The nightclub was located at the far end of the city, with loud music spilling out onto the busy night street. Their carriage came to a stop in front of the grand entrance. Following instructions, Jackie patiently waited as Theo emerged from the carriage, circled around, and offered her a helping hand.
With his assistance, she gracefully stepped out onto the pavement, the sound of her heels clicking with each step they took. The guard stationed at the entrance cast a scrutinizing gaze over them, his eyes lingering on her ring.
"Where are you from?" he inquired.
Jackie responded with a charming smile. "Esplendor."
The guard's eyes lit up with curiosity. "The capital of the Rocky Kingdom... Quite a distance to travel, isn't it?"
"I've just completed my studies, and my dear brother gifted me with a journey across the continent to gain new experiences," Jackie explained.
Theo took her hand and gallantly kissed it. "Any whim, my dear sis."
The guard nodded in acknowledgment and gestured for them to enter. The doors swung open behind him, and they walked hand in hand into the nightclub.
The spacious hall boasted a lofty ceiling adorned with garlands of yellow and violet night flowers wrapped around the pillars, casting a soft glow over the elegantly dressed figures within. Laughter filled the air as ladies in luxurious dresses mingled with gentlemen puffing on cigars, creating a haze of blue smoke that hung like a mist. The soothing melodies of guitars and violins added to the enchanting atmosphere.
Theo whispered in Jackie's ear, "Let's find a quiet corner."
She followed him to a secluded spot at the far end of the hall, where two plush chairs and an elegant side table awaited them. The ambiance was more subdued here, allowing them to converse without the din of the crowd.
A young girl in a form-fitting violet dress approached them with a menu, and they ordered a bottle of white wine, cheese, and shrimp. Jackie hesitated to drink, still reeling from the events of the previous night, but Theo insisted they simply keep full glasses on the table and take occasional sips to maintain an appearance of sobriety and avoid arousing suspicion.
Jackie placed her full glass in front of her and scanned the room. "How long do you think this might take?"
Theo shrugged nonchalantly. "We'll have to wait and see."
She let out a sigh, her thoughts drifting to Elisa. While she no longer harbored any anger towards her, the inexplicable nature of her behavior left Jackie puzzled.
"So, what transpired between you and Sparkle?" Theo's question caught her off guard.
Jackie fixed him with a questioning gaze. "What do you know?"
He took a sip from his glass before responding. "Sometimes, ignorance may have been bliss. Lies only serve to complicate matters."
"Indeed," Jackie agreed, reflecting on the web of deceit that often required elaborate cover-ups. Whether it was the events of the previous night or her failed mission, her patience had worn thin, prompting her to seek Theo's advice. "Can I ask you something personal?"
"Of course," Theo replied, his bright blue eyes reflecting curiosity. "Your secrets are safe with me. I will never betray your trust or Sparkle's."
Jackie nodded, finding it challenging to broach her question delicately. She decided to start from the beginning. "It all began when I helped Elisa harness her Gift."
"Ah, yes, you crafted a spell," Theo recalled.
"Exactly."
"And then you shared a kiss," Theo added.
YOU ARE READING
The Academy: Detective Stories - Part I
FantasyElisa dreams of becoming a detective, so she applies to the Guardian Academy. To her surprise, she is not the only woman studying here. Jackie and Elisa quickly become best friends and fall in love with each other. Together, they dream of stopping...
