Kane in the Squatter Street

"Hey asked Kane, did you know of any apartment here, that's literally vacant, I'm tired of looking but there's really none," Kane asked Aaron in a soft tone. Aaron was about to laugh because this was really a different version of Kane, that's so soft-spoken with a gesture just like an angel. He responded, "hey angel, I've known one and you can just follow me." Kane replied, "don't call me angel, I am Chris, short for Christina." The two head the north side inside the alley. 

As Kane continued her search through the crowded, labyrinthine alleys of the squatter settlement, she came across Aaron once more. This time, she approached him with a softer, more weary demeanor, hoping to appear less like a determined investigator and more like a disheartened prospective tenant.

"Hey," Kane said, her voice gentle and tinged with exhaustion. "Do you know of any apartments here that are actually vacant? I've been looking everywhere, but there really seems to be none."

Aaron, who was taken aback by the unexpected softness in her voice, was momentarily amused. The transformation in Kane's demeanor—from the assertive investigator to a delicate, almost ethereal figure—caught him off guard. He found her new approach both intriguing and endearing. With a chuckle, he responded, "Hey, angel, I think I might know of one. You can just follow me."

The nickname "angel" slipped from his lips naturally, reflecting the way Kane's white dress and gentle tone had impacted him. But Kane, keen to maintain her cover, gently corrected him. "Don't call me 'angel.' I'm Chris, short for Christina."

Aaron, with a nod of acknowledgment, led the way. The two of them navigated through the winding alleyways of the settlement, making their way toward the northern side. The surroundings were a stark contrast to the serenity Kane had tried to project, with the alleys cluttered and the buildings crammed together in a chaotic jumble.

As they walked, Kane felt a mix of anticipation and apprehension. Her interaction with Aaron had revealed a different side to him—one that was unexpectedly warm and approachable. Despite the façade she maintained, she couldn't help but feel a slight tug of curiosity about him.

Aaron, for his part, guided her with a sense of purpose, his initial amusement giving way to a more practical demeanor. He seemed genuinely intent on helping her find what she was looking for, even though he was aware of the underlying tension in their interaction.

The journey through the alleys led them deeper into the settlement, where the conditions were less hospitable but the sense of community was palpable. Kane followed closely, her mind racing with thoughts of her investigation and the implications of what she might discover.

As they approached the northern side, the anticipation grew. For Kane, this was not just about finding a vacant apartment but about uncovering potential leads and understanding the intricate web of connections within the settlement. The encounter with Aaron had opened a new avenue of inquiry, and she was determined to follow it through, no matter where it might lead.

They arrived at a two-storey house. Kane asked, "is this yours? and Aaron replied, "yeah was my grandparents but they're not here anymore. Then children gather around them and greeted Aaron and everyone hugged them. Kane asked, "are these all your children?" Aaron replied, "no no ofcourse, but I let them stay here because they were abandoned." Kane couldn't believe that he is such a good heart but still not complacent for this man because he's a danger.

As Kane followed Aaron through the winding alleys, they eventually arrived at a modest two-story house. The structure, though somewhat weathered, stood out as a beacon of stability amid the surrounding chaos. Kane glanced at the house, her curiosity piqued. "Is this yours?" she inquired, hoping to gather more context about Aaron.

Aaron, with a touch of nostalgia in his voice, responded, "Yeah, it used to belong to my grandparents, but they're not here anymore." His words carried a hint of personal history, and Kane noted the care with which he spoke about the house.

As they approached, a group of children emerged from the building. Their faces lit up with joy upon seeing Aaron, and they rushed forward to greet him. The scene was heartwarming—a stark contrast to the rough environment of the settlement. The children clung to Aaron, wrapping him in affectionate hugs and cheerful greetings.

Kane observed the interaction with a mix of astonishment and admiration. She turned to Aaron and asked, "Are these all your children?"

Aaron shook his head with a warm smile, though his eyes carried a depth of emotion. "No, no, of course not. I let them stay here because they were abandoned. They have no one else."

Kane was taken aback by the revelation. The house, which she had assumed to be a typical residence, was actually a refuge for the city's most vulnerable. Aaron's selflessness in providing a safe haven for these children painted him in a new light. It was clear that he had a heart of gold, dedicated to caring for those who had been left behind by society.

Yet, despite the touching display of kindness, Kane's professional instincts remained sharp. She could not afford to let her guard down. The danger Aaron represented—the man involved in the attempt on Mr. H's life—loomed over her thoughts. While his actions towards the children spoke of compassion, she had to remember the complexity of the situation and the possibility that his apparent goodwill might be a facade or part of a deeper, more complex narrative.

Kane took in the scene with a renewed sense of determination. The stark contrast between Aaron's apparent benevolence and the threat he posed to Mr. H underscored the need for careful investigation. She was committed to uncovering the full truth, ensuring that her empathy did not cloud her judgment as she navigated the tangled web of motives and actions.

As the children continued to greet Aaron with warmth and joy, Kane's resolve solidified. She knew that her mission required a delicate balance—recognizing the humanity in those she encountered while remaining vigilant in her pursuit of justice and truth. The house, with its unexpected role as a sanctuary, was just another piece of the puzzle in her quest to understand and address the complex dynamics at play.

Kane settle her things in a studio apartment because she was just carrying her small luggage. Aaron didn't inquire so much about her but he just let her be even though he already know that she was one of the police officers who arrested him.