops! - she theatrically put her palm to her lips. - How clumsy I am! You definitely can't work like this. It's a pity that you don't have a spare robe or clothes. - She repeated Sawyer's words with a smile on her lips. An eye for an eye.

Now Sawyer's eyes began to boil with rage. A deathly silence formed around them.

- Miss Angel, I'm afraid you're going to have to clean up your mess... - He said through clenched teeth.

- I'm afraid that's not my job. After all, I'm just working with documents, and I'm not your laundress. - Marietta wasn't going to give up. Not now, there was too much at stake.

- Yes, but you owe me some compensation for the damage you have caused.

- So do you.

No one raised their voice during their entire dialogue. It wasn't necessary. Then they stared at each other for a long time, like two predators. No one around them dared to stop them from doing this. This went on for a couple of minutes until Sawyer was called out.

- Mr. Sawyer, I need your help, this is related to our latest project. An unknown man called out to him.

Harley muttered a curse under his breath. He gave Marietta another look full of contempt and said:

- I'll be there in a minute, White.-  And then he turned to Angel. - Don't think we're done here, Miss Angel.-   He turned around and left.

Marie breathed a sigh of relief. Well, the mood was ruined just like her shirt. What a pity.

Clap, clap, clap

Someone was clapping behind Angel, and quite vigorously. She turned around and saw a young girl about her age. The stranger had red curly hair that looked like unusual cotton candy. Her green eyes looked at Marie with delight. There was a smile on her face, and there was a small gap in her front teeth. If a girl tied her nest on her head in ponytails, she would look like a character in the children's book "Pippi Longstocking."

- It's unbelievable! It's just unbelievable! - She began, almost jumping with excitement. - I've have never! I repeat, never! I haven't seen Dr. Sawyer was so furious and angry! Yep-yep! But you were in a sooooo good mood! You're like that, you didn't let him trample you in the mud! She fought back and all that. The rest would have died of fright long ago! - The unknown woman started laughing, but noticing Angel's confusion, she stopped. - Oh! I didn't introduce myself! She ran up to Marie and grabbed her hand, starting an active handshake. - I'm Diana Fisher, from the orphanage, glad to meet you!

Diana finally stopped bullying the other girl's limb. Marie pressed her hand to herself, slightly annoyed by Fisher's insistence.

- Marietta Angel, nice to meet you. - Angel forced a sweet smile, we need to keep playing.

Diana thought about it, puffed out her cheeks and blurted out.

- Marietta?Ma-ri-et-ta... Nope! It's too long! I'd rather call you Marie! Or maybe it's better to come up with a nickname? How do you like the "Earrings"? Well, because of your earrings. -   She flicked her fingers at Marie's cartoonishly large earrings, the only thing left of her real identity.

- Marie. Just Marie, please. - This dialogue began to exhaust her quickly.

Fisher examined the Angel again and stared at the coffee stain with displeasure.

- No, no, no, no, a woman should not walk in dirty clothes! You urgently need cosmetic care! Fortunately, I always have a pair of spare shirts with me! Let's go, let's go! We need to get you cleaned up!

- But I need to...

no one listened to Marietta's protests. She was just dragged along like a rag doll, Diana was strong enough... All that remained for Angel was to accept his fate and hope that it would end quickly.

Diana dragged her into the bathroom and gave her one of her spare shirts. The bright pink clothes were even more gaudy than her yellow shirt, but Angel didn't complain. After that, she promised Fisher that they would meet again and talk over a cup of coffee. The new acquaintance wanted to get a new friend too much. Not that Marietta wanted this, but otherwise the girl would not have left her alone. Besides, allies are always needed.

                                      ***

By the end of the day, Marie was completely exhausted, all she wanted to do was get out of this damn factory as soon as possible and breathe in a breath of fresh air. But Sawyer hadn't forgotten their fight today. At the end of his shift, he called the her into his office and placed a huge stack of papers on her desk.

- Here are the documents and reports for the month. - he said with a satisfied intonation. Harley had changed his clothes too, and he didn't smell like the unknown cologne he had before. - As you can see, it's all a complete mess. That's why I want you to take it apart, sort it, and convert it into electronic form by tomorrow.

Marie looked at Sawyer with a snake-like calmness. She'd had enough of rash decisions. So she just took all the sheets from the Doctor's desk and mumbled softly:

- Will be done, Doctor...

Angel could feel Sawyer's satisfaction, and in order not to give the man even more pleasure with her caustic comment, she just silently and quickly left.

Marie put the documents on the seat next to her car and drove away from the ziplock factory. It was about a 30-minute drive to her house, and all the while Angel was berating herself. Lately, she had been snapping and angry so often. It wasn't like her. No. It doesn't look like it at all.

- Pull yourself together, Marie... - She said it to herself like a mantra. - You should focus on your work...

She remembered every mistake she had made this week, every slip and an unnecessary word. Marie showed a small part of her true self and it ruined her. Sawyer didn't miss it, he studied it and provoked Angel to make new mistakes. For him it was entertainment, for Marie it was a headache. She even managed to regret her own desire to find out something about this man. But it was too late to change or fix anything.

Being in her thoughts, Marietta did not notice how she reached home. She sighed wearily and got out of the car, taking a hefty stack of documents with her. Angel lived in a small multi-storey building with an old fire escape. The area wasn't the quietest or the safest, but Marie was fine with it. The main thing is that they don't bother her here. As she walked up the old staircase, she ignored the mailbox with the letters stuffed inside. It wasn't hard to guess what was inside. Bills, letters from relatives of the missing, and old newspapers. Nothing interesting. Marie started to take out the apartment keys and was about to insert them into the door when she noticed something strange.

The door was open

Chapter Text

Marie slowly opened the door so that it wouldn't creak. It was quiet inside the apartment, suspiciously quiet. The girl stood in the middle of the hallway like a stranger, listening to every sound. Whoever broke into her apartment, Angel was definitely not happy about him. Inside were her personal belongings, important documents, and the few pieces of evidence she had managed to gather. Of course, they were all in the safe and there were copies, but that wasn't encouraging.

 She had a pistol hidden under the cushions of the sofa, which she had acquired a long time ago when she was just starting to play a dishonest game. An ordinary weapon that won't be bothered to ask questions about. Such a small thing gave more confidence than the cameras and the security system. This human psychology is a strange thing. The commotion came from her office, where there was a safe with evidence, so it would be easy to get to the weapon. Marie put the documents on the bedside table near the exit, they would only get in the way now, and went towards the living room as quietly as possible.

Marie's apartment had only two rooms, she didn't need any more. The living room was a cluttered space combined with a kitchen. There are dirty dishes in the sink, and the table in front of the TV is cluttered with papers. The sofa was the only clean place, because the girl often used it for sleeping, if she slept at all. The other room served as her office, and it was locked with a key that Marie hid under the kitchen floor. So it was hacked.

Angel easily reached the couch and took out a pistol, fully loaded and the safety off. Perfect. There was a noise from the next room, something fell. The girl slowly moved towards the noise, stood near the door and began to wait. Silence. Marie put her finger on the trigger and started counting in her head:

One…

Two…

Three!

She yanked open the door and pointed the gun at the source of the noise.

- Aunt Marie! You're back! - A child's voice exclaimed.

 His finger hovered on the trigger. In front of her was a boy about 8 years old. He stood in the middle of the office and looked at Angel with his big brown eyes, not noticing the gun pointed at his skull. Marie tsked in displeasure and took the muzzle away. Just a second more and…

- What are you doing here, Noah? – In front of her was her nephew and her brother's son. -Shouldn't you be at home doing your homework?- Her voice was cold, she could no longer hide her true nature. Although a small note of concern still crept into her tone.

The boy froze, considering the answer. His gaze became cold and calculating, the way she saw it in her mirror. Noah tried to copy Angel, which his parents really didn't like, and Marie even more so. She didn't need a kid meddling in her business.

- None of your business.-  He turned away childishly, crossing his arms over his chest.

- It's mine. This is my house, and it's against the law to break into other people's apartments.-  There was no warmth in his voice, but there was irritation and fatigue. She didn't want to deal with her annoying relative.  - Should I call the police? – not a hint of a joke.

- I took the key from Dad. This is not considered hacking. And it's a little late for the police. -  He said it with an intelligent look, as if he was discovering America for Marie.

