At last! After what seemed like an eternity on this train, here I am stretching my arms and legs with a sigh of relief as we reach our destination: Gap station, nestled in the majestic Hautes-Alpes. The journey from Lyon had been a real test of patience for me, my excitement nearly unbearable from the start.
Throughout the journey, I had a thousand questions swirling in my head, wanting to know everything about our upcoming adventure. But alas, I was stuck on this train, feeling a bit like a kitten trapped in a basket, impatient and restless. Fortunately, Professor Ashford, with her usual calm, knew how to channel my bubbling excitement. Her riddles and puzzles were like treats for my hungry mind, allowing me to pass the time with slightly less impatience.
And now, we're finally here! Stepping off the train, I let my gaze marvel at the winter landscape. It was early January 2024, and everything was covered in dazzling snow, making the mountains and plains even more magical. The snowflakes continued to dance around us, a winter ballet that brought a smile to my face despite the biting cold. Of course, being prepared, the cold didn't bother me; my coat and boots kept me warm.
Next to me, Professor Ashford, having just exited the train with her usual poise, looked at me briefly, a slight sigh escaping her lips. She must surely be wondering how I had so much energy after such a long journey. I paused for a moment to match her pace, my eyes still captivated by the surrounding natural beauty.
"Léa, remember why we're here, okay?" began Professor Ashford, her voice modulating with thoughtful gentleness that barely masked the firmness underneath. "This isn't really the time to think about relaxing. We have a lot to do, and we need to stay focused on our goals here."
My eyes sparkled with admiration as I looked at Professor Ashford after her statement. Oh, wait a second... I completely forgot to introduce myself, didn't I? So, here we go: my name is Léa Rivière, and guess what? I'm only 16, but I'm already on the path to becoming a renowned detective apprentice! And this amazing lady next to me, you're wondering who she is? It's obvious, isn't it? She's my mentor, my guide, the brilliant Professor Eleonor Ashford! She's the one who welcomed me into her fascinating world, teaching me all the secrets and tricks of the detective trade.
We live together in the vibrant city of Lyon – yes, in France, of course! – and here we are, finally arrived in Gap, in the Hautes-Alpes. You can't even imagine how excited I was. It was the first time I was venturing so far from Lyon, and especially, the very first time Professor Ashford was taking me with her into the field. My heart was pounding, filled with a mix of excitement and anticipation. Every second on that train was a step closer to my very first real mission. I was champing at the bit, eager to put into practice everything I had learned, and maybe, just maybe, prove that despite my young age, I already had the makings of a great detective.
"I'm aware, but since we're here, why not seize the opportunity, okay? Who knows if we'll ever have the chance to come back here!" I replied vigorously to Professor Ashford.
"Remember, Léa, this isn't a vacation, okay?" responded Professor Ashford with measured assurance. "It's unlikely we'll have time to devote to anything other than our mission here."
"Okay, I got it... But honestly, compared to what usually awaits me, this is almost a vacation!" I replied with overflowing enthusiasm to Professor Ashford. "I'm super excited, this is a big first for me!"
"Really, Léa, what am I going to do with you?" she replied, a sigh tinged with amusement in her voice and a discreet but determined smile on her lips. "Alright, let's go. We have to settle into our room at the inn. Come on."
"Okay, I'm following you!" I said, full of enthusiasm, in response.
Ah, Professor Ashford, as strict in her work as in her daily life. It seems she has forgotten how to relax! But, you know, despite everything, she is truly an incredible person, kind, and her intelligence borders on genius. Her deductive abilities? Phenomenal! Clearly, it's no coincidence that she's my mentor. After all, it took someone extraordinary to recognize and nurture my talent, right?
Usually, our day-to-day life is a bit... how should I say... monotonous? Yes, that's the word! She often assigns me tedious tasks, like filling out tons of paperwork, or overwhelming me with theory without ever getting to the practice. But now, hold on, she decided to take me on my very first real case! When she told me, my heart skipped a beat. I was so excited I couldn't stop hopping around everywhere.
I know, I know, it might not be very... how should I put it... 'ethical'? To be so enthusiastic about a criminal case. But hey, we're not talking about a murder, just a minor theft. So, it's okay, right? It's the perfect chance for me to prove to the Professor, and to everyone, that I have genuine detective talent. And I am determined to solve this case in the blink of an eye!
