The Academy: Detective Stories - Part II

Chapter 2. A Promise

They walked down the corridor of the Guardian House together with Walter. Jackie's heart fluttered in her chest. Their night duty was over, and they had to report to Chief Trevor. She was certain Trevor would be proud of her. After all, he had brought her to the Academy, and Jackie was on her way to becoming a guardian. This man had placed his trust in her, and she was determined to repay him with her excellent work, just as she had done now.

"This was my first arrest!" Jackie couldn't stop smiling. "It was so... so cool!"

"Yes, you did great," Walter said, giving her a cheerful look.

They came to a stop at the door of the chief's office.

"Can this day never end? Can I keep arresting people?"

Walter laughed. "Slow down. You need to have a rest before another investigation."

"I can't imagine being able to sleep after this," she said. "How do you handle it?"

"Easy. I've gotten used to it."

He gave her a warm look, and Jackie couldn't resist hugging him. Seizing the moment, Walter pressed her against the wall and kissed her.

Perhaps she was too overwhelmed with emotions to push him away, so she responded but kept it brief. "Walter, I –"

"Have a secret date with me tonight," he said, his hands still wrapped around her waist. "Remember our deal?"

She blinked, recalling their earlier conversation that morning. Jackie had agreed to go on a date with him only in case they had an investigation. But she thought it wouldn't happen because the night had been so calm... Now, she had a dilemma to navigate.

"Maybe tomorrow? I'm feeling a bit tired," she suggested.

"I can't wait until tomorrow."

"Why?"

"It will be August 1st – my birthday."

Jackie's mind raced, struggling to come up with a suitable excuse. She had been unaware of his birthday until now, and he had caught her off guard. In that moment, she couldn't imagine a more awkward situation, but things were about to get even worse.

The door to the chief's office flew open, and Trevor stood before them. Jackie's heart sank. Walter quickly removed his hands from her, and Jackie lowered her gaze. Despite her recent arrest, all her accomplishments seemed to pale in comparison now. A deep shame pierced her heart.

"Get in," Trevor said flatly.

They entered the room and took their seats. Walter presented the report, and Jackie simply nodded occasionally to affirm his words. As the meeting concluded, Trevor requested Jackie to remain behind for a private conversation.

When the door closed behind Walter, Trevor clasped his hands together and fixed her with a sharp gaze. If Jackie could have turned invisible at that moment, she would have chosen to disappear. She silently wished for Howard to magically appear and rescue her from the situation. However, there was no escape, so she had to face it.

"I see you had a busy night," Trevor remarked sarcastically.

Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. What does he mean by that? Jackie nervously licked her lips, struggling to find the right words. "Trev... Chief. I appreciate the opportunity you've given me, and I promise to give my best –"

"I see," he interrupted.

She stood there at a loss for words. It seemed as though this man could see right through her, delving into the deepest corners of her soul.