Midnight, In the Storm [on temporary hiatus]

Nine: Anticipated ambush

Glass clinked and cutlery clattered in the background, the noise drowning out amidst the clutter which was Audree's rambling thoughts. It'd been that way the entire day, getting distracted every now and then, blanking out only to be called back to the living world by an either concerned or ticked-off Kean Min.

Last night was no coincidence, Audree was sure of it. The faceless culprit had meant to lure her there - she'd gleaned enough from certain telltales that it was a trap for one, but Audree couldn't deduce it fortunate or ill-fated that Zora had been there to accompany her.

They'd split paths halfway back, agreeing to meet again as soon as Audree got her hands on a replacement burner phone. Although it took a little convincing on Zora's end, Audree'd convinced her friend to stay uninvolved... for now.

She didn't want Zora pulled in harm's way, nor tangled in the Wraiths's schemes - it wouldn't hurt her to know less of them. She might've been involved with them already, but she'd always remain anonymous with her clients, knowing Zora, she'd pull out of the deal regardless of the pay.

Audree would disclose her friend regarding her alliance, but leave out... certain points.It was for the best if she knew less - when entangled in the Shadow Wraiths's remorseless schemes.

Things just seemed to be falling to hell ever since the murder, she shivered, the woman had her grandmother's ring - which meant she must've somehow unearthed it from within the riverside grave. But the contents of the message worded on the lett-

"AUDREE. MAY. LAURENT."

She blinked, gods she'd zoned out again.

"Sorry, sorry - I won't drift off again," she braced for the oncoming lecture on responsibility and whatnot, the very principles dogging her, but the barista merely looked at her, his pursed lips unreadable, "...anything bothering you, Audree?"

Thankfully, Rin had chosen the perfect time to step in, "Who's up for some fruit juice tonight?" she flashed a coupon in their faces, "Guess who smiled and got a tip, you stone-faced cashiers."

Audree made up her mind that a dull, serious mood was indeed bad for business and beamed, "I'm in. What about you, Minnie?"

He looked stricken, "Minnie? Not you t-"

He cut himself off at Rin's growing giggles and went back to the coffee machine he was supposedly tending to. He let out a sigh, a slight smile on his lips at the tongue Rin stuck out at him in mockery, "Yeah, you win this one Rin. But just you watch."

Audree shamelessly blurted, "Is something going on between the two of you?"

Now they both looked struck. Ah, so she shouldn't have said anything. Audree waited - well, the question was out anyway.

They pointed at the other in flawless unison. Did they practice this? Even their words were absolutely spoken in concert.

"This idiot? No. Way."

Their heads snapped to face the other with wide eyes, Audree suppressed a laugh and turned to face a customer, confusion clear in his charming profile.

Oh.

She cleared her throat, "Evening Inspector, the usual?"

He dipped his chin in answer, despite his sunken ice-blue eyes that suggested an all-nighter at work - one Audree might just have been the at fault for - he nevertheless managed to look as picturesque as ever even with a tired half-smile on his face, "You sure catch on quick."

"It's only required of my job."

She regretted the seemingly small statement soon as they left her parted lips, the irony towards the officer evidently detected in his creased brows and pressed lips.