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Thnak you again to everyone supporting me and to the people who give and suggest me ideas to write.
Thank you to every people reading and enjoying my writing.
Thank you to the people who kindly allowed me to borrow their charcters.
There is references and puns to many things like : TV Show, series, movies, anime, cartoons, mangas and web comics.
Will you find the references ? =)
Art by
Husky_Cookie
Story and chartcers by and © to Husky_Cookie
All the charcters borrowed are © to their respective owners.
Chapter 4 : First cases.
Tents had been pitched in a glade near the banks of the lake. Arrived a few days ago, the fifteen trainees quiclky took the pace imposed by Lou. Up at dawn and after breakfast, each day began with a Tai Chi session then a run in the woods as a warm-up. Formation then lasted until mid afternoon with the teaching of taos, controls, locks, projections, strikes and handling weapons. After the training, the chores done, everyone had free time. It was an opportunity to enjoy nature, swim, rest and for club members to get to know each other.
That day after practice, when everyone was playing volley in water a team of two ecoguards came to meet them.
« Environemantal Police ! Can you get out of water for a moment please! », ordered the guard.
Everyone complied. Lou, Maxine and the others camp attendees gathered around the two officers in their grey uniforms.
« Sorry to interrupt you but we have to talk to you.
— Something's wrong Sir ?, asked Lou.
— Yes, our water monitoring colleagues have noted abnormally highs level of polluants in streams and ponds around Wyndchase.
— But this is The Iron Lake ! We are 50 km away from the city, pointed out a young man.
— Indeed but the pollution spread and not knowing where the problem come from, authorities instructed us to inform the public.
— Any of you have noticed something unusal around the area ?, questioned her teamate.
— Like what ?, asked Maxine.
— Dead fishs, odd smells coming from water, weak or degraded flora, overabundance of algae.
— None of that to my knowledge, commented Lou.
— In any case if one of you has any medical problems within two weeks, please let us know. That should help our scientist to pinpoint the source of all this, insisted the woman.
— We will !, said Lou.
— Thanks. Ladies, gentlemens. », the man tapped his cap and walked away soon followed by his teamate.
The intervention of the agents made pass the swiming urge of the group for the rest of the day. Despite the doubt that settled the course continued without incident.
The last day after the training, Lou announced everyone was invited to the inn this evenning. At meal time around a veal blanquette at a large table, all the kung-fu practicing, celebrated the end of the summer camp.
In the morning, tents were folded and equipement in the vehicles's trunk. Everyone said their goodbye and wished a good summer before leaving The Iron Lake.
Maxine returned from these seven days exhausted but happy to have learned new skills.
In tribunal, in the lobby at the waiting area, Maxine was ordering a hot cocoa at the vending machine. She gave a look at the billposter on the pillar nearby. Number 270. She had had time to savor her drink. Four people were waiting for their turn before she passes. The building usually bubbling was absolutely calm. Only security guards's footseps patroling and visitors whispers resounded in the entrance. Maxine paced up and down the waiting area trying to beat the boredom. For only occupation, she found to read a flyer explaining the role of the differents magistrates. Her turn finally came. She was recived by the clerk. During the appointement, the man officialy registered her as private detective and validated the file for the creation of her agency. The bat also took the opportunity to acquire her bounty hunter licence.
Back to Miranda's place, her two friends were talking about the neighborhood life waiting for her as planned. They set to work immediatly when the bat arrived, gathering Maxine's belongings in cardboxes Zazu brought from his workplace. Miranda packed a set of cutlery, cooking utensils and some canned food. Maxine had a twinge in her heart seeing her life fit in her backpack and two boxes. Her things packed, they boarded everything in the direction of the bookstore.
The shop shuted down, Zazu having closed for the day, the three friends passed by the course. Zazu goes through his pockets to find the key but stopped, stepping aside.
« Max be the first. », he said handing her the key.
She introduced the key in the hole and opened the door. Inside everything has been redone. The sink, the electricals stove and the cupboards were brand new. The workplan has been shortened on the right and the safe moved to make space for a modern shower unit. The old wooden floor has been replaced by white tile and the matching walls were still smelling paint. Only remained the small table and little equipements.
« Y-you get me a bed ? But I thou...
— Thanks her ! », he said showing the cheetah with his thumb.
They unpacked Maxine's stuff. It didn't took them long to tidy everything and connect electrical devices. Zazu gave Maxine the wifi password and showed her where the circuit breaker and the water stopcock were located.
« Well Max you are home now, declared Zazu.
— I will be fine here.
— We will let you finish setting up then », finished the feline.
Maxine nodded.
« Also I am not opening the store tomorrow, the time you get your bearings.
— I could never thank you enough for what you've done.
— If I can help...just ask if you need something, he conclued heading to the door with Miranda.
— Wait there is a last thing I want to ask... », lanced Maxine.
The two felines stopped and listened their friend request.
« I would like to get back my revolver. »
The next day, the library closed Maxine took time to arrange her new place. During her free day, she took advantage to explore the town center and pinpoint the local gocery, pharmacy and other usefull shops. Arms full to fill her cupboards she ended her tour by paying a visit to the Sweet Honey Buns bakery. Liru was serving tea to an old lady at a table, she greeted cheerfully her friend and came to chat a bit.
« What are you doing now you are a private investigator ?, said the blonde girl.
— Mainly looking for customers and working on my agency's website when I don't help Zazu.
— There is no request ?
— I am new to the business, I need to make myself known first.
— I understand, she answered readjusting her glasses, otherwise do you want something ?
— A bread please. »
Maxine was about to leave when the old lady called her out.
« Sorry young damsel, I've heard your conversation and you said you are a detective ?
— That's right ma'am.
— Do you search for missing ?
— Yes maybe... I suppose.
— Finally someone able to help, you are an angel fallen from the sky young lady, she thanked holding Maxine's hand.
— Huh I am not sure about that, murmured the bat.
— You said ?
— Nothing ma'am, she smiled.
— Come to my house this evening, I will explain everything. »
The old lady put down a few words on the purple paper napkin.
« Take the address, I will wait for you at five'o clock. »
Maxine took the piece of paper..
« Don't be late young lady ! », she said wawing to the the bat.
Without a word and flabbergasted, Maxine returned home.
Later this evening, Maxine presented herself at the indicated address. In front of an iron gate, Maxine rang the bell. The gate opened revealing a path between tropical plants and flowers. Nestled in the heart of this garden hidden from the prying eyes, a villa. At the end of the stone path, the majordomo opened the door welcoming Maxine in the house. The man leaded the fruit bat to the boudoir. The house was furnished in a victorian style. The old lady was here installed in a cushioned sofa a photo album on her lap. She invited Maxine to sit next to her.
« Thnak you for coming young lady, I was hopless, no one wanted to help me.
— Tell me who has dissaperead and for how long ?
— It's Mr. Pickwick, it has been two and half weeks now.
— Do you have any idea of what could have been happened to him ?
— I don't know... at first I thought he was cheating on me, he was absent more and more often. But one day he didn't came back home and his business were untouched. I fear someone kidnapped him.
— Did you called the police ?
— I did but they said his dissapeareance was not worrying and they could not dispatch an agent.
— Do you have a photo of him ?
— Yes look ! »
The lady opened her album and picked up a pair of photo. On the first picture, a tall man, grey hairs, a little mustache and wearing glasses in a lawyer suit, was in a chair at a desk. A white fluffy cat with blue eyes was sitting on the files scattered on the furniture. The second picture was showing the man smiling, in a transat, on the house terrace, a beer in hand with the same cat on his lap.
« Is this your husband ?
— Yes darling he is prosecutor, retired but he is still helping in court sometimes.
— I see does Mr. Pickwick recived threads from defendants whom he has prosecuted before ?
