"Thomas!" my boss yelled when I hurried past his office.
I sighed and stopped dead in my tracks, making a reluctant detour. If he was shouting this early in the morning, it meant he was everything but happy.
"Yeah?" I asked impatiently, poking my head around the doorframe while clutching a folder tightly against my chest.
"Come in, and close that bloody door!" he barked, a vein in his forehead throbbing.
I sighed again and walked in, slamming the door shut behind me. after three years of working for him, I didn't even flinch at his tone of voice anymore, and I knew with a feeling of satisfaction, that it irritated him profusely that he couldn't intimidate me in the least.
"What is it, sir?" I asked impatiently, resting with my one hand on my hip, while holding the folder in my free hand. I watched him pace around in absolute silence for about five minutes before he finally stopped and turned to look at me.
"André tells me it was a dead end? And also that you found something else instead. The bloody idiot didn't want to tell me what, saying it was you who found it, so you should be the one to tell me. Well? I haven't got all day you know?" he snapped, sitting down heavily on the edge of his desk.
"Yeah, the other case was a dead end, but I found something quite interesting when I was going through their files. It's unsolved homicides of the past fifty years." I said, throwing the file onto his lap.
"Is it, now?" he said while flipping through it, stopping at the photos of the victims.
"Yes, sir. They had never found any evidence whatsoever. The person, or persons, hadn't left a single strand of hair or a fingerprint behind. It obviously isn't a serial killer, as there is no comparison between any of the victims. The bodies were completely drained of blood, with only the two puncture marks in the artery. It could either be a gang, or a psycho, or the works of something supernatural – bloodsucker, vampire, call it what you want. In my opinion, it's something supernatural, if you look at the victims."
"Well, it looks like something. I want you to go back to Kingston and find out as much as you possibly can, you got that? And you will be going alone this time. Angela will arrange your lodgings, transport and all that other necessary crap. You can go home, you won't be needed here today." He dismissed me.
Not that I was going to complain. I didn't have the energy for that over stuffy office of mine today, especially not after just coming back from Kingston's fresh air. I gathered everything back into the folder and walked out of the office without another word, closing the door quietly behind me.
"Hey Shell, welcome back." Angela said with a friendly smile when I walked by her desk.
"Thanks Ang. But you might as well say goodbye again. He's sending me back to Kingston for a case." I said with a smirk.
"Oh brother. You're so lucky. I swear you go away more than you're at the office. I wouldn't mind being in your shoes." Angela said longingly.
"Trust me on this one. Be happy in the job you have. As I know you with your weak stomach, you wouldn't last one day before you quit." I said with a playful smile.
"Aw crap, Shell, you know me too well. I guess I have to organize everything again, right?" she asked.
"Yeah, but I don't have nay details, so you're gonna have to get them from the boss. I'll talk to you later." I said, and ran out the door.
I breathed a sigh of relief when I got outside, and walked down the stairs to my car, whistling under my breath. I jumped in and reversed out of the parking space, for once ignoring the rules as I sped down the street. I didn't live very far away from the office, but it was still too far to walk, and I was very lazy. The only exercise I got was from walking my dog and swimming in the pool in my backyard. I opened my electric garage door and drove in, waiting until it closed behind me before I got out. I walked through the door that led from the garage into the hallway, whistling for my dog.
"Hey Maxie!" I called when she came bounding down the hallway, her pink tongue lolling out the side of her mouth and her ears flapping backwards.
She jumped up against me and I picked her up, snuggling with her as I walked to the kitchen. I put her down and put on the kettle for coffee, opening the windows while I waited for the water to boil. I turned on the radio, feeling suddenly uncomfortable with the silence. Maxie scratched at the backdoor and I opened it for her, watching for a few minutes as she chased the birds and insects. I sighed with irritation when my phone rang, and rummaged through my hand bag for it.
"Hello?" I answered impatiently, putting my phone on speaker and finishing my coffee.
"Hey Shell, it's Angela." She replied with a slight laugh.
