Spies

Chapter 7

The lab analysts could not find anything. The child in the photo was indeed a mystery.

"Well that was a bust," Alex said aloud.

We were still in the lab along with the staff. The room was set up like a huge computer lab, with all different types of modernized equipment. Computers and tablets were everywhere with personnel each working on different cases. A large screen to the front of the room showing large amounts of unrecognizable data that only the persons designated to the room would understand.

"I'll keep looking into the kid, Cal," Michael, a research and technology analyst said. He was one of the persons I am close to besides Gaia at work. Since we went to the business trip together, along with a couple others with different positions, he was the person I confided. He was a nice, enthusiastic about his work and a family-oriented guy.

Alex and I were standing behind him, on opposite sides looking over Michael's shoulders at his computer as the picture runs through the database. I was looking at the case file and a print of the picture I took closely while Alex fiddled with his phone.

"Okay, Mike. Let us know when you find something," I replied.

Hearing me for the first time since the elevator, Alex looked up at the computer, finally paying attention. "So, what have we got?"

"Nothing yet. Will let you know though,"

"Okay, cool. Let us know." Didn't I already say that? I can practically see my eyes rolling.

As we were about to walk out, Michael spoke, "Cal, can I talk to you for a minute?"

I stopped and turned around, unaware that Alex had paused as well. "Yeah, what's up?"

Michael gestured behind me and I turned to see Alex with an unrecognizable expression on his face. "I'll be outside," he said, looking between us, and then walking out.

"Excuse my partner," I said to Michael. That was really weird, even for him. "What were you about to say?"

"So, I don't even know where to begin with this," he started. He got really nervous, wiping his hands on his pants as he sweated profusely. Looking down, he lets out a long "Ummmm..."

"Just start from the beginning," I joked.

He let out a chuckle and started again, looking up to me, " Would you go out with me tonight?"

"What?" I say shocked. Out of all the things I thought you would say...

"Well for the past few months on the trip and everything," he replies, looking back down. "I guess I may have developed something for you."

Still shocked, I reply with incoherent sounds.

Dejectedly, he sighs after a moment passes, "At least think about it."

I nodded, not knowing what to say, and then walked out of the lab. I could feel his eyes on me as I walked out, making me feel more guilty. Did I want to go out with him? Why did Alex come to mind?

Trying to find Alex, I walk through the office area. I stop at my desk to get my belongings as I realize it was almost lunch.

"If you're looking for your partner, he said for you to meet him in the car park," said a voice. I looked up seeing Gaia.

"You're feeling better," I say, smirking.

"Ha ha. I am never drinking around you again," she says with an eye roll.

"That is what you said the last time," I laugh, briefly reminiscing over all the times she had said that exact statement to me after a night of drinks.

"Just..." she started. Unable to come up with a good comeback, she just replied, "just go meet your partner and don't die." She sat down at her desk, enjoying her homemade lunch.

"Yeah yeah," I say, walking out with the case file, that I now realized I took everywhere, and my purse. "See you later."

I then proceed to the car park of the building. As I exited the elevator, I see Alex leaning on his car, staring blankly at the floor.

"Hey. Where are we going?"

He blinks a couple times before looking at me, "Lunch." Then he frowns and does something that he never did since I met him yesterday - he stays quiet.

"Okay..." I stretch out, walking to the passenger side of the car. " Let's go then."

He then comes with me to my side to open my door for me. "Ladies first." The gesture, though sweet, made me look at him like he had grown two heads.

"What are you doing?" I questioned.

"Just opening the door for my partner. Can I not do that, babe," he says, holding the door with a smile.

Okay, this is very weird. "Okay," I say, awkwardly and then get into the seat. "Where are we really going?"

"I told you. For lunch," he closes the passenger door and hurries to the driver's side.

He then proceeds to drive us, in silence, to a restaurant in the heart of the city. Fancy establishment. Le chateau de Moises. I read the sign as he stopped at the front of the building. A valet opened my door as quickly as we stopped and helped me out the car. Alex threw the keys to him as he took my hand and escorted me threw the doors. The inside of the building was just as exquisite as the outside. True Parisian themed decor.

We arrived at the front, where a girl awaited customers. Attempting to fake a French accent, she greeted us in English, blatantly staring at Alex.

Alex smiled and flirted with the girl, "My, my, dolcezza."

She blushed and looked down. Typical.

"We currently do not have a reservation, love. Is there any way you can squeeze us in?" he spoke, smirking.

"I'll see what I can do, Elias," she responded, not even looking at me standing next to him.

"Elias, hmm," I spoke, breaking the air.

"What," he said smiling arrogantly. There he is...the Alex I was all too familiar with.

"Does every girl in London know you by that name or should I be aware of other alias of yours?"

He pretended to think, looking up and pouting. "Not that I am aware of. Elias is the name I often hear in bed when I have a girl scream-"

"Okay that's all I needed to know," I quickly interject. Luckily, the girl had come back and showed us to a beautiful seating area on the balcony. The views were amazing as I looked at the varieties of Parisian flowers and ornaments that decorated the area.

Sitting down a chair, I asked, "Why are we even here?" There were menus on the place setting and I took a glance at everything. Just like the theme of the restaurant, the owners and chefs chose to serve French dishes as well.

"A guy can't take his partner out for lunch."

"Okay fine. Let's just enjoy it then," I said, trying to change the subject.

We ordered from the menus and talked about random stuff. Surprisingly, we had a decent conversation, getting to know the basics of each other - full names, ages and the likes. He was 2 years older than my age of 29, his birthday at the end of the year while mine was in a couple months. We laughed, joked around and had a good time.

The cheque came and we split the bill. He had wanted to pay but I insisted. Overall, from the time we were seated at our table, it was like I had entered an alternate universe. Alex seems to know how to switch from an arrogant, selfish womanizer to a carefree, polite guy when necessary.

We left the restaurant and went back to work, where we researched and set everything up for our cover for tonight. We established a good plan on short notice. Hopefully it worked in our favour.