Flashette(Book Four)

16

"Remind me why we're here, again," I asked Ralph as we walked into his private investigator office. We haven't been here in forever. With the lack of cases and Ralph being a superhero, it's not like he had a need to come back.
"I just need to gather a few things I left behind. If i'm not going to be coming here as often, mine as well make sure no one has the chance to steal anything," Ralph replied as we walked up the many flights of stairs to get to his office. As we walked down the corridor, we were greeted by an acquaintance of Ralph. He looked somewhat older, with slightly shaggy but short cut light brown hair. It was becoming grey on the sides. He also was wearing a brown suit, similar to the way Ralph used to. Based on his appearance and his demeanor, I assumed he was in the private investigator business like Ralph.
"I thought I smelt something dirty," Ralph said as he looked the man up and down. The man was quick to reply.
"That's one way to greet your old partner," the man said, giving Ralph a gaze. He examined Ralph's figure. "Damn...You aged well. Drank so many packs of beer you gained at least six...". The man pointed out Ralph's slightly toned figure. I was surprised by their interaction. Somehow the mystery man gave off the same kind of energy Ralph used to when we first met him. "And I see things must be going very well for you...". He then looked back at me and smiled, wriggling his eyebrows at Ralph. "How rude of you to not introduce me to your lady friend. Really scored with this one...". Ralph tugged at the collar of his shirt and shook his head. I could tell this made him slightly nervous.
"She's not my...Partner...Well..." Ralph reailed off. "She's my partner...When it comes to work, that is. We're not in a relationship." The man furrowed his brows. I nodded my head in agreement.
"Yes...Partners in crime, but not partners like romance, you--".
"Earl Cox," the man said as he outstretched his hand for me to shake. I took it gingerly and shook it quickly before placing my own hand at my sides. "But that's not why i'm here, Ralph," the man continued. "You see, i've got something new for us. Something that will bring in the big bucks! I'm talking big money here. Giving this up will be a big missed opportunity". The man seemed very eager, but Ralph shook his head.
"I don't play dirty anymore, Earl, things have changed." Earl didn't stop. Infact, he just kept persisting. Ralph opened the door to his office and stepped inside. Earl followed behind us.
"An heir to a gigantic fortune hired me to find out if her boyfriend, who just so happens to be one of her workers, is a gold digger. Stalk him out, get the dirt on him, and bring in the money." Ralph continued to shake his head. "As long as we help him keep his appearance in tip top shape, money is ours!".
"I'm sorry, Earl, but I can't!" Ralph replied. "I don't do that anymore. You see, my partner here--". I quickly butted in again.
"Non-romantic, i'm married," I said, holding up my hand for Earl to see my wedding ring. "To someone that isn't Ralph...". The man nodded his head in understanding.
"Got it".
"My partner isn't the only friend who's helped me change." Ralph placed a hand on his chest. "Ralph Dibny is a changed man." Earl pursed his lips and nodded his hed slowly.
"Well, I hope you don't let them down like you always do. That's what seems to happen." He took a few steps towards the door and turned on his heel slowly. "You get close and gain trust, and then you screw up. But unlike those fake friends, true friends like me are always here for you when you fall. I'll always be around for you, Ralph. Don't hesitate to give me a call," Earl said before exiting, leaving Ralph and I in his office. I looked around the office as Ralph gathered more things. He placed them in a box and carried them over to the door.
"Got everything you need?" I asked before grabbing the key and locking the door.
"I think so...But I can always come back for the rest," Ralph replied before stepping out of the office and I closed the door behind him. I helped Ralph load the box into his car. When things were loaded, I told him goodbye and waved him off.
"Aren't you coming back to S.T.A.R Labs?" Ralph asked, tilting his head. "Isn't it easier if I give you a ride?". I shook my head.
"I'm meeting Cecile at Iron Heights for a meeting with Barry about his hearing coming up. I'll be back later".
"Don't you still want a ride?" he asked. I shook my head with a chuckle.
"I'm the fastest woman alive...I'm my own ride," I replied before speeding to Iron Heights.

Cecile met me at my usual entrance through the back. She had the parking passes and tickets all ready to be administered when we got up to the gate.
"I had a parking pass for you, but I see you didn't bring your car," Cecile said with a wink as she stepped out of her car. She removed her sunglasses and placed them in her purse before locking her car. We then walked towards the gate where the guard was waiting.
"Speaking of that, I may need a ride back..." I said with a joking smile. Cecile and I shared a laugh as we handed our tickets to the guard and were lead into the building. We walked down the long corridors to Warden Wolfe's office. Upon entering the room, we could see Warden Wolfe in his office chair with two other chairs on the other side of his desk.
"Warden Gregory Wolfe," Cecile said as we entered the room and he came into view. She shook his hand first. I followed suit and shook his hand next. We sat down, and Cecile took out Barry's case file.
"Where's Barry," I asked, looking around the room. "I noticed there's only two chairs here."
"Oh, Mr Allen is unable to join us at this time," Warden replied. My eyebrows furrowed in confusion at his words. I just visited Barry recently, and have been keeping up with him. Everything was fine. I figured something was up.
"Is something wrong? What happened?" I asked, my heart beginning to beat faster. Cecile and I shared a glance.
"There was an altercation...A prison fight...". My eyes widened.
"Is he okay? Was he hurt?" I asked. Warden shook his head and placed his hands on his desk.
"Your husband is fine, and wasn't touched in the incident." I sighed of relief. "We're just following prison protocol. He was placed in isolation for a week." Barry being in isolation? This was something very unusual. You have to commit such a severe crime to be placed in isolation. This was why I didn't understand.
"And he's safe in isolation?" I asked. Wolfe nodded his head.
"Safest place an inmate can be". I paused for a moment to think and process. At this moment, I could tell Cecile was thinking deeply as well. She couldn't take her eyes off of Warden Wolfe.
"We were really hoping to get to see Barry before his trial, but I guess we have to make due with what we have," Cecile said before gathering her things and standing up from her seat. "Thank you for your time," she replied before turning her back and walking out. I nodded at Warden Wolfe before our guard came and escorted us out of the building.
"That was weird..." I replied, shuffling towards Cecile. "Barry? A prison fight? Something doesn't seem right". The sunlight beamed on our faces as we walked past the guard and the gate swung closed behind us. Cecile reached into her purse, placing her sunglasses over her face.
"Oh, it's not," Cecile replied, unlockign her car. "Get in," she demanded. I got in the car quickly and she looked around. This isn't normal Cecile behavior.
"What's wrong?" I asked, full of confusion.
"I didn't want to say anything out there incase of cameras."
"Okay..." I persisted.
"While we were in Wolfe's office, I read his mind. When we talked about Barry being safe, he thought to himself something about Amunet. I think he's selling metas to her". It all began making sense. And because Warden is incharge of everything, he can do whatever he wanted without question.
"I knew Barry being in isolation sounded off! Barry being the Flash is a hot buy. I think he's going to sell Barry!".
"Which is why we need to act fast if we want to bring him home."