Hollow

Seventeen | Imprint

"I made blueberry pancakes. Would you like some?" Marcus asks as I hop on the stool by the counter. I nod and he places a plate in front of me along with a mug filled to the brim with hot chocolate.

I thank him and dig in, moaning at the delicious aroma.

"Oh, I have something for you." He trails off walking out of the kitchen and comes back a moment later with a beautiful assortment, placing the bouquet on the counter.

I place my fork back on my plate, pulling out the card and reading the neat cursive.

'Hope these bring you comfort and positivity. -K'

I grin inwardly, making a mental note to thank him before focusing back on the task at hand; finishing the last bits of my pancakes. I take a sip and place the mug on the table next to my laptop, reviewing the reports of last night's meeting.

Multiple footsteps stroll into the kitchen and I look up to see Alex and Irwin, both grinning widely.

"Irwin!" I stand and walk to Irwin before engulfing him into a hug.

"Why don't you ever call me, child?" He greets happily as he sits.

"Why don't you ever call me, old man?" I laugh as I grab my mug from the table before sitting back down. "A drink?"

"Bourbon."

"It's literally 9 AM!" Alex exclaims.

"It's never too early to drink."

Alex snorts, standing up and seconds later, comes back and hands Irwin his drink. I close the files lying all around and avert my gaze back to Irwin. "How are you old man? You look well. Have you been working out?"

He shakes his head. "You're truly your father's daughter."

"Why do you say that?"

"You both suck at making small conversation."

I shrug dismissively. "So, did your contact reach out?"

"He'll send someone to fetch you."

"Is he in the mafia or something?" I snort.

"You'll know the answer to that when you meet him." Irwin replies, pausing to take a sip of his bourbon. "Please don't blow this over, child, it took a lot of talk to get him to help."

"Do I sense fear, Irwin?"

"The man can't pull off a smile to save his life." He scoffs.

"Okay, let's not get ahead of ourselves here." Alex jumps in. "Suppose she actually agrees to meet him, what guarantees his help?"

"As a wise man once said: show up and see."

"He better be legit or I swear I'll sell your shares as remuneration for my time."

"Don't get ahead of yourself, child." He chuckles, placing his glass down.

Alex hands him an envelope. "There's the number of the buyer of that Ferrari. Tell him Zahra sent you."

"Thank you."

I nod. "Pancakes?"

<<·>> <<·>> <<·>>

I enter a white room, greeting Cameron before taking a seat on the white chair he places in front of me. Everything in this whole room is white; from the walls, to the ceiling and to the floor. Cameron, the detainee and I are dressed in white as well.