Five days had passed since Alsie had last heard from her aunt, five days too long. And now for some unknown reason, she was being called to Finder's cove, the best detective agency in the country. An agency she had been trying to get into for eons. Her heart rushed with excitement at just the thought. Did they realize her skills and decide to scout her? Or did her aunt put in a good word for her, the latter being almost impossible because Alsie knew her aunt and she knew that even if it was her dying wish, her aunt would never fulfill it. Hard work builds skill and skill build character and those of the best character are the ones who succeed. Was something her aunt told her frequently. So frequently that sometimes she would even hear these words in her dream, although they were more like nightmares than anything.
Alsie wanted her aunt to be the first one to hear such news, if only she could contact her. She tried calling her a few million times, but they never went through and Alsie was left to wonder what her aunt was up to. It's not like she didn't understand that she could be on some important mission or too deep in her work to even care about anything else. Actually, this wasn't even the first time her aunt had been this unresponsive, and yet she couldn't help but wonder whether her aunt was okay, whether she had eaten or forgotten yet again. Her mind kept retreating to that letter, one she received five days ago. She couldn't take her mind of it, what did it mean?
The ding dong of her grandfather clock was enough to pull Alsie out of her thoughts. Her mind returning to the present, realizing too late that it was ten O clock, and she was supposed to reach the agency in about fifteen minutes. Even with a car it took at least twenty minutes, excluding traffic.
Bolting against time might be the best way to describe what happens in the next twelve minutes as Alsie car feels terror for the first time. Weeping could be heard from her cars engine as the pointer in her speedometer held on for dear life, only relaxing when a speed camera was nearby. Praying that every police officer was too busy to notice her very apparent breaking of speed laws.
A squeal escaping her mouth as the agency came in sight. A modest building, not too tall and not too short. Blending into the surroundings perfectly with red brick walls and windows placed symmetrically on all four floors. From afar it appears to be an obnoxiously large house if not for the wooden sign hanging on top of the door stating, 'Finder's cove'. Very easy to miss if a person isn't actively searching for it, or someone who had driven past so many times that she knows the sign is croaked and the second-floor window is slightly cracked.
Finding a parking spot within the cramped road took longer than Alsie thought. Sprinting as fast as she could to reach the entrance. Stopping right before entering to fix her brown strands of hair which had peeked out her ponytail using her reflection present on the window next to the door. Wiping her hands on her blue jeans she entered the building, glancing at her wristwatch, she was supposed to be here about five minutes ago.
The inside looked exactly like she had imagined it would look like. The room was a bit small but cozy, warm light entered through the window, creating a golden hue. Tiles of walnut oak wood were spread across the entire floor. A reception present on the right-hand side of the room, a distinguished young man sat behind the counter, standing upright just as soon as she entered. About 4 sofas sprawled throughout the left-hand side of the room, probably for waiting.
"Welcome," The man spoke, placing his hand on his heart. "What brings you here on this fine day?" He wore a grey suit, which compliment his blonde hair perfectly combined with his eye the color of a lush forest. "Ma'am?" He questioned, looking a bit concerned. Pink flush erupted her face as she realized she had been staring at him for quite a while.
Clearing her throat, she replied. "Oh, hello. I was summoned here by a man named, uh,"
"Neev?" He questioned, his eyebrows tilting slightly upwards.
"Ah, yes, Neev!" She replied.
"You're Miss Alsie." He figured. A flicker of darkness shadowed over his face, but only for a moment as he was smiling once more. Maybe it was just her imagination. Alsie didn't know whether to feel happy that he knew her name before she told him.
"This way, I'll lead you to him." He gestured for her to follow him, with which she complied. Leading her up the flight of stairs until they reached the third floor.
"So, are you aware of why I have been called here, mister..."
"I didn't introduce myself, did it? I'm James." He answered. Turning to look at her, his eyes staring into hers. "And for why you have been called here, well I have my suspicion however I'm unsure if detective Neev has called you here for that specific reason." A detective had called her here; she should be happy and yet she felt unease deep in her heart. Maybe it was just her nerves acting up.
"What reason do-" She was cut off as he abruptly stopped right outside a worn-out wooden door. One at the farthest corner.
"We're here." Knocking on the door just as soon as he said that. "Your guest has arrived." He spoke to the door.
"Let her in" A husky voice responded from inside.
"You heard him. I'll be leaving now." James started walking away, leaning in close as he passed her. "Mind your words." He whispered in her ear. Before she could respond he was already far gone. What did he mean? Alsie questioned; however, she didn't have time to dwell on this thought as she took a deep breath and opened the door.