Right, second chapter to be up today :)

Just as a warning though, Victor will be quite OOC in this story because I just thought it suited my story more. Also, if he met his soulfinder he would treat her differently, I'm guessing. So he won't be the stoic, I'm-all-business, type of person, but he will still resemble this a bit.

Oh, and I'm really sorry but I won't be able to make Rune come from Afghanistan 'cause this started off as something I did for fun. And now I basically have no idea how to put it in :/

I hope that stuff doesn't stop you from reading it though :)

Enjoy your reading :D

As I made my way through the shopping centre, books in hand, I continually checked forward to make sure I was still tailing the suspect. I was trying my damn hardest to stay out of other's way but the place was so crowded it was impossible, especially considering I had to keep my eyes on Jacob Mc Cliffin at all times.

We'd been working on this case for two months now and hadn't gotten a single clue, not even a trace of one. Up until this moment I'd been working in office, allowing other officers to deal with the official investigation – I was better behind scenes anyway. The other reason to keep me back was that if I was kept to the very end, they still had an ace up their sleeve. The big boss liked calling it 'operation blondie' and he only did it if 100% necessary. Putting me in too early might make my investigation just as much of a failure as theirs. And then our chances at catching the murderer would be gone.

You see, I was a short (we're talking 5"2' tops) blond with big blue doe-like eyes. I wouldn't call myself beautiful. Cute would be a better word. Like your childhood doll and your tiny pet puppy are cute. And that's where the key to my success is. Who'd suspect someone who looks closer to 18 than 25 to be an undercover cop?

The only person who'd ever figured me out had been a paranoid creep who suspected everyone he passed on the street. I was fine with that one tarnishing my record, considering I'd gathered up enough evidence to send him to court after only 2 days of following him around. I tried to get him out of my head though now, simply focusing on Jacob's back as he wove his way through the crowd. He was our number one suspect at the moment, and that was only because his alibi was the shakiest.

Thing was, it was still an alibi, and one we couldn't prove wrong. On the night of June the 1st, Emilia Jeerwater was killed, straight after coming home from a party at her job. She got poison injected into her veins as she slept – and that had been the end of her. We hadn't even found the needle used to kill her yet, that's how far behind we were in this case.

Jacob was one of her colleagues who'd been at this business party. They'd argued a little, but definitely not enough to cause a murder. Still, the only other people who talked to her there had only talked to her about how nice the wine was or what lovely weather they'd been having. And her family and friends countered every single piece of evidence we had. Which meant we'd gotten absolutely nowhere after 2 whole months of plain torture.

In fact, we'd even flown in an agent from America to help us with the case, in hopes that he'd know something. I was such a scatterbrain though that I'd already forgotten his name. And quite possibly the place for meeting him, considering I'd waited for twenty minutes and he hadn't come. I had half a mind to blame it on him but, knowing me, I'd probably just confused the parking lot with the toy store or something.

It didn't matter regardless. I worked best alone, even if we needed help as a general. I'd found in the past that having others next to me whilst working on a case alerted people as to the fact that I was hiding something. I looked innocent and like just a little girl when I talked to them alone but, having me stand with someone else gave them the chance to see the stark comparison. Obviously, being too innocent made them suspect me. Which meant my savant gift had to come out.

Savants are people with a special gift, a special thing that makes them better than everyone else – and I hated it. People were always rewarding me on becoming such a good police officer at only 25, but when I looked back, all I saw were the times my carrier could've gone wrong and it didn't. Because of my ability. And this got me thinking about whether or not I would've made it without it. Surely, I could've, but what if I was just good because of some intricate design of fate, and not because of me alone?

All in all, I was just happy this officer guy hadn't shown up (or that I hadn't shown up. I wasn't sure which yet), and I was getting ready to move in. Gathering all of my books up to my chest, I tightened my hands around them but loosened my arms. Then I got as close as I could to him without seeming suspicious. Slightly looking down, I checked that the floor boards were cracked in certain places, sure I could use this as an excuse for later on. When I told people I tripped on air they always looked at me funny.

Then, I shoved the tip of my shoe to the floor, forcing myself to push all my balance forward, causing me to fall on Jacob. The minute I touched his back I let go of my books completely, making sure they sprawled in every direction. All the sheets of paper I'd stuck inside the notebooks flew and bristled in the air – just like I wanted. The longer it took me to gather everything the longer I'd have to convince him enough to walk next to me.

Moving my eyes upwards, I prepared to make contact with those light green ones of Jacob, but found myself staring at someone completely different. The guy in front of me had grey eyes which seemed to go straight into my soul, searching for something. I'm not completely sure what. His black hair was dishelved at the front and the longer strands seemed to be tied back in a ponytail. That wasn't what was most notable about him though, it was how strikingly handsome he was.

It was a sort of dangerous beauty, like that of a cobra. He was lean and incredibly tall, and as he crouched down to retrieve some of my books I couldn't help but notice how every single one of his movements seemed incredibly precise.

