Chapter 11
Monday found Mr. And Mrs. Steele at the agency early in the morning. They were having some coffee at his office while trying to figure out the way to tell Mildred the latest news without directly sending her to a heart attack; when the secretary peered her face through the door.
"Good morning Miss Holt, good morning chief! What are you doing back here?" Mildred came into his office carrying a huge trophy in her hands; and forgetting for a moment her recent question, she proudly showed it to her bosses. "Look what the Dragon Ladies won! We ended in the first place!"
"That's great, Mildred," said Laura. "Let me see it. It's so beautiful! Congratulations!" She grabbed the trophy in her hands, and Mildred started her explanations about the bowling tournament and all its highlights without giving them a chance to insert a word. Mr. Steele remained silent, trying to focus his eyes for an instant on the newspaper. There wasn't an article about their crazy weekend on the first page. Thank God for that. The uncertainty about Mildred or Laura's family finding the news on the paper, and making a scandal was enormous.
"Aren't you going to say anything boss?" asked the secretary.
"On the contrary Mildred…" Right then, the office door turned totally open distracting Mr. Steele from his focus…
"Excuse me," said a male voice.
"Detective Jarvis, come in!" told him Mr. Steele.
"I was counting on finding Mildred early, but it is better I find you both. I came to return your documents, as I promised. I owe you an apology in the name of the Police Department." told them the detective, putting the brown envelope with the recovered documents in Mr. Steele hands. He looked into it and found their marriage license, IDs, and a picture taken during the ceremony.
"They cracked the case just in front of your agent's faces, eh Jarvis?" said a sarcastic Mildred. "They are the best!"
Jarvis looked at her with curiosity.
Knowing what kind of explanation was ahead of them and trying to rescue the situation in the best way possible, Mr. Steele decided to give it a slight push. "Thank you very much, Jarvis. Case closed. Don't hesitate to come to us in the future. A pleasure to see you again." He shook hands with the detective and guided him towards the door.
Feeling a bit uncomfortable with Mr. Steele attitude, but not forgetting yet the good manners, Detective Jarvis turned on his heels and said, "Mr. Steele, Mrs. Steele…"
At that very moment, Mildred, who was following Mr. Steele steps with attention, turned her face toward Laura. "Mrs. Steele? Did I miss something, honey?"
Mr. Steele decided at that very moment that it was time to get out of the office. "I'll get some coffee…" The door closed behind him.
Right then, Laura raised her left hand flashing a smile to Mildred, and showing the secretary the ring in her third finger, she told her, "Please call me Laura, Mildred. It will be less complicated…"