Representative

Tea and Songbirds

24th April 2023

Laurence : 8:00am

Beep. Beep.

The familiar noises started when I was already awake, as I hadn't slept as well as I would have liked and had woken up early after an early night, not wanting to strain myself before the work had even started. I let it continue, not tapping the snooze or off button. In a strange way, I enjoyed the rhythmic beeping noises, they reminded me of the past. I let out a chuckle as my mind wondered back there, when my mother would treat me like a child no matter my age, putting up with the nuisances that were me and my brother. I slowly got up, not rushing. My project management did not start until 10am; I have time before then. I would have to meet Catherine at the airport at 12 exactly. She was my responsibility, and what I had seen could not bias my viewpoint when she was the only other British person, it was natural for us to be working together on this important development. I pulled a white shirt on, buttoning it up. I considered wearing the same suit, before deciding that that would be a ill idea. However, I would not be going completely informal as I still put a plain black tie on, pulling on a burgundy vest. It would have to do for now.

I finally turned off the alarm when I left the room. It was a wide space, and comfortable. I was partially surprised by how high quality the accommodation was. I headed downstairs, passing through the now empty living room as I went into the dining one. Here, the walls were a lovely lavender colour and a large window gave a view over much of the scenery offered outside. The chairs had carvings in the back of them and pillows to sit on. A selection of food laid waiting to be taken: fruits, yogurt, bread, cake, meats, cereals. Everything looked fresh and the fragrance let off was mixed with perfume. I headed over to the kettle, it was on an old fashioned stove and steam was slowly rising out. Perfect. I poured myself a cup of tea, not adding any sugar and only a drop of milk. It would help dispel my tiredness, or so I hoped. I was not particularly accustomed to the new timezone and the sunlight was not exactly helping.

"Oh! Morning Laurence. Did we wake you up?" I looked over at the smiling face of Evelyn. How she acted so charming and energetic I was not quite sure, but I was gracious enough to meet her smile, "Good morning, Evelyn. Do not worry, I was planning to wake up anyway. There were no noises that disturbed me apart from an alarm," I reassured her. I looked around, only a few others were having conversations. I hadn't been paying any specific attention to any of them, but decided that was a good of time as any to speak on a more personal level.

The first one I noticed was Vanya, I looked immediately for the little girl who trailed him. Nothing, "Excuse me, Evelyn" I asked politely, not waiting for a response as I headed towards him, "Good morning, Ivan. I'm glad to see you slept well. May I enquire if Maroosa is still asleep? Gifting her a pen and paper would be a courtesy I can give."

He turned to look at me with that smile on his face, "Maroosa is off doing her work, she will not be returning for a few days. There is no point enquiring where she is, or trying to find out her business. She would be glad to receive a gift."

I couldn't put a finger on it. A few days? Yet he seemed so determined for her to not leave his side. I would pry in private, as he did not seem to be tolerant of trying to find out whatever was happening, "I never asked, do you two have relations?"

He seemed relieved that I didn't push further, but it was hard to tell as he didn't change expression, but stance, "Nyet. We are not related. And she is older than she looks, do not worry. She is well trained and will be safe"

Good. He picked up on my concerns without me needing to voice them. I took a sip of my tea, feeling the hot liquid go down my throat, barely burning it from the heat. I'd missed the fragrant taste, "I'm glad to hear. Your oil firms are going well, I hear. A recent investment from British markets have caused it to boom, if I am not incorrect. And finding a way for it to be ethically useful.. An extraordinary achievement on your half."

"I'm not here to speak economic business, but yes, it is all going well. The funds will be good for her motherland, and this project is a worthwhile investment.. If everything goes to plan"

"I would not be concerned, we have many skillful intellectual minds here. I would speak to Adrien with your inquiries and wishes, for now enjoying the scenery would be a pleasant experience."

The responding smile told me that was the end of conversation and I moved on, drinking my tea quietly as I looked around the rest of the room. Just Mateusz had joined us, and I was disappointed to see Evelyn had left. I hoped I had not offended her. Mateusz was older, or as old, as me. He had blonde hair that was slicked back with gel and was wearing casual everyday clothes, either not worried about standards others may have or just finding them comfortable. It was reassuring to see others like that to me. We gave eye contact and a respectful nod was exchanged. I decided it was not appropriate to speak to him, as he looked thoroughly fatigued. We would have a lengthy discussion later on the environmental ethics of the project, once the scientists had designed the first prototype. Speaking on which, I suspected the Romanian girl was responsible for modelling, as that was the first task to be completed. I would not interfere yet, but keeping an eye on things would be necessary. I hated to admit it, but our host would undoubtedly miss out on the main happenings.

I put my finished tea down in a basket of coquetries. Some said tea leaves determined your fate; I did not believe in such unscientific demands. My mind had drifted to try and connect up the dots on the strange pairing. It did not make sense: Ivan <> with a young girl who couldn't speak English? So far all he knew was that she was now missing, after supposedly leaving for a job after he'd left, early at night. There was no file on her. No trace. A heavy sigh collected my thoughts enough to persuade me to leave the room.