— No Mr. Pickwik was adopted nine months ago and my husband has been retired for two years.
— Adopetd ?! Mr. Pickwick is not your husband ?!
— Of course not honey, giggled the woman, I didn't specify ?
— No you didn't, said Maxine unamused, great I have to look for a lost cat now.
— Not a simple cat it's Mr. Pickwick, insisted the lady, he is a family member.
— Does he have distinctives features ?
— Mr. Pickwick is a Sacred of Burma, he is all white with blue eyes, his ID is tattooed in his ear and he don't wear any collar.
— Any habits and does something happened before he's gone ?
— We bring him to the vet for a check up two day before his dissapearance except that he like company, fish treats and he usualy stroll in the back of the garden in the evening before heading inside for the night.
— Thnak you, Ma'am ?
— Mrs. Almera.
— Can I inspect your garden ? »
Mrs. Almera accompanied Maxine to the terrace. She went to the enclosure wall at the back of the garden. She noticed pawsprints in the dry mud. Following the traces she discovered, behind ferns, the devoured corpses of a mouse and a blackbird. Straightening up, she percived four grouped pawprints halfway up the wall. She retraced one's step to the terrace.
« Mrs. Almera does Mr. Pickwick hunt ?
— Not that I know, I feed him everyday. », answered the lady pointing at the bowl near the windowbay.
Maxine constated the bowl was still full of kibbles.
« Ma'am, there is a house next door, behind the perimeter wall ?
— Yes but it is a second home, there is no one actually.
— And around ?
— Some building and the church with its public garden.
— I will take a look at it. »
Maxine left Mrs. Almera. Back in the street, she walked to the empty house and checked by acquierd knowledge that the cat was not in the neighboring proprety. The feline not being here, Maxine followed the street signs to the church. On the church square the husband of an old couple was grumbling.
« Stupid birds ! Look what they did to my vest !
— It could be worse, laughed his wife handing him a tissue, anyway there is less pigeons around since the priest feed the wanderings cats. »
Hearing that, the bat entered in the church. Maxine crossed herself. In the choir, the preist was deposing the liturgical objects on the altar. She crossed the nave and arrived at the transept she solicited the man of faith.
« Excuse me Sir, can I talk to you for a moment ? »
The church bells rang out vespers.
« I am afraid you will have to wait after the service. If you would like to take a seat. »
I will gut this cat !, she said to herself in her heart of hearts.
The church service ended after one hour that felt like an eternity for the lost cat researcher. When all the worshipers were gone, Maxine could finally question the priest.
« I've heard you were feeding stray cats, have you seen a fluffy white one with blue eyes ?
— Yes hard to miss among the others.
— Have you seen him recently ?
— No he show up only when I distribute wet food and I ve got a bag of kibbles recently.
— Do you know where he is ?
— He wander around, when he is not near the presbytery I usually see him in the cemetery adjoining the church.
— Thank you Sir. »
Outside, Maxine inspected the public garden in front of the church. Finding not sign of the feline, she decided to go around the church. Behind the building, Maxine didn't find the cat either.
Please help me to find this cat, I am tierd, hungry and Zazu begin early tomorrow. I want to go home, she begged discouraged, looking at the bell tower in the setting sun.
The sound of a metal gate closing interrupted her prayer. Looking on the right in the noise's direction she saw a small white silhouette disappearing around the corner wall.
Thank you, she tought clapping her hands and bowing.
She chased the silouhette to the cemetery on the left side of the church. Passed the corner a white cat was watching his surrounding. It was Mr. Pickwick. Afraid by the bat arriving in a hurry, the cat jumped through the fence of the cemetary. Behind the grates, safe from dangers and out of Maxine reach, the Sacred of Burma sat on a stone coffin. He was gazing at the bat.
« Come here Mr. Pickwick, your mistress worry for you », said the bat stretching her arm through the iron bars.
The feline yawned, before starting to clean itself. Maxine headed to the gate, she actionned the knob.
« For God sake ! »
The door remained closed. The cat not bothered by the agitation stretched his leg before licking it meticulously.
« Don't move, I'll be right back ! », she said pointing a finger to the feline.
Maxine turned around and ran up the streets to the villa of the cat's owner. She hounded the doorbell. Mrs Almera from the house told her the door was open. Maxine rushed inside.
« Where are Mr. Pickwick's treats ?
— In the kitchen, the cupboard under the sink », said the lady.
The bat hustled in the kitchen and grabbed the bag of treat. Without other explenations she resumed her run toward the church.
Come on, come on, come on, she thought in the last meter, Yes he is still here !
Mr. Pickwick had not moved and had even fallen asleep. Maxine positioned herself in front of the cat, she took a fish shaped treat from the bag and aimed at him. The treat she threw, hit the top of his skull and landed next to him. The feline woke up slowly. He sniffed the air and quickly found the food. While eating it, Maxine threw an other one closer. Treats after treats, the cat approched. When he was close enough, she hold a biscuit between her fingers. The Sacred of Burma now within range, she grabbed him and took him under her arm. Mr. Pickwick struggling was calmed by another biscuit and was now asking for pats, rubbing his head against Maxine chest.
She returned triumphant to Mrs. Almera's place.
« Look who I've found !, she declared holding the kitty in front of her.
— Mr. Pickwick ! You are back ! »
Maxine was touched seeing the lady happy to retrive her pet.
« Why did you go away my fluffy friend ?, said the old lady petting him.
— Mr. Pickwick is a picky eater that's why he left.
— How that ?
— He don't like kibbles, the priest saw him only when wet food was served moreover his bowl was untouched and I found leftovers of his preys in your garden.
— I understand, the vet suggested us to change his food so we did it...
— And Monsieur, not pleased went elswhere, continued the bat.
— Thnak you young lady, I will recommand you around me.
— I appreciate it but how about we talk about my fees now ? », said Maxine tilting her head blissfully.
Soon after the case of the missing cat, Maxine was contacted by a farmer on Mrs Almera's recommandations. The man, victim of theft of his ducklings, asked for the bat's services. To carry out her investigation, Maxine asked to work undercover at the farm. The man agreed and the next morning Maxine took up her quarters to the exploitation. She was introduced to the three employees and the farmer's wife as seasonal reinforcement. Maxine was not assigned at a paricular task like the others but was asked to help when needed.
She began herworkday with Cécile and the farmer's wife in the greenhouses. While harvesting the salads, the investigator learned Cécile was twenty five years old and barely out of her market gardening school. The wife confessed she begged her husband to hire her more for having an other girl to talk to than her coursework. In a laugh, both women addmited it was hard to find girls working in this sector. After watering the tomatoes, Maxine was freed. She rejoined Will and Robert to the livestock buildings. Robert, who looked like an old biker than a farmer was dispensing hay to cows.Will his younger workmate, was preparing a milker. Maxine asked what she can do. The old man charged her to scrape clean the cowshed. She exectuded herself even if she was not pleased to deal with the smelly mire. The cow milking done, Robert bring the milk to the conditionnig unit leaving the two alone.
Will and Maxine went to the duck building. Inside they were loudly welcomed by a hundred birds and their ducklings.
« They are adorable, awed the bat kneeling to the ground.
— Careful, adults pinch.
— Wha... Aouch !
— Told you, they're are protecting their babies.
— If they are protecting their youngs then peace is not an option.
— Indeed, not after the recents events. »
Maxine looked at him with a questionning look.
« Of course you can't know, he remarked, it occured several times over this month.
— What happened ?
— Lots of ducklings has been stolen. »
Maxine tittered.
« Hey it's serious, no ducks no work !
— Sorry but why people would steal ducklings ?, she asked as she got up.
— For money.
— Money ? Who would buy ducks ? Can't we find find fowls easily ?
