Allen sighed as he entered the saloon, only to find the sheriff at the bar, talking with Lavi.
He went to have breakfast without a sound, not really wanting to be seen by the man. But unfortunately for him, the sheriff wouldn't go without seeing him. He came in front of him, but Allen didn't raise his gaze from his (beloved) food.
The sheriff staid silent for a while.
Had he noticed something? What if he wasn't really drunk last night and just wanted to see if he would go out to steal again?...
But what he said next didn't have anything to do with work.
-What's your name?
Allen finally looked at him, with a goldfish face.
-A... Allen.
The sheriff raised an eyebrow with a small smile.
-Kanda.
Allen gave him a bright smile.
-Pleased to meet you.
XXX
Kanda's heart raced. What was that? The boy could make his heart go crazy with just one smile? He turned away to hide a blush.
-Well let's meet tonight again shall we?
The sheriff didn't wait for an answer. He went outside and took a deep breath. That was way too much emotions for one night and one morning. He had come to realize his feelings, and that was, for him, a big achievement.
He got back to his office. Link was here, behind his desk, duelling with a pile of papers.
-Any roses, Inspector?
-Nuh-uh. Impossible to find any in the town. I don't know where the hell Crimson Fox gets them from. I guess he's a bit of a magician...
-There's no such explanation.
-So how come we don't have a single clue about the guy? Or girl?
Kanda rubbed his forehead with his palms.
-And the orphanage? It could be a kid from the orphanage. They all need money.
-I'll go there.
-Thanks.
He went to sit behind his own desk. The roses were a good track, and an orphan could grow them in his room, possibly.
A few hours later.
Link was back.
-So?
The inspector shook softly his head.
-Nothing.
-... Nothing?
-Not a single rose. Anywhere.
-Dammit... Where's he hiding, for God's sake!
Link scratched his cheek with a thoughtful expression.
-I can't seem to think of anything.
Kanda sighed heavily.
-You can go home for now. See you tomorrow.
He went for a walk, letting Link close the office. A few horses were tied in front of the bank. It was now closely watched, having already been robbed by the Crimson Fox.
He smiled. Of course, that seemed obvious. He just had to study a map... Maybe they had some at the saloon.
He hurried there, but something caught his eye. Allen wasn't at his table, cards scattered all over it. He turned to Lavi.
-Where'd he go?
-Uh, he should be in his room now. You can go to see him, he never closes his door, just over there.
-'Kay, thanks.
Lavi gave him a grin. They liked to tease and argue about anything.
-What's with the shit-eating grin you stupid rabbit?...
-C'mon, don't get nervous, Yû.
The sheriff clenched his fists. He hated being called by his first name.
-You want to fight?...
-Hah! I wouldn't stand a chance against the sheriff would I...
-Tsk. Say whatever you want to say.
He turned away while Lavi laughed a little.
He went in front of Allen's door and knocked. No answer.
He knocked again, but no answer again.
He furrowed his eyebrows and pushed the door.
Only to see the boy taking care of crimson roses.