The Time Keeper

Chapter 18 - All Black Everything

As I approached The Hunters Den, I could smell the aroma of the stew and bread in my hands. My stomach grumbled, reminding me I hadn't eaten anything since early this morning. Thank goodness there was a lot to go around.

"That was rather quick Elias," Daius said as I pushed through the doors of the Den.

Jean was still seated at the lobby counter but put his newspaper down as soon as he smelt what I had brought, "Mmm, that smells good."

"I know you won't be getting sacked just yet," Fleur said.

The meeting table was cleared of papers and files they were working on to clear room for lunch. I set the containers down on the table and everyone dug in, taking pieces of the bread to dip in the stew as the savoury aroma filled the room.

As we ate, Darius spoke up between mouthfuls of lobster, "So, Elias, I've got a job for you to do tomorrow."

Already? Shouldn't I get some kind of training? "What kind of job?"

"Well," Darius said swallowing some stew-soaked bread, "you've passed your first mission haven't you? It's time to get out there and do some real work."

Surly he was having me on. Getting lunch can't have been a 'mission', let alone a proper test.

"I'll have you shadow Lucas tomorrow while he's out scouting. I imagine you'll pick up a thing or two."

From the look on Lucas's face, he didn't look too happy with that. It was as if he thought he would be babysitting the newbie, but he wasn't going to speak up against Darius.

"You've been briefed, right Lucas?" Darius asked.

"Yes boss, I've looked over the contract for tomorrow. I'll make sure it isn't too difficult for Elias to follow, you have my word."

Somehow it felt as if he didn't mean that. But it's only a scouting mission, not an actual hunt.

"Eli, you weren't gone long. Did you get this stew at the market?" Fleur chimed in picking off a piece of bread.

I nodded with my mouth full, "I passed by scruf- Caius who took me there. First time actually."

"Really?"

"You know I haven't been around here much. I don't have all day to explore the town you know."

Jean, who had been silent until now, spoke up, "There are some great cafes and bars around here if you haven't looked around much. You should check them out. Maybe we can all go out sometime as coworkers."

Lucas rolled his eyes, "Yeah, because going out to a bar with a bunch of bounty hunters is my idea of a fun time."

We all laughed, except for Lucas who looked like he wasn't in the mood for jokes.

Darius cleared his throat after cleaning his plate, "Well, enough chit-chat. We all have work to do tomorrow. Elias, I've written down the list of clothing for you to buy, and directions too. You're dismissed until tomorrow."

"What about this afternoon?"

"All you need to focus on is getting some new clothes, that's your job for this afternoon."

I finished up my stew and bread, feeling more relaxed now that lunch was over. I thanked everyone for the meal and headed out to do my shopping.

As I walked down the street, I followed Darius's directions to Savile Row Tailors. The shop front was elegant, with polished glass windows and a sign that read "Savile Row Tailors: Bespoke suits for gentlemen." I was immediately greeted by a well-dressed man who introduced himself as the tailor.