When Ships Delay, A Girl Goes Missing

[Bobbie]

Michael’s offer was a huge surprise to Tedd, which was difficult to hide on his face. Perhaps he should have put more effort into doing so, but he also couldn’t help wondering if he would have been offered any at all if Nellie opened the door instead of him. Looking down at the box, he eyed the six delicious baked cakes, easily spotting the strawberry ones which had a drop of pink frosting to indicate as such. No doubt they had some complementary jam in its centre.

“Thank you…” he looked up at his company once more before leaning forward to take one from the box. His empty stomach screamed at him impatiently, but he was hesitant, confused by the fact that Michael hadn’t touched one yet.

As the barber listened to him explain, his gaze was fixed on the cupcake. It took a lot of focus for him not to miss any words and also try to come to a decision about whether this little thing was safe to eat or not. In truth, he hoped for something more filling than cupcakes, but he wasn’t ungrateful.

“Let’s not wait for the situation to reach the second option. I'd rather not go through that again even if I did have absolute certainty that you could get me out,” he uttered as he finally made up his mind. He wasn’t entirely convinced that anything this man brought was safe to consume, but he was too hungry and took a large bite shortly after. Within seconds, the small cupcake was gone, its sweet heavenly flavours filling Tedd’s mouth as he tried to recall the last time he had eaten a cupcake this delicious and his mind went back to Nellie’s cakes. It was tasty… but it was lacking something that he couldn’t quite put his finger on, something that Nellie had perfected so many years ago. He could only imagine how much better her treats would be now, nine years later.

As Michael’s eyes were closed, he reached for a second one, avoiding the strawberry ones entirely. He didn’t say anything or try to disturb the peace and quiet, as he had very little interest in making any form of small talk with this man.

Eventually, the silence was broken by Michael himself, and Tedd looked at him with an eyebrow raised, still seated as he had been before.

The question that came from the killer’s mouth left Theodore stunned. Why, do you plan to kidnap him if she does? was what he wanted to blurt out, but he held his tongue. As much as he disliked the man, he did need him - and pissing him off would definitely be a bad move if he ever wanted to make it back to Sally in one piece.

“Not to my knowledge…” Tedd replied with caution, all the while wishing to strangle Michael, before he continued, “but she has a very clear goal in mind and it can’t be done here in Toroa, if that offers any answer to your question. She said so herself while you were gone, her work is on Strawberry Hill with us.” As if that final statement held more significant meaning, Mr Barker narrowed his eyes slightly, scanning the reaction that his words would get out of a cold man such as Michael.

"Are those cupcakes?" Nellie's voice chimed through air as she stumbled out of the bedroom, her hair a little bit messy and her eyes fixed on the open box on the coffee table.

---

Theodore Barker: #aa6706
Sally Barker: #cda0ff
Nellie Bouchard: #f2c860

[Mr. Moon]

Michael #16

Surprisingly and to be honest, to Michael´s disappointment the barber managed to control his emotions much better than he anticipated, picking his words carefully as he at first confirmed that she didn´t have one, before trying to discourage him from pursuing any sort of relationship with her.

“That´s alright.”

The lawyer smirked; eyes still closed.

“I am not from Toroa either. Besides woman like that would be worth any sacrifice, don´t you think.”

Michael mussed with a gentle smile, slowly opening his eyes as Nellie graced them with her presence.

“Miss Bouchard…”

He greeted her with a charming smile.

“I hope we didn´t wake you up…and yes, those are cupcakes. I took two for each of us so feel free to take them.”

For a moment he thought about reserving his favourite strawberry ones for himself, but than decided to leave it to the fate. After all wasn´t it him who claimed she was worth any sacrifice not so long ago?

Pushing the box towards her, he waited until she makes her choice before reaching towards the single shelf under the table for the menu of the hotel restaurant.

“Speaking of which, this hotel has a very good restaurant and a room service.”

Gesturing somewhere behind his back towards the Den Den Mushi that was lying there.

“So if you are hungry feel free to order whatever you want, it´s my treat…”

He paused for a moment, taking a look on the stressed-out barber before sighing.

“And yes Mr. Barker it applies also to you.”

No, the lawyer didn´t become soft nor was he above keeping Tedd starving while the rest of them were eating. But the day barely started and he already looked like someone who could collapse from a lack of energy, which, given the fact there was no guarantee he won´t need him to fight or run, wasn´t optimal.