— Don't be so sure, there is a high demands for poultry, at some points hatcheries struggle to provide the market. Thousands of birds had to be slaughtered last year as a prevntive measure to stem the bird flu. Now we have a duck shortage and birds are worth a fortune.
— I understand... So what are we doing now ?
— First we will let the ducks run outside, then we will see what to do.
— I am ready !, she answered flexing her arm.
— To the gates !
— Release The Qwaken ! »
The doors barely open, the duck herd rushed outside in the green grass. Maxine and Will fed the hungry birds. They changed the straw, cleaned the troughs and strenghthen the fence of the enclosure before tackling their last task.
Maxine was shouting out as she activate the power switches :
« Turbine 2 ! … 3 ! »
Will was giving a thumb up indicating the ventilation fans was working.
« Turbine 4 ! »
The rotor started. It reached full speed in no time.
« STOP ! CUT THE POWER ! », he yelled.
Maxine thrusted the emergency shutdown switch. All the turbines ceased their spinning.
« What's wrong ?, she asked.
— It get out of alignement.
— For sure it's a hell of quack. »
Will squitted his eyes.
« We will fix it, stay here I grab some tools and I go out to reach the back of the fan.
— Oki ducky. »
Maxine took place in front of the turbine.
« It's strange the nut holding the fan is different from the others, constated Will from the other side.
— What ?
— This one is a winged nut, he explained showing the metal piece through the shaft, you don't need an angled open-socket to tighten it.
— Or to remove it...
— Ok take the turbine and put it back in line I will guide you.
— It's light !, she said surprised lifting the rotor easily.
— It's made in aluminium, ok don't move it is in, I put the wing nut back ! »
The ventilation repaired and tested once again, the two came back to the living house for lunch break. The day continued, Maxine get to know the farm and the surrounding with the task she was told to do. At four in the afternoon, in agreement with her employer, she saluted her teamworkers and finsihed her workday. She took advantage of her free time to take a shower, prepare her equipement for the night and sleep.
She woke up for dinner. The farmer's wife brought her meal in her room, she ate her food as she was choosing the best place to monitor discreetly the duck building. Her dinner finished she attached the cordura case of her sycthe to her belt and adjusted it in her back. Her camera around her neck she dropped her dirty plate to the kitchen and went outside. She did a tour of the propriety and the different facilities before heading to her surveillance spot hidden in the sunflowers field.
It was about five in the morning when the day dawned, she decided to end her surveillance as nothing more will happen. She spend the three last hours sleeping before starting her farm labor.
Three days passed and as many unfructfull monitoring nights. However she managed to learn more about her teamworker. Robert who began to work at a young age planned to quit the farm for an anticipated retirement within three years. Cécile long term dream was to create her own exploitation in permaculture. Will has found his place here and was satidfied of his work.
This day, the farmer asked Maxine to help him with the phytosanitary products. The farmer took advantage to be alone with her to ask if she had any results. She took stock of the situation with the farmer. Seeing the situation was not moving she proposed an action plan. Maxine finished to expose her scheme when a loading truck arrived near the isolated building.
« Hi Sir, greeted the driver from his cabin, as usual we take your old F/V-Jolt and we give you a new load ?
— Time to gear up and let's go.
— Ok come on kid, said the driver to his colleague, we have work to do ! »
The three men equipped with gas masks and hazmat suit, carryied a dozen of chemical container in and out the building. The bat out of range of the toxic emanations was observing the scene. The transfer done and back in their regular work clothes they were doing the tracking and administrative papers.
« Thank you Sir and see you next month, said the driver climbing in his truck, lady.
— So now we are going to the processing plant chief ?
— No kid, the facility is in maintenance, their storage tanks are full and they no longer accept deliveries, he explained to his rookie starting the engine.
— What we will do with all these chemicals ?
— Don't worry the boss found a company that picks them up... »
The driver honked and waved when the truck left the farm.
Morning ended. To celebrate the weekend and reward everyone for their effort the farmer organized a barbecue for lunch. He exposed the planning for the next week. The harvest of the wheat will be the biggest work he also announced, death in the soul, he was going to send the ducks to the slaughterhouse on monday. Everyone were stunned by the declaration. Cécile turned livid, Robert remained silent scratching his beard.
Will banged his fist one the table.
« How could you !? Ducks products are a trade mark of the farm !
— Sales are not good Will and...
— It's not true and you know it ! If you wanted to make profit you could have improved activity ! »
The embarassed farmer shunned Will's glare. He was about to explain his employee the situation when Maxine, in a head movement, make him understand to not flinch and stay firm.
« Sorry Will, but my decision is made I stop the duck production and you will be reafected with the cows.
— It's not over man ! », he said as leaving the table fluminating.
The rest of the lunch continued in a sinister atmosphere. At the end of the day everyone get back to their places. Once again the bat was about to spend a night under the stars.
Maxine was hiding for hours between the sunflowers under the moonlight. This saturday night was far of her expectation, instead of a comfy bed and a soft pillow she only had the ground, dust and mosquitos for company. Her endless boredom was interupted when a dark silhouette, coming out the wheat fields and approched stealthly the rear of the building. Laying on the ground the bat grabbed her camera and zoomed on the shadow. If the moonlight allowed the bat to take a clear photo of the two pet carrier the theft had bring, on the other hand it was impossible to distinct its face. Maxine took an other set of picture showing the robber removing the rotor of ventilation shaft n°4. The shadow put the pets carrier in the hole before sliding itself into the building. A short moment after the intrusion, loud angry quacking and struggles noises came from inside. The bat switched the mode of her camera and started to record the scene. She filmed the shadow's exit and how it replaced the rotor before leaving the area by the same path it came.
Maxine left her hideout and discreetly followed, the shadow through the trampled head wheat trail. Just before the edge of the field, the slam of a car door made her stop. She quickly set her camera on photo mode and crawled untill the border of the field. She just had time to take a photo of a van and it's plate before it quit the area by the tree-lined road.
Suddenly a shiver ran down her spine.
What if they have been severals ? What if they have been armed ? What if they have found me ?, she thought.
Ashamed by her lack of prudence, she came back to the farm to analyze her intel and to come with a new strategy.
Once again her night will be sleepless. She was at her usual spy spot with the hope the robber will show. It has to come, her whole plan and credibility depended on it. Hopefully the thieft came back on the crime scene. He proceeded in the same way as the day before. Maxine used her camera to add more evidences to her file. When the burglar finsihed his buisness in the building, he came back to the road. This time Maxine didn't followed him but headed to her motorbike which she had hidden earlier in the evening. She put her helmet and adjusted the holster of her revolver over her jacket. When the thug's van started, Maxine started her engine and followed it from afar.
Fifteen kilometers later out of a village, the van stopped under a lamp post of the village hall parking lot. Maxine continued a little further with her bike and walked back to the village hall, making sure to stay hidden. A second car arrived and parked away from the other vehicles. The thief get out of the van. Now under the light, the bat can take a neat picture of the robber. Against all odds it was the vegetable grower : Cécile. Two individuals approched, a pair of lizards men. They talked a little, the tone rose slightly when Cécile increased the agreed price of the start. After explaining it was the last time she can provide her merchandise the two reptile accepted. The vegetable grower brought from her car four pet carrier full of ducklings. One of the lizard paied the girl with cash and she left the two men with the birds. Maxine hadn't missed a bit and registered everything with her camera. However she couldn't let the two men vanish with the precious cargo.
She sneaked between the cars and waited the two reptile were close from each other, turning their back to her.
Within reach, she drew her MR-73 and pressed the barrel against the head of one guy.
« One move and your brain will repaint the windsheld. Now down ! »
The two lizards on the ground, she called the police and the farmer. Waiting for the arrival of the law enforcement she questionned the two men about their little trafic. The two were brothers, stablemen taking opportunity of the duck crisis.
