Lennon met Hector at the airport where he kept his helicopter thirty minutes after they'd parted ways at the University, knowing he'd want to leave as quickly as possible even though he'd said an hour. They took off almost instantly after she'd arrived because, as she knew, everything he needed was already on board.
"How long is the ride?" she asked into the microphone on her headset, once they completed the take-off process, reaching over and placing her on top of his where it rested on the throttle.
He gave her thumb a slight squeeze as he answered, "Our flight should only take an hour which is fantastic because we'll arrive before we lose daylight. We can get in a quick survey of the water before we set up camp," he explained with an excited smirk. "Are you looking forward to the hunt, Lenn?" he asked, using his pet name for her. Only he and her friend Kelly Scott ever called her that.
"I'm very delighted to join you on this adventure," she stated, offering her own smile, "There has never been a crocodile chase I haven't enjoyed as long as I get to do it by your side," she revealed, cringing slightly at how cheesy her words came across. They'd been together for over a year but neither had yet been brave enough to say those three little words out loud.
Hector noted her insecurity after her confession so he decided to reply with something that would allow him to come across as slightly vulnerable as well. "Dear, don't you think it's about time you moved on from being my TA? I believe you're due for a promotion. Perhaps, your new title should be…" he thought over ideas in his mind for a moment, "I don't know, a partner. My partner," he went on to add, "You are now my equal instead of my assistant. What do you think?" he turned the conversation back over to her.
Lenn mulled over his proposal before responding, "I love the idea but who will help you set things up and assist you?" she inquired for lack of a better word.
"Lenn," he almost scoffed, "We both know I can get anybody to do that work for me. For us, now. What do you think?" he repeated his offer, starting to feel insecure, himself, from her hesitation.
In response, she moved her hand from on top of his to his thigh, her lips curled into a large smile, "Of course I will be your partner. Does that mean I get to order around the locals too? Or, is that still reserved solely for you?" she questioned before elaborating, "I think we can both agree, I'd be very good at it."
Hector beamed from her answer, "Absolutely! You've been doing this long enough to know everything you need to in order to boss some folks around. Let's get to work, partner," he finished as he looked back out the windshield to focus on their flight.
Thirty minutes later, after the couple enjoyed a silent flight together, Hector landed his helicopter on the bank of Black Lake where there were already tents set up. He knew those would be the people already in on the investigation into this mysterious death.
Hector got out of the chopper first and walked around to open Lennon's door and help her down. Once they were both on the ground, they walked over to the three people awaiting them. Their expressions made it clear they were looking for an explanation to the couple's arrival, though one of the faces was very familiar.
"Kelly?" Lennon asked as she grew closer to the group of three, "Is that you?"
"You beat us here!" Hector added once he noticed Kelly Scott, as well.
Kelly nodded as she embraced Lenn in a hug. Once the women let go of each other, Kelly spoke, "Yes, I did. But, I wasn't sure what we were up against until I saw you two. Do you really think we have a crocodile problem?" she added, "I had a slight suspicion after I saw the tooth they pulled out of the body."
Hector took over the scene, "Who's here with Fish and Games?" he began but was interrupted.
"I'm Sheriff Hank Keough," the heavier blond man introduced himself, "And, who are you two?"
A small chuckle escaped Hector's lips as he responded, "Dr. Hector Cyr and this is my partner-in-crime Lennon Hart. Now, may I have the answer to my question? Also, I need topographic studies, you got any?"
The other man raised his hand, "I'm Jack Wells," he announced while ignoring the other question, "So, may I ask, why do you two think we have a crocodile in these waters?"
"Exactly," Hank jumped in, "There's no way a crocodile is swimming around this saltwater lake."
Hector let out a full laugh at the Sheriff's indignation, "For your information, tubby. Crocodiles are migrating further and further North and this lake connects to the ocean so it's not such an absurd idea."
Lennon noticed things taking a turn so she interjected, "I apologize for Hector's bluntness but we were hoping to do a quick scout of the lake before we lose daylight. Do you think any of you could make that possible? We'd both really appreciate it," she requested, used to being the honey to Hector's vinegar. She walked toward him and wrapped her arm around his waist and placed her hand on his chest causing him to do the same while tightening his grip.
"We can take a ride out," Jack agreed, "We'll take two canoes out and see if we can get any evidence to what's behind this chaos," his tone was filled with frustration.
Hector released Lennon and moved toward Jack, "Spoiler alert, it's gonna be a crocodile."