[Bobbie]

If looks could kill, Michael would have dropped dead right at the moment he suggested the possibility of anything happening with Nellie because of the way Tedd glared at him. He didn’t need any reminders, but his repulsion of the man was once more pushed to the forefront as he watched him sit with his eyes closed and a sickening smile that grew on his despicably charming face.

“No, no…” Nellie replied in a tired voice, looking at the two with a bit of confusion as she could see the frustration on Mr Tedd’s face, even though he tried to soften his features upon her arrival. It was clear that she missed something, but she decided her attention would be better placed on the cupcakes.

“Oh, these look lovely… thank you.” Kneeling by the coffee table before she sat down on the floor to be as close to the box as possible, the humble girl took one of the cupcakes with the pink frosting and promptly took a bite. A soft hum came from her as she closed her eyes. Mr Barker watched her with slight satisfaction, very glad that she took the strawberry one for him - at least, he assumed that the reason Michael insisted that he doesn’t take the strawberry ones was because he wanted them himself. Reserving a specific flavour for Nellie would have been too risky.

“A worthy sacrifice, I hope.” He couldn’t help but mumble very quietly, the tiniest of smirks appearing on his face.

“Tastiest breakfast I’ve had in ages…” Nellie opened her eyes and watched Michael, having not heard Tedd, while her free hand was raised to cover her mouth as she spoke since it was full. “Where did you get these from? Not the hotel restaurant, right?” her large eyes now shifting to look at the box for any labels. “I’ve been looking for some new frosting recipes.”

At the offer of proper food, Theodore couldn’t stop his face from lighting up in anticipation. A full dinner plate sounded amazing, and he could already taste the roast chicken breast and steamed vegetables with potatoes in broth that he would love to order.

“Thank you, how generous,” the barber gave a smile that was slightly less than genuine as, although grateful, he believed that this man did nothing without selfish motive. Taking the menu from Michael, he already began going through it to see what he could order for himself, while Nellie had just finished her first cupcake. Before taking her second one, however, she pushed the box in the lawyer's direction with a sweet smile, “I’ll take whichever one is left that you don’t want. Thank you again.”

---

Theodore Barker: #aa6706
Sally Barker: #cda0ff
Nellie Bouchard: #f2c860

[Mr. Moon]

Michael #17

Seeing how Nellie was sitting down on the ground, Michael immediately jumped at his feet, gesturing towards the chair he was, up until now, occupying for himself.

“But where are my manners.”

He smiled apologetically, gesturing towards the chair.

“Miss Bouchard, there is no way you, as a lady would sit on the ground, please take a seat I insist.”

Moving away from his former chair, the lawyer watched as Nellie reached for one of the strawberry ones, making sure that his grief over losing one of his favourite cupcakes won´t reflect on his face. Especially because as he passed behind Tedd´s chair he heard the barber´s comment about sacrifice.

“No, these are from a bakery I met on my way here. If you want, I can take you there when this thing become finished.”

He suddenly paused as his brain finally realised what she said.

“Wait, you bake? I though you are a barber, like Mr. Barker.”

He nodded towards Tedd, who was just going through the restaurant menu, before taking look at the box she pushed towards him. He was tempted, very tempted to take the last strawberry one, but at the same time, didn´t want to rob her of the opportunity to choose from the remaining two. Especially not after such nice gesture. And so, using a great deal of his willpower, he reached for a blueberry one, leaving Nellie with the choice of either strawberry or blueberry as her second one.

“No need to thank me really, so palease take your pick. You are my guest here so there is no way I would left you with what is left.”

After that, he waited for Tedd and Nellie to pick their dinner, before moving towards the Den Den Mushi to order for everyone with his own order already decided since the moment he left his room that morning.

[Bobbie]

As Michael behaved so courteously, Nellie couldn’t help blushing. It wasn’t every day that she had a gentleman rise from his seat and offer it to her, as most would simply be satisfied with her being satisfied as she was.

“Oh, that really wasn’t necessary…” she replied in a soft tone but took his offer with a gracious smile as she stood up and then sat in his former chair instead.

Tedd looked up from the menu to watch her for a moment, but he said nothing. It was appalling to see the girl blushing at a kind gesture that came from a man who threatened to kill them not very long ago. Sighing quietly to himself, he shook his head and looked down at the menu again as he realised that he would have to keep a closer eye on her than he thought. Sally was worried about her getting mixed up in trouble, yet he doubted this was the kind of trouble that she anticipated.