The two in authorities hands and ducks returned to their owner, Maxine told everything to the farmer. Disappointed to discover the truth, the farmer called out a police officer.
Monday morning, around the breakfast table, Maxine, the farmer his wife and a police officer were waiting for the arrival of the employees. Robert arrived in company of Will soon followed by Cécile. The three were surprised to find the policeman at the table.
« Morning guys, how was your weekend ?, began the farmer.
— Can we skip the courtesies and know why police is here ?, asked coldly Will.
— Ducks has been stolen last night, answered Maxine.
— Again ?!, reacted employees in shock.
— Hopefully it was the last time, said the farmer siping his coffee. Right Cécile ? »
All eyes turned to the girl.
« Me ? I-I spend weekend with friends !
— I am sure the lizards brothers you partied with will recognize you without problems, answered the bat.
— They could have mistaken me for someone else.
— That should make it easier, retorted Maxine showing a picture of Cécile on her camera. Portrait is not my best especially at night, hidden behind a dustbin, while the subject carry ducks but I am kinda happy with this one.
— Get up lady, you are under arrest ! », ordered the policeman.
Without a a word the girl executed herself. The officer handcuffed her as she glanced the bat with fury and contempt.
« Let's go ! Miss I am waiting a copy of your report to add it as evidence in the suit.
— You will get it quiclky sir. »
The officer and his suspect left the room leaving the workmates.
« Sorry Will I had no choice otherwise she couldn't achive her plan, explained the farmer to his employee.
— Her plan ?, asked the man.
— Yes, I asked your boss to pretend he was about to sell the birds to push the theif to act. The ducks are safe and you will be able to go back work with them.
— Wait that mean...
— That mean my work here is done and the duck production will continue, she smiled.
— Your work ? So you are not a work reinforcement ?, asked Robert.
— Unfortunally for Cécile and for us, Miss Murdera is a private investigator, explained the farmer. Shame because you were a great help. I asked for her services because the police wasn't really concerned by our case.
— You leave as I was getting used to your puns. Too bad, confessed Will.
— You will find others, she winked, Robert, Ma'am.
— Thnak you for your help Miss, said the farmer handshaking her.
— Don't mention it, she smiled. Thnak you for the welcoming everyone. »
Her mission accomplished she left the farm and went back home.
The dusk light decreased significantly. The little cocker spaniel dog girl passed under an arch avoiding the people gaze in the street. She reached a little court surrounded by buildings. Deserted and bathed in obscurity, she didn't paid attention to the light that filtered under a door. She headed directly to the big trash container. She opened the lid but she was too short to inspect its content. In frustration she slammed the lid. In penumbra she dragged a smaller trash can in front of the container to climb on it. When the court was suddendly lit by a grazing light coming from the door she crossed earlier, she turned in its direction. When here eyes met what was standing in the light she froze. On the doorstep, a dark tall shadow in a bright halo. The black silhouette had wings, the kind of demonic ones. Her nightmare vision worsened when she noticed the entity held a scyth.
The Death, she thought.
Her legs gave out. Landing on her rear she began to crawl back as the shadow slowly approched. She was accorned unable to move. She hunched on herself while the shadow was getting closer and closer.
« MERCY ! PLEASE SPARE ME !, screamed the girl, crying in despair.
— What's happenning here ?, asked the dark creature with a feminine voice.
— The scythe, you are The Death aren't you ? You will take my soul ?
— What the fuck are you talking about ? », answerd the woman.
The girl followed the lady which invted her to enter what it seemed to be her place. She was observing the room. There was the minimum to live : A bed, a shower cabin, a small fridge under a workplan, a sink, two electric stove, a microwave a radio and a little table with papers and a pen scattered on, near the bed. The Grim Reapear would turn out to be a bat. The lady had short orange fur, long white silky hairs and a pair of black wings. She had typical bat long ears. Only the tip of her left ear was damaged with a part missing.
« What was you doing outside ?, asked the bat.
— Looking for food.
— Your parents do not feed you ?
— I've run away from home, answered the girl avoiding eye contact, her long dog ears lowered.
— And where do you plan to go ?
— Hybrid City.
— Where are you sleeping ?
— Outside.
— Oh brother ! », said the bat rolling her eyes.
The lady knelt down to level with the girl.
« What is your name ?, she asked.
—Misha.
—You are not talkative, are you ? »
The little dog girl didn't answered.
« Well Misha I hope you are hungry because tonight it is pasta with tomato sauce.
— I eat with you really ?, smiled the girl stars in eyes and tail wagging.
— Yes but first you are going to give me the pleasure of taking a shower.
— Why ?, she asked tilting her head.
— You stink ! »
Misha was enjoying the warm water running along her, easing her sore muscles. She soaped herself, cleaning the dirt of her fur, reminder of her wander. In front of the stove, the bat was preparing the sauce. The scent of the cooking was filling the room and didn't took long to reach Misha nose.
« It smell good what is it ?, she asked.
— Garlic cloves and tomatoes fryed in olive oil, answered the lady. Did you finished ?
— Almost I just need to rinse me.
— Hurry it is almost ready ! », she said urging her.
Misha shut off the water and dryed herself quickly. She put back on her dirty clothes and sat on the edge of bed. She was waiting impatiently for her food. When the bat served the dinner, she couldn't stop her tail to wag. Her host wished her « Bon appétit ! » and both started to eat. Misha dsicovered a whole new savor with the combination of olive oil and garlic. She was surprised to see the tomoatos were almost melted and can devlop such subtles aromas.
« It is simple cuisine, hope you like it, said the bat.
— It is just awshome !, exclaimed Misha her mouth full.
— I am glad you appreciate it », smiled the woman.
When Misha finished her plate, the bat cleared the table. The lady turning her back on her to do the dish, Misha was staring at her dark wings. The vision of The Grim Reaper came back to her.
« Where did you put your scythe ?, asked Misha.
— In its case, she pointed at a thirtee centimeter long cordura sheath attached to her belt.
— But your scythe was huge how does it fit ? A-And the blade ?
— Magic !, answered the bat irronicaly.
— Why do you have such a thing ?
— For work.
— You are weird.
— Maybe... », answered the bat laconically.
Once the dish done, the lady came to sit next to Misha. She get out her phone out from her pocket and opened the map application. She pushed the compass icon and typed the name of the location the girl wanted to reach. Misha was fascinated by the device.
« What is it ?, she asked
— A route calculator.
— What does it do ?
— It show you which road to take to go somewhere.
— Like Hybrid City ?
— Yes. We are here in Wyndchase. To go to Hybrid City you have to follow the Road 104 to the East till Rigsby. Then you head to the North.
— Road 104 East... Rigsby...North, murmured Misha to herself.
— You said something ?
— Noooaaaah, yawned the girl.
— Woaw that was a big one ! You must be exhausted ! »
The girl noded in answer, rubbing her eyes.
« Sleep peacefully, tommorow we will go the police station. Your parents must be worried and looking for you everywhere. »
Without a word Misha sliped under the blanket etching in her memory the direction of the place she was looking for so long.
In the middle of the night Misha woke up. In the obscurity she checked the room. At the end of the bed leaning against the wall the bat was sleeping. Discreetly she get out of the bed and put her shoes. She headed to the door and opened it. She was ready to go. She did a step and stopped. She can't leave without thanking her host but she can't allow her to bring back to her home. Not yet ! Not so close from her destination ! Without a sound she came back inside. She took a piece of paper and a pen and started to write. Once finished she posed her note folded, in evidence on the table like her mother used to do with her. Done, she waved and closed the door behind her before hitting the road to the East.
In the morning, the bat awakened, her neck sore from her uncomfortable sleep position. She extended her arm to the left to wake up her guest. Her hand only found an empty bed and retruned blankets. In a hurry she rushed to the door and found herself in the court.