Marie narrowed her eyes in disbelief. She and her brother had a strained relationship. Too different, too many old grudges. But he did have a spare key, just in case. After all, he was the one who paid the bills. But Angel wouldn't believe that her brother would just let his only and beloved son leave late at night to visit his "beloved" aunt. It was absurd. But Marie didn't ask about it.

Instead, she walked through her clean office, unlike the living room, where it was more pleasant to work in a favorable environment, and opened the desk drawer. Inside was a safe, which wasn't open, but Angel needed to make sure. She quickly and easily entered the code and breathed a sigh of relief. Everything was in place. Rowan's confession and the little information about the missing people were safe and sound. Marie closed the door with a sense of relief. Then she looked at her nephew, who was watching her every move. It was as if he hadn't been about to be shot five minutes ago.

- I almost shot you. - She reminded him, frowning. - Do you even understand that?

 - You wouldn't have done that. I know you wouldn't! You're too calculating and careful. You would never... -  He was cut off.

 The girl grabbed the boy's hand, her nails almost digging into Noah's delicate skin, and pulled him closer, forcing him to look into her eyes.

 - I would. – her tone was dangerous and emotionless. 

Noah had to learn his lesson. Next time Angel wouldn’t react so quickly. She would definitely have to talk to his parents… This could all end badly. They stood there for a while until the nephew pulled his hand away. The boy looked at her with haunted eyes until his aunt changed her expression.

— Don't you dare break into my apartment without permission anymore. I'm not kidding, next time I'll shoot. – She shouldn't tell this to a child, but who if she doesn't teach him discipline – Do you understand me, Noah?

Noah didn't answer. He just sniffed and looked away.

– I asked.: Do you understand me? – The tone has become lower, more dangerous.

– Yes... Aunt Marie…

— Great. - Angel wasn't satisfied, but she just didn't have the strength for more. The rage was slowly fading.

– I just wanted to help... - it sounded so quiet that Marie barely heard it. Maybe she would have felt guilty if she hadn't known for sure that the guy was to blame.

– If you want to be useful, then bring the documents from the hallway. I have a lot of work to do today.

The boy perked up and immediately ran out of the office, not wanting to be alone with Marietta. The girl took advantage of the moment of solitude and allowed herself to relax. She pulled the hairpin out of her hair, the only thing holding her bun, and let her wavy hair fall over her shoulders. They still smelled of coffee, and the individual strands were stuck together. Marie was tired and buried her fingers in her curls, it was so hard.…

It had been two weeks since Angel had started her investigation, and she had only arguments and unverified data to go on. The families of the missing people were constantly sending her letters about the delay in the case. Marie knew that things were moving too slowly, even by her standards. The situation was further complicated by Sawyer, who was enthusiastically sabotaging any progress she made. Despite this, Marie couldn't help but admire his determination and ingenuity in many cases.

The hairpin fell to the floor with a loud clatter, no longer needed. Marie would have liked to shed the "Marietta" mask completely, but it was too early for that, too little information had been gathered. This image was built specifically to win people over. A sweet girl with an unusual last name, who would think of her? Only lately, her disguise wasn't working as it should. It was funny. She despised Leith for hiding behind masks, and she was no better.

 Next to the hairpin on the floor was a wall plaque. It was the one that had attracted Angel with its noise. It was filled with newspaper and magazine clippings about Marie's closed cases. It was her little wall of fame. She had made them as a child, and the habit had stuck. Angel approached the fallen object and hung it back on the nail. There was her first case with the abnormal aristocratic family, and there was her most notorious case... Something caught Marie's attention. Her last case was a year ago, when she "retired" for personal reasons. It seems that she has started to lose her grip since then.

- I've brought everything!

A sudden scream made Marie turn around. Noah was already standing in the doorway with a huge pile of papers. He was almost invisible behind them.

- Yes, yes, put them on the table. – The girl waved away. The custody services definitely won't pat her on the head.

The boy, as he was told, put everything in Marie's workplace. The table was slightly higher than him, so Noah had to stand on tiptoe to put the papers down. One of the sheets slipped out of the stack and fell to the floor. The nephew bent down to pick it up, but immediately froze. He was trying to make sense of what he had read.

- What is "Big Body Initiation"?

- What? - Marie turned back to him. Now there was interest in her gaze. What did Noah find there?

- That's what it says here. - The boy waved the paper slightly. – Written by a certain "Harley Sawyer"...Who is it?

Her heart skipped a beat, and then began to beat at breakneck speed. Angel immediately approached the boy and snatched the document from his hands. The handwriting was indeed Sawyer's, just as incomprehensible and strange. Probably all doctors have it like that. Half of the words couldn't be made out because of the stains of today's coffee. Marie might regret what had happened, but the irritation in Harley's eyes was too... intriguing. Even possibly intoxicating.

 It was a letter addressed to Leith Pierre. Apparently, the email was never sent due to the incident this morning. What a pity. It was written as follows:

Mr. Leith,

I perfectly understand your desire to accelerate the promotion of the "Big Body Initiation", but I do not think that the introduction of outsiders will be necessary. Recently, your arbitrariness has led to...

 Stain

There's not enough material for that. Our business requires much more expenses. The children of the orphanage are a good start, but I need more…

 Stain

I hope you won't bring Miss Greinberg up to speed. I don't think she is reliable enough. I hope you will take into account my requirements.

Sincerely, Harley Sawyer

Marie's hands began to shake. Suddenly, the small piece of paper became heavy in her hands. She had a new lead. A new thread that will help her. Harley probably left the letter on the table, and Angel accidentally took it along with his work. It was an accident, but it was so pleasant. She had never thanked a god she didn't believe in as much as she did now.

She sat down in her chair and laughed. Sawyer must have searched his entire office for his letter. It was a pity she couldn't see his annoyed face.… The sudden change in mood surprised Noah.

- Are you all right, Aunt Marie? - The voice became worried. As if he wasn't being scolded by an Angel. How quickly children forget their grievances…

- Everything is fine, I would even say perfect!

The girl held the paper in front of her, examining Sawyer's handwriting. He definitely deserved the "Most Illegible in the World" award. Every visible word was like a cipher, and the divorces left gaps here and there. Even so, Marietta was reading the text with a strange fascination. The words were delivered skillfully, competently and quite covertly. Marie could only guess at the true meaning of the letter, but even that bit of information was enough.

Suddenly, the Angel brought the paper closer to her face. An unexpected action taken out of curiosity. A familiar scent hit her nose, which turned her life into a nightmare, but at the same time was the most desirable. He's like a drug, he's made a girl addicted to him. This smell was much better than the poppy stuff that was sprayed at the factory. Marie relaxed back in her chair and put her feet up on the table. God, why did Sawyer have to have this divine fragrance?

– It even smells like him…

- Why are adults so strange? - A sudden voice broke through the trance the girl was in.

Her nephew was looking at her with a mixture of confusion and curiosity. She had completely forgotten that he was still there.

 - Because everyone is crazy. Some more than others...

Marie leaned over to the safe and opened the door again, putting the new evidence inside. Well, she could study it in more detail later, without witnesses.

- Is this Sawyer your boyfriend?

The girl straightened up abruptly, looking at Noah as if he were a completely different person.

- Why do you ask? Her voice was dangerous again.

- You were happy when I gave you the letter. The boy shrugged. - You looked at it for so long, I thought it would have holes in it. And all the time you were smiling, and sincerely. You rarely do that - he said, argument after argument.

Marietta furrowed her brows and said with displeasure:

- Sawyer is mine... - she searched for the right words. – My colleague… We see each other a lot at my new job. We have a strictly working relationship. - "Built on hate," she wanted to add.

Noah wasn't convinced. He nodded suspiciously and narrowed his eyes.

- Is that why you have a whole board with his name and photo? – The boy closed the door, revealing the detective's little secret to the world.

There was another board on the door. There were various stickers attached to it with Marie's thoughts that were related to Sawyer. Here she understood his coffee preferences, recorded his schedule and close social circle. All the information found was on the stand. Something was underlined, something was circled. The whole board looked like the work of a stalker. Angel looked at Noah. He stood in front of her desk as if he had discovered the great secret of the world.