I couldn't dwell upon it for very much longer though. It would be weird if I just kept staring at him. Regardless, I needed to get a move on so that I could make my second attempt at contact today. Taking any longer would mean having to return the next day, something I absolutely hated. Getting stuff done and over with was more my style. So I got up, shook off the dust that had accumulated on the back side of my skirt, and crouched down, collecting books as quickly as possible.

"Sorry. Gosh, I'm such an idiot. I was in a hurry and suddenly you were just there and bam. And now I'm ranting. Could today go any worse?" I was using the sentence I'd intended to say to Jacob. It just seemed apt and – if he was watching – it'd be best to stay in character so bumping into him wouldn't be considered that weird. I shouldn't have told this random stranger that though; it was an excellent sentence starter. I found if you looked at people with shimmering eyes (not necessarily filled with tears, people just took it that way) and said that exact line to them they'd find it impossible to resist the 'are you ok?' question.

"Are you ok?" Works like a charm every time. But I didn't have time to chat, I just needed to get back on Jake's tail. A crowd-bubble was forming around us and that, right there, was the issue. If Jacob was anywhere near this bubble and saw me he'd think it weird that I'd bump into him only a while later.

"Yes, fine, just very very busy. Have to go to work you know?" I think there must've been some sort of panic in my eyes because he didn't calm down to my answer like I'd hoped he would've. It was the answer I gave when I was going as 'business woman addicted to caffeine'. That one didn't work that well though, it mostly just got suspects to leave me alone. Lost girl going to work was best. People, for some reason, were attracted to that one like moths to a flame.

"You should try calming down first. Here." He passed me some of the pieces of papers, rescuing them from those who'd been trampling all over them before. They were full of baloney data and fake scribble sheets. I'd probably have to print and write them all up again now – they looked like they'd been stepped on. Jacob couldn't know that that was the case. It looked like the odds were stacking against me, I would probably have to go and just try again tomorrow.

"Thanks. Bye now." Deciding to abandon the rest of the paper, I kept going forwards. I had to pretend to go this way, as soon as I could though I'd be turning around and heading right back home. After that I'd just stare at the case folders again until night time took over the sky, just like I did every other day.

"Hey, wait! You forgot these!" I was made to stop, a hand grabbing my forearm and forcing me to a standstill. It sent tingles down my arms but I ignored it, simply turning around and giving him a questioning gaze.

"Oh, I did? Today really cannot get any worse." I could say that again.

"I'm sure it couldn't have gone that bad. I'm Victor, you?"

"Claire." Over the years I'd gotten used to my fake name but it never failed to sound weird. "And it did go that bad. I woke up late, barely had time to have breakfast or shower and then I got told I needed to bring in this assignment I haven't finished. And then look at the mess all of this is. I just-" I knew I was taking it a bit far. I liked my dramatics, I was entitled to them, especially when I was acting in an investigation, so I always tried to act like my character, a hundred percent. I couldn't help myself. Luckily though, he interrupted me before I got in the world book of Guinness records for longest rant ever.

"Ok, I think I get it. Look I'll make you a deal, I take you out to coffee. That way I can make it up to you for… Bumping into you? And you get a chance to defrazzle yourself." Was this guy seriously asking me out to coffee? I wasn't normally this successful when I was trying let alone when I wasn't. Deciding I had nothing to lose though, I went ahead and nodded, giving him a small smile.

"Defrazzle? Is that even a word?"

"Now it is. Now come on, I saw a place just down the road as I walked here this morning." When he mentioned hurrying I realised I was still supposed to be getting to work. Even if I'd chosen to abandon the Jake case for today because of the risk it'd suppose, Victor didn't know that.

"I still need to go to work though."

"Judging by how fast you were going before I think you're already late. Couple more minutes won't hurt, right?"

"I… Uh… Ok." I wasn't sure if I was acting my part right. It wouldn't matter though, I'd never see Victor again; he wouldn't affect my record if he thought I was weird and bipolar. No one would know. In any case, I could always use my power on him if it got out of hand.

With that thought in mind, Victor took me to the shop, talking about random things along the way. His American accent prevailed all the way through, making me remember the American partner I'd abandoned this morning. As we walked in, we got a table. No longer able to hold myself back, I asked him what'd been on my mind for the two minute walk.

"By the way, are you American?" The question sounded stupid even to me. I was beyond caring though, I'd probably never see this guy again.

"Yeah, just came in some days ago. Jetlag's killing me." Wait. My partner for the investigation came in on Monday. And I could've sworn his name starts with a V. Was it possible that we'd both been tailing the same guy and had somehow managed to crash into each other? Surely not…

"Um, I know this is weird, but what's your surname?" This was possibly the stupidest thing I'd ever done. I had no idea what I was doing. I didn't even remember my partner's name. They could be the same and I'd never know. It's times like these when I wanted to hit myself over the head for only being able to remember facts about cases. It would come in so handy right about now to be able to do something aside from that.

