Gabriel, Dante and Salvatore were working since hours in the garden's house meeting room. They were trying to track the killers of Fumiko Tanaka. In the house, Enzo went to his bedroom and logged to his computer for a game party. He needed to relax after seeing the photos of Suki's mother. He had his headphones and was completely disconnected of reality.

Gianni left around 10.00pm. He was awaited in the city for an underground boxing match where one of his men was fighting. Vito didn't want to stay at home and accompanied Gianni.

Davide was left alone, and it was a good occasion to make things clear, with what he considered his father's mistake. He went upstairs and opened the room's door where the little girl was supposed to be, but it was empty. Then, he went to his elder brother's room, and he found her, asleep. He approached the bed in silence, only with the light coming from the outside through the big window to guide him. He put his knee on the bed near Suki and when she moved to be on her back, he put a hand on her mouth, preventing her to yell.

Davide: Don't try to yell or even move... (Suki stared at him with fear and tears, in her sleepy eyes.) There is no one for you here... my Dad only feels guilty because he slept with your mother after my mother's dead, he doesn't care about a bastard child like you... so... be a good girl... and disappear! Take your stuffs and disappear just like you appeared in our lives... without a word! Do you understand? (She nodded while silently crying.) Good, I will be nice and even give you some bucks...

Davide kept his dark and menacing eyes on the little girl while he stood up from his position. As soon as his hand was not on her mouth, Suki jumped from the bed. Davide smirked and slowly walked toward the door. He was satisfied.

When she was sure that the young man would not come back, she let her body fall along the wall. She needed to leave that house. She calmed a little bit and looked around her. It was quiet, organized, a man's room without useless things or flashy colors. She stood up like a zombie and spotted her bag and shoes on the corner of the room.

Suki grabbed her school bag to take her wallet and phone inside. She grabbed her shoes and went to the guests' room. She took few clothes and a bag pack. She was putting everything inside when the door opened with a big silhouette in the frame.

Gabriel: Suki? What are you doing? It's 1.00am, you should sleep.

The little girl stopped moving but she didn't turn herself to face her brother, nor she answered him. In fact, she didn't want to talk to anyone anymore.

Gabriel entered and stopped behind her. He quickly understood the situation. He was not prepared to that and was not sure about how to deal with it.

Gabriel: Eh... eh... what are you doing? You are not trying to sneak out of the house in the middle of the night, right? (She still didn't answer.) Suki... talk to me... (He sighed.) Where were you going anyway? You were not just thinking to hang out in the streets?

Suki didn't know what to do. She had missed the opportunity to flee now that Gabriel was there. What will happen when Davide will see that she is still in his house? Will she have another chance to leave? She flinched when Gabriel put his hand on her shoulder.

Gabriel: Please, don't be afraid of me... talk to me... if you don't say anything, how can I help you or even understand you?

Despite his soft tone, Gabriel couldn't make Suki interact with him. She needed more time and eventually a professional to help her in her process of grieving.

Gabriel: If you have issue to sleep, the doctor prescribed medicine that can help you. Do you want some? Or warm milk? Suki... (She shook her head.) Can we sit together? (She sat at the border of the bed, looking down, he sat next to her.) You will never talk to me ever again? Is it just against me? Did I do something that displeased you? You can tell me.

Suki lightly shook her head at Gabriel's questions. She knew that it was not fair to act like that with him because he never treated her bad, at the contrary. He tried his best to show her interest and comfort since he found her in her apartment.

Gabriel: Is it because of the boys? Because of what they said when we came back? (She stiffened.) Suki, I am deeply sorry for what happened to your mother. No one wanted or expected that to happen. No one can replace your mother and if we could have met in another circumstances, I would have been grateful but... I can't change the past. I... we... can only offer you a new family...

Suki let escape new tears at the mention of her mother.

Gabriel: Everything is too recent, and you didn't have the time to say goodbye to your mother yet, but as soon as the police gives us the authorization, we will organize your mother's funeral as it should. Cry if you need to. You can even yell or break everything, it's okay.

Suki rubbed her eyes and after a moment, she laid down on the bed, facing the wall. She was hoping to see him leaving the bedroom, but he only stood up from the bed to sit on the desk chair. He didn't want to let her alone.

The little girl fell asleep without even knowing when. Gabriel closed his eyes, more in a resting mode, than a good sleep.

He was awakened by the first rays of sun. He checked if his little sister was still sleeping then went to his bedroom for a quick shower and change in a new outfit.

