Ghostly Affairs

Chapter 17

Several days had passed since May had returned home, and Lin was already preparing to move forward with the case. Sitting at her desk, she reviewed the details Karen had given her about Professor Tan. His leave of absence wasn't surprising, considering what they had uncovered so far, but something about the timing felt off.

Lin leaned back in her chair and decided it was time to update May. She picked up her phone and sent a quick text:

Lin: Morning, May. Hope you're doing well. I've been digging into Professor Tan's situation. It seems he's taken a leave of absence for the entire semester. I'm thinking of paying him a visit. Thought you should know.

May's reply came almost instantly.

May: Why do you think he's taken leave? Something wrong?

Lin: Not sure. But I'm going to find out. I thought of visiting him at the university. He might still be there, tying up loose ends.

May: I want to come.

Lin stared at the message. She hesitated. While May was recovering well, Lin wasn't sure if she should be putting her directly in the line of this investigation. But then again, May's connection to Professor Tan might give them an edge.

Lin: You sure? We might not even find him there.

May: Yes. I know Professor Tan well, and I want to help. Plus, I need to feel useful again.

Lin smiled slightly, admiring May's determination. Despite her reservations, it seemed right to involve her.

Lin: Okay. I'll pick you up in an hour.

As promised, Lin arrived at May's house. May looked brighter, though she still moved cautiously, her joints stiff from the extended period of inactivity. Her parents fussed over her as she prepared to leave, and Lin couldn't help but smile at their concern.

"Ready?" Lin asked as May stepped out of the house.

"Yeah, let's go," May replied with a grin, but as she took a step forward, she suddenly tripped, her balance off. Lin's reflexes kicked in instantly, and she caught May just before she fell.

"Whoa, careful!" Lin exclaimed, steadying her. "Are you alright?"

May blushed, her cheeks tinged pink from embarrassment. "Yeah... just a little wobbly, I guess."

Lin didn't let go immediately, her grip firm as she continued to support May. "Maybe we should hold off on this until you've recovered a bit more. You don't need to push yourself."

But May shook her head, determined. "No, I'm fine. Really. I want to help."

Lin's concern was evident, but she nodded reluctantly. "Alright... but if you feel anything, you tell me."

"I will," May assured her, though her voice faltered slightly as she realized Lin was still holding her hand. She glanced down at their intertwined fingers, a small smile playing on her lips despite herself. "You can let go now, Lin. I think I can walk."

Lin blinked, realizing she'd been holding onto May's hand longer than necessary. "Oh, right." She quickly released her grip, a hint of awkwardness in her movements. "Sorry."

May chuckled softly, shaking her head. "I'm fine, really."

They drove to the university in relative silence, both of them lost in thought. As they arrived, the familiar atmosphere of the campus settled over them.

May led the way to Professor Tan's office, but when they arrived, the door was locked, and the room looked undisturbed, as though no one had been there in days.