"Oh, hey Ang. What can I do for you?" I asked, my voice immediately turning friendlier. Angela was pretty much the only friend I had at work, except for André, but he didn't really count as a friend as he was constantly trying to get me to go with him on a date.
"I just wanted to make sure if you want to live in an apartment or a small house with a backyard, in case you want to take Maxie with you, you know? Or she could come stay with me again, I don't mind. You know I adore your dog." Angela said with a smile in her voice.
"Are you sure, Ang? Because I don't know how busy I'm going to be, and I don't want to leave her alone too much in a strange place." I said.
"Of course I'm sure. So, what's it gonna be?" she asked again.
"Uhm, well I guess it's gonna be an apartment then. And thanks so much, Ang, you don't know how much it means to me." I said gratefully.
"Well, that's all I needed to know. I've opened a new account for you in Kingston, and we're going to deposit your salary in there, and then an allowance as well. I'm going to arrange that a car is to be left in the garage of the apartment building, and that a driver will pick you up at the airport and take you to your new temporary home, and I will get one of my friends there to stock your cupboards with food before you go. Uhm, what else is there? Oh yeah. Your new credit card is going to be delivered with tomorrow's plane, so I'll probably bring it over tomorrow after work or the next day." She said, sounding completely breathless after she finished talking.
"Whoa, Ang. I've never heard anyone talking that fast before. But thanks, I'll appreciate it. Do you know when I'll be leaving?"
"Sorry. Uhm, you're plane leaves Friday at ten a.m. so you should have enough time to pack and everything. I think it will be best if you bring Maxie to me Thursday night, is that fine with you?"
"Sure. Well, thanks again. See you later then." I said, and hung up after she said goodbye.
I leaned against the counter top, sipping the steaming mug of coffee. I can't believe I just practically got home, and now I would be leaving again at the end of the week. I'm going to miss Maxie so much. I sighed and washed out the mug and walked to my room. I pulled out all my clothes and started sorting them in piles according to their color, throwing one bunch in my washing basket and carrying it to the washing room. While I waited for the first bundle to finish, I started cleaning the lounge. I washed the floor, the windows, I vacuumed and dusted until it felt that my arms were going to drop off. I sighed with relief when the washing machine beeped, signaling that it was finished. I took out the clothes and went outside to hang them on the washing line, and threw in the next bundle.
The rest of the day passed in me washing clothes and cleaning the house room by room. When all my clothes were washed and dry, I started ironing them while listening to the crickets chirping in the silent night, and Maxie's soft snoring in her basket. I sighed with relief when I finally finished, and walked to the bathroom adjoining my room. I stripped off my clothes and stepped into the shower, wriggling under the scorching water. I was completely exhausted. I quickly washed my hair and body and got out, wrapping a towel around me. I pulled on my most tattered sweat pants and shirt and crawled into bed. A moment later I heard a soft thud as Maxie jumped onto my bed, and then she was climbing under the covers, wriggling until she was in my arms. I smiled slightly, and let my tired eyes drop close.
The next morning I woke up to the irritating sound of my alarm. I groaned and searched blindly for the snooze button; when I couldn't find it, I flung the alarm clock with all my might off my bedside table, feeling satisfied when I heard the unmistakable cracking. I sighed loudly, and threw my covers off my bed, pushing my hair out of my face as I stood up. I walked into the bathroom and washed my face, brushed my teeth and my hair, and walked back into my room. I pulled on a pair of comfortable jeans and a shirt, slipping my feet into a pair of pumps, and pulled my long brown hair into a ponytail as I walked to the kitchen.
"Come on, Maxie." I called my dog, and a moment later I heard the thump as she jumped off my bed. Her nails clicked against the wood floor as she trotted to the kitchen. I unlocked the back door for her and got an apple while I waited for my laptop to go on.
