Chapter Text
“I wish it was sunnier out. Every time we go out, it’s cloudy!” Charlotte let out a small huff, pressing her nose against the large window overlooking one of Toronto’s busy streets. “Why can’t it be sunny, Moe?” Her eyes darted back to the brunette woman leaning down next to her.
“I’m not sure. I don’t control the weather.” Moira Chaplin opened the drawer and started riffling through the contents, which didn’t seem to face the little girl next to her. Her gentle fingers lifted up papers and probed around underneath, she didn’t give a damn about the paperwork, what she was looking for was much more important.
“Can’t you trrryyyy?”
“I’ve tried many times, monkey. Now keep a look out, I’ll be done in a moment.”
“Why are you snooping in Rachel’s desk?”
“My friend lost something.”
“In Rachel’s drawer?” She frowned and stepped away from the window, crossing her arms over her chest with a look of disapproval that mirrored her mother’s.
“Yes, now this is a secret. Understood?” Moira paused and brushed a lock of her hair behind her ear as Charlotte continued frowning. It was quite a sight. Despite being a clone, she shared Marion Bowles’ frown and dislike of secrets. It was amazing how much Charlotte’s mother had influenced her in only a few years. She never liked to think about what might happen to Charlotte when she grew up and today was one of those days where they had to face the future together. Blood tests and an overall physical exam was a monthly occurrence for Charlotte and she had grown used to it. At least today she’d be able to meet her sister, Rachel, for the first time. Or at least the first time that she could remember.
“I don’t like secrets.”
“I know you don’t.” A small smile flickered across the woman’s face as she glanced over at the girl. “Our secret. Alright?” The girl nodded and then turned back to look out the window. Then Moira continued searching, she closed the drawer and opened the bottom one to find exactly what she was looking for on top. Ethan and Susan Duncan stared back at her, the military men in the background were blurred by the outdated camera, but it was still useful. Better than nothing, right? As she pulled the photo out, a stainless steel chain was revealed. She glanced around the edge of the desk to make sure Rachel wasn’t anywhere nearby. No high heels in sight. She lowered her head over the drawer and tugged on the chain to reveal a set of dog tags.
“She’s coming and you’re gonna get in trouble.”
“Hush, I’m not.”
“Mph. I don't think you're good at being sneaky.” She let out a disapproving snort, another mannerism she must have gotten from her mother. Moira grabbed the chain and photo, shoving both of them into the pockets of her jeans and then stood up, making it look like she had been leaning to look out the window.
“And look at all those buildings.” It seemed as if nothing had happened, her finger grazed the glass and left a smudge on it as she pointed out one of the skyscrapers.
“Doesn’t mummy have a big office at the top, like that one?” Charlotte pointed out a large office across the way. It was well revealed by the light and showed a man sitting at a large wooden desk in quite the expensive looking room.
“Yes, she does. I suppose you’ll get to stay there all day with your crayons-“
“Sarah- Who are you?” The door swung open and Moira gritted her teeth together, as she turned around and stood up straighter. She placed a gentle hand on the girl’s shoulder as she too turned around.
“Moira Chaplin and this is Charlotte Bowles, she wanted to meet you.” A long silence followed as Rachel tried to hide her obvious discomfort. The gears in her head were turning and Charlotte limped forward. When Rachel’s eyes lowered to examine the girl’s leg, it grew even more awkward.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Charlotte.” A pained half-smile appeared on her face as she bent down so that she was at eye level with the child.
“I’m going to look just like you when I grow up.”
“Yes, y-yes you will.”
“I don’t think I’ll be as pretty as you though.” Rachel opened her mouth, trying to find a few kind words to say, but before she could, Moira interrupted.
“You’ll be beautiful in your own way. Now come along, we’ll go get your blood drawn and then have lunch with your mother.” She held out her hand and wiggled her fingers as she walked towards Charlotte, who turned around and let out a loud sigh. “And Marion as requested that you come as well.”
“Did she give a reason?” Rachel brushed her skirt off and stood up, her stern look quickly returning to her face. All hints of softness were gone as she watched the pair carefully.
“No, something private I assume.”
“Mh.” She gave a curt nod and then head out the door with the other two following behind her. As they walked down the sunlit hallways, Charlotte limp-skipped ahead so that Moira and Rachel were side by side. It was hard walking in the brace, but she had gotten used to it and it didn’t bother her too much. Some days she wanted to rip it off and throw it in the trash, but the doctors and her mother and everyone wouldn’t let her do that. So she was forced to limp slightly everywhere she went. She hopped on the blocks of sunlight on the floor while humming a song to herself, ignoring the women behind her.