Before heading downstairs, he made a stop by Suki's bedroom, and she was still curled in the bed. When he entered the kitchen, the maid and Chef Aldo were there.

Maria: Mr Gabriel, we received several boxes, what do you want me to do with it? Do I have to keep them in the garage?

Gabriel: Not in the garage, in one of the unused guests' room. Maria, Aldo, from now on, Suki will live with us. Unfortunately, her mother passed away yesterday... so, I request your help to facilitate her life here.

Maria: Of course... Poor little Miss... you can count on us.

Chef Aldo: She asked me to find Japanese food for her mother... poor child, she is so kind. It is terrible... she must be devastated.

Gabriel: Thank you. Aldo, the Japanese food is maybe a good idea to recomfort her. Maria, you have children around Suki's age, right? (She nodded.) Can you make sure that the bedroom in preparation for her is filled with everything she may need.

Maria: Sure Sir.

Gabriel skipped diner last night, but he didn't feel the will to eat this morning too. He contented himself with a black coffee.

Time passed and soon he was joined by his father who had a face showing his short night. Gabriel informed Salvatore about Suki's state of mind and the head of the family felt as powerless as his son.

He called his assistant to accelerate the restitution of the body of Fumiko after the autopsy and asked him to prepare for the funeral. His assistant informed him that he found out the young woman had taken disposition in case something happens to her.

Fumiko Tanaka opted for a cremation and even paid in advance the fees, to be sure that her daughter will not have to face difficulties. She also opened a bank account with a bit of money on it, not a lot but still enough to pay for her studies.

The morning passed quietly, Suki didn't show up for breakfast, hiding herself in the bedroom. Gabriel tried to take her downstairs but unsuccessfully.

The only reaction that Salvatore received, was when he came to tell her that they were authorized to see her mother. Everything had been handled with the authorities.

Salvatore: Suki... We have an appointment at the crematorium at 5.00pm to say goodbye to your mom. (She stared at him with sadness.) I know how difficult all of this is, but I am sure that you are a strong little girl. I am here for your, just like your brothers. Gabriel told me that you didn't talk to him since yesterday... and it's okay but know that it is also important to express yourself, to let go of this anger and sadness.

Salvatore was only able to have Suki nodded as an answer. He asked Maria to bring food for her in her room. Maybe having a female presence around her will help her to eat or even talk, but nothing. She barely touched the meal tray, and only to thank the maid and the Chef to have prepared it.

Salvatore told her that they will leave the house at 4.30pm, and the little girl was ready on time when her father came, to take her to the car. She wore a simple black dress going under her knees. She sat next to her father and saw Gabriel and Dante entering another car.

The drive was a monologue once again. Salvatore explained how things were going to be in the crematorium, to prepare her.

In the other car, Dante was driving. He was not going there by obligation but not to show support the little girl either. More by filial feelings for his father.

Man: You are Mrs Fumiko Tanaka's family?

Salvatore: Yes, she is her daughter.

Man: Please, you can say goodbye to her in that room before we proceed to the cremation.

Inside the small room, Fumiko was laying in a white coffin. She had been prepared with care by the crematorium staffs and she was wearing a nice Japanese kimono, as she requested.

When Suki saw her, she couldn't resist to touch her hand and it was cold. And for the first time in 24 hours, she talked. She talked in Japanese with her mother in a murmur. The three men were behind to give Suki a private and necessary moment to her with her mother.

The crematorium staffs did an amazing job to prepare the young woman's body. They made her beautiful for her last journey and to make sure that her relatives will keep that image of her.

After long minutes, Salvatore approached and also said few words. Then two men entered to take the coffin and start the cremation. Suki cried a lot, but always in silence. Salvatore had his hand on her shoulder. When the cremation was completed, the jar was given to Gabriel.

Salvatore: Are you ready to go home? (She nodded.) Gabriel, Dante, let's go. Suki, you were strong, I am proud of you.

The ride back home was as silent as the one to go to the crematorium. Suki wanted to hold her mother's ashes jar but in, the same time, she was scared to let it fall because of her emotions. So, she was glad that Gabriel took care of this for her.

When they entered home, no one was there. The little girl went upstairs after a silent gaze exchange with her father. Gabriel followed her with the jar.

Salvatore: How can I help her to overcome this?

Dante: You are not asking that to me, right?

Salvatore: Why not? I am open to every suggestion... except sending her away, of course.

Dante: In that case, I can't help you. You know exactly how I feel about having her in our house. Don't think that I accepted her, just because I listened to your requests. The best feeling that I can have for her is pity... because her mother was killed. That's all. (He left.)