Finally my laptop went on, and I sat down in front of it, tapping my fingers impatiently while I waited for the Internet to go on. As soon as it was on I went to Google and searched Kingston. I was going to do some sightseeing when I got the time. For the next few hours I was surfing the web, and finally stopped when my stomach wouldn't stop grumbling. With a sigh I stood up and rummaged through the fridge for something to eat. I grabbed a packet of cold meat and made a quick sandwich with a mug of coffee, and went back to my computer.
I was getting tired of reading all the information on the Tourist sections, and turned off the Internet. I finished eating and washed the dishes, then went back to my room. In two days I would be leaving again, and I was surprisingly excited. I was terribly curious about the case, and I think that's what made me so eager to get back to Kingston. I pulled out two suitcases from my closet and flipped them open on my bed. I started packing, folding everything neatly. I had just finished packing when my doorbell rang.
"Coming!" I yelled as I walked quickly to my front door.
"Hey Shell, I brought the card and the other stuff." Angela said when I opened the door and let her in.
"Thanks. I swear you're like my lifeline or something. What on earth would I have done without you?" I asked jokingly as we walked to the kitchen.
"You would probably have struggled a lot." She said with a laugh, handing a brown envelope to me.
"Thanks. Would you like something to drink?" I asked, taking the envelope and putting it on the counter behind me.
She nodded, and I started making coffee, knowing that it was her favorite drink. Maxie ran in the backdoor and jumped up against Angela's leg where she sat on one of the kitchen chairs.
"Hello love. Did you miss me? Did you? Aw, I missed you too." She cooed, Maxie trying in vain to lick her face.
"Here you go." I said with a laugh, handing her a steaming mug of coffee, and sat down opposite her.
"So, what's going on between you and André? He's quite angry that you're going back alone, and tried the whole morning to convince Boss to let him accompany you. I must say, he put on quite a good fight, with his reasons that you had to be protected and so on." Angela said with a giggle.
"Argh, André can be such a pain in the butt sometimes. I don't need him to protect me, I can take care of myself. And there's nothing going on between us, much to his chagrin. He just can't get the message that I'm not interested. The bloody git." I grumbled, making her laugh even more.
"The poor guy, Shell. He's been pining for you ever since you started working there. Personally I can't see what's wrong with him. He's quite handsome, with those icy blue eyes and white blond hair. Why don't you just date him?" she asked curiously.
"Well, he is hot, I'll admit, but I don't make the same mistake twice." I said quickly.
"What do you mean? Do you two have a history together?" she asked eagerly, her eyes shining with anticipation.
"Yeah, back when I was still in high school. We dated for almost two years, but I didn't see him so much, because he was already working then, and he lived a bit far away. We talked on the phone and stuff, but he was never really into the relationship, and making empty promises." I said with a sigh, trying to repress the memories.
"What happened then?"
"Well, I dumped him, but then I missed him too much, and we got back together for a while, and then when he didn't change, I ended the relationship again. I don't really regret it either, he hurt me too much. And well, since then I haven't been in a relationship." I said with a slight smile.
"So he basically ruined your trust in all men?" she asked, and I nodded. "Well, then he's a pig, and I don't want anything more to do with him." She said angrily.
"Come on Ang, it's in the past. Besides, he's going to wonder why you don't talk to him anymore, and then he's going to be really angry when he finds out that I told you about us."
"Okay, fine. I'll pretend like nothing is wrong, okay?" she said with a sigh, pouting slightly.
"Thanks." I said with a laugh, taking her mug and washing them.
"Well, I should probably be off. You can come over any time tomorrow after work to bring Goldie." Angela said as she stood up.
"Thanks Ang. I really do appreciate everything. You're my best friend." I said, feeling slightly tearful.
"You know I'd do anything for you, Shell. And you're my best friend as well." She said, coming to hug me.
We hugged, and then I walked her to the door. I waved, and watched as she drove away, feeling suddenly lonely. It was going to be weird going alone for a case. I went to bed after locking up, and fell down heavily, clutching Maxie tightly to my chest as I fell asleep.