"Benedict. Why?"

"Say it all together now."

"Huh?" I didn't blame him, I would've been confused out of my mind too. But I needed to hear it out loud as one sentence to see if it rang any bells.

"Like I'm Claire Smith. Now it's your go."

"Um… Victor Benedict?"

"There you go now…. Wait a minute, did you say Victor Benedict?" At this he nodded, but I wasn't paying him any attention. The name sounded familiar enough to be his yet there wasn't any way of making sure. The only way would be to either mention the case, which was out of the question, or… Say my real name. Surely he'd have had my name given to him if this was my future partner, so he should be able to recognise me.

"Yes, why?"

"Does the name Rune Williams say anything to you?" He tensed up when I mentioned my name, giving me the last clue I needed to complete a puzzle which shouldn't have been so confusing. If I could just remember names this situation could've been solved easily.

"No. No, of course not. No." Let's just say this guy would not do well as an undercover police officer. He was getting all clammed up, like he was unable to lie.

"Oh my God stop. Your lying makes my head hurt; it's that bad." My comment didn't make him any less nervous. In fact, I could see sweat droplets forming on his forehead. I was ready to tell him who I was, putting the guy out of his misery, but this was too much fun.

"Why would I be lying? Ha ha ha. That's the stupid things ever! Ha-"

"One more fake laugh and the coffee mug gets stuffed down your throat." It should only take him a couple more minutes to figure out (even in his… emotional state) that my attitude had changed and that I was now completely relaxed against the chair. Miss oh-my-gosh-I'm-late-and-such-a-clutz was gone, replaced by Miss Detective. I liked the latter best, after all it wasn't put on. So I used it on anyone who knew I was part of the police. I guess that included Victor now.

"Excuse me?"

"Name's Rune Williams. Nice to meet you agent Benedict." He was left baffled at my sentence – even more than he'd been at my prior one – and in a complete state of silence. "I trust you're competent enough to make sentences, right Benedict?"

"I… Uh… You? Rune?"

"Guess not. I suppose this was a waste of time then. If you can't even work under pressure then there's no point in us working together."

"Wait wait wait. Hold on. You're telling me that the cute girl" see? Cute. Always there "I asked out to coffee is actually the person I'm going to be working with? You've got to be kidding me." This was so amusing, I was having the time of a life time muddling his mind up.

"I'm going to level it straight with you Benedict. I work undercover. I'm good at working undercover. You? Not so much. So I don't think this is going to work out. We're going to have to-" Once again, he interrupted me. It was getting quite annoying by this point.

"I said wait. Jeez woman, can you stop ploughing with all the business stuff and actually let me breathe?" Nodding, I rolled my eyes at him, propping my feet up on the chair beside me and giving him an expectant look.

"Ok, go. What do you want to talk about, your highness?" I saw him twitch at the nickname, but it was obvious he was choosing to ignore me. To be completely honest, I would've shut myself up as well. But I liked annoying people; most of the time I couldn't, seeing how I was trying to get on the suspects' good books.

"I need a basic overview of the case-" I opened my mouth to tell him to just bloody well read the file, when he continued, shooting me a glare that I knew clearly meant 'let me finish'. "from an agent directly involved with the case. That'd be you. And I also want to discuss this whole you being too good for me crap. Look, you can work undercover if you want. I'll just help you interpret the results afterwards.

"I'm here for that and when we arrest the criminal – that's it. So you don't have to worry, princess, I won't bother you." No one had ever been that understanding when I'd told them going solo was my style, they'd all just told me that I was being stupid and childish. That was another downfall of looking too young, people constantly compared you to moody teenagers or stroppy toddlers. Victor had been the first person (aside from the big boss man, cause that guy loved me) to properly treat me like an adult. And I absolutely loved it.

"You know what, Benedict? I've decided I like you."

"Are you kidding me? You come out with that now?"

"Don't test me, I can just as easily change my mind the other way." Thing was, I very much could. That's what I hated about people's prejudgment of me being like a little kid. That, most of the time, they were right. I had been described as absolutely brilliant by tons of people – when they only looked at my reports. When they had a conversation with me though, they described me as someone who needs to have their way (always) and never takes no for an answer. Just a child with the body and mental capacity of a 25 year old.

I guessed I was ok with that though. It was me, and if to be amazing at deduction I had to be shit at real life, then that was fine by me. People could make their stupid assumptions and treat me badly; I didn't care. I would sit with my feet propped up on a chair, I'd stop listening to others if what they said didn't interest me, and I would deal out unnecessary comments like lollipop sticks. One day, someone would be able to put up with me – the full me, not just the childish part or the great detective part – and that person would be worth spending the rest of my life with.

My soulfinder.

I'll probably be uploading the next chapter soon (as it's already written), so I'll see you guys then

StarsGlow out :)