Turning Tables

The Distracting Meeting

Safety first.

The mall incident was an exercise in caution.

Wila and Batchi weren't exactly fun company after what happened.

I dropped them off at the office and went home afterwards.

Once I was in the comfort of my own house, I dialed the number of the detective.

"Castro Detective Agency, how may I help you?" A friendly voice came on.

I was surprised that she picked up the phone.

I checked my watch and realized that it was almost eight in the evening.

"Hi," I answered.

"May I speak with Angel?"

The woman asked me to wait a moment and then transferred the call.

***

A deep voice came on and I recognized the tone from the conversation I had a week ago.

I cut straight to the chase.

I scheduled a meeting with Angel for Monday, first thing in the morning.

She checked if she had any available spot and there wasn't any.

"But don't worry about it, Althea." She assured me.

"I'll open the schedule for you,"

"How does 8 am sound?" the tone was confident and accommodating.

I couldn't help but be impressed with the service.

"Sounds like a plan," I replied.

"See you then," I said goodbye and hung up.

***

After talking to the woman, I went to the kitchen and opened one of the cabinets searching for chamomile tea.

I looked around me and shook my head at the exaggeration of my living space.

The open modern kitchen was huge.

The walls were white, the appliances mostly aluminum from the microwave, the fridge and the stove.

An island was at the centre of the kitchen, also painted in white, with a sink and a sensor motion faucet.

Four wooden black square bar stools faced the island, the color adding contrast to the otherwise sterile space.

Overall, the place was utilitarian and it made me feel distant.

This place is too big for one person. I thought.

Well, I am not really alone.

The help keeps me company but that's it.

When Batchi and Wila visit, that's when the house comes alive.

Otherwise, it's just me.

I lived a lonely existence.

The solitude was highlighted with Jade's return.

Her reappearance was a reminder of how much I needed her in my life.

I sighed and placed the box of chamomile back in the cabinet.

"I need something stronger," I walked to the mini bar and opened a bottle of Grey Goose Vodka.

I didn't even bother to get a glass.

I drank the liquor straight from the bottle.

The warm liquid flowed smoothly down my throat and the sensation titillated me.