The Delacours: Part Deux

thirteen.

I groaned as I put on a button down shirt and slacks. Anna would be upset with me if I wasn't wearing the 'proper clothes' for a Magister. I tucked the shirt in and headed downstairs after running my fingers through my hair. As I walked down the stairs, Val poured a cup of coffee for me. I sipped it and took a deep breath. Zane came downstairs in his button down and jeans with his hair tied back in a low bun and grabbed a cup of coffee for himself. I stared at him for a few seconds as he took a sip.

"What? Did I miss a hair or something?" he said, grabbing at his hair.

"Yeah... On your face," Chris said.

"I'm sorry. We've been away from home for a while, and I didn't have a chance to shave," he said, rubbing his chin. Val grabbed his chin and looked for a second.

"I like it," she said, walking away, handing the kids their lunches.

"It's... different," I said.

"Does it look bad?" Zane asked.

"No. Keep it."

"Wait, really? I've never grown out my facial hair before," he said, with a weird face.

"I suppose one of us should have a beard," Chris said, shrugging.

"Okay. I'll keep it for now. That'll save me some time in the morning I guess."

"Just – no mustache, please," I said with a raised eyebrow and smirk. He laughed to himself. We finished our coffees and Chris and I headed to our office as everyone else headed over to the school.

I sat down at my desk, turning on the computer. I looked around the room and realized someone must have cleaned because there wasn't one speck of dust anywhere. There was a knock on the door.

"Liz?" It was Aria.

"Hey, what's up?"

"Here's your messages..." she said, slowly walking in with a stack of papers about half an inch thick.

"What the hell? Who are those from?"

"Anna, some of the Sheriffs with questions. This guy's called you multiple times a day since you left though," she said, pulling out a stack that was clipped together. "He's the Sheriff of California, and he needs your help." I read through the notes.

"With?"

"He wouldn't tell me. Said it was strictly for your knowledge." I rolled my eyes.

"Some of these Sheriffs are so fucking entitled, I swear. What is the point of you being a receptionist for me if they won't let you do your job?"

"I don't know. I told him you wouldn't get back to him unless you were given a reason and he just keeps calling asking if you're here yet."

"Now I know why Anna didn't want this position anymore..." I sat back on my chair and logged into my computer, opening up the e-mails. "Jesus, he e-mailed me like sixty times too... what the hell does this guy need?" I said as I scrolled through the e-mails. Aria shrugged and turned to walk out of my office as the phone rang at her desk. "Aria, quick question."

"Yeah?"

"Did you clean my office?"

"Yeah, why?"