Franziska arrived at the Hopes Spring Airport shortly after lunch. She'd slept for most of the flight so she didn't feel particularly jetlagged. Collecting her baggage, she marched through the terminal, the crowd parting to let her pass with ease. As she neared the exit, she approached those waiting for their loved ones to get off the plane. There would be no one waiting for Franziska. She ignored the foolish pang of longing in her stomach as she watched the happy reunions of friends and families.

"Ms. von Karma! Franziska!"

Who is – "Adrian Andrews?" She'd turned towards the voice to see the woman she'd come to help jog up to her.

"Hi! I thought I'd never find you in his crowd," Adrian exclaimed as she pulled Franziska in for a hug. The prosecutor stood in the embrace at a loss before awkwardly tapping Andrews on the back with her free hand.

"I hadn't expected you to be here," she said after they pulled apart.

"Well, I wanted it to be a surprise," Adrian replied with a smile.

Franziska took in the woman before her. Adrian still wore the same glasses and similar clothing to last time she'd seen her, but her hair was shorter and she exuded a new air of confidence.

This past year has been good to Adrian Andrews, despite her recent troubles.

"How did you know I would be arriving today?" Franziska asked as they started towards the exit.

"I have my ways…" Andrews tapped the planner that was tucked under her left arm.

"I'm impressed."

"One must always be prepared. Besides, I assumed you would need a ride."

They reached Adrian's car, a red hatchback, and it unlocked with a beep. With her luggage stored in the boot, Adrian started the car and Franziska hopped into the passenger seat.

"I haven't booked a hotel room yet, but I'll be staying –"

"Oh no, no. You're not booking a hotel room!" Adrian interrupted. "I asked you here, so it's only right that I offer you my hospitality as well."

"I assure, Adrian Andrews, that isn't nec –"

"It certainly is!" Adrian started the car and pulled out of the parking space.

Franziska left the discussion at that. Not because she couldn't win (she certainly could), but because she was proud of Adrian's assertiveness. At least she's learnt something from me.

/

"Oh dear, please forgive the mess," Adrian said as they entered her apartment. Franziska pulled he luggage into the main room noting that although the room was far from perfect, it was by no means messy. "Please, make yourself comfortable," Adrian encouraged, motioning to the couch. "Would you like something to drink?"

"A tea. Thank you." Adrian nodded and disappeared into the kitchen.

Franziska ignored her host's invitation to sit, instead opting to take a wonder about the room. The furnishings were not up to von Karma standards (Franziska conceded that this was no easy feat) and there were very few signs of personality. There was a jar of purple flowers on the coffee table, a landscape painting on one wall and a single photograph on the mantle. Franziska picked it up to examine closer. Featured was Adrian Andrews, younger than Franziska had ever seen her, her arm around the shoulders of a brunette. Could this be Celeste Impax? Noise from the kitchen alerted her to Adrian's return. She replaced the photograph and finally sat down on the couch.

"I hope you like camomile. That's all I had left."

Franziska took the cup. "It will suffice."

The two sipped their tea in silence for a moment. Franziska was not one for small talk and was unsure of whether to address the elephant in the room so soon.

"Well," Adrian started, setting her cup down on the table, "I suppose you'll want to know why I asked you here."

Franziska nodded.

Andrews sighed. "It all began last month. I was doing so well in my new position. I was working at Lordly Tailor, a prestigious department store, as the head manager of their art exhibitions. The latest exhibit was 'The Treasures of Kurain'. Unfortunately, one of the pieces was stolen by the infamous Mask DeMasque."

Adrian broke eye contact. "I, uh, also managed to break it before it was stolen."

Franziska's eyes widened. "I put it back together!" Adrian exclaimed. "Just not… in the way it was… before…"

"I know this case. The urn was returned, was it not?"

Andrews nodded. "Yes but… not before everyone knew how badly I'd stuffed up." She took a deep breath. "I just couldn't deal with the shame of failure even though everyone was being so nice."

"You resigned I take it?"

"Yes. I lost all self-confidence that I could perform my duties satisfactorily. I haven't been able to bring myself to apply for another job since…"

This will not do. Has she forgotten all that I told her a year ago?

"Adrian Andrews," Franziska began firmly, "you are one of the strongest people I know and you've dealt with far worse in the past. You'd do well to remember that you are unlike the rest of those weak fools. I see only one practical solution: you will come work for me."

"B-but –"

"This is not up for discussion. You will work as my personal assistant, learning from the best just what it is to be successful."

"Oh, I couldn't!"

"You can and you will," Franziska assured, almost breaking her cup as she slammed it onto the coffee table.

Adrian seemed to ponder this for a moment before a small grin spread across her face. "Will you teach me how to use your whip then?"

Franziska returned the smile with a victorious smirk. "If you're lucky."