"How is the food, gentlemen?"
"Very good, thank you."
"The pasta is delicious, thank you."
"Wonderful, our chefs would love to hear that!"
Their waitress walked over to another spot at the counter, and picked up a towel and a plate to dry. Kiku took another sip of his tomato soup, noting again how it was perfectly seasoned. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see that Ludwig really was enjoying his fettucine alfredo.
The Sergeant and Corporal often passed by the Phoenix Cafe while on patrol, never stopping inside for a bite to eat. Since Ludwig's training was almost complete, and he was only about a month away from a promotion to becoming a Sergeant, Kiku offered to take him for lunch. Ludwig suggested they try out this cafe, and despite its reputation for being a greasy-spoon diner, they were pleased to find that the new management had turned it around. Kiku's soup and sandwich were very nicely made, while Ludwig seemed to really like the pasta.
Then again, the Corporal appeared to be even more interested in something other than his food.
The waitress that was serving them today could be considered as pretty by common standards. She had indigo eyes, long curly blonde hair, and a lovely figure. Although her tag named her as Maddie, she had revealed that this was short for Madeline. This information, of course, came through as she and Ludwig would not stop trying to chat whenever she had a spare moment at the counter.
The television above his head started playing a familiar anthem, and Kiku looked up to watch the news program that was just starting.
"Welcome to the lunch hour news for June 2nd, and here is today's top headline," the news anchor began, "Attorney General and Jones Conglomerates Incorporated shareholder Arthur Kirkland held a press conference today, demanding that his criminal wife and fellow JCI shareholder Mathilda Jones-Kirkland present herself in the public eye."
"You have made it clear to me, Mathilda, that you do not wish for our marriage to continue," Arthur was shown saying into a swarm of microphones at a podium, "I have already drafted paperwork for a divorce, and all we need is for you to show yourself and sign it."
"The Attorney General's statement comes on what is officially the 3-year anniversary of Mathilda's flight," the news anchor took back over, "The police have outstanding warrants for the arrest of the heiress and her associates, with charges of fraud, embezzlement, conspiracy, murder and treason against the government. Mr. Kirkland's divorce pleas are supported by Mathilda's crimes, along with those of adultery and desertion."
"Can you believe the nerve on him?" Maddie whined, also watching the television while drying a glass, "Does he really think that is enough for his wife to suddenly make an appearance?"
"His methods seem fairly straightforward to me," Kiku told her, "In the events of calling for divorce, Arthur does require that Mathilda present herself in some way, before the court will proceed with ending their marriage."
"I know, but I find it hard to believe that his wife would dare show her face," Maddie clarified, "Although she would be free from her marriage to him, she'd be the one paying the steeper price."
"What makes you say that?" Kiku quizzed.
"For one, that 45% of JCI shares makes her net worth higher than his," Maddie argued, "Even if they were to split their assets 50/50, she would have to give Arthur almost half of those shares. That would hardly be fair for her."
"She'd be better off with cash, if you ask me," Ludwig remarked, "She's made it clear that she holds a grudge against JCI, so it would be to her benefit to have Alfred and Arthur buy out any shares she has left, leaving her with a fortune to work with."
"Except for that she's already making do on the 50 million she stole when she first ran away," Maddie argued, "The only way she could already have spent 50 million dollars in 3 years is if she's been making purchases that could be traced down for their extravagance. Nope, she's found a way to make that 50 million work for her, and she's not going to risk showing herself and falling into a trap for anything more."
"Why do you call it a trap?" Kiku asked.
"There's no way in hell that they will let her walk in and out of a notary's office to sign the paperwork without police interference," Maddie elaborated, "Arthur will have you guys prepared to arrest her on the spot when and if she shows herself. When she is finally convicted, Arthur can demand even more of her shares as compensation for the divorce, not to mention all the damages he and Alfred could sue her for on account of what she tried to do to the company. By the time they're through with all that, the police will likely retain whatever is left of her equity when she is imprisoned. This would be auctioned to the highest bidder, which would end up being either Alfred or Arthur."
The two officers paused to consider Maddie's arguments before Ludwig finally came up with something to say.
"That analysis was amazing. How do you know so much about all this?"
"I've seen details here and there that make sense for the story," Maddie claimed, "And besides, who doesn't enjoy seeing a drama like this play out on the news? Especially with such an intriguing villain that can give JCI a run for their money."
"A drama with an intriguing villain?" Kiku checked, "Innocent people have been murdered by this woman, and yet you idolize her?"
"You may see a murderess, but I see a bold courageous woman who keeps outwitting those who would otherwise confine her for life," Maddie defended, "If you have a problem with that, then you should hurry up and catch her."
"Maddie's got a point there, Kiku," Ludwig chuckled, "She might have even won this round."
"We'll start the scoreboard at 1-0 for me then, eh?" Maddie suggested.
Noting her smirk, Kiku glanced quickly between the two of them, and realized that the flirting between the cop and waitress was mutual. Before he could react, the radio on his shoulder interrupted with a page from dispatch.
"Bank robbery in progress at Buffet Bank, 18th and Menzies. Lieutenant Van Ryn demands all available units in the area to report at the scene."
"We'll have to report to that, Ludwig," Kiku stated, standing up and grabbing his wallet from his back pocket, "Can I get our total, please?"
"Sure thing, I'll bring it right up here," Maddie said, "It should be around $25."
"You can keep the change," Kiku informed her as he placed $30 on the counter, "I don't need the receipt either."
"Thank you very much," Maddie said as the two cops walked over to the front door, "Have a good day!"
Kiku opened the door, and grabbed his radio from his shoulder once Ludwig had gone through as well.
"Sergeant Kiku Honda and Corporal Ludwig Bielschmidt reporting in," Kiku radioed to dispatch as he quickly circled the car and climbed into the passenger seat, "We are on our way to Buffet Bank."
Ludwig was already starting up the car as Kiku put on his seatbelt, and they were already en route within a minute. Before Ludwig could reach to turn on the siren, Kiku asked his question.
"So, what did you like most about the cafe? The food or the waitress?"
"That's a tough choice," Ludwig admitted with a chuckle as he flicked the switch for the siren, "I'll certainly have to return for both of them."