“Yes, I bake,” she replied with a gentle laugh, “I wouldn’t trust myself with a pair of scissors and a head of hair, I’m certainly no barber! I’ve not seen anyone to match Mr Tedd’s skills with a razor other than his wife with her shears. She's the second barber, not me - a hair stylist, to be more precise.”

This prompted the barber to look up at her again; however, it was not to thank her for the compliment, but rather to make his annoyance known to her that she was revealing more information than she should. Unfortunately, this message did not seem to reach Nellie, as the brunette quite happily continued after taking another cupcake from the box.

“They always made such a lovely couple, I wish Sally were here, you could meet her. She’s a lovely woman… oh, is this one blueberry?” As Nellie’s chattering came to a pause, her eyes widened with excitement, watching Michael for a moment for his response and with a mouthful of blueberry cupcake. “Delicious…”

Seeing an opening, Tedd held the menu out to Nellie after he’d made up his mind on what he wanted to order. “Nellie, here… pick out what you want to eat.”

As his plan worked and Nellie was silenced, all of her attention now on the menu that was in her hands, he knew it was only temporary but it would have to do for now. Once she was ready, they both made their orders: a roasted chicken leg with mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables on the side, garnished with herbal seasoning and savoury sauces for Tedd, and a chicken tikka masala basmati rice dish for Nellie.

---

Theodore Barker: #aa6706
Sally Barker: #cda0ff
Nellie Bouchard: #f2c860

[Mr. Moon]

Michael #18

As Nellie started explaining, that it wasn´t her, but Tedd´s wife Sally, who was the second barber Michael´s face suddenly brightened. Partially it was a genuine reaction connected to the fact, that Nellie picked blueberry one as her second cupcake and so the last strawberry one was his. Partially, because it gave him another opportunity to throw Teddy off balance.

“So you are baker? And I believe Mr. Barker mentioned you are from Strawberry Hill am I right?”

He offered a charming smile to the barber, thanking him for this important piece of information.

“I have to say, that I originally planned to return home right after dealing with this incident, but if that´s the case, I might spare some time and visit your bakery.”

This time, his smile was dedicated only to the young lady in his former chair.

“I would love to taste your pastries.”

Taking the remaining cupcake, Michael jumped on his feet, walking towards the Den Den Mushi to order their food.

They didn´t have to wait long. In hotel like this the kitchen was never really closed so not long after someone knocked on the door.

“I´ll handle it.”

The lawyer offered, climbed on his feet again, walking towards the door. He didn´t really believed that whoever the murderer was would be able to make it there so fast, but still, one couldn´t be careful enough these days.

Using the spyhole, to check who is standing behind the doors. Woman, in her early twenties in the uniform of hotel personal, standing near cart with their food on it. Yeah, this one didn´t seem like someone who would be murdering woman in the night but still…no one said the killer couldn´t have an accomplice.

Keeping one hand ready to strike, if necessary, he opened the door and took the cart from her in an exchange for a very generous tip, before closing the doors again and driving it back to the rest of his group.

[Bobbie]

Nellie stared at Michael for a moment, before glancing at Tedd with a raised eyebrow as if to accuse him of being a hypocrite. “Oh, did he?” She asked, slightly annoyed by the fact that he had just tried to silence her when he himself was also guilty of revealing such personal information.

Mr Barker sank in his seat when he got that look from Nellie, with a sheepish look on his own face. However, as Michael turned to him with a smile, Tedd’s facial expression instantly turned into a frown, his eyes narrowed slightly. There was nothing about this man that the barber liked.

“Well, yes, I am a baker. You’re welcome to come and try my pastries any day, my bakery is called ‘Nellie’s Café’ and it's just under the hair salon. I don’t just bake pastries, you can just grab a coffee if you’d like too…” she offered with a light shrug.

Taken in by Michael’s smile, Nellie found herself blushing and looking away from him, perhaps out of nervousness, or rather to avoid the angry stares that came from the other man in the room. In any case, that problem quickly resolved itself as Michael stood up to go and make their order, doing so again a second time when it actually arrived. Grabbing the opportunity of some - though limited - privacy, Tedd leaned over to Nellie.

“Nellie, what are you doing? You’re blushing like a school girl, do not forget that this man is dangerous, do you understand me?” His whisper came out as something of a hiss, slightly more aggressive than he intended it to be, but that didn’t faze Nellie in the slightest. In fact, she was quick to hiss back at him.

