The Mystery of Club Indigo

Unexpected Guest: Part 5

After dinner Marianna insisted the kids go back to their dorms, but Reese had other plans. He saw his mother disappear into her office with Mike. He spied through the cracked door.

"Alright, Mike, what are you really doing here?" Marianna demanded to know.

"I told you I'm on a mission," he said.

"I know," Marianna said, crossing her arms over her chest. She threw Mike a stern look like she knew he was hiding something. "You said that. Now, tell me what you didn't say?"

"Nothing to say, M.J.," he said, looking away from her.

"That's bullshit," she snapped at him. "You're into something deep, and I don't feel like pulling your ass out of the fire...again"

"As I remember, Fanta," he said, coming closer to her and looking deep into her eyes. "You're very good at that. If memory serves me right you're very good at a lot of things."

He grabbed her by the waist and pulled her towards him and into a kiss. "Mike, don't," she said and pulled away. "I told you before..."

"I know," he said. "You're with Dusk, and you should be. You deserve to be happy."

"So back to what we were talking about," Marianna said, focusing on the reason she called him into her office.

"Oh, that," he said. "I'm investigating some disappearances."

"Don't tell me you're working for the government?"

"Hell, no," Mike said, putting his fist down on her desk. "This has to do with some missing Sadian kids. You really think the authorities care about that?"

"According to the government we don't exist, at least not on paper."

"That's why I came here, Fanta," Mike said. "I need your help." She stayed silent for a moment. "Please." He was pleading.

"Why do you do that?" she asked, looking angry and coming towards him. "You know very well I won't say no." He smirked at her, making her want to rip his face off. "When and where?"

"Tomorrow night," Mike said. "Meet me at the Al's Diner, and I'll give you the details. Do you know where that is?"

"Yes," Marianna said. "Tell me. How big is this thing?"

"If I'm right," he said, walking towards the door. "It could be the beginning of genocide."

"That threat has happened before, and it never works," Marianna said, sounding skeptical.

"Only because we were there to stop it," he said.

"Then we will again," she said as he took the door handle. He noticed it was open a crack. He opened it partly and felt a slight gust of wind. Someone was listening at the door. He took a whiff of air and knew exactly who it was. "I'll see you tomorrow, Fanta, and don't worry I'll let myself out."

Mike walked down the hall as the scent got stronger. He made his way to a small kitchen where Reese was sitting down sipping a soda. He noticed the sweat on Reese's forehead and his breathing slightly elevated.

"Hey, kid," he said as he stood over Reese. "You heard, didn't you?"

"Heard what?" Reese asked, trying to act innocent.

"What your mom and I were talking about," Mike said. Reese didn't say anything. "Come on, I know you heard."

Reese stood up and looked Mike straight in the eyes. "Are you in love with my mom?"

Mike smirked and looked away. "Would it bother you if I was?" Reese tried to walk away. "Hey."

Reese looked over at him. "Is there something going on with you and her?"

"No," Mike said, "and even if there was that's not your business."

"Mom does what she wants," Reese said.

"I know, and so do you," Mike said. "You're just like her in that way." Reese half smiled as he walked towards the entrance.

"Hey, I got to go. I promised Cree I'd help her study, big test coming up."

"Hey, okay," Mike said, but sensed he was lying.

Reese ran down the hall and out the door. He thought about returning to his dorm, but then he thought about what Mike had said about the disappearances. Then he pulled out the flier that was folded up in his pocket. He studied it for a few minutes and wondered if there was a connection. An idea popped into his head, and he raced over to the girls' dorm. Then he thought for a moment. He didn't want Cree to know about this, so he took off for the basketball court to let off some steam.

This is the end of the first part, but there is more to come when the kids venture out for a night at the club. Will they find trouble?