Sweet Sacrifice : Chapter 3: You can always rely on me.

"I told you officer." Anisa mumbled, being sick of repeating her rehearsed speech. "I don't know this man, or why he jumped me. He pointed his gun at me, I was to scared and shocked to make out what he was saying. Then I heard a shot, and I saw the man collapse."

The officer looked doubtful. "Why would he point his gun at you?"

"How should I know?" Anisa sighed, and carried on reluctantly. "I wish I could read minds."

The officer laughed softly. "So we should believe that a man carrying a gun just jumped you for no reason?"

Anisa felt anger boiling up in her. She stared into his eyes, wanting to strangle the man.

"Too bad cops like you can't prevent people carrying guns, any psychopath could carry a gun and then decide to kill when they're in the mood!" Anisa stood there, feeling a bit guilty, she carries a gun too. Just not with her, only at home. One worrying thought lingered in her mind Now he knows where I am, I have to flee. Leave as little paper trail as possible.

The officer's face went bright pink. It was true, it was hard to decide weather someone has a registered or a stolen gun, this led to many crimes involving guns. He was unable to stop that.

The officer felt his cheeks burn. "Sorry ma'am. These are just compulsory questions."

"It's okay." She replied softly. Her mascara was already smudged from the tears. She wiped her eyes yet it didn't help.

"We will have to bring you in to let a detective Penelope Johnson, to ask you some questions. Again this is-"

"Compulsory." She shut him off, her face hung low.

"Well will escort you there." He offered her a kind smile.

He stroked his thick black hair, his blue cop outfit was illuminated by the streetlights. To others, he was a hero in a blue outfit, they adored him. To himself he was the lowest part of the operation. Low wages, low self respect.

"By the way." He rushed. "Um, do you have anywhere to stay after you've been questioned. Your apartment will be sealed off, for another few days."

Anisa shifted uncomfortably. "Um..-"

"She does." Peggy stepped out over the threshold. "She can stay in my house time being." She sounded cheerful, it held great contrast to what others were feeling. This whole scene was gloomy.

"Thank you Peggy." Anisa whispered.

Why is this woman being so kind? She hardly knows me.

The officer smiled. "Very well, Peggy? You will have to come with us, the detective wants anyone that was a foot in this building t be questioned.

"Of course." Peggy shook her head.

As the officer began to walk towards his car, he felt a tug at his arm.

"Wait!" Anisa called out. Can I get into my apartment to get my things? I have certain medication I need to take."

"Very well."

Inside her apartment, Anisa took a small bag from the corner of the kitchen. She took random medicine from the cabinets, just to cover up. In fact she took her gun and hid it in the bottom of her bag. She went to her room and got clothes, make-up, all sorts of things.

Just in case I don't come back here.

The officer called out. "Is this all Miss Taylor?"

Not really, but she had enough to last.

"Yes sir."

---

The police headquarters was new. White, with wood accents. Fresh. Wherever you turned there was a shelf or a conference meeting room.

Anisa and Peggy were seated on a blue couch, neither shared a word. Tonight, the words were all being rested so they could use them to defend themselves against the detective.

A chubby blonde lady with glasses stepped out of the interview room.

"We're sorry to have you here at this late hour, but it's best to have a proper interview right away so you don't forget little details that can help this investigation." She told them sympathetically. Although she looked full of energy, you can tell she'd been running on coffee. You could practically smell coffee off her. No one could not be tired in a job like this at the late hour, without drinking coffee.

"Miss Taylor?" The detective continued. "I'd like you to come in first."

Anisa trudged to the interview room. She shut the wooden door behind her. It was air tight. Detective-suspect privacy. The room was dull and grey, with a chrome table fitted with four chrome chairs. It's like a more rich version of prison.

The detective introduced herself as Penelope Johnson. Anisa was directed to a seat as Detective Johnson took out her folder.

She read out all of Anisa's rights.

"What you say will be used against you in court. If that's the case."

Anisa felt a like her heart dropped. She was a number one suspect. The detectives will be on her like hawks.

"So Miss Taylor. What were you doing before the incident and can anyone confirm that?"

" I left at two. Went to town, explore it. I only arrived here yesterday."

"Very well, Can anyone clarify that you left at two?"

