Hart's Detective Agency

I Don't Know

I immediately dropped the mask of politeness once Mr Smith had left the house.

The deal was ridiculous. That Percival Mr Smith told us about could very well be the most inexperienced detective the world has ever seen. He had training before, if that's what you are wondering. Like that helps a whole lot.

"We're going to do some research on Percival," Priss announced.

"That's stupid. What's Mr Smith's motive for Percival to tag along on our mission anyway?"

We were hanging out at the study room. In it had numerous book shelves that contained books thin and thick that might take me centuries to read. Files, papers, letters were neatly filed in a cupboard all by itself. A grand study table was put in the centre of all the shelves and whatnot. A white laptop rested on it.

Overall, the place had a kind of library feel to it. You would feel obliged to talk in hushed tones.

But that didn't stop me from blasting annoying-teen-pop-music the other day. Just to irritate Priss.

"To keep track on us?" she suggested. "I really don't know. I'm just going to have to do some research on him."

Priss hated not knowing.

"Do what you like. Look for me at Aunt Brenda's if you need me."

***

Okay, Aunt Brenda was not actually my aunt. It was the friendly owner of a nice little café of walking distance from Priss' house. I sometimes go there to sip some coffee or eat a slice of her famed chocolate cake. Yes, the idea of a slice of that rich, creamy cake sounded good.

Unlike Priss, who worked well in a quiet and enclosed area (preferably in a library or the study), I liked thinking while having some food in front of me and did not mind if the place was noisy at all.

I intended to go out to take a breather but the hot summer air did not make me feel relaxed at all. Beads of perspiration trickled down my face. The sun baked the ground mercilessly as I trudged down the street.

After ten minutes of suffering, I finally reached the café. I opened the doors and breathed a sigh of relief as I felt the air conditioning seemingly reach out and carress my face.

"Emmeline, dear! Such a long time since the last time I saw you!" was the warm welcome I got. I automatically smiled at Aunt Brenda- she had that kind of effect on people. "I was really busy with Hart's," I answered truthfully.

She made that tsk sound and said, "You shouldn't work too hard. You're only twenty-one after all."

Shrugging, I pointed at the chocolate cake resting on the counter. Aunt Brenda then grinned and dissapeared into the kitchen.