« Misha ! Misha !Where are you ? Misha ! », she looked around but her call remained silent.
She came back inside and noticed a piece of paper folded on the table.
On the first page : To the Death Lady.
The bat opened it on the left page the drawing of an heart. On the right these few words :
Chapter 5 : Old acquaintances, new friends.
Thank you to every people reading and enjoying my writing.
Thank you to the people who kindly allowed me to borrow their charcters.
There is references and puns to many things like : TV Show, series, movies, anime, cartoons, mangas and web comics.
Will you find the references ? =)
Art by
Husky_CookieStory and chartcers by and © to
Husky_CookieAll the charcters borrowed are © to their respective owners.
Chapter 4 : First cases.
Tents had been pitched in a glade near the banks of the lake. Arrived a few days ago, the fifteen trainees quiclky took the pace imposed by Lou. Up at dawn and after breakfast, each day began with a Tai Chi session then a run in the woods as a warm-up. Formation then lasted until mid afternoon with the teaching of taos, controls, locks, projections, strikes and handling weapons. After the training, the chores done, everyone had free time. It was an opportunity to enjoy nature, swim, rest and for club members to get to know each other.
That day after practice, when everyone was playing volley in water a team of two ecoguards came to meet them.
« Environemantal Police ! Can you get out of water for a moment please! », ordered the guard.
Everyone complied. Lou, Maxine and the others camp attendees gathered around the two officers in their grey uniforms.
« Sorry to interrupt you but we have to talk to you.
— Something's wrong Sir ?, asked Lou.
— Yes, our water monitoring colleagues have noted abnormally highs level of polluants in streams and ponds around Wyndchase.
— But this is The Iron Lake ! We are 50 km away from the city, pointed out a young man.
— Indeed but the pollution spread and not knowing where the problem come from, authorities instructed us to inform the public.
— Any of you have noticed something unusal around the area ?, questioned her teamate.
— Like what ?, asked Maxine.
— Dead fishs, odd smells coming from water, weak or degraded flora, overabundance of algae.
— None of that to my knowledge, commented Lou.
— In any case if one of you has any medical problems within two weeks, please let us know. That should help our scientist to pinpoint the source of all this, insisted the woman.
— We will !, said Lou.
— Thanks. Ladies, gentlemens. », the man tapped his cap and walked away soon followed by his teamate.
The intervention of the agents made pass the swiming urge of the group for the rest of the day. Despite the doubt that settled the course continued without incident.
The last day after the training, Lou announced everyone was invited to the inn this evenning. At meal time around a veal blanquette at a large table, all the kung-fu practicing, celebrated the end of the summer camp.
In the morning, tents were folded and equipement in the vehicles's trunk. Everyone said their goodbye and wished a good summer before leaving The Iron Lake.
Maxine returned from these seven days exhausted but happy to have learned new skills.
* * *In tribunal, in the lobby at the waiting area, Maxine was ordering a hot cocoa at the vending machine. She gave a look at the billposter on the pillar nearby. Number 270. She had had time to savor her drink. Four people were waiting for their turn before she passes. The building usually bubbling was absolutely calm. Only security guards's footseps patroling and visitors whispers resounded in the entrance. Maxine paced up and down the waiting area trying to beat the boredom. For only occupation, she found to read a flyer explaining the role of the differents magistrates. Her turn finally came. She was recived by the clerk. During the appointement, the man officialy registered her as private detective and validated the file for the creation of her agency. The bat also took the opportunity to acquire her bounty hunter licence.
Back to Miranda's place, her two friends were talking about the neighborhood life waiting for her as planned. They set to work immediatly when the bat arrived, gathering Maxine's belongings in cardboxes Zazu brought from his workplace. Miranda packed a set of cutlery, cooking utensils and some canned food. Maxine had a twinge in her heart seeing her life fit in her backpack and two boxes. Her things packed, they boarded everything in the direction of the bookstore.
The shop shuted down, Zazu having closed for the day, the three friends passed by the course. Zazu goes through his pockets to find the key but stopped, stepping aside.
« Max be the first. », he said handing her the key.
She introduced the key in the hole and opened the door. Inside everything has been redone. The sink, the electricals stove and the cupboards were brand new. The workplan has been shortened on the right and the safe moved to make space for a modern shower unit. The old wooden floor has been replaced by white tile and the matching walls were still smelling paint. Only remained the small table and little equipements.
« Y-you get me a bed ? But I thou...
— Thanks her ! », he said showing the cheetah with his thumb.
They unpacked Maxine's stuff. It didn't took them long to tidy everything and connect electrical devices. Zazu gave Maxine the wifi password and showed her where the circuit breaker and the water stopcock were located.
« Well Max you are home now, declared Zazu.
— I will be fine here.
— We will let you finish setting up then », finished the feline.
Maxine nodded.
« Also I am not opening the store tomorrow, the time you get your bearings.
— I could never thank you enough for what you've done.
— If I can help...just ask if you need something, he conclued heading to the door with Miranda.
— Wait there is a last thing I want to ask... », lanced Maxine.
The two felines stopped and listened their friend request.
« I would like to get back my revolver. »
* * *The next day, the library closed Maxine took time to arrange her new place. During her free day, she took advantage to explore the town center and pinpoint the local gocery, pharmacy and other usefull shops. Arms full to fill her cupboards she ended her tour by paying a visit to the Sweet Honey Buns bakery. Liru was serving tea to an old lady at a table, she greeted cheerfully her friend and came to chat a bit.
« What are you doing now you are a private investigator ?, said the blonde girl.
— Mainly looking for customers and working on my agency's website when I don't help Zazu.
— There is no request ?
— I am new to the business, I need to make myself known first.
— I understand, she answered readjusting her glasses, otherwise do you want something ?
— A bread please. »
Maxine was about to leave when the old lady called her out.
« Sorry young damsel, I've heard your conversation and you said you are a detective ?
— That's right ma'am.
— Do you search for missing ?
— Yes maybe... I suppose.
— Finally someone able to help, you are an angel fallen from the sky young lady, she thanked holding Maxine's hand.
— Huh I am not sure about that, murmured the bat.
— You said ?
— Nothing ma'am, she smiled.
— Come to my house this evening, I will explain everything. »
The old lady put down a few words on the purple paper napkin.
« Take the address, I will wait for you at five'o clock. »
Maxine took the piece of paper..
« Don't be late young lady ! », she said wawing to the the bat.
Without a word and flabbergasted, Maxine returned home.
Later this evening, Maxine presented herself at the indicated address. In front of an iron gate, Maxine rang the bell. The gate opened revealing a path between tropical plants and flowers. Nestled in the heart of this garden hidden from the prying eyes, a villa. At the end of the stone path, the majordomo opened the door welcoming Maxine in the house. The man leaded the fruit bat to the boudoir. The house was furnished in a victorian style. The old lady was here installed in a cushioned sofa a photo album on her lap. She invited Maxine to sit next to her.
« Thnak you for coming young lady, I was hopless, no one wanted to help me.
— Tell me who has dissaperead and for how long ?
— It's Mr. Pickwick, it has been two and half weeks now.
— Do you have any idea of what could have been happened to him ?
— I don't know... at first I thought he was cheating on me, he was absent more and more often. But one day he didn't came back home and his business were untouched. I fear someone kidnapped him.
— Did you called the police ?
— I did but they said his dissapeareance was not worrying and they could not dispatch an agent.
— Do you have a photo of him ?
— Yes look ! »
The lady opened her album and picked up a pair of photo. On the first picture, a tall man, grey hairs, a little mustache and wearing glasses in a lawyer suit, was in a chair at a desk. A white fluffy cat with blue eyes was sitting on the files scattered on the furniture. The second picture was showing the man smiling, in a transat, on the house terrace, a beer in hand with the same cat on his lap.
