"Good morning Collins" I blissfully said, as I sauntered towards the till, he returned the greeting handing me my regular latte and glazed donut. I pulled out my money to pay, making sure I left him with a tip. Working here must be stressful, with the abundance of business men and women that dart up and down those streets without a care in their minds, striving to get to work on time, definitely find themselves here anticipating on their coffees to keep them tamed for the rest of the day.
Thanking Collins, I ambled towards a window seat, as I sipped my latte causing it to instantly warm up my body. It was a rainy spring morning, however my mood didn't match the gloomy weather outside. Purely because summer was around the corner. I'd often get lost just sitting here and thinking about how my life has made an abrupt change, never thought I'd be sitting here in the heart of New York, waiting to attend one of the most successful places I call work. Shivering at the thought, I squinted trying to take in the breathtaking view of New York however thick clouds of fog seemed to disrepair my vision. Sighing in defeat, I got up heading towards the trash can to throw away my now finished latte.
"See you same time tomorrow, Angie" Collins announced as I turned my head waving and smiling at him, he must really love his job here it's been almost 5 years. Swiftly turning around I became face to chest with a tall man. His arms covered in tattoos, immediately made me look away in disgust, I never understood why people covered up their skin with ink, after all if God made us in his image and likeness I'd like to leave earth the same way I came. Stumbling back, I consciously slapped myself remembering how clumsy I am. Nervously chuckling, I apologised for bumping into him. Seeing as he didn't acknowledge my apology, I cleared my throat making my way around the mysterious man, he just stood there and observed. These New Yorkers don't surprise me anymore, I've come across all sorts of weird people in my lifetime of living here - reminding me that I'm in desperate need of a holiday.
I continued my quest to get to work, seeing that I had only 5 minutes to be there, I rushed out of the now busy coffee shop. Luckily my work place was just across the road from here. Crossing the car filled streets, I thanked God that I actually made to the other side alive, these New Yorkers don't mess about at these early hours. Rushing into my work place, I pressed the elevator button as I tapped my foot waiting for the doors to open.
"Angie, you're just in time, hurry up" my work partner Greg announced, as I stumbled out the elevator - gosh I'm a mess today. Walking into the conference room I took a seat next to Greg as we began "business talk".
"This case is dragging on longer than planned, we need to figure out who the main guy for this "illegal trading business" is, before they make their next big move, and if that means all hands in... then so be it" I ordered to the rest of my colleagues. We've been dealing on this case for roughly 2 months, a group of traders have been making a lot of illegal money selling crack cocaine, weed and all sorts, and we have nothing but a name "breezy". However, I'm proud that I'm leading this case, Ive been trying to get noticed ever since I got this job here as a private investigator for NYPD. Just to be in this position now feels amazing, and if that meant longer nights and shorter sleeps, alongside hours of paper work, it was definitely worth the wait. I finally feel like I have some sort of power after working here for nearly 5 years.
Greg smiled proudly at me as I gathered my paper work from the podium. He's one of my good friends here... well we do have history. Once upon a time we dated which was a big mistake, love life and business life didn't mix too well, I preferred to keep things professional, before it started to effect me in the work aspect of things.
"Angela has a point, if this case isn't dealt with, then it'll be closed, leaving us with a bad reputation, so don't let me down guys" Our boss Annette stated. She was the women you didn't want to displease, she has the power to drop you from a case, heck even from the job it self just by the click of a finger.
I looked at my watch as it neared 7:00pm, I've been talking and investing all day long, I can hear my bed calling my name. Gathering my paper work and purse, I said my goodbyes to my colleagues as I headed for the door to lock up my office. The sun was beginning to set, leaving the sky a beautiful shade of orange, I sniffed the fresh spring air as I ambled towards my car. Getting in my all black Mercedes, I started it up hearing it roar to life. The angelic voice of Beyoncé played quietly as I found myself getting lost in my own trail of thoughts again. I had decided to take the longer way home as I enjoyed looking at the scenery of the city that never slept.
Unlocking my apartment door, I was immediately welcomed by my dog Snow barking. Bending down to his level, I stroked his soft thick fur, only to be interrupted by my cell phone ringing. Answering the call, I was greeted by my friend Tanisha's annoying voice.
"Angie! Hey girl it's been years, where you been"
"Hey T, we spoke last night, damn you always gotta be so loud with your ratchet self" I laughed, having a friend like Tanisha "a ratchet friend" have pro's and con's. When your feeling down there's no way they can't make you crack a smile however when it comes to advice, its best to leave it to someone that will direct you the right way, in other words, don't take the advice.
"I am not ratchet how dare you..." Laughing at Tanisha's attempt of a posh accent, I got comfortable in my bed with Snow in my lap. "Anyways, hope you don't have any plans this fine Friday night"
"If you call laying in my bed with Snow, while watching an abundance of movies a plan? Then yes" I said as I looked through my movies, selecting the ones I will be watching tonight.
"Girl, you so damn boring. We going out tonight it's been a while, so get your self up and put on something sexy!" Tanisha ordered.
"Can I at least know where to, what time I will be getting home, I don't even own anything sexy..." I was cut of by the beeping of the phone ending. Let's add that to the con's of being Tanisha's friend.
Knowing how Tanisha's like, she will most likely be at my doorstep in a couple of minutes. Sauntering to my closet, I looked for something "sexy" to wear.
After years of searching I settled on a dark red dress with lace up black heels. I decided to flat iron my hair a part it in the middle. As I'm not really a makeup specialist, I kept it minimal with a bold red lip. I grabbed my purse and made my way to Snow's dog bowl making sure I left him with some water and treats. Having a dog it's like having a child, making sure they're fed and have just the right amount of attention is hard, I mean I can barely look after myself. I made my way to my door, exiting my apartment.
"Hurry up Angie, I've been sitting here for a good hour!" Tanisha exaggerated.
"Quit crying I'm here now" I got settle in her car as she turned up the music, still without a clue on where we are heading to.
We finally arrived at a building the read "bar" at the top in neon colours, however I'd beg to differ; this place looked more like a club. Music was blaring through speakers and lots of people were surrounding the building smoking, drinking and dancing. The complete opposite of what I'm into, partying isn't my forte. However when you have a friend like Tanisha it is like your forced to go to every single party there is. I would much rather be at home with Snow watching movies and eating until I can barely move. My thoughts were interrupted by Tanisha's abrupt exit... well then guess I'll be partying alone tonight as always. I groaned and excited the car, I knew I should have brought my own car tonight, should've learnt from past experiences. Quickly catching up to Tanisha we entered the building, I gasped as I looked around. Whoever owned this place must be filthy rich.
"I'm going to go take a seat at the bar" I said to Tanisha. Like I said partying is not my forte, grinding on a bunch of sweaty dudes & dancing until my knees caved in was something I wanted to avoid tonight. Taking a seat at the bar I observed who was actually here. Of course I knew nobody, I wouldn't describe my self as antisocial more like reserved.
"Would you like a drink?" The bar lady asked who wore practically nothing. My mum always taught me that the way you dress is the way people will perceive you. Prejudgment is a major issue in today's society, I mean I'm doing it right now. Cringing at the women I forced a smile on my face as I kindly accepted her offer.
"Urm yeah sure, may I have strawberry cocktail" I asked as the bar lady began making my drink.
