Abstract Figure

1. A Bad Idea

"Ashlyn, can I ask you a question?" Percy asked, leaning his arms over the steering wheel of his parked BMW. "From one friend to another?"

It was a warm summer's day and the cool breeze kept the inside of the car at a comfortable temperature. Swooping birds sang joyfully over the sound of rushing cars, and to my right, a couple held hands as they walked their dog down the semi-crowded street. 

My chest rose as I took a deep inhale. "Shoot," I prompted, as I watched a group of kids playing basketball on a small court between two rundown buildings that - like other buildings surrounding us - stood like rock giants, unmoving and proud, and tall enough to block all rays of sunshine.

"I was wondering if you ever predicted that you'd be doing this kind of work when you grew up?"

Licking my thumb clean, I tossed the sandwich container into the backseat. The distant cry of an unhappy baby followed. It must be lunch time for the little one too, I thought. "You mean... did I ever think that I'd become a paranormal investigator?" I dusted off my hands. "No. Who would? I actually wanted to be an artist when I was younger. I was dead set on becoming a professional painter when I was in high school."

"A painter, huh?" Percy seemed impressed.

"Yep. With a paint brush, and canvas and everything."

A wild basketball leaped over a fence, and the sound of rubber against asphalt managed to resonate across the busy street. I turned to see one of the children running to catch the orange fugitive that was now heading towards a sea of cars; he was able to catch it before it could meet its end under the wheel of a roaring Sedan.

When the ball was safely in his hands, he looked up at me, and we exchanged a "that was close" look. He smiled, holding the ball above his head like a trophy, and I returned the gesture with a small wave. Unsurprisingly, the boy's eyes quickly shifted to Percy and he suddenly seemed caught in a trance. Aware of my Partner's unusual attire, I didn't have to turn around to see why.

Percy's fashion had never failed to catch people's attention. For as long as my family had known him, he's always managed to flaunt colourful and extravagant clothing anywhere he went. Even at work. This tall, slender, dark-skinned man, with a slightly graying goatee, always seemed to look like an Elton John impersonator, even while working undercover. If an Agent - like myself - was to wear a white blouse and black high-waisted pleated pants, Percy would juxtapose that outfit by wearing a blue bowtie, lime green pants, a red jacket, and a matching burgundy fedora with a golden-peacock-broach on the crown. That's Percy.

Talk about being inconspicuous while investigating ghost sightings in a busy urban area, I thought, hiding a smile behind my hand and watching the young boy scurry back to his friends.

"So, why did you apply at the U.N.P.A instead of following that dream?" Percy continued.

U.N.P.A – United Nations Paranormal Agency.

I shrugged. "The steady income."

"Be serious." Now it was Percy's turn to scoff. "Unless you get to be a field agent, like your brother Clyde, the steady income isn't that luxurious. And I have bad news for you, Kid. It takes a heck of a long time to get that promotion. Believe you me. I've been doing this for five years and I'm still waiting for it."

"You just have to get noticed. A lot of what we do is just sit around...That will get you nowhere," I smirked.

"Point is, if you have a talent, Ashlyn, you should do something with it. Be a famous artist! You shouldn't have to be stuck here - with me - doing this crap job."

I gave him a weak smile. "Did you consider that, maybe, I like being stuck here with you doing this crap job?"

"This? This is enjoyable for you?" He pointed at us, investigating an alleged ghost sighting for seven hours straight in a stuffy car. "Really? This?"