The Academy: Detective Stories - Part I

Chapter 28. The Letter

They walked along the quiet, sleeping buildings on the way back to the Academy. The night was warm and still, with the green tree barks glowing and illuminating the empty street. It was nearly midnight, and a crystal of memory shone on her chest, holding the memory of Elisa's whispered words from the night before: "I love you." Jackie still couldn't quite grasp the sincerity behind those words – was it just another game, or did Elisa truly mean it?

"Not too bad for our first mission, huh?" Theo interjected, breaking her reverie.

She shot him a suspicious look. "Why did you lie to the chief?"

Theo shrugged nonchalantly. "We both made the wrong decision. I knew what was happening when you engaged with the man in the basement, and I could have stopped you at any time. But I didn't."

"But still.. you didn't have to protect me in front of the chief," she insisted.

"I wanted to," he replied, lifting his gaze to the night sky. "It's all right; I hope it serves as a valuable lesson for both of us. Besides, I don't really care about Trevor Harland because tomorrow I'm heading to Triville."

She narrowed her eyes. "Why are you being so kind? I thought you would do anything for your career. But putting your reputation at risk –"

"Because you're a woman," Theo replied.

"So what?"

He rubbed his left wrist, deep in thought. "I mean, it's acceptable for me to make a mistake, but you can't afford to. If you do, people will always attribute it to your gender and use it to judge others after you. Especially the older, more traditional guardians. They fear change and will always try to label you as too weak for this job."

Jackie's heart raced. Prejudice was her biggest fear when she first arrived at the Academy. It was precisely what had happened on her first day of studies, mainly due to Theo's inappropriate prank. "Since when do you care so much?"

"I think a part of me always did," Theo admitted, taking a deep breath and savoring the crisp night air. "After all, that's what friends do. We stand by each other. I'm willing to bet you returned to the burning building today for the same reason."

"And I would do it again without hesitation," Jackie affirmed, gazing at the dark walls of the Academy, illuminated by the faint moonlight. It was astonishing how much could change in just a year. This place had somehow transformed into her home, and all the people she trusted resided under the same roof – Howard, Elisa, and Don. It was comforting to know that Theo was among them, not just a classmate or a useful partner in investigations, but a true friend. "We won't see each other for the entire summer, so I hope you'll stay safe."

"You too. Wherever you choose to go."

A gust of cool wind brushed against her face, causing Jackie to hug her shoulders. "If only I knew which Guardian House to choose. And what to do about Elisa."

"You know, sometimes you women overthink. It's impossible to please everyone. Just trust your instincts, like you did today," Theo advised.

"I'll try," she replied with a smile, giving his shoulder a friendly pat. "Well, thank you for everything, brother."

"Always, sis," he chuckled.

* * * * *

After bidding farewell to Theo, Jackie turned and ascended the stairs. He was right – people would always fear the unknown. Perhaps she didn't dwell on it often, but Elisa had her own fears as well. Jackie paused, placing her palm over her chest as her heart pounded loudly. How had she not realized it before? All this time, Elisa had cared for her and stood by her side. There were boundaries Elisa would easily cross, as she had done the previous night, but she would never jeopardize the people she loved. When it came to love, anything was possible. That's what Elisa had once said.