“What am I doing? What are you doing, Mr Tee! You told him that I’m from Strawberry Hill! What, did you suddenly fall for his charm as well?”

“What? No! That was unintentional, I was trying to make him give up on chasing after you-”

“Right, and telling him where I’m from is sure to do that. Do you think sharing all my family information will help too? Shall we try?”

“Nellie, you’re being ridiculous! I was trying to help you, because you’re clearly falling for this man’s smiles and I cannot, for the life of me, understand why!”

“He is feeding us!”

“He kidnapped you!” Nellie’s excuses were cut short with a sharp response from the barber, but before the argument could continue, the doors were heard closing and both participants sat back as if they didn’t have the conversation that just took place. While Tedd’s frown could easily be mistaken for a similar one he wore before having this talk, Nellie’s demeanor was clearly different as her bubbly self became noticeably more sober. The girl was an open book and wore her heart on her sleeve.

Rising to her feet as the trolley was driven over to them, her smile returned, though it lacked the enthusiasm and vibrancy that it previously had.

“Oh, this looks lovely, Mr-… I’m so sorry, what did you say your name is?” A puzzled look now replaced her smile as Nellie suddenly found that she couldn’t quite remember his name. That is, if he had ever told them what it is to begin with. This captured Tedd’s attention as well, as without moving an inch, he eyed the man who just brought their food over, watching for his reaction to Nellie’s prompt.

---

Theodore Barker: #aa6706
Sally Barker: #cda0ff
Nellie Bouchard: #f2c860

[Mr. Moon]

Michael #19

Unlike his elder brother, Michael was very good when it came to reading the room. It was one of his many gifts that allowed him to excel as a lawyer and now, it helped him to realise that while he was gone, Nellie and Tedd fought because of something. And he didn´t have to be genius to realise that the something was probably him. Or rather, the way Nellie acted towards him.

Staying silent about it for a now, he gave everyone their plate, before putting his own down at the coffee table

“Hmmm, you I right, I never introduced myself…what happened to my manners?”

The lawyer smiled after Nellie realised that they didn´t know his name yet.

“My name is Jonathan Campbell.”

He opted for his fake persona almost automatically, reaching across the table to gently kiss the back of Nellie´s hand in a display of court etiquette.

“But you can call me Jonathan.”

The smile that contained all of his charms made it sure that everyone present will understand, that this offer was meant for Nellie and Nellie only.

Releasing her hand, Michel sat back to his place, staying silent for a moment, without touching his food, almost as if he was thinking whether he should start the next topic or not, despite the fact he was already set on going this route from the moment he entered the room. After all, so far from home, he didn´t have to play the role of a tired and burned-out lawyer that was usually hiding his true self. It was such a rare opportunity he couldn´t simply ignore it.

“Speaking of which, I couldn´t but notice that there is…certain tension between you two…I hope you didn´t fight because Mr. Baker mentioned where are you from. I mean, if you don´t wish me to visit your bakery, I can promise you that I´ll keep my distance”

There were no unnecessary emotions attached to this. Just a pure offer made by a gentleman that didn´t want his lady to feel forced into something.

[Bobbie]

Both Nellie and Tedd watched Michael as he introduced himself, but only one of the two doubted that was his real name. It was true that the chances of either of them actually getting away with reporting Michael’s actions were very slim, but using his real name when it was very clear that Mr Barker was not a fan of his would have been quite a risk.

Then the master manipulator carried on with his quest of swaying Nellie - at least that was the only way it seemed to Tedd - as he took her hand and kissed the back of it.

Nellie was clearly smitten as her cheeks coloured and she stared at Michael, the supposed Jonathan, in shock. “Oh…” she giggled softly as she put her plate down on the coffee table beside his to free her hand and raise that same hand to her cheek in an attempt to cool it. “That’s… well that’s a nice name, Jonathan.” Flustered as she was, Nellie was still able to look at Michael with her large eyes that expressed an ocean of emotions. Looking at Tedd, however, was another matter entirely. She was afraid to face the rage that she could feel seeping into the air off the man’s skin, although he contained it quite well.

As Theodore sat there, watching the two, he wondered how long it would take for Michael to take the first bite and prove the food was safe - but he soon changed his mind about waiting. It suddenly didn’t seem like the worst thing to drop dead after a good meal - it would at least end whatever plot this was to torture him. After his time in prison, the food was absolutely phenomenal in comparison. Tedd started with the mashed potatoes first, the rich and creamy texture quickly filling his mouth with delicious flavours he thought he’d never get to taste again, a welcome distraction from what he was witnessing before him; Nellie, on the other hand, waited for Michael out of courtesy. That was when Michael put forward his question about their argument.