Salvatore: Dante... shit!

Salvatore was overwhelmed by the situation, and it pissed if off.

Upstairs, Gabriel put the jar with Fumiko's ashes on the desk of the bedroom. Suki waited for the young man to leave the room, but he wanted to try with talk to her once again.

Gabriel: Suki, I will let you rest for a while but I'm asking you to join us for dinner later. I know that you barely ate since yesterday. And since you decided to not talk to me, you can't say no. I will wait for you in an hour... (He was about to leave but he added.) And if you need to talk to someone, I am here for you or I can find a professional that knows how to deal with this kind of things.

Gabriel talked with a soft voice and Suki stared at him unable to say a word. She wanted to say thank you, but it wasn't coming out. But as if her brother was able to read in her mind, he smiled, nodded, and left.

Suki took a shower and wore comfortable clothes. Then she prepared her school bag for the next day. She could have taken, more times to grieve but she needed to leave this house and the school excuse was the best thing her 11 years old brain was able to found.

One hour later, a knocked was heard at the door of the bedroom. Suki opened it and she was surprised to see Enzo.

Enzo: Everyone is waiting for you for dinner... so, even if you are not especially hungry, come downstairs or Gab is going to take you down, in every cases.

Enzo made a step behind to let the little girl coming out of the bedroom and Suki knew that her options were limited. She closed the door and followed the young boy.

Enzo: I get that you don't want to talk but... By experience, I know that it doesn't help at all... it only makes you become even more alone... (She looked at him.)... When my mother passed away, I also stopped talking... for few weeks. I was not even 8 and refused that reality. Fortunately, at that time, our grandmother was there for us, and she helped me to go through this. She lives in Florida now. Are you in touch with your grandparents? (She shook her head.) I see...

Enzo wanted to continue to talk with Suki because he felt that she was receptive to his story, but they were entering the dining room and the cold glares of some of his brothers stopped him.

Vito: Finally...

Salvatore: Vito! Thank you, Enzo. Suki, please take a seat. Aldo prepared this for you. (He pushed some plates with Japanese food in front of her.) Try to eat something.

Gabriel: Your new bedroom should be ready tomorrow. You will be able to install your stuffs inside in the afternoon.

Suki nodded and she forced herself to drink the tofu soup prepared by Chef Aldo. It was tasty and somehow, it gave her a feeling of comfort.

Enzo: It seems good... (He tried the soup too.) I didn't know that Aldo was capable to cook Asian food.

Vito: It just gives Aldo more work to do!

Salvatore: And he is well paid for this. Vito, eat in silence for once.

Vito: I am not allowed to talk now?

Salvatore: You can talk, but I don't want to hear inappropriate comments from you, you understand...

Davide: Little Bro'... you are insignificant for Dad now... he found himself a new kid... (He smirked.)

Gabriel: (In Italian.) Stop your bullshit before I lose patience!

Davide glared to his brother, ready to challenge him but Enzo elbowed him to calm him down. Davide exchanged a look with his twin and then, focused his attention to his food, not without giving a last deadly glare to the little girl.

The diner finished in a tensed ambiance. Dante and Gianni were not present, and they will only come back in the middle of the night.

After going back to her bedroom, Suki sent a message to her brother. She informed him that she wanted to go to school the next day. Gabriel had mixed feeling when he read it. He was glad that she talked to him, in a way, even through her phone but also surprised by her decision. Wasn't it too soon? Didn't she need more time?

Gabriel answered to her with attention. He wanted to be sure that she was fine enough to go back to school, that it was maybe better to take few days off for herself. Suki texted him back that she preferred to have her mind busy at school than staying at home without anything to do. Gabriel ended by agreeing to drive her to school the next morning.

*********************************************************

And the next morning, the three youngest boys were surprised to see Suki coming down so early, dressed and with her school bag. She had a tea and a piece of French toast.

Salvatore and Gabriel were in the living room, preparing their day.

Enzo: You are going to school already? (She nodded.)

Davide: What a good little girl...

Vito: Completely the opposite of us! (He laughed.)

Salvatore: (He entered in the dining room.) Suki, how are you doing this morning? (She looked at him but didn't say a word.) Gabriel is waiting to take you to school when you are ready.

Suki stood up and bowed to her father before joining Gabriel.

Davide: Why are you loosing your time with a kid that doesn't even want to talk to you?

Vito: Davide is right. Why don't you send her to her mother's family? She will feel more at ease with people that look like her!

Salvatore: She is my daughter. I won't send her to anyone!

Enzo: (He said while chewing.) It seems that she doesn't know her grandparents...