"Peggy might be able, she saw me leave."

"What were you doing out at the back of the building?"

Anisa sighed. She couldn't tell him about the cleaner, they'd find out about the Belladonna, too risky."

"I was checking if Peggy was there, She closes the pub so she wouldn't be at the bar stand, and the only open door is out the back, so I was going out through the back so I could ask her something."

"Like what?."

"Any places looking for a job. She knows this place better than me." Anisa lied.

"Can you describe what happened?"

Anisa sighed yet again. "A man with black hair, a black suit and sun-glasses approached me. He held a handgun in his hand. I closed my eyes. heard a shot. I didn't die, he did. I don't know how."

"Very well. if we get new leads in this investigation we'll give you a call. Don't move out of town without informing us."

Anisa walked out, her shoulders weighing her down.

"Peggy!" The detective shouted out.

Anisa sat down on the couch, the rest of the time at the police station was a blur.

---

Peggy's apartment was bigger, fancier, and way more homely than Anisa's. However, it did not have a bedroom, The sitting room was basically a dining, work, living and bedroom. Yet, it made the home feel cozy. The whole room was softly mixed with greys, blues and wood, it was really warm. The sinks, fridge, all seemed so new.

Is this what her salary is worth?

"Make yourself at home!" Peggy beamed. "Now, if you want to have a shower, I suggest you take one now. I'm going to make us some warm drinks. It was 3 am, yet neither could sleep with all the buzz of the day. Anisa nodded as she entered Peggy's bathroom. Ready to eradicate all traces of filth and grime.

A while later Anisa stepped out of the bathroom with her pyjamas on. Peggy stood at the counter making some sort of hot drink. Cocoa filled her nostrils. It's been a while since she had hot chocolate.

"Smells nice!" Anisa chuckled.

"Tastes even better!"

Anisa and Peggy drank their hot chocolate in silence. The sweetness tingled her tongue, and the warmness made her feel tired. She was happy to have a friend like Peggy, but she had to leave as soon as possible.

I can't stay here. I need to move, get a new identity.

However she did feel a tinge of regret. All these people have been so kind to her, now she was just going to lave them.

I have failed. I was not to get emotionally attached, what made me give up this time?

Anisa set herself on the sofa. Peggy offered the bed, but Anisa intruded her enough. The sofa was just as good. She received some blankets from Peggy, but it was a warm night. She'd even sleep with her clothes off if Peggy wasn't here.

"Sleep in till whenever, I have no work tomorrow, or for another few days anyway, stay as long as you wish." Peggy chuckled. Anisa heard her yawn in the distance and all noise faded away.

Sleep began to tug at Anisa, she let herself sleep. She fell into a deep slumber, and a dream began to stir in her head, a flashback, a painful memory.

~~ 9 years previously ~~

Anisa arrived to her mother's house. She hadn't seen her since College ended. Over 6 months. Work in Europe got a hold of her. She buzzed in over an intercom. "I've got great news for you mama!" Anisa told her cheerfully.

"Good news? You broke up with that boyfriend of yours?" Her mother replied as she opened the gate to let her daughter drive in. Anisa was feeling queasy now. Why did her mother show such distaste to her boyfriend? Fiancee now. Anisa parked her car, and she waddled out of it. Her stomach weighing heavier by the days. She made sure not to hurt her bump. Her mother came out. Hands reaching out to hug her. Then she took a good look at her. Her eyes widened in horror.

"You child!?" Her mother screamed. "How could you let that excuse of a man impregnate you?"

Anisa was stunned. As if her mother threw a brick at her face.

"Mother. He is my fiancee! We're getting married, having a baby! Starting a family!"

"Do you know how dearly this could cost us? All your life I've protected you. Gave my life to protect you. What do you do? Dis-own the family!" Her mother snapped, her black curly hair danced around as she spat.

"Mom. I am twenty five. It was my decision of who to marry and what level to take it too! You can't even meddle a finger in my decisions! I don't need your protection!" Anisa fought back, tears running down her cheeks.

"You're right." Her mother began quietly. "You don't need my protection. Get OFF my land, never show your face again."

"But mother-"

"I SAID GET OUT!"

Anisa jumped back into her car, leaving her mother's mansion, leaving her memories behind. Anisa didn't disown her family. Her family disowned her.