- Why do you need so much information about your "colleague"? - The boy crossed his arms over his chest, waiting for an answer.

Marie leaned back in her chair and answered without any concern:

- My life and work are none of your business, Noah. Besides, this is private information.

- I'll tell Dad that you're back to your old ways! – By "old ways", he meant her work as a detective. Her family didn't really approve of it. There was no guarantee of safety.

- And I will say that his son left the house without his permission and broke into my apartment. – the argument was stupid. Her brother would get mad at her anyway, but that silenced Noah. The boy's eyes darted around the room, looking for an opportunity to respond.

- Then I'll say that you almost shot at me and threatened me!

That's when Marie got a little nervous. She already had a bad relationship with Noah's father, and she didn't want to worsen it. She swung her legs off the table and looked at Noah.

"What do you want, little gremlin?" A hint of annoyance flickered in her voice. She's being blackmailed by a child, how stupid…

Noah's eyes sparkled.

                                    ***

The next day, Marietta came to Sawyer's office with her work done. She didn't sleep all night doing this idiotic task. Angel stood at the Doctor's desk, holding out a USB flash drive with data. Harley didn't even look at her, didn't look up from his computer. He just took the object out of the girl's hands without looking at it and skimmed through the work she had done.

- Hmm... - he drawled meaningfully. – You know, Miss Angel, I'm surprised that you made it on time. -  The unexpected praise confused Marie. Is Sawyer more supportive today? Well, thats good. A sudden pride in herself spread through her body. -  However. -  The word hung in the air. – These reports are no longer relevant. It is tedious to provide more accurate and concise information about each of them. You will also need a printed version of all the redone documents for the archive. That's why I need you to redo it all. -  Harley turned to her now, crossing his arms. His eyes sparkled with amusement. Nit. –And since you're doing your job so fast, it won't be difficult for you to fix everything by... - He looked at his wristwatch. – Let's say by noon. But for you, it will be a piece of cake. Isn't that right, Miss Angel?

Marie could feel her fists clenching behind her back. The pain of nails digging into the skin was sobering, allowing me to think more calmly. Sawyer was asking for the impossible, again, just to wear her out, to watch her suffer. He knew that she would do this job on principle. Angel forced a smile on her face and said sweetly:

- By all means, doctor. – just a little more and her teeth will crack from the force with which she clenches them.

Marietta grabbed the flash drive from Sawyer's hands and hurried out of Sawyer's space. She could feel Harley's gaze on her back and his predatory smile. God, he was lucky that he wasn't the target of her mission and that he smelled so good, otherwise Marie would have spared no expense to rid the world of him.

The girl decided to fix her lousy mood in the break room. She needed a dose of caffeine to collect her thoughts. Fortunately, almost no one was around at this early hour, she definitely didn't need any more gossip and rumors.

Marie made her terribly strong and bitter coffee and sat down at a nearby table. The flash drive twirled between her fingers as the Angel glared at her. Most likely, the girl was very deeply immersed in her thoughts that she did not notice the sudden appearance of a recent acquaintance.

- Hello, hello! - Fisher waved cheerfully, drawing Marie's attention. – Do you mind if I sit down? Without waiting for an answer, she took the empty chair next to Angel.

The girl looked up. Actually, Marie didn't really want to talk to a generative extrovert right now, but she had to grin amiably and relax.

- Yes, of course I don't mind. - She put the flash drive in the pocket of her skirt. - Do you need something? The rest room at the shelter is much closer than this one. -  Despite her sweet tone, she remained bluntly linear.

Diana pouted and muttered resentfully:

- Can't I just visit my friend while she's on break? - "A friend?" They only met yesterday, and this girl has already put such a label on their relationship. – The break is too early. – She remarked casually. - Is Sawyer really bothering you? Although it's not surprising, I've heard that he forced as many as 7 new employees to quit! And I witnessed his disgrace myself. - Diana leaned towards Angel conspiratorially.

This information did not surprise Marie at all. Not everyone can stand the character of Hardy.

- Yes, actually, we don't have the most pleasant relationship with him. Well, you know that. The pink shirt that Fisher had given her was now at the bottom of the laundry basket. – Sawyer has really tortured me, I don't know what to do. Even now, he's given me such a stupid assignment! At least hang yourself. She tried to make her voice as plaintive as possible. Marie could feel herself deteriorating with every word. Although this was how she maintained a dialogue and got rid of stress.

Diana's eyes lit up sharply. Just like Noah's last night.

- You know... I have a solution to your problem. - She rummaged in her fancy purse and pulled out a leaf. – The shelter needs help now, so Stella has organized volunteer work there for everyone. And this is encouraged by Leith. So you'll take a break from Harley at the shelter, play with the kids, and unwind. -  A smile crossed her lips. - Well?

It was a setup. Diana had her own motives, nothing happens for nothing in this world. But she couldn't figure out what the benefit was for Fisher. But if you look at it from the other side, Sawyer mentioned the children from the orphanage in his letter, so they still play some role in this nightmare. Angel could have asked Stoll to find information for her, but he's currently busy with another assignment for the girl. Marie turned the brochure over in her hand, reading the terms, and made a decision.

- I agree.

Chapter Text

Angel's application was approved almost instantly. Stella Greyber, Leith Pierre's business partner, found out about Marie, personally wrote her a letter with wonderful news and undertook to personally inform Harley Sawyer about it. Well, she's better off, although she regretted that she couldn't see the Doctor's angry face when he lost his favorite toy. It would have lifted Marie's spirits.

The next morning, Diana met her at the entrance and led her into an area not previously open to her. They descended lower and lower.… It was strange that the shelter was so deep. It was as if Eliot specifically wanted to hide the orphanage from prying eyes so that no one could see what was going on here. It was only Marie who was suspicious, because no one had done anything about it, but even supported it on the contrary. But it wasn't even that that was surprising, the scale of the underground city was amazing. There were almost three times as many floors underground as there were on the surface, and maybe even more. Marietta was thinking about the legality of all this and the amount of money that lay in Leith's account.

Diana, like all people before her, walked in front, leading the way and using her own access key to open the doors. Her two awkward low ponytails dangled from side to side like sparklers on Christmas Eve. The girl attracted attention from afar. She seemed to have a new look every day. Yesterday — a bun and a mini skirt, today — ponytails and eye-catching bright trousers, tomorrow — loose curls and a fashionable dress. It was a direct violation of the dress code, but for some reason, no one was in a hurry to tell this little girl off. No one even dared to say a word in her direction. Angel didn't have to think long to realize that even Fischer, despite her sincerity, wasn't as simple as she seemed.

All the employees, including her and Stoll, hid behind the best versions of themselves: friendly, hardworking, and helpful. And this applied not only to the Poppy Playtime company, but to the whole world. All people hid their sins and inadequate character traits behind masks. A drinking father presents himself as a good family man, a cafe employee smiles at visitors while she only dreams of spitting in their coffee, classmates make friends so that they can say nasty things behind their backs... The list was huge. Even Marie's brother and his wife wore disguises to hide their dislike of a close relative from Noah. But Diana's mask was different. She used her natural friendliness and charm to manipulate people. Help is here, a kind word is here, and a man in your pocket. Even now, she was able to trick Angel around her finger, so that for a second she forgot about her little conviction in the deceit of people. She didn't hide, she just made people forget about the meanness of the world. A small pang of envy pricked Marie's ego, she would never have such a perfect disguise.

– This way! – She turned slightly to the girl and smiled broadly. Even the smile was alive and real.…

They reached a small funicular station. There were a lot of people here, from employees to those who wanted to get custody of their parents. All of them were standing in a crowd and waiting for their turn to go inside, the approaching transport. Diana grabbed Marie's hand and brazenly dragged her through the crowd, Angel had to restrain herself from grimacing at the sudden touch.

— I'm sorry! We're in a hurry! Urgent work! Let us through!  – Fischer gently pushed people aside, making her way to the approaching funicular, which was about to let passengers in. People swore and swore, but immediately calmed down when they heard the sweet and courteous tone of the girl. Some even let them pass ahead and smiled when they saw Diana.

The doors opened and the crowd would have started to fill the already small space if the guard hadn't stopped them shouting: "One at a time!", "Only 9 people can enter at a time!", "Don't push!". Diana just as nimbly pushed them both through the doors, grinning sweetly at the guard. He didn't ask any questions and smiled back at her.