« Is this your husband ?
— Yes darling he is prosecutor, retired but he is still helping in court sometimes.
— I see does Mr. Pickwick recived threads from defendants whom he has prosecuted before ?
— No Mr. Pickwik was adopted nine months ago and my husband has been retired for two years.
— Adopetd ?! Mr. Pickwick is not your husband ?!
— Of course not honey, giggled the woman, I didn't specify ?
— No you didn't, said Maxine unamused, great I have to look for a lost cat now.
— Not a simple cat it's Mr. Pickwick, insisted the lady, he is a family member.
— Does he have distinctives features ?
— Mr. Pickwick is a Sacred of Burma, he is all white with blue eyes, his ID is tattooed in his ear and he don't wear any collar.
— Any habits and does something happened before he's gone ?
— We bring him to the vet for a check up two day before his dissapearance except that he like company, fish treats and he usualy stroll in the back of the garden in the evening before heading inside for the night.
— Thnak you, Ma'am ?
— Mrs. Almera.
— Can I inspect your garden ? »
Mrs. Almera accompanied Maxine to the terrace. She went to the enclosure wall at the back of the garden. She noticed pawsprints in the dry mud. Following the traces she discovered, behind ferns, the devoured corpses of a mouse and a blackbird. Straightening up, she percived four grouped pawprints halfway up the wall. She retraced one's step to the terrace.
« Mrs. Almera does Mr. Pickwick hunt ?
— Not that I know, I feed him everyday. », answered the lady pointing at the bowl near the windowbay.
Maxine constated the bowl was still full of kibbles.
« Ma'am, there is a house next door, behind the perimeter wall ?
— Yes but it is a second home, there is no one actually.
— And around ?
— Some building and the church with its public garden.
— I will take a look at it. »
Maxine left Mrs. Almera. Back in the street, she walked to the empty house and checked by acquierd knowledge that the cat was not in the neighboring proprety. The feline not being here, Maxine followed the street signs to the church. On the church square the husband of an old couple was grumbling.
« Stupid birds ! Look what they did to my vest !
— It could be worse, laughed his wife handing him a tissue, anyway there is less pigeons around since the priest feed the wanderings cats. »
Hearing that, the bat entered in the church. Maxine crossed herself. In the choir, the preist was deposing the liturgical objects on the altar. She crossed the nave and arrived at the transept she solicited the man of faith.
« Excuse me Sir, can I talk to you for a moment ? »
The church bells rang out vespers.
« I am afraid you will have to wait after the service. If you would like to take a seat. »
I will gut this cat !, she said to herself in her heart of hearts.
The church service ended after one hour that felt like an eternity for the lost cat researcher. When all the worshipers were gone, Maxine could finally question the priest.
« I've heard you were feeding stray cats, have you seen a fluffy white one with blue eyes ?
— Yes hard to miss among the others.
— Have you seen him recently ?
— No he show up only when I distribute wet food and I ve got a bag of kibbles recently.
— Do you know where he is ?
— He wander around, when he is not near the presbytery I usually see him in the cemetery adjoining the church.
— Thank you Sir. »
Outside, Maxine inspected the public garden in front of the church. Finding not sign of the feline, she decided to go around the church. Behind the building, Maxine didn't find the cat either.
Please help me to find this cat, I am tierd, hungry and Zazu begin early tomorrow. I want to go home, she begged discouraged, looking at the bell tower in the setting sun.
The sound of a metal gate closing interrupted her prayer. Looking on the right in the noise's direction she saw a small white silhouette disappearing around the corner wall.
Thank you, she tought clapping her hands and bowing.
She chased the silouhette to the cemetery on the left side of the church. Passed the corner a white cat was watching his surrounding. It was Mr. Pickwick. Afraid by the bat arriving in a hurry, the cat jumped through the fence of the cemetary. Behind the grates, safe from dangers and out of Maxine reach, the Sacred of Burma sat on a stone coffin. He was gazing at the bat.
« Come here Mr. Pickwick, your mistress worry for you », said the bat stretching her arm through the iron bars.
The feline yawned, before starting to clean itself. Maxine headed to the gate, she actionned the knob.
« For God sake ! »
The door remained closed. The cat not bothered by the agitation stretched his leg before licking it meticulously.
« Don't move, I'll be right back ! », she said pointing a finger to the feline.
Maxine turned around and ran up the streets to the villa of the cat's owner. She hounded the doorbell. Mrs Almera from the house told her the door was open. Maxine rushed inside.
« Where are Mr. Pickwick's treats ?
— In the kitchen, the cupboard under the sink », said the lady.
The bat hustled in the kitchen and grabbed the bag of treat. Without other explenations she resumed her run toward the church.
Come on, come on, come on, she thought in the last meter, Yes he is still here !
Mr. Pickwick had not moved and had even fallen asleep. Maxine positioned herself in front of the cat, she took a fish shaped treat from the bag and aimed at him. The treat she threw, hit the top of his skull and landed next to him. The feline woke up slowly. He sniffed the air and quickly found the food. While eating it, Maxine threw an other one closer. Treats after treats, the cat approched. When he was close enough, she hold a biscuit between her fingers. The Sacred of Burma now within range, she grabbed him and took him under her arm. Mr. Pickwick struggling was calmed by another biscuit and was now asking for pats, rubbing his head against Maxine chest.
She returned triumphant to Mrs. Almera's place.
« Look who I've found !, she declared holding the kitty in front of her.
— Mr. Pickwick ! You are back ! »
Maxine was touched seeing the lady happy to retrive her pet.
« Why did you go away my fluffy friend ?, said the old lady petting him.
— Mr. Pickwick is a picky eater that's why he left.
— How that ?
— He don't like kibbles, the priest saw him only when wet food was served moreover his bowl was untouched and I found leftovers of his preys in your garden.
— I understand, the vet suggested us to change his food so we did it...
— And Monsieur, not pleased went elswhere, continued the bat.
— Thnak you young lady, I will recommand you around me.
— I appreciate it but how about we talk about my fees now ? », said Maxine tilting her head blissfully.
* * *Soon after the case of the missing cat, Maxine was contacted by a farmer on Mrs Almera's recommandations. The man, victim of theft of his ducklings, asked for the bat's services. To carry out her investigation, Maxine asked to work undercover at the farm. The man agreed and the next morning Maxine took up her quarters to the exploitation. She was introduced to the three employees and the farmer's wife as seasonal reinforcement. Maxine was not assigned at a paricular task like the others but was asked to help when needed.
She began herworkday with Cécile and the farmer's wife in the greenhouses. While harvesting the salads, the investigator learned Cécile was twenty five years old and barely out of her market gardening school. The wife confessed she begged her husband to hire her more for having an other girl to talk to than her coursework. In a laugh, both women addmited it was hard to find girls working in this sector. After watering the tomatoes, Maxine was freed. She rejoined Will and Robert to the livestock buildings. Robert, who looked like an old biker than a farmer was dispensing hay to cows.Will his younger workmate, was preparing a milker. Maxine asked what she can do. The old man charged her to scrape clean the cowshed. She exectuded herself even if she was not pleased to deal with the smelly mire. The cow milking done, Robert bring the milk to the conditionnig unit leaving the two alone.
Will and Maxine went to the duck building. Inside they were loudly welcomed by a hundred birds and their ducklings.
« They are adorable, awed the bat kneeling to the ground.
— Careful, adults pinch.
— Wha... Aouch !
— Told you, they're are protecting their babies.
— If they are protecting their youngs then peace is not an option.
— Indeed, not after the recents events. »
Maxine looked at him with a questionning look.
« Of course you can't know, he remarked, it occured several times over this month.
