Chapter 2

Ever since his boss Justin Lawson was arrested, Sniffer had been a little lost. He never guessed his boss was capable of such traitorous acts. It was a real shame all right. It had been an honor to be taught by him, but knowing he was a criminal caused him to lose respect for his mentor. It made him wonder what else could have been hiding right under his nose...

Sniffer had moved up the ranks. After the arrest, he became a full detective. He had almost been ready to be promoted anyway, but no longer having a mentor, the position was bestowed upon him slightly premature. He knew he had a lot to prove, but snooping is what he did best.

He was running errands around Scotland Yard when he ran into Lucy in the hallway.

"Ello, Sniffer!" Lucy greets him.

"Hiya Lucy! Sniffer replies enthusiastically. He notices she is carrying a small box. "Whatcha got there?"

"My parents sent me'a package for me birthday. Aren' they sweet?"

Sniffer could smell a sugary aroma coming from the box with his super sensitive nose, "Sweet indeed. I believe you'll be pleasantly surprised."

Lucy ran into the Mystery Room with her gift to open it with Alfendi. She was in such a hurry she left the Mystery Room door wide open. Sniffer continues on his way focusing on all the work he must do.

"Prof! I hav' a birthday presen'!" Lucy exclaims.

The present is dropped in front of Alfendi at his desk. He had been leaning against his desk with a hand in his disheveled hair, cursing Florence for having seen him acting so ridiculous, the entire time Lucy had been absent. He just hoped Florence knew enough to keep her mouth shut!

At the mention of a present, Alfendi straightens up thoughtfully with a hand to his chin, "You neglected to inform me it was your birthday."

"Nah. It's still a week away." She assures him, "I wond'r wot I got!"

Lucy cuts the taped box with a knife with enough excitement to cause a slight amount of concern. Inside is a tin container filled with peanut butter cookies and a letter addressed to a "darling daughter". Lucy opens the letter, reading it intently. Alfendi can see the letter is full of lovely words from only observing Lucy's expression. When she finishes reading she hugs the letter to her heart.

"What did your parents say?" Alfendi wondered.

"Oh, they're downright proud o' me. They mention'd how there're newspaper clippings from our cases stuck to t' fridge at home. They miss me horr'bly and wish me a wonderful birthday." She says dreamily. Alfendi sees a look of almost homesickness in her eyes.

"You care for them deeply," he says matter-of-factly.

"Aye," Lucy sighs, "Do your parents still send ya gifts on your birthday?"

"I can't say they do," Alfendi ponders, "I'm a bit old for that."

"Hee hee," She thinks of the prof opening presents like a little boy. 'It is a bit o' a stretch to imagine.'

"What are you laughing at!" Potty Prof shouts.

"Nowt. Nowt!" Lucy claims, suppressing more giggles. "Do you wanna try a cookie? My mum makes 'em 'erself."

"That's quite alright. It is your gift you should keep it for yourself," he declines politely.

"Oh no, ya can ' resist these! They're heavenly!" Lucy emphasizes with playful exaggeration.

"Stupid girl! I said I don't want them! What makes you think I want one of those awful-" Lucy shoves a cookie in his mouth mid-sentence.

Potty Prof angrily chews it up and swallows it. His violent nature slightly subsides. he doesn't admit it, but it's without a doubt the tastiest cookie he has ever had the pleasure of eating. He looks away grimacing, "Hmm, it was alright...for being made by a simple commoner."

"Sure it were," She teases, "And ya better watch wot ya say 'bout my mum!"

"Next time, I will make my own opinions, Lucy baker, and I will say what I plea-!" Lucy shoves another cookie in his mouth to shut him up. Placid Prof returns and chews the cookie calmly.

Unbeknownst to the two, Sniffer had walked by again, having sniffed the delightful peanut buttery goodness. He heard the entire cookie conversation from the hallway. His mouth hung open in shock. 'Have they always flirted with each other like that!? How did I not see it before?'

"We could really use something to wash down these cookies with," Alfendi notes, quite thirsty after greedily finishing his fourth cookie.

"Comin' right up!" Lucy calls. Sniffer presses against the other side of the wall, praying he wouldn't be seen. Lucy exits the Mystery Room heading down the opposite end of the hallway to find a jug of milk in the lounge. Sniffer carefully tiptoes away to avoid alerting Alfendi of a nosy eavesdropper.


Thank you for the lovely reviews! How encouraging! I was so happy to see that this morning that I immediately wrote this chapter. I have up until chapter 11 planned out as of right now. I stayed up until 3 am because my head was flooded with so many ideas for this. I appreciate your feedback!