The doors slammed shut with a loud bang as the ninth man entered the cabin. Marie settled down on a small sofa and hoped that the trip would be uneventful. It wasn't a long drive, but even a moment of silence suited her. Suddenly, the TV turned on and the voice that Angel had last heard on the news a year ago came out of it.

- Hello. My name is Eliot Ludwig. — the funicular jerked, starting the ride. People fell silent, holding their breath, listening to the speech from the speakers. — When you look around at the world today, what one thing do you think it needs more of?— It was a rhetorical question, but for some reason some of those present took it literally. They whispered and came up with the most basic answers. The answer also appeared instantly in Marie's head, but she was in no hurry to voice it. —I asked around, once. Money, I never have enough. Understanding, I can never get any. Faith, the common man has lost it. Each answer was different...— Her answer was "Control." It is precisely because people have no control over their lives that they cannot make predictions for the future. Control provides a guarantee of safety. — And I could perhaps see some little truth in each. But I think each was also missing something. Something simple. – Angel raised an interested eyebrow. She didn't know much about Eliot, and she hadn't been interested in his company until now, so it was interesting to hear his thoughts. — You see, not one of them could muster a smile.

Marie closed her eyes in disappointment. And what could she expect from this man? His ideas were too utopian and full of hopes that would never come true. But the people around were clearly impressed by Eliot's speech. They listened with delight and smiled admiringly. Angel turned to the window of the funicular, just not to see these idiots.

— A smile is hope. A smile is love.  — Caves began to appear outside. Were they really that deep? — A smile is understanding. And there is nothing more gratifying to my soul than being the reason for a child's smile. To be the spark that ignites all their hopes and dreams— Maries breath caught in her throat. Ahead, underground, there was a huge iron dome. He was hidden from prying eyes with a strange care. Is this even allowed by law? Someone squealed with delight. — For it is only through hopes and dreams that we may create a better world. One where our children need not be afraid. One where they are protected. After all, this company and its toys are nothing without them. – They were approaching a huge hole in the dome. – These children deserve to smile, they deserve to love, and they deserve a safe home. — A bright flash blinded them. The light inside was too bright after the darkness of the caves. — That is why it is with enormous pleasure that as the founder of Playtime Co., I announce...–The pause dragged on. — Playcare!

When her eyes adjusted, Angel saw a small town. Everything was bright and colorful, as if a rainbow had been poured over everything. Children's laughter came from everywhere. White clouds were attached to the top of the dome by ropes, and the sun was imitated by lamps. The colored buildings were full of fun and joy, but for some reason Marie didn't feel safe in this place. And she certainly didn't want to smile.

The funicular landed on the ground and the doors opened with a screech. People hurried to get up and leave. They were pushing and kicking again, rushing to enter this little "paradise". Angel wasn't going to do that yet, she was sitting and thinking about everything she saw and heard. Basically nothing interesting, but there was a desire to consider everything here in cases of violations of children's health care. We'll have to write everything down in detail later...

— Did you know that childs organs were found in the house of Eliot Ludwig? – Diana's voice suddenly sounded from the side. She had been sitting next to Angel all this time and watching her. Marietta slowly turned in her direction, Fisher's presence was almost imperceptible. She knew how to be inconspicuous when she wanted to be.

- No, I have.… I have not heard about it... - That's a lie. It was all over the news, so it didn't escape the girl. However, it didn't really bother her at the time. Elliot was already dead, and even if he had been a deranged murderer in his lifetime, there was nothing she could have done. There would be no satisfaction from his closing his company or from the hype that had been raised. It just confirmed her belief about the dark secrets of this company. Now she had a new goal, and she was going to break Leit's confidence about his immunity.

— It's probably because Poppy co. actively tried to hush it up. – Fisher shrugged her shoulders. — The company would have lost its reputation and customers, there were already too many scandals. It's not very profitable when your company's face is accused of child murder, is it? She started twirling her curly hair around her finger, talking about it as if it were an everyday event. — But the case was never solved.

Marie stared at Fisher, puzzled. Why is she telling her this? Diana's green eyes looked at the girl with an empty, thoughtful and serious look, so unusual for her, but a wide smile remained on her face. This woman clearly knows more than she says or pretends to know.

— Okay, that's fine! Miss Greyber must have been waiting for us. - She jumped off the couch and hopped out of the booth, leaving Marie in her thoughts. What was that just now? She shouldn't have been alone in an unfamiliar place, so she got up and followed her strange guide.

Stella was actually waiting for them at the funicular. It was hard not to notice her, not many people have such bright golden hair and look too happy. Greyber had a bright smile with snow-white teeth on her slightly tired face. She seemed to be beaming with happiness. She exuded a lot of positive energy, but much more calm than Diana.

— Ah! You must be Miss Angel! Stella held out her hand to shake as they approached her. — Diana has told me so much about you! I'm so glad you decided to help us.

Marie shook hands with her temporary boss and looked questioningly at Fisher. She just winked and laughed softly. A friendly smile automatically appeared on his face. Her cheekbones are going to cramp soon.

 – Really? I only hope for the best.

— Absolutely. She said you were very reliable and patient. Stella hastened to assure her. Her voice was soft and cheerful. — I heard you worked with my colleague, Harley... — She stopped for a second, dislike flashed across her face for a second. Oh? So she can't stand him either. — In any case, it will be much easier for you with children! They're easy-going. — Absolutely. — Have you had any experience working with them?

— Yes, of course. They often leave my nephew with me, and I love looking after him. — That's a blatant lie. She would never have been trusted with Noah. Even if she was the last person on earth. And the recent incident with the gun did not smooth out the situation.

— Great, great! Stella finally let go of Marie's hand. — Then we can move on to the tour. I'll ask for me.

Greyber led her straight to the statue where the mascots of the place were. Smiling critters, it seems. Her nephew would turn on the show with them when he came to stay. Honestly, she didn't see anything cute about these little critters. And the sea of colors in this cartoon gave her a headache no worse than the smell of a poppy in this place. Speaking of macs, they stank worse here than upstairs, which gave them terrible migraines. However, she could be dealt with.

— We have a statue here. It serves as a decoration, but the children use it as a reference point. Eliot put it on as soon as he thought of it…

There was no place, but the Angel was listening to her with half an ear. Of course, Greyber's speech could have contained useful information, but she was more interested in the new environment right now. Mostly nothing remarkable: bushes, buildings, and chalked asphalt. Except that the lighting was very bright, the creators tried very hard to make an imitation of the sun. But you can't even say that they were underground.

When Marietta realized that she would not find anything interesting in architecture, she was about to turn away, but something caught her attention. They were bright spots that stood out against the general background, it seems pink and white. They were large and immediately attracted attention. Angel took a closer look and immediately fell into a stupor. They were two huge unicorn and pig toys that talked, moved, and even walked. Their height was too huge for a man to fit in them. It didn't look like cheap animatronics from a pizzeria. No. They looked just like they were alive. Their movements did not look like a programmed pattern, imperfect and complex. How is this possible? The brain has been trying hard to find an explanation for this miracle, but has not been able to find it.

— I beg your pardon, Miss Greyber... – she distracted the woman in the middle of her inspiring monologue. How much does she like to talk about this place? — I didn't want to interrupt you, but it's very important for me to know.… This is... — She turned towards the animated toys, which were chatting sweetly with each other.

 — Ah, these are our Smiling Critters. Our loyal helpers. –  Stella said it like it was supposed to explain everything to the girl. But the cherished bell still hadn't rung in Marie's head.

Angel waited for some further explanation, but none came. Greyber just smiled sheepishly, not understanding the girl's difficulties. They stood for a couple of minutes in awkward silence, where no one was going to say anything. And then help came from Diana. She jumped up to her boss and put her hand on her shoulder.

— You see, Stella... — Fisher immediately switched to "you," as if she and the woman were old friends. Very unprofessional. — Sawyer sooooo uploaded Marie that she never left her department. Do you understand? She couldn't see anything beyond her papers and Harley's sullen face! Diana sounded like her job was a disaster. And it wasn't far from the truth.— That's why, as the best friend, I decided to enlighten our Angel by showing her what the company is really working on! Above the happiness and smiles of children! — The speech was convincing, at least for Stella. From their interaction, it's easy to see that Fisher enjoys Stella's enormous trust. Interesting. —And while she's here, someone can help her take care of it. Uh... Problematic ones... — well, you know what I mean. Angel raised one eyebrow in interest. They did not explain to her the essence of her task here. It looks like she'll have to do the dirty work here, too.

