The market streets of Brussel where a pleasure to the eye, the quiet atmosphere gave the place a relaxing mood whilst still keeping a lively public area. Stalls selling multiple pieces where scattered around the street, the soft sunlight bathed the streets and the near trees released the delicate smell of magnolias through the air.
I run my fingers along the delicate spine of the book, the leather was worn and not worth paying for, I had a copy of the works, in better condition. I place the book on the counter with the others and turn around, looking for Snowy, only to find the area the white fox-terrier had been seconds ago, absent.
"Snowy? Snowy where are you?"
I maneuver through the crowd and soon see a small flash of white fur.
"Snowy!" I rush over to my dog, dropping to the ground and pulling him towards me, the warmth radiating from the sun-heated cobblestones seeping through my trousers.
"What are you doing?" He whines in response.
"Chasing cats again?" He turns towards me, his black marble eyes twinkling before he barks at the crowd large crowd of people.
But what caught my eye was the small flash of bright blue that I saw on the other side of the crowd.
"Snowy, look"
I carefully stand up, minding not to hit any by-passers and maneuver through the crowd before stopping in front of the stall to find a small intricate puzzle box.
It was the size of my ring finger all together and was decorated with multiple curling symbols, lined with a metallic blue-silver metal and in the center; a sapphire cut as a water spiral.
"My.." I carefully picks up the box and I turn it over gently in my hands before noticing the presence of the lady in front of me.
"I see you have a keen eye my boy, a very rare piece, that puzzle box" The lady in question was quite elderly, pasty skin, bead like eyes, and a bun of white hair.
"Carved and created by Nathaniel Decretio, it is said he made several of these puzzles, but no two were alike or similar in any way. You won't find another one of these" I stare at the cube, it was an interesting piece.
"I'll give you a pound?"
"Sold"
I place the cube back onto the counter before pulling out my money and passing it to her.
"Thank you ma-" I stop short as I am thrown backwards by a plump man, narrowly missing Snowy.
He wore a dark blue buisness suit and a pale brown fedora, a shiny ribbon the same color tied tightly near the base. He had dark graying black hair and his upper lip was covered in a thick black moustache. He was obviously in a hurry, as he was repeatedly dabbing his forehead with a pale blue handkerchief.
"Lady, how much for the cube?"
She smiles, "I'm sorry sir, if you'd like to buy the cube, you'll have to talk to this young man" She says gesturing to me.
I stand up and brush myself off.
"Kid? How much did you pay? I'll give you double"
"Double?"
I pick up the cube and slip it into my pocket, "I'm sorry sir, it's not for sale"
He pulls me away from the stall, "Listen kid, I'm trying to help you out. Know I don't think you realise this, but this is the kind of danger NO ONE wants to see" I pull away.
"What kind of danger?" He looks at my pocket before looking at me.
"Just trust me. get rid of the boat and get out while you still can" He begins to back away.
"These people do not play nice"
And he quickly turns around and walks back into the crowd, bumping into multiple people whilst he does
"Tintin!"
Upon hearing my name, I turn quickly to face the identical faces of Thompson and Thomson.
"Well if it isn't-!"
"Thompson"
"And Thomson"
"My old friends from interpole" They quickly pull me forward.
"Not so loud!" They whisper harshly into my ear.
"We are...as you would say...undercover"
"From whom may I ask" I ask, slipping my arms loose.
Thompson leans forward. "A thief"
I perk up, "What did they steal? Gold? Jewels?" I ask, unable to contain my curiosity and enthusiasm.
Thomson leans in, "Keys" I sigh.
Happiness gone "House Keys?"
What was a journalist to do in a town with no stories?
"Still dangerous Tintin my boy! With the keys he can enter any household he wishes"
"We have set numerous traps, sadly though, they were unsuccessful" Thompson and Thomson start to circle each other unaware of their canes which were hooked together.
"But do not worry! We are professionals, always on the look out!" And they crash into each other.
I leave the market street at a decent pace, I was hoping for no more interruptions.
But of course, I was unsuccessful.
I am soon stopped by a tall man, he looked to be in his twenties and had a mess of blonde hair; I'd seen him before, but my memory was escaping me as to WHERE I'd seen him.
"Hello, young man. Am I to assume you are the boy in possession of the Decretio Puzzle Box?" Snowy was viciously growling at him and I give him a bump with my leg.
"Yes…And if you are intending to try and buy it off me I'm afraid you will be thoroughly disappointed" His eyes narrow and he pulls me closer, placing his cane across my upper torso, preventing me from leaving.
"My boy, it is a historical artifact made by a very skilled, very famous carver. Do you not agree it would be more honourable for if his work where kept in the place of creation? Where it so JUSTLY belongs?" This man quite obviously didn't approve of Decretio, his tone and facial expression showed nothing but masked distaste.
"I am sorry I do not share the same opinion as you sir" I push the cane away.
"Come on Snowy" I gesture for Snowy to follow me and we continue along the street. Though I could still feel the man's glare burning holes into the back of my skull.
I'm in the process of re-writing this but I might take a little while.
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