Everything Isn't As It Seems

Chapter Two

"There is a slight callus on the inside of your right middle finger which tells me that you write, quite often. You prefer handwriting over typewriting, but the ink stains on your thumb and forefinger suggest that you're familiar with the instrument. You're well traveled around New York. You are no stranger to manual labor and spend a lot of time in the sun. You have an older brother who you are every close in age and relationship to. Although much of your work is manual, you are well educated. However, over half these observations make little sense considering you are in fact a woman."

Max was the most shocked by the last sentence, he half expected the young man to spring to his feet in outrage. Instead he reached up and pulled off the hat, black wavy hair tumbled down past her shoulders, revealing that instead of an adolescent boy, she was a woman in her mid to late twenties. If the brim of her cap hadn't been covering her eyes it would've been obvious even to Max. Her prominent cheekbones, narrow nose, and full lips could be mistaken as youthful boyishness, but coupled with her arching eyebrows and almond-shaped green eyes it was unmistakable.

"How did you know?" Her voice lost the gruffness of a man and turned to her natural feminine tone.

"I must say your acting skills are superb. It took me a good minute to figure it out, mostly because the facts collided with this odd conclusion."

"You didn't answer my question. How did you know I am a woman?"

"The most obvious? You had your ears pierced at some point in your life, they've since grown shut, but there are still scars." She involuntarily touched her earlobes. "Also, while your grasp was firm and your hands callused, they're quite small for a man. Though the deciding factor would be your figure. I'm sure you went to great lengths to hide your... feminine curves, the oversized clothes were a nice touch, but you can't hide everything, hun." He was smirking humorously.

"Cheeky arse." The two men stared at her, women did not speak like that. "Well I'm not going to apologize if that's what you're waiting for." Max wasn't sure what to think of this woman. "I've worked in this disguise for the last three years. I studied the mannerisms of boys and men and taught myself to be one. Not once have I been even suspected of being anything than what you see on the surface. For three years and you figure it out in all of a few minutes."

"Why?" She almost didn't answer, it was her turn to ask a question, but she was there for help and she already lied to them.

"My older brother died. Someone has to support my mom and little sister." There was a proud, indignant set to her jaw. She was a woman who did what she had to, she would not be a victim of her circumstances. "Which also brings me to the reason I am here. As I said, three years ago my brother died. He was murdered. There was an investigation, but I am sure you know firsthand of the incompetence of New York's police. I would like you to find his killer."