Greyber resolutely clapped her hands and continued enthusiastically:

— Well, that's great! Excuse me, Miss Angel, sometimes I forget that not all employees of Poppy co. you are familiar with similar innovations created here. She turned towards the toys that were still standing and shouted loudly. — Craftycorn! PikkyPiggy! Come here, please! — The creatures turned at Graber's voice and strode towards them. Despite their size, they walked completely silently, but their loud and ragged breathing carried around. Marie could see their chest moving as if they had real lungs (which of course is impossible). The mascots stopped a few steps away from them, covering them with their shadow.

–Did you want something, Stella? — Said the unicorn. Her voice was static and quiet at times, as if it were coming from her insides. - Do you need help?

— We just took the older kids to school, but I can't wait for lunch! — The pig rubbed his stomach confirming his words.

Greyber, not the least bit embarrassed by their appearance, laughed softly. She was not intimidated by these creatures, she looked at them as an ordinary person would look at a cat.

— Don't worry guys, it's nothing serious.—   Stella turned to Marie, who was imperceptibly fiddling with the hem of her shirt. — I just wanted to introduce you to our assistant for the next couple of weeks. This, Miss Angel, please be polite to her.

The creatures turned towards the Angel. Their black and unblinking eyes stared straight at her. The girl felt her whole body tense up. The huge smiles on the animals' faces didn't make them cute, they terrified them. Marie did not understand what the children found in this horror. Perhaps they are too stupid to understand the abnormality of the situation. She would never have thought to call them cute or charming.

- I'll be glad to help. I hope we get along. — Marie tried to smile as convincingly as possible, even though her whole being was against it. She didn't understand how these creatures worked. Who are they? Or rather, what are they? And Marie didn't like it when she didn't understand something. Just one look at them caused a flurry of negative emotions in her. I wanted to wring their necks, open them up and look under their skin. Maybe there will be answers there?

- We are always glad to welcome new employees! Especially someone so sweet and charming. - The complement only made the situation worse. - Ask us if you need any help.

- Absolutely...

- Okay, guys, let's go. We still have a lot to do. And you need to rest. Stella wagged her finger at them like they were little kids. She probably talks to adults the same way.

The pig and the unicorn giggled together, waved goodbye, and began to leave somewhere. The girl felt relieved, she did not think that she would be able to stay with these freaks for a long time. And it wasn't even about their appearance. Her body tensed next to them on some basic instinct. Although this meeting aroused only one positive feeling in Marie: curiosity. How could someone create something like this? What exactly did he do? Has he improved AI? Brought out a new kind of life? If the girl finds this terrible genius, she will certainly ask. 

- Okay, let's move on. Now we will start our tour. 

Stella led her and Diana towards the large buildings that looked like they had come out of a cartoon, because that's how they depict the school, the circus and the city hall. Stella led them through the halls, telling them a hundred things. Marietta, of course, wasn't listening, she was focused on building a map of this place in her head. Children sometimes ran past, shouting something, causing even more headaches. 

One of the points of their "journey" was the large school building. The red tiles were immediately noticeable, as were the strange blue accents here and there. And there had to be a tower with a bell, but where without it. The designers must have been very original.

Stella effortlessly opened the door for them and entered the completely empty and quiet corridors. Most likely, the children were having lessons right now, but even so it was too quiet here. The cold tiles rang under their feet, breaking the idyll of silence. This place looked more like a hospital than an educational institution. The bare white walls were supposed to put pressure on the weak and fragile psyche of the children. Usually, in order to dilute the gloom of the situation in such places, people paint bright characters on the walls with some kind of cognitive and banal morality like "Friendship", "Learning well" and "Trust adults". However, painting was a rare visitor here, and the one that did not give this place a sense of life, rather, on the contrary, was depressing. Faded paints and peeling plaster made the images look old and gloomy. Even the stands with children's drawings were half empty.

Marie stopped by one such piece of art, painted by a certain girl named Fiona. Little people with sad faces were inaccurately depicted with wax crayons. They were all standing in a small group, huddled together in fear. Behind them stood a creature that looked like a cat, only purple and very thin. His big black eyes stared straight at the crowd of children, and an incomprehensible red substance was coming out of his too-wide mouth. Angel was not a child psychologist, but even she felt the gloom of this drawing. This cat looked suspiciously like the two that Marie had met outside. She seemed to jump to conclusions about childish stupidity, they didn't really like these things either. She wanted to take the piece of paper off the board and take it with her, as evidence or as material for reflection. She had already reached out to rip off the painting.

- Unfortunately, it is impossible to take works from the exhibition without permission. —  Unctuous voice obeyed her and was too sweet. It didn't belong to Diana or Stella. – I haven't seen you here before. Outsiders are not allowed to enter the school grounds.

Angel turned around so abruptly that her neck cracked painfully. There was a doll behind her. Another creature with an unnaturally wide smile that Marie could only envy. The doll was dressed in the most banal teacher's costume, matching the school itself. Despite her friendly tone, her eyes were full of menace. But it wasn't even her intimidating appearance that confused the girl, but the quietness of her movements. Such a creature should make joints creak or plastic scrape against tiles, but it didn't. The doll just went behind her without making a sound. 

— Oh, I just... Simply... - The sudden stress did not allow me to think straight. She was caught off guard. Hunted down like a rabbit. The panic that started almost knocked Angel out of the picture.

— Miss Delight! — She and the doll turned towards the sound. Stella and Diana were standing a little further down the hall. Head Daker waved her hand weakly to attract attention. - She is with me! Marietta volunteered to help us, don't bother her.

Miss Delight didn't seem at all impressed by these words. She still carried a menacing air about her, and her gaze fixed suspiciously on Angel. Under other circumstances, Marie would have returned the look, but now she's not Marie. All Marietta can do is stare uncertainly at the floor, breathe nervously, and pull at the sleeve of her shirt, trying to calm herself. Enrages.

- OK. - The word was devoid of emotion. Not approval, but not dislike either. Just a word. - But you still can't take the drawing without the permission of its author.

- I'm sorry to bother you...—  She nodded weakly. A reflex movement. - It's simple... I just really liked this job. Kids are like that... Talented people! The words were coming through force.

The doll's head tilted to the side like a bird. This movement made her even more intimidating.

– You're right. Our children are the most talented. 

Marie smiled weakly. She had to leave right away. Now. Otherwise, it will crumble in the same way as the plaster in this place. I should have gone to a safe place to calm down. 

- Excuse me, I think I'll go... I need to put on some perfume. 

- Yes, of course, the bathroom is right down the hall. – Stella didn't seem to notice the tension. She probably never noticed anything at all, which doesn't fit into her ideology of the world. 

Marie walked past the doll, which turned mechanically after her. Angel didn't even turn around to look at her. She knew that Delight was watching her back, but she didn't know if she was following her. The girl slightly quickened her pace, the heels of her shoes clicked loudly in this dead silence. Her brain screamed at her to get out as soon as possible, but Angel wouldn't let herself do it.

The bathroom door was flung open too abruptly and too quickly. It could attract unnecessary attention from those here. Fuck that. She wasn't up to it right now. My heart was pounding loudly in my ears. Without looking around, she went to the sink and turned on the water. The stress level in her body was too high, she needed to pull herself together. The white noise was supposed to help, distract from what had happened. She punched the sink angrily, pain shooting through her hand. She was scared. I was afraid that I couldn't control the situation. I was afraid that I couldn't hear that thing. She had never been so close to failure. Anyone could come up behind her and stick a knife in her back, strangle her, put a bullet in her forehead. She was just lucky that she wasn't considered a threat. But Marie felt like she was on the verge of it. She couldn't let it happen again. No... Such a mistake would cost her her life next time. 