“Nonsense, don’t be silly! We weren’t arguing over that and I would love to have you visit the bakery! It’s the least we can do after all this.” Nellie gestured to the food as she now started eating her rice.

“Mr Campbell, assuming I believe that is your real name…” Tedd had a good eye for the tiniest of slip-ups that people made in their facial expressions, but he didn’t see any in this man. This meant he was either telling the truth, or he was a very skilled and experienced liar, and his gut feeling leant more toward the latter than the former. “You might have Nellie charmed, but if you come anywhere near either of us, I can assure you that you will not be welcome. So, yes, please do promise to keep your distance - as you just so kindly offered to do.”

To that, Nellie groaned and put her fork down, “Mr Tedd! What’s the matter with you? Look at this wonderful meal he’s just ordered for us, and you can’t even afford to allow one visit? I think we owe him that!”

The glare that Tedd shot at Nellie made the girl flinch. He wanted to shake sense into this girl who refused to listen to reason because of this vulture that clearly preyed on her innocence, but it seemed that nothing he did or said would get through. Convinced that the manipulative lawyer beside him was doing all of this deliberately and relishing in his frustration, the barber merely stood up from his seat.

“No. We don’t.” He had a lot more than just that in his mind that he'd like to respond with, but that was all he said out loud before leaving the room with his plate to go and eat elsewhere. His stay in prison taught him a lot of things, and one very specific thing was that removing oneself from a situation is sometimes the wisest move to prevent things from getting out of hand, especially now. Tensions were high and he was growing increasingly frustrated with both Nellie and Michael; he didn’t want to say something he’d regret later on. Now standing in the kitchen as he couldn’t bare to see Nellie’s stupid behaviour any longer, he remained within earshot, just in case he was needed, and he leaned back against the cupboards by the sink to eat his food standing up and alone. He could only hope that she would eventually realise her mistake.

With a sigh, Nellie gestured toward the now empty seat for Michael to rise from the floor and eat more comfortably. “I’m sorry about Mr Tedd, I’m sure he would be more grateful under different circumstances. He must really miss his wife… I can’t imagine how hard this has been on him.” True to her character, Nellie continued to see no evil in people, as even Mr Barker’s explosive reaction was excused with genuine empathy and compassion. With her eyes lowered and a sad frown, she continued to eat her meal.

---

Theodore Barker: #aa6706
Sally Barker: #cda0ff
Nellie Bouchard: #f2c860

[Mr. Moon]

Michael #20

Ignoring Mr. Barker for most of the time, Michael kept eye contact with Nellie, offering her a charming smile and warm attitude to keep her captivated without making her feel threatened. It was only when Tedd snapped at him again, trying to show him how unwelcome he is anywhere near Nellie, that the killer redirected his attention in his direction. But he didn't meet him with aggression of his own, verbal or physical, but with something much more sinister, with a kind smile and perfectly faked understanding.
"It's alright Mr. Barker I understand. Nine years is a very long time, but it's time to slowly accept the fact that Miss Bouchard isn't the small girl you remember anymore. She is an adult now and capable of her own decisions. You don't want to see me ever again? I can respect your wish, but if Miss Bouchard invites me to her shop, I'll gladly accept. Are we clear?"
Whatever it was because of his speech or from some other reasons, Tedd decided to leave them alone, moving into the kitchen even with his plate. Almost as if he was waiting for Nellie's invitation, Michael got up on his feet, moving towards the chair emptied by Tedd.
"No need to apology I don't take it personally."
The lawyer gave her an encouraging smile.
"Being a lawyer I met many released convicts, so I know how hard it can be for them to return back to their old lives. But with friends like you, I am sure he can do it."
At that moment several things happened nearly at once. Firstly, Michael reached forward putting his hand on Nellie's shoulder, only to turn his head to the left as someone kicked the front door open. Tall, fairly athletic man with messy brown hair and a revolver in his hands. He didn't think twice before pointing it in their direction and firing.
"Sh*t!"
Moving with nearly superhuman swiftness, the lawyer grabbed Nellie and pushed her to the ground, covering her with his own body.
The shooter was reckless, emptying his gun into the room without really aiming, but still one bullet found it's way into Michael's shoulder.