Light streamed through the blinds. Anisa woke up. Startled. This flashback she had seen so many times. But this one? It seemed more startling, more disturbing She glanced on the clock mounted on the wall. 1 pm. Peggy was still asleep. Anisa went with her better judgement and headed to the bathroom to get dressed.

Anisa gazed around the room. Peggy was still sleeping.

In the fridge Anisa found some waffles that apparently were to be put into a stove.

She did so, waiting in the kitchen, preparing tea.

"That smells good." Peggy said from the distance, yawning.

"Tastes even better!" Anisa joked

They shared breakfast, brunch, or lunch whichever you'd like to call it.

"So.." Peggy began. "What are you planing to do now?"

"I'd like to go out to town, need to get all this off my mind."

"Talking about town, I got a text from Desmond, he wants to meet you at a cafe nearby. He said to tell you to be there at 3."

Peggy eyed her. "I think someone likes you!"

---

"Hey." Desmond got up from a table. "Nice you came."

He was cleaned up now, his long hair was still messy but he smelt of honeysuckle. Anisa loved the smell of honeysuckle.

"My manners, sit down!"

They sat outside a local town cafe. It was simple and modern, with food to expensive for her taste, but Desmond payed. She sipped her coffee.

"So, how long have you been in this city?" Anisa started the conversation.

"Actually most of my life!" He replied. "All 36 years I think. I do recall moving somewhere with my parents for a while, but I was a kid, I can't remember!" He chuckled. "So where have you been before being here?"

"I was in London, although there was too much bad memories there, so I moved!"

Their conversations mainly evolved around basic information about themselves, they were both single, looking for a job, don't have family to rely on. Desmond tried to flirt with Anisa, he failed at first, then she warmed up to him, must have been because of the wine they drank to their dinner. It had been three hours they've been talking for. Yet the time had to end.

"I have to go!" Anisa told him, smiling from ear to ear. Alcohol did take its tone on her, but that didn't matter.

"I can get us a cab!" He offered.

"No thank you. I need to walk this food off. Haven't had a feast this big in a while."

They did manage to drink coffee, eat soup, a portion of potatoes and stew and some dessert. She felt like a walking hot air balloon.

"Hold on." He grabbed her hand. "I just wanted to tell you, I had a great time. I really like you Anisa."

He stroked her cheek. She giggled. Now she didn't know if it was the effect of alcohol or chemistry, maybe both? She'd never let a man touch her. What changed?

As Anisa was heading to Peggy's she received a text from an anonymous number.

"Meet me @ Butterfly Pavilion @ 7 i have useful info on yesterday"

Anisa gripped her phone tight. Someone wants to meet her tonight.

---

The butterfly Pavilion was full of people.

"How the heck am I going to find the person who text-ed me?!" She thought out loud.

"You won't have to look very far." Anisa heard a calm male voice say.

She turned around, shocked. Her eyes were as large as bulbs. In front of her stood a handsome pale man in a suit. He had raven black hair and emerald eyes. Something made her want to go up and kiss him, she didn't know what she was feeling. She hadn't fell in love since, less than nine years ago, and now she was visually attracted to two men.

"Lets sit down." He led her to a bench surrounded by bushes."Beautiful day we have today."

"Listen, why do you want talk to me?" Anisa snapped.

"Okay I'll cut to the chase. You are in grave danger Anisa Taylor."

"Hey wait-"

He cut her off. "No time to argue. You know who, he is hunting you. He knows you are in this town, he knows his agent has been killed."

He said you know who. He knows that his name shouldn't be heard by the wrong people. He was many slaves and workers in many parts of town.

"Look I don't know how you know so much, but the agent-"

"I killed him. I saved you."

Shivers were sent down Anisa's spine.

He knows where I am.

"Anisa." The man continued. "We need to help you, I am no cop, I swear. You need to-"

This time Anisa cut him off. "Get out of town."

"No."

Anisa was puzzled.

"You need to stay here. He thinks that you would have left. You've seen his attempted failure to capture you. He expects you've been scared off. Now, here's where I can help you. We need a Decoy, I'll arrange a flight ticket under your name, and some other things to tip him off, I'll keep it subtle."