Marie looked at her reflection. Nothing betrayed her anxiety, her face betrayed no emotion. Only her heavy breathing indicated her condition. She didn't let the panic show on her face. However, Angel hadn't seen herself like this for a long time... Hunted down. Years of working as a detective have made her a little paranoid, many would like her dead. She rummaged in her pockets and took out a pack of cigarettes and a lighter. Marietta didn't smoke. No. She was too perfect for that, but right now it was just Marie in here. Angel took out one cigarette and held it between her lips. A click and a flame is dancing in her hands. She lit a cigarette, took a deep breath and exhaled the smoke... yes, she needed this.

— She'd be better off without her head. - An unfamiliar voice came from behind. This did not take Angel by surprise. Marie expected someone to be here, it's still a public toilet, but she didn't expect the voice to belong to a boy.

- What?

She turned towards the sound. There was a boy in the very last booth, a little younger than her nephew. His hair stuck out in all directions, as if a family of rooks had built a nest there. In his hands he held the head of a dinosaur and the body of a monkey. I think he was going to glue them together. It's like any child psychologist's nightmare.

– Miss Delight should be walking around without a head. She doesn't need it anyway. —  He sounded so serious, like it was the most obvious thing in the world. "I would have torn it off myself, but I'm afraid I'd be punished." - The boy continued to work as if nothing had happened. — She scared you, didn't she?

- Yes. I would also like to rip her head off, but my colleagues won't understand me. — A strange boy, but funny.

- Then you need to shut them up, maybe you'll rip out your tongue.

The water continued to make noise, no one thought to turn it off. Marietta looked curiously at the child, who had such an unusual mindset. She could have heard the child psychologist shoot himself.

— What are you doing here? This is a women's bathroom.—  She turned around completely, resting her basin on the sink to get a better look at the boy.

— Hiding. — He answered reluctantly. It was as if he didn't want to speak from the word at all.

— Hiding? From whom?

- From doctors and caregivers. He seemed to realize that this explanation wasn't enough, so he continued. "They don't like me." They make me take tests. I can't hide from them in the pool anymore, that's why I'm here.

Tests? Something new. I'll have to ask Fischer about this in more detail.

— You're lucky. I am neither a doctor nor an educator. I'm just an employee who's stuck up to my ears in the affairs of this company. - Marie saw no point in putting on her mask when she had already been caught without it. Children are very sensitive to lies, and she didn't need another suspicious child. — What are you doing?

- I'm sewing on his head to make him more beautiful. It will be more convenient to hunt this way. 

— That's clever. — A nod of approval. — You should sew on more claws so you can hunt.

The child looked at his toy thoughtfully. He turned it over, examining it from all sides.

— Why does he need claws? If he has teeth? Easier to bite off.

- Yes, but it will be easier to climb trees this way. - She couldn't believe that she was seriously thinking about what would be better to sew on a monkey toy. She wanted to slap herself in the face. But at the same time, this dialogue was the only good thing that happened all day. - And the claws will also help to tear apart the prey. Of course, you can also use your teeth, but it's more effective this way.

The boy looked at the doll again, then at Marie. Interest and misunderstanding could be seen in his eyes.

— You're weird. - He stated, tearing off the monkey's paw with his teeth and chewed it a little. He probably liked the idea of claws. - Usually, adults don't like my ideas. They think I'm problematic. They're punishing me. — He looked slightly depressed and muttered the last sentence under his breath. Perhaps she should have felt pity?

- No one likes my ideas either and they consider me a problem, but I'm used to doing everything my own way and not listening to other people's opinions. Marie took another drag. It's going to stink later, but it's going to be a lot better than that poppy shit. She felt much better. - And I advise you to do the same. The world is full of idiots, and listening to everyone is exhausting. She stubbed out her cigarette on the edge of the sink. 

No one said anything for a while. All that could be heard was the sound of running water and the guy fiddling with his toy. Angel didn't know why she continued to stand there and stare at the unknown child. Maybe curiosity, maybe pity. They were both analyzing each other like two animals meeting at a watering hole and debating whether they should attack each other.

— You sound like my friend.—.. He also thinks that everyone around him is an idiot. And he's right! He put down his work and looked at Angel seriously, as if he was about to say something serious. — I'm a Quinn...— It was probably a big step for him, he didn't look like a sociable child.

The butt flew into the sink. He had done his job and was no longer needed. Marie turned off the water, pushed off the cold marble, and walked over to Quinn's booth. She squatted down in front of him so that their eyes were on the same level.

— I'm Marie. But you can just call me Angel. 

— An angel? Like a guardian angel?

Marie sighed heavily. What a perceptive and at the same time incomprehensible child. 

- Yes, like a guardian angel. 

- OK. - That's all the boy said. He did not ask further questions or focus his attention on this. He didn't even seem interested in that. He just continued to "play" with his toys.

— Let's get out of here. A toilet is not the best place to talk, much less to play.

— I don't want to! –The child hugged his toys protectively. He frowned all over, as if the very thought of getting out of the booth disgusted him. — It is sleeping time. And I don't like how Catnap puts me to bed! He has a nasty smell!

Marie had no idea who Katnap was, but she no longer liked this character. Probably another one of those freaks. She didn't want to meet him, that's for sure.

— If I promise I'll put you down myself and not let Turnip do it, will you come with me?— She reluctantly extended her hand to the boy. To be honest, she was tired. This day had exhausted her too much, and she didn't have time to mess with a moody child. But here she is.

— Okay... But only if there is no Catnap! - The boy brightened up significantly on the last sentence. It should have been alarming, but Marie didn't care. She was a strange child herself, too strange even.

— Whatever you say. — Her voice was impassive. She was enjoying her last moments of freedom. 

Quinn put his hand on hers and, jumping off the toilet, pulled her towards the exit. Marie didn't even grimace. Hyper-reactivity was another trait she disliked about children, but she was too tired to resist. She needed to tune in to a conversation with Stella and not scare Quinn with a change in her character.

To her surprise, when she and Quinn came out, Graeber was not outside. There was only Diana, who was twirling her curly hair around her finger out of boredom. What childish behavior.

— Oh, there you are! - When she saw Marie, she pushed off from the wall, smiling broadly. — Oh, and with you... Quinn. Wow! And I thought he'd been taken away for an hour's sleep a long time ago! — Fisher squatted down in front of the child, smiling amiably. 

The boy clung to Angel's leg, seeking her protection. He didn't like Diana very much. His nose wrinkled, and he held on tightly to her tights, which Marie hoped would not remain a shooter. She only needed ruined clothes later.

— Hey, kid, let me take you to the others. Ok?—  Fisher reached out to Quinn, trying to take his hand. However, the boy had a different opinion. He bit Diana's outstretched limb, pressing himself closer to Angel. - OW-OW! —Horrified, Fisher quickly pulled her hands away, clutching them to her. There was a dent there now, in the shape of Quinn's teeth.

— Where's Miss Stella? Shouldn't we continue the tour?—  Marie asked, as if nothing had happened. Miss Delay wasn't around either, which was certainly a relief. Marietta wouldn't want to see that thing again. Just thinking about her gave me a migraine. Maybe working with Sawyer isn't so bad?

- Stella had to leave. Suddenly, a job appeared. An unplanned visit by possible adoptive parents. - Diana got up from the floor in frustration to be on the same level with the interlocutor. They were almost the same height. - Yes, and this tour, consider it a formality. You won't spend so much time at school or other institutions. The most important thing is Home sweet home. And that's where we're going right now, since this kid has become attached to you. — She looked at the boy resentfully. - And then I'll tell you what you're going to do here! Let's go!

All the way, Quinn squeezed her arm, then her leg. He was like an octopus that had stuck to a coral and now didn't want to let it go. It was completely incomprehensible why he was acting like this and why he was clinging to Angel as if she were his salvation. Surprisingly, it wasn't as annoying as Marie had hoped, she was even used to Quinn's presence. The boy didn't do anything else, he wasn't even naughty. It's good.

If the school seemed gloomy at first glance, then Home sweet home was just creepy. Despite the childish style and the toys lying everywhere, he did not evoke any sense of calm. The walls didn't put pressure on you, on the contrary, they made you feel small. The green wallpaper looked moldy, as if the place was rotten from the inside. There were so many beds that there was no room for passage, they made up some kind of minotaur maze. And most importantly, there was a terrible smell of poppy seeds, as if there was a source of it here. So far, Marie has kept herself in control, but it's obviously not for long. Nausea rose in my throat. She didn't need another tantrum or a trip to the bathroom.