Salvatore: You are right, she doesn't know them. She only had her mother in her life, but now, she has me, she has us. We are her family.

Davide and Vito didn't say anything more. It was too early to begin the day with a fight with their father. They quickly finished their breakfast and left to the university and school. Enzo decided to skip his first class, he was not a big fan of the teacher. Salvatore also left the house with his assistant for his company.

After a bit less than 30 minutes, Gabriel parked in front of Suki's school. The little girl couldn't ask him to stop a bit farther, but she didn't really care anymore, she wasn't planning to stay in that school anyway. She didn't know where to live but not here.

Gabriel: Here, take this to buy yourself lunch at the cafeteria. It was too late last night to ask Aldo to prepare a lunch box for you. Try to eat something. If you feel that it was too early to come back here, just call me, I will pick you up immediately. (He looked at his watch.) I have a bunch of meetings with Father but should be able to be here on time at the end of your classes. (She nodded.) Will you be alright?

Suki: (She nodded and added in a murmur that surprised Gabriel.) Thank you... Goodbye... (She opened the door.)

Gabriel: Suki... Be careful...

Suki walked toward the school entry and turned few times to see if Gabriel had left but the young man was still there, observing her. She had to enter inside but would be able to leave school during lunch break.

When Suki passed the entry school gate, Gabriel drove to his company. The morning passed pretty quickly for everyone.

As planned earlier, Suki left the school with the ones going outside to find food for lunch break. Her first reflex was to go to her apartment. She walked in that direction and her heart tightened at every step bringing her closer to that place where she was peacefully living with her mother.

She crossed the old lady of the first floor but avoided the discussion. She entered the deserted apartment to discover that it had been emptied. There was nothing left from their personal stuffs. No traces of their previous lives. It was probably her father's doing. Suki stayed there for a moment before leaving.

She walked in the street of the neighborhood for one hour before deciding to go to the place where her mother was working. There was maybe still things of her there. She knew the address even if she never went there. She read it on Fumiko's last pay slip. She took the bus and arrived in 20 minutes.

Suki arrived in front of the club and the place was calm. It was the middle of the day, nothing strange to that and the best time for her. She shyly pushed the entry door and there was, actually, several workers inside. They were repairing the place after the attack few days ago. Some of them looked at that little girl with interrogation but they didn't try to talk to her. It was an Asian Club; she was probably the child of the owner. Suki approached a girl that was behind the bar.

Suki: Euh... excuse me...

Woman: Oh... Eh kid, what are you doing here? It's not a playground!

Suki: My mother... was working here... Fumiko Tanaka.

Woman: Ah... Fumiko? You're her daughter? I am her colleague. How is your mother doing? She was hurt during the... incident.

Suki: My mother asked me to pick up her stuffs for her... can you help me? (She forced herself to smile at the woman.)

Woman: Sure. It's a bit messy around here right now... follow me.

Suki followed the woman to a room in the back of the club with a "Private" sign on the door. The waitress showed the little girl a locker with Fumiko's name noted on it.

Woman: Here. Take your time and if you need help, tell me.

Suki: Thank you...

Suki opened the locker and found very few items inside. She felt emotional and quickly erased the tears escaping from her beautiful eyes. She grabbed a notebook and recognized her mother's writing.

It was in Japanese and explaining the way to prepare the different cocktails sold in the club. Suki continued to explore the locker, and no one showed up in the resting room before 30 minutes.

Man: Who are you? And who let you enter here?

Suki: (She turned herself, startled.) ... I... I came to take... my mother's belongings... Fumiko Tanaka.

Man: Fumiko? Hum... are you done? You can't stay here!

Suki nodded and closed her school bag with the few stuffs of her mother inside. She followed the man out and she was surprised to not see any of the workers, from earlier. Instead, there was three Asian men talking.

Club owner: Who is that kid and what is she doing in my club?

Man: She is Fumiko's daughter apparently. She came for her stuffs.

Club owner: Fumiko? Is she okay?

Zhang: The waitress hurt during the attack? (The club owner nodded. He asked his assistant.) She is the woman Smith was worried about?

Zhang's assistant: Yes Sir. Gabriel Smith was looking for the CCTV of the attack to identify the assailants.

Club owner: Where is your mother? Do you know Salvatore Smith?

Suki: .... (She couldn't answer, too scared.)

Zhang: Kid... (He noticed her beautiful and very particular eyes.) Did you come here alone? (She nodded.) Do you know Smith? (She shook her head, but the businessman was sure that she was lying.) Really?