Friends at night

Chapter 14, Investigating the unknown

Jackson sipped his cappuccino without adding any sugar, taking as it is. I did a light grimace at him, making him smirk lightly. " What? I rather have my drink as it is and not modified. Plus, they did cute heart designs in the steamed milk, so why undo their work?" I shook my head lightly, stirring in my sugar and sipping my drink.

We kept quiet for a few moments, enjoying the bitter taste of the caffeinated drinks we had while looking out of the window. " You have a peaceful seat, don't you..." He mumbled out as he watched people walk around on the streets, either carrying small shopping bags, a phone on their ear or just chatting with friends. It was nice, to be completely honest. It felt as if we were both friends, hanging out after school like normal people. I did quite appreciate how he somewhat respected my quiet nature and let me be in my thoughts for a bit before getting on with business.

I set down my mug and let out a small sigh, making him look at me right after. I think he got the hint that we couldn't just spend our time doing as if nothing was up; we did after all have an arrangement. He set down his mug, leaning his head in his palm. In his brown irises, small red tints would reflect with the light, making them almost hypnotic. He tied most of his black locks back, but the rebel strands of his bangs were hanging loose. Some hair at the back was too short to get in the hair tie, so they remained untied.

"Take a picture, it will last longer." He said, a flirtatious grin making a way to his face. Any normal girl, maybe even guy would blush and deny or look away. The thing is, I don't bite into that type of cheesy line. I mimicked his smile and pulled out my phone. " Gladly," I said as I tapped on the camera app. The answer surprised him, making his eyes widen slightly, lifting his head lightly. The camera on my phone made a small noise and took a picture, saving it immediately. "No fair!" He said, pulling out his phone and snapping a picture of me when I looked down at my phone.

I sighed and set my phone down. "Enough with the childish act. We have some business to go through." I said, placing my phone in front of me. He did the same after saving the picture. " So what was it about, Paigie?" He said, making me a nickname. " Please don't that just sounds wrong," I said without any tone, making him pout lightly. He nodded nevertheless, waiting for me to continue.

"Have you ever heard of the Crow Crew?" I straight up asked him. His eyes narrowed, I thought he was looking at me, but the woman came over and placed a platter with a cream cheese covered bagel and cheese croissants. "I swear Jackson if you stalk me I will..." He cut me off quickly by tapping my thigh under the table. It took me by surprise and I stared at him oddly. The waitress bowed lightly and left. He let out a small sigh of relief and took his hand off me.

"Don't mention that name so loudly." He whispered, leaning his back on the bench's backrest. " So you do know something about it," I said, mimicking his whisper. He nodded and then pointed his usual alleyway. " It's not safe to discuss that here. Let's eat and talk about it outside. " I nodded, taking my bagel.

I wonder what that was about. If he says it is bad to talk about it in public, then it must be something with a link to criminal activity or a secret society. I don't want to believe those options, but they keep tormenting my mind. I don't want to think that my father is in criminal activities... Maybe they are just studying the Crow Crew? There was at the least three businessmen and one woman. Maybe they are all undercover agents? Or just interested in whatever that Crow Crew thing is and talk about it. Maybe it's only a book or television series?

The rest of the lunch went by quietly, we didn't dare to talk. We nibbled on our bread-based meal, probably more of a snack than a meal. We left the money on the table, as my habit is always the same, and took our leave. Jackson crossed the road before me, going straight to the alleyway. I waited a bit, not wanting to get run over by a car before crossing, joining him.  I went in, going towards the box that had the small sleeping kittens. Jackson was looking down at them with loving eyes, making me awe at him.