Chapter XI.
Although over sixty, Ian Lacey had still an athletic look, perhaps due to the many years in the BPRD. Although he enjoyed quietly retired, was very happy to help still the old agency for which he had once worked.
He introduced himself to the seat well in advance, and when he sat in the meeting room, he greeted all his old comrades, including Red and Abe.
"Hey, Red! How are you?".
"Fine, Ian. I'm going to become father of twins."
"Aaahhh! What a joy, you old skunk! Congratulations! You will show me the little devils." Then he turned to Abraham: "And you, Abe, do you have lured some chick?".
"Er ... More or less." It was the embarrassed reply man-fish.
"What about if after we have a beer?" asked Lacey.
"Later, my friend." Before, there are Manning and Dr. Krauss who will ask you a some things.. "
"Manning? Oh God ... don't tell me that someone put that toady to the head of the BPRD!".
"Yes, it's true!" Interjected an enraged Manning, who heard the last part of the conversation.
"Hello, Tom.." Lacey said, blushing.
"Ian, let me introduce Dr. Krauss, a new agent.." Manning said coldly.
Johann made a respectful bow, which was reciprocated by a nod of the old agent.
"We knew that a girl saved your life eight years ago.." Thomas said.
"Ah, yes! I remember! Was during a transaction in New Jersey. A damned troll had reduced me dying. my chest was literally ripped open, right arm fractured in several places. I was gasping, when that little angel healed me. Aaah ... that evening. I really wanted to thank her in person, but she ran away, and i could never regain her. "
"I understand ..." Johann said. Then he gave to Lacey the passport photo: "Is she this? Do you recognize her?".
"Yes, It 's her! I have no doubt…Aaah! God bless her ... Where is she now?".
"According to official sources, she is dead, but we still have to investigate ..." Red intervened.
"What? Oh ... I ... I'm sorry ... but how ...?".
"I'm sorry, Ian. It's top secret. ... We can not communicate other informations."
"Yes, yes, I understand!" the former official said resignedly: "If you need more, guys, I'll be happy to serve you."
"Thank you, Lacey." Manning said, dismissing him.
"You're welcome ..."
When Manning and Johann went away, old colleagues still exchanged pleasantries, then went to the library to drink the famous beer that Ian had proposed.
When former police officer left the monumental building of the BPRD, Red went to his love. He knew that in her state she needed a lot of attention to manage the pregnancy so peaceful, so he decided to postpone the usual drunken evening.
Left alone, Abraham had no choice but to play some of his beloved classical music. But at some point he was seized with a brilliant idea, which had surprised him like a thunderbolt. He looked at his watch, It was 6.00 PM. All of a sudden he decided that he wouldn't spend the evening quietly at home as a relic. He prepared to go to the troll market, certain that someone there told him how to find the Princess Nuala. He had an urgent need to see her, talk to her. He wrote a note that informed about where he was going and, uncertain whether to knock or not, left him at the Red's Room. At a creature as he was forbidden to leave the building, except in the missions, so he wore a coat and a hat that makes him not identifiable.
"I look like Lt. Colombo," he said to himself, commenting on his clothing. At least he could go unnoticed. The only problem was to go out of there without anyone seeing him. He obviated soon going in the garage on the sly and "renting" a small black car.