Diana walked along the bunks where the children were already sleeping and hummed something loudly to herself. The click of her heels bounced off the walls as she bounced slightly. These sounds broke the general silence of the place. 

— Are we supposed to be quiet? — Angel whispered with feigned concern. - The kids are sleeping here.

— М?- Diana turned to Marie, raising an eyebrow. The corners of her lips lifted slightly, as if she had said something funny. — Oh, don't worry, they're all sleeping soundly, even a cannon shot won't wake them up right now. Exactly, exactly! Catnap has already done his job. What a useful thing this red smoke is, you can't imagine!

Indeed, Marie had no idea. She had no idea who this Catnap was or what that red smoke was. New variables in her investigation that are worth exploring in more detail. 

Finally, they reached Quinn's bunk. She stood apart from everyone in the farthest corner of the room. It looked like a nest of blankets and pillows. Toy parts, scraps of paper, and broken colored pencils were scattered under and on the bed. You could even find pieces of cookies and candy wrappers. The boy was like a magpie, picking up everything that was lying badly and dragging it to himself. It's not the most hygienic sleeping conditions, but it's not for her to judge. She didn't even have a bed.

Quinn eventually detached himself from Marie and climbed onto his bed. He didn't go to bed, he just sat there and seemed to be waiting for something. Angel slowly approached him, she was slightly unsteady, and covered him with a blanket. She tried to do it the same way her mother did when she was a child. But those memories were so distant and hazy. What can there be said, she didn't even remember her mother's face and voice, let alone putting her to bed. However, that seemed to be enough for Quinn, and he settled back under the blankets.

— You're coming tomorrow, aren't you?—  It was such an innocent question, but it made the girl freeze in surprise.

- Of course, I'll be here for at least another week. I work here after all.—  She sounded dry, and she didn't even try to smile reassuringly.

- OK.- The boy nodded in satisfaction, covering himself with a blanket over his head.

— Good night.

—Good night... —  She ran her hand over his head. 

As soon as Marie got up, she noticed that Diana was still standing nearby, looking at them. There were bad lights in her eyes, and a satisfied smile shone on her face. She's up to something again.

- Great, I think we can continue. Unfortunately, Сatnap has already left, and I don't see any point in wasting time looking for him... So... Let's go!

She grabbed Angel's hand and pulled her away from the cribs. It was amazing how much strength there was in her tiny hands. The children were really sleeping like the dead. It's a strange comparison, but it's the most appropriate one. Marie herself wanted to leave this world just from being here. She was sick inside out. That's why she didn't mind being dragged out of this madhouse.

Angel caught a glimpse of a new creature among the beds. All she could see were the red and purple colors contrasting with each other. And the smell has become much stronger. Her head cracked, just a little more, and her meager breakfast would have spilled out. And here is the source. On the one hand, Marie would like to study it in more detail and understand the cause of her "problem," but on the other hand, she was sick of the very thought of inhaling this poison on her own. Thanks, but no thanks.

Fisher was still pulling her, even when they were outside the sweet home. God, what stupid names. It would seem that Diana should have continued the tour she started and finally explained her duties to Marie, but Fisher did not think so. She dragged her to somewhere and abruptly released her.

- Listen, stay here a little bit. I know you're probably sooooo tired, but I have something to do. -She clicked her tongue childishly and smiled broadly. - Wait a minute, and I'll bring you the papers and explain everything to you? Ciao-cocoa!

With these words, she galloped around the corner like a goat, leaving Angel confused. She's been dragged around all day like a dog on a rope, and all for what? For the sake of work? For the sake of an incomprehensible child? For the sake of extra stress? Thanks, but she's had enough of him in her life. So far, this place has not given her anything useful. Marie sat down wearily in an empty seat. If it weren't for the cameras watching her every move, she would have completely relaxed. But she had to be constantly on her toes. Marie was already thinking that working with Sawyer, even though it was annoying, had its own charm and probably she shouldn't rush into the first thread that came to hand. 

Voices were heard. Angel turned her head towards the noise and saw a door with colored letters. Rowan had a similar one, but this one didn't have his name written on it, but the name of the head of the orphanage. "Stella Greyber," these words could be seen from afar. A married couple was about to enter her office, as far as Marie could tell, most likely to pick up the child. The girl sat up in her chair, interested.

— Oh, Mr. and Mrs. Hartmann! Come in! Have a seat! —  The door closed almost instantly. 

Marie looked at the camera. If she stands near the door, she will be in a blind spot. It's risky, but what does she have to lose? At worst, this day will become even more unproductive, at best she will receive valuable information. So Angel got up from her seat and headed for the office door. Marie took out a dictaphone. She always had it with her, just for such occasions. All you had to do was press the button.

- How was your trip down here?

The girl heard everyone take their seats. It had terrible sound insulation, which is strange. Rowan, a small-time IT worker, had a better job than Leith's own business partner. I wonder if it's planned that way or if it's the architects' mistake.

- It was... not at all what we expected. —The man's voice sounded impressed. - Mr. Ludwig's speech was... Well, that just confirmed for us that this is exactly the orphanage we want to visit. 

- It's a truly magical place. I felt right at home from the second I entered. You open the door the first time and you just know, you're never going to leave... — Stella sounded excited. She really liked praising this place, didn't she? - Kind of like finding a home as a child, and always thinking of it when you want to feel comforted.

There was the click of heels, then the opening of a drawer and the rustle of papers. What a pity that one couldn't see anything without revealing one's presence.

- I understand you want to give Jeremy new home.?

- Yes, and we would like to adopt — A woman's voice was heard now, quieter than her husband's. He was soft and gentle, as was most likely the hostess herself.

- Amazing! 

Marie sighed in disappointment. I think it was the "worst case". So far, no interesting information has been announced, most likely this conversation will end with the signing of the adoption papers and the happy exclamations of the Hartmanns. But hope is the last thing to die, so the Angel continued to listen.

— You’ll be perfect for-… Oh

 Stella stopped abruptly. Marie approached the door with interest, wanting to hear more. Something had obviously gone wrong, and she needed to know what it was.

— Wh-what?—Miss Hartman sounded worried. 

—Well, it appears there's... been some complications.—Was Stella... confused? The head of the orphanage doesn't know what's going on, that's the news.

—Complications?...W-what are the complications? —The woman voiced Marie's thoughts aloud.

-I-I don't know. Uhm... The form, says "Testing".

Now THAT's interesting. Angel held the recorder as close to the door as possible to catch every word. It will be an interesting detail for her case.

- What does this mean!? Tell us what does it means!?

- Miss Greyber, we deserve a better explanation, don't you think?! - Men are always more hot-tempered than women, it is not surprising that Mr. Hartmann was the first to sound hostile. It's a pity that neither the police nor a lawyer will help them.

- You are in control of this place, how can you not know?! - Indeed. Unless Stella actually runs the orphanage and it's not an imaginary power.

— And why are we only finding out about this now?!

—I-I don't... I'm sorry.. — Greyber sounded crestfallen. Indeed, how do you explain to two angry and upset adults that you don't know why they can't pick up their child?

There was swearing outside the door. The couple tried to get at least some information, and Stella tried to calm them down. It was an interesting sight, but there was no time for it. Marie realized that she couldn't find out more, so she stopped recording. There's no need to waste the film. She looked at the recording she had made and grinned. It looks like this day has gotten a little better.

While Marie was cheering, someone approached her. Angel's back, I felt someone's presence. There were no footsteps again. No... She wouldn't let this thing catch her off guard again... Marie sharply elbowed someone in the stomach, then just as quickly turned around and grabbed the neck of the man standing behind her. With a sharp movement, she pressed him against the wall, squeezing his airway. The swearing inside the office was drowned out by a strong push against the wall and the victim's stifled moans. It was only after Marie had neutralized the newcomer that she saw the shock of red hair.

— What the hell, Fisher... - Marie loosened her grip, but didn't let go.

- Wow..! Such sweet Miss Angel does not act at all sweetly and not very saint! — Fischer giggled at her own joke, and so loudly, as if her neck wasn't being squeezed right now. - Did you like what you heard?

Marie stared at Diana for a good 10 seconds, until a realization came to her mind. 

— You brought me here on purpose... - The guess hit the mark.

