Barcrow's: Codename K9

Chapter forty three - Five years later

'My, my, look at what a big girl you are! Already eighteen years old? I can't believe it.' Her grandmother over dramatised.

Ellie smiled politely, while showing how uncomfortable she was with her eyebrows. Still better than when they suggest I get married, because, oh, when they were my age! They were already happily married and had their first child... Who died a year later. Always the same stories over and over... She felt herself zoning out again.

'Mm, She's going to finish highschool too. Only a few months left.'

'Is she going to find a job then?'

'Oh no. She's going to go to University first.'

'I wouldn't mind working...' Ellie added, knowing how expensive University was.

'Nonsense!' Her mother laughed and patted her head. 'Without a degree, you won't get anywhere.'

*

Conan sighed as he sat down. It had been a long day, but he felt a curious joy and excitement every time he checked on his brother's file.

I haven't checked it since, when? Five years ago? There was no need to. But now that Ben's finished the academy... I'm curious.

M.o.n.d.r.o. He typed with a smile.

Let's see. Huh?

The mouse floated over a specific name.

Elaine.

It wasn't a surprise to see it there. He was the one who started her file in the first place.

I'm sorry. In the end I never found you again. I haven't given up though. He smiled to himself. Like how Benji never gave up on me. I guess it runs in the family.

He dropped his eyes and when he looked back, a single word caught his attention.

Agent? That's not right. He frowned and clicked on it.

Alias: Jinx

The name rang a bell but he just couldn't pin down where he'd heard it.

He quickly closed the tab when he heard footsteps behind him. Without actually thinking he clicked on Benjamin Mondro.

'Whatcha lookin' at?' Asked the big shot with the red mohawk. 'Newbie police recruit?' He read.

Conan smiled as he read it. It's been such a long time... He thought as he looked at the picture.

'Why're ya lookin' at this guy? Wanna take 'im out or somethin'?'

'Nah.' He shook his head. 'He's got a blue dot. We aren't allowed to kill the family members of other agents.'

'So?'

'He wouldn't be worth it. No kills, no arrests. This guy's still a newbie.'

'Yeah, I guess you're right.' He thought to himself, forgetting the initial question. 'Me and the boys are havin' kebabs tonight. You know you're always welcome.'

'No thanks. I've already got plans.'

'Really?'

No, not really.

'Ohh, I get it. Your girlfriend.' He winked and left.

I wish.

He read through the details of Ben's file, then had another look at Elaine's. The photo still showed the twelve year old girl he once knew.

*

'Hey, do you know anything about someone named Jinx?' He walked past Zack, who was playing on his phone.

'Uh, no I don't think so.' He quickly closed the game (almost had three stars, but oh well), tapped on the message icon, Jinx, and typed "He found out.". It'll have to do. He closed it and hoped she'd understand.

'Wasn't that...' Kal thought. '...the blondy Zack picked up one time when he deserted the training corps.'

Damn it Kalculus.

'You don't happen to know what she's been up to, do you?' Conan asked innocently.

'I don't even remember her.' Zack faked his uninterest.

'I wonder about that.' Conan told him without turning around.

'Hm?' He kept his eyes on his phone, playing the game again. Zack was actually terrified of asking, but staying silent would have given it away.

'Could you maybe lend me your phone? I seem to have misplaced mine.'

'No way! Use Kal's one. I'm about to beat the high score.'

Conan snatched it with an unintentionally wicked grin.

'Hey!'