The Academy: Detective Stories - Part II

Chapter 8. Embracing the Past

"You can't be serious!" Theo shook his head in disbelief.

Laura gave him a charming smile. "Life is full of surprises."

They stood in the hall of the dorms. It was the third day of September, and the gentle evening sun generously illuminated the space. Laura wore a bright yellow dress, and her cheerful mood made her brown eyes shine as she spoke. This year, she took on more responsibilities in the Academy, and now she helped arrange the rooms for cadets. But her new role wasn't the subject of their discussion.

"Believe it or not, I saw them today," she said. "Urchin and Jackie arrived together this morning."

"It doesn't prove that they are a couple now."

She gave him a playful look. "Well, they have the same room. In the morning, I gave them a key."

Theo rubbed his forehead. It had been three months since they left for summer practice, but everything was turned upside down. Starting from his own heartbreaking experience, and finishing with his best friend Urchin dating Elisa's ex-lover.

Laura slightly poked his shoulder. "Seriously, you look too preoccupied. What's happened?"

"Too much information, I guess."

"Okay, got it." She chuckled. "Let's find you a room, too."

Clicking her heels, Laura went to the administrator's office. Theo followed her.

In the office, she opened a glass cabinet door and quickly found a key. She gave it to Theo. "I'll put you together with Riley this year. He is a good guy, so you should get along."

"I appreciate that." He paused. "Wait... but what about his neighbor?"

"Simon got fired during his practice," Laura revealed. "Which is not surprising. He often behaved like a jerk."

"True." Theo had never expected himself to be glad about someone's failure, but seeing Simon gone was a relief.

"By the way, how is Rei?"

Theo shrugged. "Growing fast. We think I might try to fly with him in two months."

"I need to hear more." Laura placed a key on the desk and pointed at the small sofa in a corner. "Let's have a seat and relax a bit. And I'll make you some tea."

Theo couldn't find any reason to object, so he obeyed. It was actually pleasant to stretch his legs after hours of riding.

In two minutes, they were on the sofa, discussing their past. They shared many good memories of last year, including the farewell party they organized together. It was good that they decided to stay friends. Now, there was no pressure between them.

"We must organize something soon for the cadets." Laura waved her hand in enthusiasm. "How about a picnic at the lake? We can share the memories of summer and have some outdoor fun."

"It sounds good." Theo placed his teacup on his lap. "But not all the memories would be fun. Mine might go into the Book of Failures."

"Oh, no." Her brown eyes became concerned. "Whatever happened there, you can tell me. You know I can keep secrets."

"It's just... The woman I've met."

"So, it's a love matter." Laura got intrigued right away. "I'm all ears."

"I met her in Triville. She seemed to be so nice and interesting." Theo took a deep sigh before continuing. "We started seeing each other, and everything went well. I shared a lot about my work, and she always found words of support. But one day, I discovered she was involved in local criminal activities."