Oh, and the best part? Professor Ashford has promised not to interfere in MY case unless I'm completely stuck. Complete freedom to think, investigate, and solve the puzzle by myself! I'm so eager to start. But first, we need to make a little detour. We have to drop off our things in our room at the inn. Then, the real adventure truly begins!
"Take a breath, Léa," sighed Eleanor, her voice oscillating between amusement and slight feigned exasperation. "Remember, getting this worked up over a case, whatever it is, isn't always well received... especially if you react like this in front of the victim..."
"Ah, yeah, sorry, hehe..." I retorted, a bit embarrassed. "But I can't help it, it's my very first case, you know? It's impossible not to be totally into it!" I continued, my excitement bubbling up again. "And besides, a simple theft, right... Even if it's far away... You must have chosen a small case in the mountains for my debut, so it should go well, right? I'm sure it's going to be super stereotypical... I even need to work on my catchphrase because just saying 'you're the culprit' is really too cliché, don't you think?"
She let out another sigh, this time one of resignation, with a slightly embarrassed smile beginning to form on her lips, before continuing. "You know, Léa, I can't really blame you... I remember being somewhat like that during my first investigation." Her smile widened a bit, warm and encouraging. "Don't worry, I'll be here to support you. Every detective needs an assistant, right? Consider me your Watson for this case, okay?"
Wait, stop everything! You mean to tell me that the great, the only Eleonor Ashford was also overcome with overwhelming excitement, like me? Seriously? If I could have seen that with my own eyes, I would have given anything! Usually, she's so composed, a bit strict, even severe in her approach... But that's precisely what I love about her! She's like a mother to me, and honestly, the thought of going anywhere else never crossed my mind.
She's the one who taught me everything, who took me under her wing after... well, you know, 'that' period of my life. And since that day, I decided I would be a detective, not just any detective, but a renowned detective, like her! My goal? To help those in need, provide support to those who suffer, and serve justice to those unscrupulous criminals. There is so much pain in this world, but we, the detectives, have this incredible power to repair a bit of that chaos, to tip the scales in favor of justice. And that's exactly what I want to do!
Professor Ashford, she's truly impressive. Her ability to remain calm during an investigation, to perfectly control her emotions... I wonder how she does it. Me? Stay calm for more than ten seconds when I'm excited about a case? Mission impossible! And she wants me to believe she was like that at my age? Yeah, right, without proof, I won't believe it for a second!
"Ah, awesome!" I exclaimed, my smile widening, the excitement palpable. "Haha, so I'm in Sherlock mode, right? Not bad at all! I'm sure I'll solve this puzzle super fast and show that I'm an exceptional detective!"
"Well, I can only agree..." she replied, a gentle smile lighting up her face. "After all, you were lucky enough to have me as a teacher, weren't you?"
"Hehe, of course!" I agreed enthusiastically. "The best detective trained by the best Professor, plus my innate talent, how could I not be extraordinary?"
"Certainly, certainly..." she sighed, a slight eye roll accompanied by a smirk. "Let's then hope our 'Sherlock' lives up to the name and quickly unravels this case."
"Absolutely! I exclaimed, nodding vigorously. "Just wait to see me in action, I'm really going to impress you, no doubt about it!"
As we progressed, Professor Ashford and I, soaking in the tranquility of the surroundings, I couldn't help but marvel. The cool breeze caressed my face, making the winter cold strangely pleasant. Ah, nature! There is really nothing like it. All around me, the city of Gap was unfolding in all its splendor. I mean, Lyon is great, but routine can be so heavy, you know? And there, in Gap, everything seemed new, exciting, a real breath of fresh air!
The panoramas here are breathtaking, seriously. Those majestic mountains lining the horizon, the verdant valleys, the vast endless forests... And then, Gap, perched so high, breathes purity. Miles away from the pollution of big cities. The seasons are so distinct here: hot summers, winters white as in fairy tales. And let's talk about winter! I adore it, especially here, with all this snow. It's just perfect!
Just imagine: the alpine pastures, the lakes, the dense forests... All calling for adventure, right? Hiking, biking, skiing... spending your holidays here must be a dream. Truly, Gap is the dream place for those who, like me, cherish nature and the great outdoors.
Walking, I couldn't help but smile, carried away by my excitement. Our footsteps echoed on the snow, leaving behind a trail of our little journey in the open air. Yes, living this moment was like a gift, one of those precious instances where you feel truly alive.