- Oh, so they were telling the truth about your mind! I didn't doubt it, though. A quiet chuckle.

— I assume you know who I am.— She frowned slightly. 

- That's right, Madam Guardian Angel, I know who you are. —  The last sounded like a conspiratorial whisper.

When silence fell between them, Angel thought about it. Her identity was difficult enough to reveal, but not possible. If you made an effort, you could reach her. Most of her clients contacted her through a third party or by sending anonymous letters. This was done for security reasons. Fisher could become a problem and jeopardize her entire investigation, but now she was worried about something else.

— Why?

Diana tilted her head slightly to the side, as far as her hand on her neck would allow. Her playful smile never wavered for a second.

- Oh, no, no! Since you're such a know-it-all, guess for yourself! — She pouted and crossed her arms over her chest. God... Kindergarten. 

— I don't have time for this, Miss Fisher. - She increased the pressure on the trachea. — So be so kind as to enlighten me about your little plan.

A strangled gasp escaped from the girl's mouth. Her hands gripped Diana's wrist, trying to detach her from herself. Marietta wasn't going to strangle her, she was just going to scare her.

- Okay, okay! You talked me into it! Just let go! —  Marie immediately released her grip and took a step back. Fisher immediately coughed, clutching at her injured spot. —You're so mean...—  She looked at Angel resentfully, pouting again.

— I'm very kind right now, Miss Fisher. —  Her voice was full of seriousness. - So what are you trying to achieve? You seem to like Stella and working at the shelter. And you're just crazy about kids. So what made you change your mind?

Fisher still looked unhappy, but it wasn't like Angel was going to apologize. If she was going to say something important, then she should say it right now.

— You're right. I really, really love my job. - It's amazing how Diana could speak seriously and still maintain her childish manner. — But I don't like Leith... — Marie raised an eyebrow at the revelation. - I don't really like his methods and solutions. And lately, passions have only been heating up. Most people prefer not to notice what is happening, even Stella, but not me. I know he's up to something, but I don't know what yet and I can't prove it...—  She kicked the air like a Disney cartoon. - But his bullshit also concerns children! This is not the first time I've come across these "tests"! The children disappear without a trace and I can't do anything about it. That's why I brought you here.

— To hear your silly little speech?

— So that you can figure out what's going on here and I can be calm.

Marie frowned disapprovingly. It was all extremely contradictory.

- You are aware that the information you have found may not help you sleep well at night. 

—I know.— Despite her serious intentions, her voice betrayed a bit of uncertainty. She was scared. — Listen, with my help, you found the evidence. Didn't it help you?

Marie hated that she was right. So much so that his teeth gritted, and his nails were about to tear the skin on his hands into blood. Suddenly, the door to Stella's office burst open, and two angry, unsuccessful parents came out. They took their discontent outside the office while Stella ran after them and tried to calm them down. Angel winced at the noise and screams, which gave her a headache.

- Let's move our conversation to a less crowded place. — The angel walked away from Graeber's office before they could pay attention to them.

Diana didn't need to be told twice, she followed Marie out of the building without question. The working day was coming to an end and she could go home. It was not so difficult to remember the way to the funicular, it was more difficult not to bump into anyone along the way. Fortunately, they weren't getting much attention.

— You still haven't explained what I'm going to do here. — Marietta reminded she meanwhile.

— Haven't you already gathered all the information you need here?

 - No — Her voice sounded cold and firm, like a thunderclap on a clear day. I had less and less patience. Besides, she was still feeling sick. — If you think those scraps of information are enough for me to leave here with a clear conscience, then you're wrong, Miss Fisher. I didn't get any dirt on Leith, and I didn't even learn anything new. I admit, the confirmation was helpful, but nothing more. I need a lot more evidence and evidence than the word "testing" taken out of context, which can be tied to anything.

— In that case, please. - the girl, smiling broadly, handed her a thin yellow folder. - We will work together as real partners!

- We are not partners. 

Marie opened it on the move, reading the contents, and was slightly surprised to see baby Queen's file.

- We usually don't assign a person to look after just one child, but sometimes there are some like this... Problems. — She rubbed another fresh bite. Angel would have smiled if Diana had been annoyed by the boy's mischief, but she was too busy studying the dossier. - At first I wanted to assign you another child, but I think you will be very satisfied with this one.

Marie didn't understand what this woman was talking about at first. She had only met Baby Queen today, and even though she was impressed by him, she didn't care who she "looked after." Her eyes skimmed over the information.

Name: Quinn Navidson

Age: 6

Number: 1166

Character: Modest, uncommunicative and distrustful. He doesn't communicate with other children, and he doesn't trust adults.

Doctor/Supervisor: Harley Sawyer

After reading the last one, Marie got an electric shock. It was Sawyer's kid. This made Angel freeze. Sawyer? Here? Now? What kind of perverse sense of humor does fate have, since she slips her this man's leftovers. Now the girl's interest in the boy has grown significantly. It wasn't a joke, but she needed all the information about Harley. And who better to give it to her than a naive child who trusts her?

Immersed in the folder, Marie did not even notice how they reached the funicular. The girl returned the folder under her arm, waiting for her transport, which was slowly approaching them. A satisfied smile appeared on her face.

- You're not mistaken, I'm really very interested in Quinn. I can't wait to start my duties. 

The funicular has already managed to descend, and the doors have swung open. 

— Miss Angel? What a surprise. - A painfully familiar hoarse voice was heard.

This day I decided to squeeze all the strength out of Marie, because Harley Sawyer himself came out of the funicular. You'll remember a ray of sunshine, won't you? Angel smiled tightly, and only the fists clenched behind her back spoke of her irritation.

— You're right, it's an amazing coincidence, Dr. Sawyer. —  Her voice sounded falsely friendly. — What brings you here?

— That's what I have to ask you, Miss Angel.—  He bent down slightly to look into Marie's eyes. A wave of irritation ran through the girl's body due to the distinct difference in height. - You left your workplace without telling me. And today I hear from Miss Graeber that you have temporarily transferred to her at Daker. If I hadn't been so careful, I would have thought you were running away from me. — He smiled mockingly, he was definitely having fun.

— How could you think that, Dr. Sawyer?—  Marietta's smile widened. - I just decided to change the type of activity for a while. You don't mind, do you?

Then Diana came to her rescue.

- Dr. Sawyer, it was my initiative to transfer Miss Angel to us. Lately, we need more people to look after the kids. And, as Stella probably already told you, Miss Angel kindly agreed to help us.

Harley didn't even turn his head in Fisher's direction. His gaze was completely focused on Marie, like a predator looking at a prey that had almost escaped its clutches. She stared back at him, not looking away for a second.

— Really? How sweet of her. —His courtesy was dripping with acerbity and venom. — But I'm afraid Miss Angel isn't the right person for the job. A woman who can't even make coffee right is not fit to be a babysitter.

Angel's smile faltered imperceptibly. Next time, she would definitely spit in his drink, no matter how childish it was. Let them choke on it.

- Oh, right the oposite! Miss Angel has already shown excellent results in dealing with children. She even managed to get into little Quinne's heart.

 — Quinn is a wonderful child, Mr. Sawyer. - Marie decided it was time to raise her voice and challenge. The emotion on Sawyer's face amused her. - He is so affectionate and responsive. I'm sure we'll get along just fine.

— I don't think so, Miss Angel...

Without saying another word, Harley walked past the girls, pushing Marietta aside. He started walking towards the building he and Fisher had just left.

— He's furious.—  Diana shook her head disapprovingly, but there was a satisfied smile on her face. - Ooooh, just a little more and he would have exploded! I even feel a little sorry for Stella, who will have to deal with him.

— Wonderful. That's exactly what I wanted.

Without saying goodbye to Diana, Angel went into the empty cabin of the funicular and sat on the sofa by the window. Outside, Diana was actively waving at her. However, instead of waving back, Marie reopened the folder with the documents about Quinn. She picked up his picture, examining it from all sides. His hair seemed even more luxuriant here, like a lion's mane. The booth shook, and it began to rise up. From afar, one could see the sweet home House, where Quinn was sleeping peacefully in his crib full of trash and parts of various toys.

- See you tomorrow, little lion. - for some reason, she associated a boy with this particular animal.

The funicular made a small circle and left the dome.