"Why would he call me again?" Donovan muttered, perplexed as he made his way toward the cafeteria. He wasn't exactly the most skilled guard in the Emerald City Guard, far from the top ranks. Someone like Mason Wolfe, with his impressive record, seemed like a more logical choice for a second meeting with the Detective.
As Donovan entered the bustling cafeteria, he spotted the 'Detective' heading toward him, a hand extended in greeting. "Donovan, good to see you again," the Detective said with a warm smile.
Donovan shook his hand and sat down at the same table they had used during their previous encounter. "Good to see you too, Detective. So, what brings you back? More questions about the academy?"
The 'Detective' leaned back in his chair, his expression thoughtful. "It does involve the academy, but there's something more serious I need to discuss." He paused, lowering his voice slightly. "The Wizard suspects there might be a spy in the academy."
Donovan's eyes widened, instantly captivated. "A spy? In the academy?"
George nodded solemnly, the lie slipping easily from his lips. "Yes. And given your time at the academy, I believe you'd be able to spot a genuine student from an impostor, wouldn't you?"
Donovan hesitated, unsure if he was really that perceptive, but not wanting to appear useless. "Uh, sure, I guess I could."
"Good." George slid a piece of paper across the table. "We're assigning two guards, including yourself, to protect these ten students. They're being targeted, and we need to make sure they're safe."
Donovan picked up the paper and scanned the pictures of the students. Most were recognizable as promising prospects from the academy, but one face stood out. "Wait, Detective... who's this?" he asked, pointing to the unfamiliar face.
George glanced at the photo and coughed awkwardly. "Oh, that's just George Sterlinguard. Nothing to worry about."
Donovan furrowed his brow at the evasive answer but didn't push further. "Why these students? Why do they need protection?"
George smiled, sensing Donovan had taken the bait. "We have reason to believe the spy might be targeting them. Our job is to make sure they're not harmed or treated unfairly," he said smoothly, emphasizing the word 'fairness.'
The entire charade was a carefully crafted lie, designed to protect George. He knew that joining the academy meant dealing with people far more talented than him—people who could exploit his weaknesses. Having extra guards keeping an eye on him and ensuring fairness? That sounded like a good insurance plan.
Donovan's mind raced, piecing things together. The idea of a spy in the academy suddenly felt very real, his imagination fueled by George's deception. 'Had spies already infiltrated the academy?' 'The city?'
"So, Detective... who else is going on this mission?" Donovan finally asked, still processing the situation.
"Like I said, you're one of the candidates. I've already spoken with the Chief Guard, so you won't have any issues there. As for the second guard, I want you to bring Mason Wolfe. You can start your duties at the academy today, if possible. But remember, your primary mission is to protect these new students entering the semester."
"Yes, Detective," Donovan replied, rising to shake his hand once more before they parted ways.
As soon as George left, Donovan let out a long sigh and glanced out the cafeteria windows. He noticed several guards peering in, their curiosity piqued. The moment they saw the Detective was gone, they rushed inside, swarming Donovan.
"What's going on, Donovan?"
"Come on, spill it. He wasn't just talking about the academy, was he?"
The cafeteria buzzed with excited chatter as the guards pressed Donovan for information. With a resigned shrug, Donovan caved. "Alright, but keep it to yourselves. I can't tell you everything, but... there's reason to believe the academy's been infiltrated by spies."
The guards erupted into speculation, their voices rising with excitement as they considered what this might mean for the entire city.
Donovan, overwhelmed by the noise, slipped out of the cafeteria. The ruckus still echoed in his ears when he found Mason Wolfe leaning casually against the wall outside, scanning the surroundings for any prying ears.
"The Detective wants us at the academy," Donovan whispered, making sure they had privacy.
Mason raised an eyebrow but said nothing as Donovan handed him the paper with the students' pictures.
"What's this?" Mason asked, glancing at the images.
"That's our mission," Donovan replied, watching for any reaction from his fellow guard.
Mason hesitated for a moment, then smiled, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Alright."
"Are you okay?" Donovan asked, noticing the slight shift in Mason's demeanor.
Mason nodded. "Yeah, I'm fine."
"So, should we head to the academy now, or...?" Donovan trailed off, unsure what Mason was planning.
"Give me a minute. I'll be back," Mason said, walking off with a pen in hand.
Donovan sighed and leaned against the wall, waiting. What was supposed to be a quick minute turned into an hour. As the sky darkened, he spotted Mason returning.
"Send this to the mail office tomorrow, okay?" Mason instructed one of the staff members, handing over a letter before rejoining Donovan.
"Dude, that was more than a minute! You took a full hour!" Donovan exclaimed. Mason was usually punctual, so his delay was surprising.
"Sorry, I'll make it up to you," Mason replied, wiping sweat from his forehead.
Donovan's eyes drifted to the letter Mason had handed off. "So... who's the letter for?"
Mason paused for a second before brushing it off. "It's for my family. Don't worry about it."