Erudition of Doyle: Volume One

CHAPTER 24: CASE V - THE UNEXPLAINED DEATHS

Case 5: The Unexplained Deaths
(The Finally The Mystery Death
Ended! Chapter, Part Seven)

ROSALINDA

I'm quietly reading in the bookstore, not buying anything, just killing time while waiting. Harriet and Raleigh are together, hunting for clothes she wants to buy. I'm with Ajax, who can’t stop staring at me.

He’s sitting across, eyes locked on me with a sweet smile. Suddenly, he asks, "Why are you so beautiful?" I frowned.

"Please, stop talking. I'm reading," I warn, but he doesn't listen.

"Marry me, okay?"

"No."

I turned back to my book, but his presence distracted me. He slid closer and draped an arm over my shoulders. "Sweetums, if you only knew how much I’ve fallen for you."

I sighed. "It’s obvious."

He took my hand, pressing it against his chest where his heart pounded. "Feel that? It races every time I’m with you. You’re the only one who makes me feel this way."

"Okay?"

Silence stretched between us before he suddenly hugged me tight, squeezing so hard I could barely breathe.

"Why are you so cold?!" he nearly cried. I squinted at him, fed up. Can I just kick him? "Please, take my love. Mi amor!"

"No, thank you," I replied softly.Bored of reading, I left the bookstore with Ajax trailing behind, of course, ayaw niya akong tantanan.

"I'm hungry. Want something? My treat," he offered. I scanned the stalls until I found it, Taco Boy. I’ve been craving their fried tacos for ages.

"You want a Taco Boy?" He took my hand, pulling me gently. "Let’s go. Get whatever you want."

He bought me three fried tacos, and my mood lifted like a child given everything she asked. We stood by the booth, me eating, him watching. His eyes gleamed, joy written across his face.

"How strange," he said. I looked up. "You’re rich but choose a simple life and cheap food. Why?"

"Just my preference," I shrugged. He nodded and went quiet.

A familiar voice interrupted. "What a surprise." We turned to see Augustus. "Having a date? Did I ruin the mood?" he teased with a smile. I wished Harley was with him. I missed him.

"Ah, technically, yes," Ajax said, gripping my hand that held the taco bag. "You did ruin the mood. A heads-up before crashing our scene would’ve been nice," he added, annoyed.

I pulled my hand free; he loosened his grip. I looked at Augustus, a smile slipping out. His presence comforted me, though I couldn’t explain why.

"How are you, Augustus? Everything going well?" I asked eagerly.

"Yes," Augustus nodded. "Harley is doing well. His playful side is back, which makes me happy. He’s also learning to live on his own in his condo."

I was about to open my mouth to reply, but Ajax cut in. "That’s great!" He forced a smile. "Well, if you’ll excuse us, give us some space."