Pearl of the Isle

Prologue

Just another day at the office, the fan is out and the damn heat wave is making it tough to handle. Emma leans back in her chair eyeing the glass that lets everyone know that the two people within are private eyes. She plucks her fedora from the desk putting it over her face as she kicks her feet up, her long blonde curls pulled back in a ponytail resting over the back of the chair. She tries to ignore the way the leather wants to stick to her body as she listens to Graham throwing darts at the dart board. For a moment she's convinced that she can hear the sweat pouring off him falling onto the scuffed hardwood floors before a knock sounds at the door. Startled she jerks up the fedora falling into her lap as she launches herself forward.

Graham laughs smirking at her as he makes his way to the door pulling it open. Neither he nor Emma believe in having a secretary but between the girls Graham sees on the side and that pretty little waitress with the red streaks in her hair that works in the bar below that Emma plays with he's sure they'd have plenty of offers. Emma rolls her eyes trying to look over his head at their possible new client but all she can see is Graham's bed ragged head. She rolled her eyes picking up the cream of Kentucky whiskey figuring she'd better get herself a little hair of the dog before she went about her business. Graham was always moseying in on the good cases anyhow. She picked up her fedora putting it back over her face after tipping the glass back and settling back for a nap.

Her nap however wasn't meant to be as Graham ripped the hat off her face rolling his eyes at her. She arched a dark brow at him and he motioned behind him. Standing there with a little black suitcase was a boy of no more than ten. He looked like he'd just stepped off the train. You know the type fresh faced with their best shoes on, fresh hick right off the cob. She watched the kid set his suitcase down and step forward his earnest face studying her likely blood shot eyes. She'd stayed up a little too late enjoying the company of her little waitress the previous night. Ruby was a great dame but man was she a wild one. Emma had the scratches down her back from blood red nails to prove it to.

"We got a case Ems." Graham was the only one that could get away with calling her that.

She arched a brow noting his smile as she looked at the kid who moved to pull himself into his chair. "I'm Henry. Henry Mills and I need you two to help me find my Mom." His accent was clearly not something seen around here in New York yet another proof that Emma had been right in her assessment that he was a little hick.

She watched as he folded his hands in his lap clearly nervous. His right foot swung his little shiny black shoe catching what little light was available from the lamp resting on Emma's desk.

"You want us to find your Mom kid? Did she go to the bar and just hasn't come home yet?" Emma asked arching a brow.

The kid shot her a withering glance and Emma held up her hands in defense. "She's been missing two years. She came to New York to be a show girl. I came here looking for her. There was some bad blood at home so she left. Was going to send for me later but never did."

"She send you a postcard, a letter, anything with a return address?" Graham asked sitting down at his own desk which was butted up against Emma's in their room.

"No." Henry hung his head.

"It's gonna be difficult then." Graham pointed out with a sigh.

"Look I think my Mom's in trouble. And I need help finding her. I can pay you anything you ask. Just help me find her please." Henry stared at them both with big eyes obviously waiting on them to say yes to his plea.

Emma looked at Graham who gave a subtle shake of his head. If she wanted to work this case it was on her own.

"Fifteen bucks a day plus expenses and I'll find your Mom kid." Emma offered sitting forward.

Henry's eyes shone as he nodded, "How about twelve plus expenses? Mom said never to take the first offer."

Emma smirked, "Thirteen plus expenses and you got yourself a deal."

Henry nodded, holding out his hand which Emma took. "Done," He agreed.

Author's Notes: Anyone who knows me knows I ADORE film noir. It is my all time favorite time in film. There's just something about a femme fatale and a devilishly handsome detective that gets me going. And this one is no exceptions. I decided to try my hand at it. I tried REALLY hard to get the lingo down so if I failed I apologize for it. I'll try harder next time. I hope you guys enjoy and as always if you'd like more review and let me know otherwise this may get pushed to the back burner while I try to work on other things. ~Bella