The next morning I took a quick shower and dressed in comfortable shorts and a shirt, pulling my hair into a messy bun. I gathered all Maxie's things together, her bed, toys and food, and put it in the boot of my car. I started working in the garden, mowing the grass, watering the flowers for the rest of the day. After that was finished I pulled off my shorts and put on jeans and sneakers. I grabbed Maxie's leash from behind the backdoor and picked her up. I put her in the back of my car and drove to Angela's house. The car was silent, except for Maxie's soft howling. She knew I was going away again, and I know she hated it.
"I promise I'll come back as soon as I've solved the case, Maxie." I said softly, clutching the steering wheel tightly until my knuckles turned white.
When I reached Angela's house, she immediately came out, and her boyfriend, Jake, took Maxie's things from my boot while I carried her into the house.
"She doesn't look very happy to be here." Angela noted, rubbing her soft ear.
"I know. But she'll be okay soon. They always are." I said with a smile, handing Maxie to her after hugging her tightly. "Bye guys, and thanks again for everything."
"Bye Shell." Jake called, taking Maxie from Angela.
"Come on, I'll walk you to your car." She said, taking my arm.
We walked to my car in silence, and stood staring at the sunset for a while before she turned to me.
"You have to be careful, Shell. It's a dangerous world out there. And I know that I don't know what the case is about, but I know that it involves murder. And I know that when people meddle, the bad guys get angry. Very angry. And I don't want to lose you, so be careful." She said softly, her usually animated face serious.
"I will, I promise." I replied.
"Thanks. You should get to bed early, I think it's going to be hard work, and long hours. Let me know when you get there, won't you?"
"Of course. Bye Ang." I said and hugged her quickly before getting into my car.
I pulled out of her driveway, and saw in my rearview mirror that she stood there until I was out of sight. I sighed loudly, and pressed harder on the petrol, making my car rocket forward. When I got home I took out the outfit I was going to wear tomorrow, and carried my suitcases to the front door. Angela has arranged for a taxi to come pick me up tomorrow morning as well, and take me to the airport. I crawled into bed, and lay staring at the roof until I fell asleep.
"Argh!" I groaned the next morning when my cell phone's alarm went off with a terrible screeching sound.
I fumbled for the irritating piece of modern technology and shut it off, grumbling under my breath as I got up. I took a leisurely shower and dressed in the clothes I had put out last night; a black skirt with a snug jacket and a white blouse, with black heels. I put my hair up into a stylish chignon and a light dusting of make up. I was just finished when the doorbell rang, and I hurried to open the door.
"Morning miss, I'm Steve, your taxi driver." A short burly man said when I opened the door.
"Hi Steve." I said with a smile as he took my luggage and put it in the boot of his car while I locked up.
Like a true gentleman, he held the door open for me while I got in, and shut it gently behind me. A moment later we took off towards the airport. I watched the scenery as we passed it by, feeling slightly bored already.
After about two hours we reached the airport, and Steve pulled into an available parking space. He got out and opened my door, then got my luggage and walked with me to the check-in desk.
"Why are you doing all of this for me?" I asked curiously while they weighed my luggage.
"I'm the official taxi driver of CI, I treat everyone the same. Well, except for the men, they can open their own doors, right?" he said jokingly.
"Yeah, they probably can." I agreed with a laugh.
"Miss, if you can just show me your passport and identification document?" the girl behind the check-in desk asked, interrupting our conversation.
"Of course." I said, rummaging in my handbag and handing the documents to her.
"Well, I guess this is where we say goodbye then, Miss." He said with a smile, shaking my hand.
"Goodbye Steve." I said, and watched him walk off, before turning and walking away in the opposite direction.
It was an hour before we could board the plane, so I wandered around aimlessly, browsing in the small shops and drinking a coffee in one of the café's. The hour went by quickly, and soon I was on the plane, and buckled in my seat.
"Ladies and gentleman, please buckle your seatbelts, the plane is ready for takeoff." A voice crackled over the intercom.
"Kingston, here I come." I whispered under my breath as the plane took off, gazing out the small window.