“So you’re her nanny.”
“You say that like it’s a bad thing.”
“Merely an observation.” Their hushed voices didn’t bother the little girl, she was used to it. Too used to it. “Have you always done this?”
“No, I was army CID before then I met Marion and was read in on the program. We’ve been friends for some time and she was looking for someone to help with Charlotte, so I volunteered.”
“Quite the change.”
“It was a well needed one.”
“Indeed.” The pair were quiet as they continued their trek down the hall and the ride in the elevator was filled with Charlotte’s humming of the Scooby Doo, Where are You theme song. The doors slid open to reveal the second to last floor and she hopped out, immediately going to the windows that overlooked a small park. It was on the opposite side of the building as Rachel’s office and gave a different perspective of the DYAD group. This floor seemed much less modern. There was less glass and more wooden accents. Directly to the left of the elevator were large glass doors and behind them was a wooden desk with a secretary behind it. The elevator unloaded and Moira was the first to approach the set of doors. She pulled one open and Charlotte gave her a smile as she entered.
“I need to have a word with you first.” Rachel murmured, a finger beckoning her towards a darker corner of the hallway. Moira nodded and then glanced at Charlotte who took the hint. She started speaking to the secretary, her hands clasped anxiously behind her back as she waited for her response. The doors closed and Charlotte’s voice was cut off. When they were in the corner, out of sight of anyone in the office or the main hallway, Rachel started the interrogation.
“What do you need to talk to me about?”
“Give it back.” Moira’s back hit the wall behind her as the blonde woman approached, her canines showing as if she were about to rip her throat out.
“Give what back?” Shit, shit, shit, shit, shit.
“You took something from my desk and I’m willing to spare Charlotte the grief of losing her precious nanny. Give it back.”
“I have no-” Rachel’s hand struck her like a viper, her sharp nails digging into the soft, pale skin of her forearm. Pressing herself against Moira slightly, she leaned in, waiting for her to admit her guilt. “Stop it-” There was no way to wiggle out of her grip, she let out a hiss of pain but didn’t dare fight back. She knew she could easily overpower her, but doing so would result in her being fired...or even worse. Rachel’s other hand dipped into Moira’s jeans’ pocket, her fingers brushing against her leg as she forcefully pulled out the folded photo and dogtags.
“Why did you take these?” She didn’t answer. “Why?” Blood started emerging from where her painted nails were starting to break skin.
“I need proof he was dead. T-T-To close a case.” That wasn’t a lie, but she intended to keep the only thing she had left of her distant friend.
“And the photo?”
“I thought it might have something to do with the case.”
“What case?”
“Paul killed six marines, he was under investigation. A joint investigation by army CID and the naval criminal investigative service.” Rachel grabbed the edge of her leather jacket with her right hand, her left hand still wrapped around Moira’s wrist; then leaned in, her nose brushing against her ear as she started to speak.
“Touch my things again,” the hot breath against her neck made her shiver and inadvertently close her eyes, tilting her head to the opposite side, “and you will regret ever stepping foot in this building.” It seemed as though she were satisfied for now and she let go of her wrist. Moira lifted her lip into a sneer, watching Rachel back away.
“They’re right, you are a psycho bitch-” Thwack. It was sharp and fast, Rachel said nothing as she backed away admiring the reddened cheek she had given her. Her heels made muffled thumps against the floor as she entered the small waiting area, leaving Moira clutching her face. She cringed as she pulled her fingers away from her face to check for blood. Nothing, thank God. Flexing her jaw made it feel worse, but she continued to do so anyway.
“Shit.” She let out a shaky breath, a few tears sliding down her cheeks. “Deep breath. Deep breath.” Moira did just that, a few deep breaths and she stopped shaking. The warm air did nothing to soothe her cheek. Glancing down at her wrist, she found that only two nails drew blood, the others simply made bruises and petechiae. She drew the sleeve of her blouse down, doing her best to cover it up. Make up and a sweater would do the trick but that would have to wait.
Deep breath. Deep breath. Deep breath. Her composure was rock solid as she shook her head so her dark hair splayed perfectly on her shoulders. Pursed lips. Head held high. Straight shoulders. As if nothing happened. She walked through the doorway and nodded to the secretary. A curt knock on Marion’s door and she entered, a smile on her face. Charlotte smiled and ran to her, tugging her jacket.
“Rachel is coming for tea next week!” Fuck.