Spellcaster series #5: The Sage

The Consultant

TRISTAN

I teleported my mother and myself to the supermarket just beside the police precinct.

"I'll pick you up in about half an hour. Will you be all right by yourself?" I asked as she took in the sights and sounds around her.

Plainsview, unlike its name, was built with modern and contemporary architecture within its urban infrastructure, and it had busier streets in comparison with Orchidville. It looked almost like a city, but too small to be considered as one, and my mother could not be more fascinated with its unique features.

"Don't worry about me, darling, this place looks safe," she smiled assuringly. She disappeared into the supermarket afterwards and I headed into the police precinct just beside it.

The building was bigger than Orchidville's. I stepped through its bulletproof sliding doors and headed for the reception. A lady with full red lips eyed me under mascara-rimmed lashes the moment I entered, readying her pen.

"I need to speak to a Captain Bells," I requested, flashing the captain's name card to the receptionist.

"Is this your first time here, sir?" The lady questioned. "If it is, I'll need you to fill in this form for our record."

I was ready for that.

I put on my best smile and lowered my voice. I leaned towards the glass and bent slightly to reach to the speaking hole. I caught her gaze as I did.

"Thing is, I have an agreement of anonymity with the Captain. I'm wondering if we can skip the identity form?"

The lady narrowed her eyes and exhaled through her nose. She glanced around her and leaned in. "In exchange for what?"

"In exchange for secrecy," I winked. I had no idea where that came from.

She flicked her blonde hair away from her eyes. "Fine. Third floor. Use this card key."

I received it and nodded. I made my way into the lift and the door shut. Flirting was never my forte but I had to do all I could to avoid my name in any record at all costs. Forgive me, Heidi.

The lift doors opened and I stepped out of it. The precinct was well-lit and open. Captain Bells was speaking to one of her detectives when she turned to me with surprise written on her face.

"Sir!" She called and beckoned me. "I hope my pep talk worked?"

"As long as my identity remains undisclosed."

She nodded eagerly. "Two of my best detectives are already in my office for a briefing on tonight's mission."

We walked into her office where Detectives Payton and Casey were in the midst of a deep discussion. Printed and enhanced photographs were laid out on Captain Bells' desk with manila folders of different missing persons over the course of seven years.

"I'm sure you've met my detectives," Captain Bells waved vaguely at them, eyes on her computer screen as she perused an urgent email.

Detective Payton held out a hand and levelled his bright red irises at me. "Nice to see you again, mister...?"

"Mr. Easton," I took his hand, "Travis Easton."

Captain Bells nodded slightly at me, mentally noting my alias.

"Mr. Easton would be working with us as a consultant on this case. You two will work with him and consult with him. He is a knowledgeable man and has skills that can greatly benefit this case," the Captain instructed.