— What happened ?
— Lots of ducklings has been stolen. »
Maxine tittered.
« Hey it's serious, no ducks no work !
— Sorry but why people would steal ducklings ?, she asked as she got up.
— For money.
— Money ? Who would buy ducks ? Can't we find find fowls easily ?
— Don't be so sure, there is a high demands for poultry, at some points hatcheries struggle to provide the market. Thousands of birds had to be slaughtered last year as a prevntive measure to stem the bird flu. Now we have a duck shortage and birds are worth a fortune.
— I understand... So what are we doing now ?
— First we will let the ducks run outside, then we will see what to do.
— I am ready !, she answered flexing her arm.
— To the gates !
— Release The Qwaken ! »
The doors barely open, the duck herd rushed outside in the green grass. Maxine and Will fed the hungry birds. They changed the straw, cleaned the troughs and strenghthen the fence of the enclosure before tackling their last task.
Maxine was shouting out as she activate the power switches :
« Turbine 2 ! … 3 ! »
Will was giving a thumb up indicating the ventilation fans was working.
« Turbine 4 ! »
The rotor started. It reached full speed in no time.
« STOP ! CUT THE POWER ! », he yelled.
Maxine thrusted the emergency shutdown switch. All the turbines ceased their spinning.
« What's wrong ?, she asked.
— It get out of alignement.
— For sure it's a hell of quack. »
Will squitted his eyes.
« We will fix it, stay here I grab some tools and I go out to reach the back of the fan.
— Oki ducky. »
Maxine took place in front of the turbine.
« It's strange the nut holding the fan is different from the others, constated Will from the other side.
— What ?
— This one is a winged nut, he explained showing the metal piece through the shaft, you don't need an angled open-socket to tighten it.
— Or to remove it...
— Ok take the turbine and put it back in line I will guide you.
— It's light !, she said surprised lifting the rotor easily.
— It's made in aluminium, ok don't move it is in, I put the wing nut back ! »
The ventilation repaired and tested once again, the two came back to the living house for lunch break. The day continued, Maxine get to know the farm and the surrounding with the task she was told to do. At four in the afternoon, in agreement with her employer, she saluted her teamworkers and finsihed her workday. She took advantage of her free time to take a shower, prepare her equipement for the night and sleep.
She woke up for dinner. The farmer's wife brought her meal in her room, she ate her food as she was choosing the best place to monitor discreetly the duck building. Her dinner finished she attached the cordura case of her sycthe to her belt and adjusted it in her back. Her camera around her neck she dropped her dirty plate to the kitchen and went outside. She did a tour of the propriety and the different facilities before heading to her surveillance spot hidden in the sunflowers field.
It was about five in the morning when the day dawned, she decided to end her surveillance as nothing more will happen. She spend the three last hours sleeping before starting her farm labor.
Three days passed and as many unfructfull monitoring nights. However she managed to learn more about her teamworker. Robert who began to work at a young age planned to quit the farm for an anticipated retirement within three years. Cécile long term dream was to create her own exploitation in permaculture. Will has found his place here and was satidfied of his work.
This day, the farmer asked Maxine to help him with the phytosanitary products. The farmer took advantage to be alone with her to ask if she had any results. She took stock of the situation with the farmer. Seeing the situation was not moving she proposed an action plan. Maxine finished to expose her scheme when a loading truck arrived near the isolated building.
« Hi Sir, greeted the driver from his cabin, as usual we take your old F/V-Jolt and we give you a new load ?
— Time to gear up and let's go.
— Ok come on kid, said the driver to his colleague, we have work to do ! »
The three men equipped with gas masks and hazmat suit, carryied a dozen of chemical container in and out the building. The bat out of range of the toxic emanations was observing the scene. The transfer done and back in their regular work clothes they were doing the tracking and administrative papers.
« Thank you Sir and see you next month, said the driver climbing in his truck, lady.
— So now we are going to the processing plant chief ?
— No kid, the facility is in maintenance, their storage tanks are full and they no longer accept deliveries, he explained to his rookie starting the engine.
— What we will do with all these chemicals ?
— Don't worry the boss found a company that picks them up... »
The driver honked and waved when the truck left the farm.
Morning ended. To celebrate the weekend and reward everyone for their effort the farmer organized a barbecue for lunch. He exposed the planning for the next week. The harvest of the wheat will be the biggest work he also announced, death in the soul, he was going to send the ducks to the slaughterhouse on monday. Everyone were stunned by the declaration. Cécile turned livid, Robert remained silent scratching his beard.
Will banged his fist one the table.
« How could you !? Ducks products are a trade mark of the farm !
— Sales are not good Will and...
— It's not true and you know it ! If you wanted to make profit you could have improved activity ! »
The embarassed farmer shunned Will's glare. He was about to explain his employee the situation when Maxine, in a head movement, make him understand to not flinch and stay firm.
« Sorry Will, but my decision is made I stop the duck production and you will be reafected with the cows.
— It's not over man ! », he said as leaving the table fluminating.
The rest of the lunch continued in a sinister atmosphere. At the end of the day everyone get back to their places. Once again the bat was about to spend a night under the stars.
Maxine was hiding for hours between the sunflowers under the moonlight. This saturday night was far of her expectation, instead of a comfy bed and a soft pillow she only had the ground, dust and mosquitos for company. Her endless boredom was interupted when a dark silhouette, coming out the wheat fields and approched stealthly the rear of the building. Laying on the ground the bat grabbed her camera and zoomed on the shadow. If the moonlight allowed the bat to take a clear photo of the two pet carrier the theft had bring, on the other hand it was impossible to distinct its face. Maxine took an other set of picture showing the robber removing the rotor of ventilation shaft n°4. The shadow put the pets carrier in the hole before sliding itself into the building. A short moment after the intrusion, loud angry quacking and struggles noises came from inside. The bat switched the mode of her camera and started to record the scene. She filmed the shadow's exit and how it replaced the rotor before leaving the area by the same path it came.
Maxine left her hideout and discreetly followed, the shadow through the trampled head wheat trail. Just before the edge of the field, the slam of a car door made her stop. She quickly set her camera on photo mode and crawled untill the border of the field. She just had time to take a photo of a van and it's plate before it quit the area by the tree-lined road.
Suddenly a shiver ran down her spine.
What if they have been severals ? What if they have been armed ? What if they have found me ?, she thought.
Ashamed by her lack of prudence, she came back to the farm to analyze her intel and to come with a new strategy.
Once again her night will be sleepless. She was at her usual spy spot with the hope the robber will show. It has to come, her whole plan and credibility depended on it. Hopefully the thieft came back on the crime scene. He proceeded in the same way as the day before. Maxine used her camera to add more evidences to her file. When the burglar finsihed his buisness in the building, he came back to the road. This time Maxine didn't followed him but headed to her motorbike which she had hidden earlier in the evening. She put her helmet and adjusted the holster of her revolver over her jacket. When the thug's van started, Maxine started her engine and followed it from afar.
Fifteen kilometers later out of a village, the van stopped under a lamp post of the village hall parking lot. Maxine continued a little further with her bike and walked back to the village hall, making sure to stay hidden. A second car arrived and parked away from the other vehicles. The thief get out of the van. Now under the light, the bat can take a neat picture of the robber. Against all odds it was the vegetable grower : Cécile. Two individuals approched, a pair of lizards men. They talked a little, the tone rose slightly when Cécile increased the agreed price of the start. After explaining it was the last time she can provide her merchandise the two reptile accepted. The vegetable grower brought from her car four pet carrier full of ducklings. One of the lizard paied the girl with cash and she left the two men with the birds. Maxine hadn't missed a bit and registered everything with her camera. However she couldn't let the two men vanish with the precious cargo.
