About you

Chapter 2

Theo Elliot Baudelaire II

"Baudelaire! My office now!" My boss grunts as his head floats past the top half of the glass windowed break room.

I take my time drinking the rest of my coffee and make my way to his office. The door was awaiting for me as I close it behind me. I take a seat.

"Y-

I hold up my finger for him to stop talking. He does so.

"I don't like how you called me in here." I make eye contact.

I have my father's powerful, demanding eyes. I hate them.

He nods. "I apologize Elliot, we just need to discuss a few things."

I nod for him to go on. Respect has always been a major thing for me. I've earned my place and my name in society. Respect is given when it has been received.

"I need you to transfer to Crasmere County. They're low staffed and dealing with a huge drug bust. I'm sure you can handle it."

"What about the women?" I ask as I feel a vein start to pop.

He stands up to grab a file and hand it to me.

"The women can wait, this is huge Elliot."

I glance through the files just to see it's only about the bust and close it. "This is the fifth month now that you have ignored their needs. They need help."

"And they will get help. We have a whole team dedicated to those issues. Focus on your specialty, okay? Then I'll let you lead the investigations on that. There's a property available in a small quiet town. The company will rent out the house and cover all billing expenses. Do your job, you're the best we have."

I was frustrated as he proceeded to display his ignorance to the women in need once more. We have received various anonymous messages for help, whether it be domestic violence, sexual violence, etc. They just want an escape and we should be able to provide that to them.

I nod and leave the office. I gather some of my belongings as I nod bye to my coworkers. When I get home, I start packing up. I often have to leave for work, helping with different companies with cases. Crasmere County was about four hours away. I pack my suitcases into the backseat of my truck and begin to head there.

I dial one of my best friends. "Wassup Max."

"Yo E, whatcha up to?"

"Heading to Crasmere County to help with a bust. I'll be there probably for a few months."

"You need a place to stay man?" He sounded like he was eating a bag of potato chips.

"The company rented out this house. I might just need your and Gages help a few times with some things."

"What kinda of things?"

"I'll let you know later."

"Alright E, yeah we'll help. We got you man." Maxwell finally sounds like he put the chips down.

"See you soon." I hang up and turn the radio up.

I make a few stops for the bathroom and to eat. I was about thirty minutes away from the house now. It was getting pretty late and I was relieved to be pulling up to the house. I open the Manila folder Jeremy, the boss, gave to me along with the other files and get the key. I push the button allowing the garage to open and back my truck inside. The neighborhood looked quiet and peaceful. I just hoped it stayed like this in the daytime.

I unlock the door and head inside. The house wasn't much furnished. There was a loveseat across from the flat screen on the wall. The exterior of the house was alluring, the inside didn't compare. It was much smaller than my house at home, but I've never been ungrateful for a roof over my head. I pack my suitcases inside and drag them to the bedroom. The house held two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen, dining room, a living room, a washer and dryer room and a pantry. I was grateful for the little furniture here already, but expected more.

Jeremy: Make it?

Me: Made it now. You didn't mention the minimal furniture.

Jeremy: I have an order of more appliances and furniture coming in a week. Sorry for the inconvenience.

I turn the screen off on my phone and sit on the bed. There was a king sized bed and a large dresser. A television was mounted on a wall. The closet was a decent size. I make my way back to the kitchen to warm up my left over Taco Bell. This won't sit well on my belly tonight. I glance through the window towards the house across from me. It was the only house with the lights still on this late.

A woman walked out of the house waving bye to the woman residing inside and drove off. My attention was drawn to the woman standing in the window. She had long dark curly hair that seemed to be around shoulder length. She was too far away to even imagine her face, to depict her eye color, or notice the exact color of the strands of her hair. I wouldn't even be able to pick her out of a crowd.

There was a moment I felt our eyes interlock. My body acts faster than my thoughts as I close the curtain. I watch her shadow stay for a minute then disappear from the window and the light turn off.

I did not come here for relationships. My past relationships always have a turn for the worst so I simply do not do relationships anymore.

I grab my taco and a drink then sit at the table. I get a text message.

Violette: Tu me manques, je te promets que tu reviendras à la maison pour mon diplôme ?

I miss you, promise youll come home for my graduation?

Me: Je ne manquerais ça pour rien au monde.

Wouldn't miss it for the world.

Violette: Vous pouvez aussi rester à la maison. Papa et maman ne sont plus en colère.

You could stay at the house too. Mom and dad are not mad anymore.

Me: Dis à Delphine que je lui ai dit que je l'aimais. Je vais au lit. Je vous aime.

Tell Delphine I said I love her. I'm going to bed. Love you.

Violette: je vous aime aussi

I love you too

I throw away my trash and glance back though the window. Her shadow was leaving the window. Why had she come back? Possibly the same reason I returned as well, curiosity. I shake the feeling off and rest. I had to go to work in the morning. I'll make sure to stop by and see you tomorrow.