"I can see you're up to the challenge. I expect no less from our primary agent."
Dr. stood up. Jimenez and smiled at the young man. Now Nico has placed the pictures on his desk, studying them carefully and seems to be deep in thought. He gave no sign of hearing the words of their senior consultant. Dr. just sighed. Jimenez. 'Once a case interests him, he seems to have lost his attention on this planet,' he thought.
"Expect a raise in salary once this is over."
The young detective looked up, "Money has never been an issue for me, Doc. I do this out of passion."
"Whatever you say. By the way, you still need to know."
"Shoot."
"It's not just DEATH that Eastwood Police asked for help. They also hired an agent from SHADOW."
Nico's eyes narrowed. He had a different idea of it! "Damn it. Don't tell me --- ?!"
"Yes. Unfortunately, you'll be working with a partner in this case. Guess who?"
The detective completely lost his mood and did not want to lean back in his leather chair. If there's anything he hates more than HELP, it's SHADOW. Their opponent in receiving cases. "Is it too late for me to commit suicide? This should be illegal! Tell me, who did they choose to be a burden to me?"
Dr. smiled. Jimenez.
"Eastwood's second best detective. Maybe you'll get along."
Nico was stunned for a moment and stared at the old man as if he had been born with ten heads. When his brain processed what he said, he immediately banged his forehead on the table.
"What's in the name of Sherlock?"
He heard Dr.'s teasing laugh. Jimenez to him. "Before you throw a tantrum, better get dressed. Your meeting is scheduled later." He placed a piece of paper in front of him. Nico still didn't lift his head until he heard the door of his office close.
He frowned and read the details of their "meeting" later. Do the treacherous cops in HELP expect them to reconcile with SHADOW? What went into their elbows and even brought together the two best detective agents in Eastwood?
"An interesting case with a not so interesting partner. Couldn't this day get any worse?"
---
Nico took a deep breath and left his office. The moment he stepped out of the office, he was immediately met by his fellow detective.
"Yuki, it looks like you have a walk ah? I heard from the admin that you have a new case. Nice one!" Dan greeted him with a smile. His thick round eyeglasses making his eyes look a couple of times bigger. Nico frowned at the nickname and nodded.
They stepped into the elevator. There were a few agents there.
"Err ... thanks."
Nico pressed the button to the ground floor.
"I don't know the details. But, there is a rumor that you will be partnered with someone from SHADOW!"
Nico's eyes widened and even those with him in the elevator were shocked. He quickly covered Dan's mouth, "For Sherlock's sake! Keep your voice down!" He pushed her away and laughed. "Eh 'isn't that true? Dude, that's suicide!"
"Shh!"
"HAHAHAHA! Good luck, Yuki!"
Nico just sighed and was very grateful that the noisy colleague came out of the third floor. He could no longer bear the critical gaze of other agents. 'It looks like my reputation will be ruined in this case!' he bitterly thought.
He lazily walked the distance to the lobby. The large expanse of black tiles and gray walls stretched as far as the eye could see. He went through some agents who were in charge of the paperwork. 'Low class cases, as usual.' He felt more pity for them. They get worthless cases on a daily basis and Nico couldn't imagine himself wasting his precious time on such mediocrity!
"I could only hope this heartless case will be my salvation from boredom," he softly whispered to himself while glancing at the watch. Less than an hour away from meeting his so-called partner.
As he exited the building, he saw some doors on the other side of the hallway. A particular vault caught his attention. People call it the "Void". It was heavily guarded with the best technology money can buy. There are hidden important company documents. Nico is just shaking on his uncle's trip.
*
Nico looked again at what was written on the paper.
Night Sparrow's Tea House,
9:00 a.m.
He glanced at the time on his watch again and took a deep breath. Moments later he pushed open the shop door. He's ten minutes early, but it's better to make a good first impression. This is the first time he will have a partner and he's not happy about it. When he entered, he immediately went to the farthest place and sat down.
Nico's Rule #1: "Always sit in the farthest or farthest corner. That way, it'll be easier to spot any suspicious persons. It also helps avoid the risk of being attacked from behind."
Several staffs are buzzing their way around the place, serving freshly brewed tea to customers.
He started observing them one by one. His eyes went to the couple sitting near the window.
Nico smirked to himself.
"The girl is three months pregnant, no older than 17, half-Spanish, her boyfriend engaged them and that's probably the reason why they're going to marry each other next month. Based on the man's actions, he's just forced and it's amazing "Her fiancé hasn't seen the lipstick mark on her neck yet. It's impossible that her fiancé did it because it's a different color. Persian purple. It looks fresh, approximately 3 to 4 hours prior to this stupid date of theirs." Nico closed his eyes slightly. The information is rushing inside his head. Why the duration of his income?
"Eastwood's greatest detective knows a specific color of lipstick? That's surprising."
He lost his eyesight when someone spoke. The newcomer was wrapped in a gray coat and was still wearing a hat. It sat across from him. Nico's calculating eyes rested on the person in front of him.
"I don't frequently read magazines, but if I'm not mistaken, the second best detective is a SHADOW agent named 'Brian'."
The stranger smiled with his face still covered.
"I want to keep my identity in check," she said before removing the wearing hat. Nico watched his pink hair fall. The agent outstretched her hand, a sharp look in her eyes.
"I'm Briannova Carlos."
---