My Co-Worker is an Elf Girl?! (#thewattys2024)

Chapter 21: I Swear I Left My Protagonist Here a Minute Ago

LUXURY APARTMENT - UNKNOWN TIME
Knock, knock, knock!

Samara pries open her eyes and dislodges herself from the warmth of her bed.
She drags her feet to the door to her apartment and opens it. Two INVESTIGATORS stand outside. Both of them have surgical masks on.

INVESTIGATOR #1: "Sorry to bother you, but we are conducting a search for a person. Have you seen this individual at all?"

Investigator #1 hands Sam a printout of a cellphone pic. It's a photo of Remy twirling around on the street from a distance. Many others around her also have their phones out to record this temporary distraction from their mediocre lives.

A jolt of adrenaline rouses Sam from her lethargic spell. She ponders her response carefully.

SAMARA: "How do you know that I know this person?"

INVESTIGATOR #2: "We were told by eyewitnesses that you were out and about with her yesterday."

SAMARA: "From who?"

INVESTIGATOR #1: "A handful of people, surprisingly. This individual seems to have a habit of attracting attention everywhere she goes."

SAMARA: "Did she commit a crime?"

INVESTIGATOR #2: "No, no! She might have some information for us. We just want to find her and ask her a few things."

SAMARA: "What for, if I may ask?"

INVESTIGATOR #2: "We are not at the liberty to say at the moment. The investigation is still ongoing."

SAMARA: "I don't have much information. I had dinner with her, and then we parted ways. I'm sorry I can't be of more use to you."

Investigator #1 produces a business card from his jacket.

INVESTIGATOR #1: "That's okay. If you happen to find her or obtain any new information, please contact us as soon as you can."

Samara pockets the card.

SAMARA: "Sure. If you will excuse me, I need to get back to sleep. I have work tomorrow."

INVESTIGATOR #2: "Take care. Night shifts are always rough. I had my fair share of them."

SAMARA: "No, I work during normal work hours. Why do you think I work night shifts?"

INVESTIGATOR #2: "...because it's 11 AM right now."

SAMARA: "AAAAAA-"

OUTSIDE THE OFFICES OF HMG - DAY
Samara steps out of her cab and closes the door. She approaches the entrance to Hokien Media Group and then halts.

Police tape is wrapped around the entrance. A handful of EMPLOYEES are reading a notice posted on the front door.

SAMARA: "What the fuck?'

Sam gives the notice a read.

SAMARA: "Due to an active investigation, all employees are advised to work from home for the day...?"