The Academy: Detective Stories - Part II

Chapter 10. The Rookies

Elisa walked through the corridor with Theo, her new partner for the day. While Jackie and Urchin were in the library working on a quest, they went to meet the brand-new team of rookies, as Don had called them.

Theo talked about his summer practice, and Elisa couldn't help but laugh. "I can't believe you're so unlucky," she said as he finished his story.

"I know," his face showed sorrow. "It seems like I'm always attracted to the wrong women."

She sighed deeply. "Me too."

He stopped and touched her shoulder. "Are you alright? I know it must be hard to see Jackie –"

"I'm fine," she replied, removing his hand. When she said it aloud, it almost seemed true, at least as long as the morning dose of potion worked. "We were on the brink of making a huge mistake. I'm glad she moved on, and I must do the same."

His blue eyes locked with hers. "I know you too well. You always pretend that nothing happened, but deep down, you're broken."

"I know you, too," she replied in a calm voice. "You always exaggerate things and create unnecessary drama."

"I'm just worried about you." He glanced at the closed classroom door. "Today, I noticed how Jackie looks at you."

"She seems to be quite happy."

"It's just a mask. When we were on our mission in the nightclub, we talked. She told me everything."

"Everything?" Her voice dropped to a whisper, "what did she say?"

"Ask her yourself."

Elisa shook her head. Like a drowning man clutching at straws, she held her ground. "Jackie is my friend, and it must stay that way. I know it's not easy, but I'll handle it."

"I hope you know what you're doing," he said. "And don't worry. I'll make sure your secret remains untold."

Elisa mustered a smile. "Thanks. I'm so lucky to have you by my side." Theo was smart, maybe too smart. Now, it was becoming increasingly difficult to pretend when she was so close to the woman she loved. On the other hand, she couldn't jeopardize Jackie's relationship with Urchin.

"Let's go now," Theo rushed her as he opened the classroom door.

They entered the classroom, a magical engineering class where cadets typically mixed herbs to create potions. Colored glass bottles lined the shelves, and the teacher, the elderly Mrs. Hillstone, sat at her desk. She was an intriguing woman – her hair was gray, and her wrinkles deepened when she smiled. Yet, her bright green eyes sparkled with a fire of curiosity.

Elisa hoped to be like her when she grew old – draped in a bright shawl, hands fragrant with herbs. She was certain Mrs. Hillstone could identify every herb in existence and concoct a potion for any occasion with her eyes closed.

Mrs. Hillstone rose from her seat and surveyed the class. "These are the senior cadets, Elisa and Theodore. They will be leading a quest for you."

Elisa scanned the room. Twelve young people sat at their desks, all clad in black cadet uniforms adorned with a golden dragon on the right shoulder. A mix of excitement and fear of failure reflected in their eyes. Ten of them were men, while two were young women. It brought back memories of their first day of classes, filling Elisa's heart with warmth.

Theo approached the board. "Who can tell me what it means to be a guardian?"

"To apprehend criminals," a man with a low voice and smart hazel eyes spoke up.