The Turbaned Thug

Searching the Ifrit

I was standing on guard- infront of the door to Ambrose Sahib's office. I could hear the two voices arguing inside, but I zoned it out since I was not going to eavesdrop on Sahib's conversations and would totally not let anyone else do that either!

I heard a clap, so curt and no nonsense clap that only the Sahib was capable of.

'Karim!'

Ah. I've been summoned.

I marched inside.

She jumped in surprise seeing me. Seemingly, I had taken the crossdresser itself by surprise. A smug smile dared to break on my face but I managed to suppress it, considering I didn't want Ambrose Sahib to think I have gone soft.

I looked at Miss Linton. Really, looked at her. Her face seemed blotchy, her nose was pink as if it had been rubbed harshly, her eyes were wet.

It was okay.

But then, I noticed something else...

She had a white linen handkerchief, clutched in her left palm. And not just any handkerchief, it was the Sahib's.

How did that happen? That is his 10 years old handkerchief that's still in 'mint condition!'

And to think, Ambrose Sahib looked awkward? As if he didn't know how to deal with the situation. That was new.

What in the world happened before I came in...

'You called, Sahib?' I inquired.

'Search the room. File S93XX300,' Ambrose Sahib directed, with a wave of his hand.

And so I got to work.

Drawers after drawers, cabinets after cabinets, racks after racks, all of the safe; I checked everything.

But the file was nowhere.

During my search, Sahib and the secretary kept bickering over something as if I wasn't in the room.

Kudos to the consistency.

Is this how it's going to be each time they are in each other's company? It would be so much better if they try maintaining a civil relationship.

I approached the Sahib. And saw him having a glare battle with his secretary.

He really is fond of wars, isn't he?

The contest was getting intense, they were getting closer...

Finally, Sahib felt my presence.

'Yes?'

Shaking my head, I replied, 'Nothing, Sahib.'

Sahib turned to look at Miss linton with twice the intensity.

Is it my cue to leave...?

'You know what that means, Mister Linton?'

He knows she's a girl, why does he call her mister?!

'What? And don't call me mister,' Miss linton snapped.

Nice try, as if he would.

'It means that I have no choice but to search you.'

Oh, so this was what they were arguing about earlier.

Miss linton crossed her arms and refused, 'No!'

She's got guts.

But resistance in the face of a superior enemy is not valor, it is mere foolishness.

Ambrose Sahib, however, ignored her meek protests and ordered me, 'Karim? I'm going to take care of this. Close the safe door and lock us in. Open it only when I call again.'

I slammed the door shut and locked it.

But I couldn't help think why would he tell me to lock it. It would have worked fine too if the door was only closed.

Just then some... specific sounds that will forever haunt me interrupted my thoughts.

'Ouch!'

What-

'Ng.'

Why did he make that sound-

'Let go!'

What in the name of Allah is going on inside?!

'Stop wriggling you...'

O, teri! I certainly did not wish for them to be this much civil.

The crack of a slap echoed.

Did Sahib slap her face...?

Did she slap the sahib...?

Or was something... else slapped?

Astaghfar.

'Karim? Karim, open the door again.'

I opened it slowly, not wanting to accidentally witness something indecent.

As the light filtered in, I saw an angry red mark across the Sahib's cheek while his secretary stood beside him with cheeks tinted pink

Did the Sahib slap her back? But I'm pretty sure I heard one slap. Why is she pink, then?

Right after they were released from the Safe, they started their quarrel. And since I wasn't dismissed by Sahib, I had to stand there, witnessing it, enduring it.

What I would not do for Ambrose Sahib?

I could brave anything for him, I thought smugly.

'Karim? Would you be so good as to search her?'

No. No. No. No.
That I can not do.
Consider it beyond my scope.

I pulled my sabre infront of me as a barrier, 'I would fight an Ifrit for you, Sahib... but this creature? I must respectfully decline.'

'I thought so,' Ambrose Sahib nodded solemnly.

'What in the God's name is an ifrit?' Secretary Linton blabbered, interrupting Sahib and my peace.

'A powerful half demon from Arabian mythology. They are over 12 feet tall, armed with huge swords and have fists and wings that burn with hellfire,' the sahib recited.

Sahib is admirable, he knows everything.

But...

Why is he okay with being slapped like that?

He would have done something, rather told me to do something. But there is stood, talking to Miss Linton. Talking. He is wasting his breath in pointless squabbles.

What is happening to him?

Is he... evolving?

••••••••

Hey.
Im not feeling confident with this chapter. Its meh ish, i guess. I could have selected some other chapter but i thought the safe scene would be funny to manipulate.

I dont know.

Make sure to leave your thoughts.

Point out any mistakes you spot, english is not my first language.

Be courteous.

Bye-the-bye.

-Z.