Asher shrugged, forcing a grin. "Just got a good night's rest, that's all."
"Really? Because you look like you just fought a dragon and came out on top!" she exclaimed, eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Did something happen last night? You're practically glowing!"
"Just some personal business," he replied, keeping it vague as he pushed past the desks toward Bolard's office. He paused outside the door, taking a deep breath to steady himself. The exhilaration of the night before clashed with the tension he now faced.
Asher stepped inside, finding Bolard seated behind his desk, the dim light casting sharp shadows across his features. The captain looked up, his eyes narrowing as they landed on Asher. "You're back," he said, his voice low and measured.
"Yeah, just… had some things to take care of," Asher replied, trying to keep his tone casual. He leaned against the doorframe, hoping to project a relaxed demeanor despite the tension crackling in the air.
Bolard's gaze remained fixed on him, piercing and calculating. "Word travels fast. The Denask Mafia is feeling the heat. I trust you made a statement last night?"
Asher felt a flicker of pride. "Something like that."
Bolard leaned back in his chair, a smirk playing at the corners of his mouth. "How are you, Asher? Are you alright? It can be... disheartening to be the one to clean up a mess like that."
"I'm alright, Captain. Never better, actually. Honest! Thank you for worrying about me."
"Good. But don't get too comfortable. They'll come back swinging. I need you to dig deeper into their operations, find out who's really pulling the strings. This Lotta Langry sounds like she's connected to more than just a few shipments."
Without responding, Asher opened his satchel, his heart racing with determination. He carefully pulled out the security firm's business records, the glittering jewels, and the other items he had taken from the safe, placing them onto Bolard's desk. He kept the stacks of banknotes for himself.
"Everything from the safe," Asher said, meeting Bolard's gaze. "The jewels and records might help shed some light on their operations."
Bolard's eyes flicked over the items, assessing their value. "Good work," he replied, a satisfied grin spreading across his face. "These will give us the leverage we need. But don't think this is over. We need to keep pushing."
Asher took a deep breath, the weight of Bolard's expectations pressing heavily on his chest. "Will this earn me enough merits to get the clown potion from the church?"
Bolard nodded, his expression serious. "Definitely. But you need to be assessed before you consume it. We have to ensure you've fully absorbed the jester potion." Captain walked over to the filing cabinet in the corner of the room unlocking it he dug through the files. "Take the Clown Dossier with you as well. In the event that you are approved it should be helpful."
"Understood," Asher replied, anticipation building within him. "When do we do that?"
Bolard's eyes narrowed slightly, a flicker of something inscrutable crossing his face. "We'll head to the central emissary in a short while. Be ready; I'll send a telegram to inform them."
Asher hesitated, the lingering tension in the air making him uneasy. There was an edge in Bolard's demeanor that suggested he was weighing more than just Asher's progress.
Asher hesitated, the lingering tension in the air making him uneasy. There was an edge in Bolard's demeanor that suggested he was weighing more than just Asher's progress.
"Is there something else?" Asher asked, a hint of defensiveness creeping into his voice.
Bolard leaned back in his chair, a small, knowing smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Just remember, Asher, in this line of work, the shadows hold many secrets. You may think you know the game, but there are always pieces you haven't accounted for."
"I'll keep your words in mind, Captain."
Asher left and turned toward his office, appreciating how conveniently close he was to the captain's.
"Asher!" Liz called out, her voice bright and welcoming as she approached him. She handed him a cup of coffee with cream, the warm mug soothing against his palm. "Want to have lunch in the office today? It's been a while since we've all eaten together."
"Thanks, Liz," Asher replied, taking a sip of the rich brew and feeling the warmth spread through him. He could always count on her to lighten the mood. "Lunch sounds good."
"Oh, and it's been two weeks! You should go collect your pay from Helena," she added with a knowing smile.
"Right. I'll take care of that," he said, nodding in appreciation before making his way toward Helena's office.
As he strolled through the office with coffee in hand, he savored the aroma with another sip. Upon reaching Helena's desk, he leaned against the doorframe. "Hey, Helena. Can I get my pay?"
Helena, ever the dutiful accountant, quickly retrieved his payment. "Here you go, one pound." She slid it across the desk with a hint of a smile.
Asher hesitated, the memory of the bribes from the night market case flashing through his mind. He felt a twinge of embarrassment but forced himself to ask, "Uh, any chance I could get compensated for the one pound I spent on bribes during the night market case?"
Helena regarded him with a raised eyebrow but softened. "Okay, sure. Just fill out a claims expense report and have Captain Bolard sign it. I'll reimburse you."
"Thanks!" he replied, relief washing over him as she handed him the form. He turned to leave, feeling a bit lighter, and returned to his office to begin his normal work of archiving the firm's historical records.
With the comforting scent of coffee still lingering in the air, Asher settled into his routine, ready to tackle the day ahead, even as thoughts of the Denask Mafia lingered in the back of his mind.