CASE

(New) Chapter 2 - "Snow Covered Tracks"

Words: 2033

Ghost drove along the snow covered road, a soft sigh sounded from beneath her mask. The windshield wipers moved side to side brushing the freshly dusted snow off the windshield. She was on her way to one of her most frequented diners, Dan's Diner. It was a quiet place out in the middle of nowhere, so not many people stopped around there. The only people that really did was Ghost and her colleagues.

A few minutes later Ghost finally arrived, parking her car furthest from the front door. She scanned the lot for her associate's car but it wasn't seen anywhere. Oh of course, he calls me over here and doesn't even bother to show up first! Muttering curses underneath her breath she made her way to the entrance of the diner. She pushed aside the wooden doors, taking off her hat and setting it on the coat rack. Not bothering to take off her coat she headed to sit at the bar table. Once she sat down she pulled out her phone, skimming through the messages. Minutes passed and still no sign of her colleague, that was until a bell sounded from the back of the diner. At the sound she turned to look at who had just come in.

The person who stood in the doorway was tall, and had brown hair that faded into an orange hue. His hair slightly covered his brown eyes. He wore a white polo shirt paired with a long overcoat that dropped to his knees. His demeanor was friendly and open, giving everyone at the diner a pleasant smile. After waving and stopping to talk to just about everyone he ran over and hopped into the seat next to Ghost.

"Hey, glad to see you!" Keegan smiled, settling himself down.

"Yeah nice of you to show up late after you called me here." Ghost grumbled, placing a hand on her cheek. "But I guess s'fine.. Seeing its you n' all.." She slurred her words, rolling her eyes.

"Cool!" Keegan turned away for a second, calling a bartender. He looked back, blinking "Do you want anything? It's on me~" He gave Ghost a gentle nudge, waiting for a response.

"A coffee would be nice– But I'm paying." Ghost insisted, moving her hands to crack her knuckles.

"No, no.. Please, let me." Keegan mused, patting her shoulder. "After all I know how broke you are." He teased, chuckling.

"I can pay for myself, you know- And I'm not broke." She retorted, scoffing.

Soon both their drinks arrived, Ghost got a coffee while Keegan got an apple juice. Normally on non-work nights they'd both order a beer or a whiskey, but I guess Keegan had something else in mind.

"You ain't going to get a beer or something?" Ghost questioned, leaning back in her chair as she took a sip of her coffee.

"Nah it's too late for one." Keegan hummed. "Well I could, but I have a job tomorrow and I don't want to be hung over." He chugged down his apple juice, calling for another one.

"Apple juice is for babies," She remarked, a small laugh escaping her lips.

"What? No it isn't—" Keegan went on a rant, explaining how apple juice is in no way a kids drink.

Ghost listened quietly, shaking her head. A small smile crept onto her lips. If I'm being honest, Keegan has to be the best work partner I've ever worked with. I find his antics.. amusing to say the very least... And even though he messes up our missions, he's still great in his own way- Outside of doing his job of course... Despite everything he keeps my life entertaining and fun, and is always making sure I have a smile on my face.. If I had to pick one word he makes me feel.. It'd be human.

...

We spent the night talking about plans for the agency and all the different cases that had been recently brought up. Even though this was supposed to be a business meeting of sorts, we both ended up talking about nonsense later in the night. On topics we wouldn't talk about with anyone else.