She sneaked between the cars and waited the two reptile were close from each other, turning their back to her.
Within reach, she drew her MR-73 and pressed the barrel against the head of one guy.
« One move and your brain will repaint the windsheld. Now down ! »
The two lizards on the ground, she called the police and the farmer. Waiting for the arrival of the law enforcement she questionned the two men about their little trafic. The two were brothers, stablemen taking opportunity of the duck crisis.
The two in authorities hands and ducks returned to their owner, Maxine told everything to the farmer. Disappointed to discover the truth, the farmer called out a police officer.
Monday morning, around the breakfast table, Maxine, the farmer his wife and a police officer were waiting for the arrival of the employees. Robert arrived in company of Will soon followed by Cécile. The three were surprised to find the policeman at the table.
« Morning guys, how was your weekend ?, began the farmer.
— Can we skip the courtesies and know why police is here ?, asked coldly Will.
— Ducks has been stolen last night, answered Maxine.
— Again ?!, reacted employees in shock.
— Hopefully it was the last time, said the farmer siping his coffee. Right Cécile ? »
All eyes turned to the girl.
« Me ? I-I spend weekend with friends !
— I am sure the lizards brothers you partied with will recognize you without problems, answered the bat.
— They could have mistaken me for someone else.
— That should make it easier, retorted Maxine showing a picture of Cécile on her camera. Portrait is not my best especially at night, hidden behind a dustbin, while the subject carry ducks but I am kinda happy with this one.
— Get up lady, you are under arrest ! », ordered the policeman.
Without a a word the girl executed herself. The officer handcuffed her as she glanced the bat with fury and contempt.
« Let's go ! Miss I am waiting a copy of your report to add it as evidence in the suit.
— You will get it quiclky sir. »
The officer and his suspect left the room leaving the workmates.
« Sorry Will I had no choice otherwise she couldn't achive her plan, explained the farmer to his employee.
— Her plan ?, asked the man.
— Yes, I asked your boss to pretend he was about to sell the birds to push the theif to act. The ducks are safe and you will be able to go back work with them.
— Wait that mean...
— That mean my work here is done and the duck production will continue, she smiled.
— Your work ? So you are not a work reinforcement ?, asked Robert.
— Unfortunally for Cécile and for us, Miss Murdera is a private investigator, explained the farmer. Shame because you were a great help. I asked for her services because the police wasn't really concerned by our case.
— You leave as I was getting used to your puns. Too bad, confessed Will.
— You will find others, she winked, Robert, Ma'am.
— Thnak you for your help Miss, said the farmer handshaking her.
— Don't mention it, she smiled. Thnak you for the welcoming everyone. »
Her mission accomplished she left the farm and went back home.
* * *The dusk light decreased significantly. The little cocker spaniel dog girl passed under an arch avoiding the people gaze in the street. She reached a little court surrounded by buildings. Deserted and bathed in obscurity, she didn't paid attention to the light that filtered under a door. She headed directly to the big trash container. She opened the lid but she was too short to inspect its content. In frustration she slammed the lid. In penumbra she dragged a smaller trash can in front of the container to climb on it. When the court was suddendly lit by a grazing light coming from the door she crossed earlier, she turned in its direction. When here eyes met what was standing in the light she froze. On the doorstep, a dark tall shadow in a bright halo. The black silhouette had wings, the kind of demonic ones. Her nightmare vision worsened when she noticed the entity held a scyth.
The Death, she thought.
Her legs gave out. Landing on her rear she began to crawl back as the shadow slowly approched. She was accorned unable to move. She hunched on herself while the shadow was getting closer and closer.
« MERCY ! PLEASE SPARE ME !, screamed the girl, crying in despair.
— What's happenning here ?, asked the dark creature with a feminine voice.
— The scythe, you are The Death aren't you ? You will take my soul ?
— What the fuck are you talking about ? », answerd the woman.
The girl followed the lady which invted her to enter what it seemed to be her place. She was observing the room. There was the minimum to live : A bed, a shower cabin, a small fridge under a workplan, a sink, two electric stove, a microwave a radio and a little table with papers and a pen scattered on, near the bed. The Grim Reapear would turn out to be a bat. The lady had short orange fur, long white silky hairs and a pair of black wings. She had typical bat long ears. Only the tip of her left ear was damaged with a part missing.
« What was you doing outside ?, asked the bat.
— Looking for food.
— Your parents do not feed you ?
— I've run away from home, answered the girl avoiding eye contact, her long dog ears lowered.
— And where do you plan to go ?
— Hybrid City.
— Where are you sleeping ?
— Outside.
— Oh brother ! », said the bat rolling her eyes.
The lady knelt down to level with the girl.
« What is your name ?, she asked.
—Misha.
—You are not talkative, are you ? »
The little dog girl didn't answered.
« Well Misha I hope you are hungry because tonight it is pasta with tomato sauce.
— I eat with you really ?, smiled the girl stars in eyes and tail wagging.
— Yes but first you are going to give me the pleasure of taking a shower.
— Why ?, she asked tilting her head.
— You stink ! »
Misha was enjoying the warm water running along her, easing her sore muscles. She soaped herself, cleaning the dirt of her fur, reminder of her wander. In front of the stove, the bat was preparing the sauce. The scent of the cooking was filling the room and didn't took long to reach Misha nose.
« It smell good what is it ?, she asked.
— Garlic cloves and tomatoes fryed in olive oil, answered the lady. Did you finished ?
— Almost I just need to rinse me.
— Hurry it is almost ready ! », she said urging her.
Misha shut off the water and dryed herself quickly. She put back on her dirty clothes and sat on the edge of bed. She was waiting impatiently for her food. When the bat served the dinner, she couldn't stop her tail to wag. Her host wished her « Bon appétit ! » and both started to eat. Misha dsicovered a whole new savor with the combination of olive oil and garlic. She was surprised to see the tomoatos were almost melted and can devlop such subtles aromas.
« It is simple cuisine, hope you like it, said the bat.
— It is just awshome !, exclaimed Misha her mouth full.
— I am glad you appreciate it », smiled the woman.
When Misha finished her plate, the bat cleared the table. The lady turning her back on her to do the dish, Misha was staring at her dark wings. The vision of The Grim Reaper came back to her.
« Where did you put your scythe ?, asked Misha.
— In its case, she pointed at a thirtee centimeter long cordura sheath attached to her belt.
— But your scythe was huge how does it fit ? A-And the blade ?
— Magic !, answered the bat irronicaly.
— Why do you have such a thing ?
— For work.
— You are weird.
— Maybe... », answered the bat laconically.
Once the dish done, the lady came to sit next to Misha. She get out her phone out from her pocket and opened the map application. She pushed the compass icon and typed the name of the location the girl wanted to reach. Misha was fascinated by the device.
« What is it ?, she asked
— A route calculator.
— What does it do ?
— It show you which road to take to go somewhere.
— Like Hybrid City ?
— Yes. We are here in Wyndchase. To go to Hybrid City you have to follow the Road 104 to the East till Rigsby. Then you head to the North.
— Road 104 East... Rigsby...North, murmured Misha to herself.
— You said something ?
— Noooaaaah, yawned the girl.
— Woaw that was a big one ! You must be exhausted ! »
The girl noded in answer, rubbing her eyes.
« Sleep peacefully, tommorow we will go the police station. Your parents must be worried and looking for you everywhere. »
Without a word Misha sliped under the blanket etching in her memory the direction of the place she was looking for so long.
In the middle of the night Misha woke up. In the obscurity she checked the room. At the end of the bed leaning against the wall the bat was sleeping. Discreetly she get out of the bed and put her shoes. She headed to the door and opened it. She was ready to go. She did a step and stopped. She can't leave without thanking her host but she can't allow her to bring back to her home. Not yet ! Not so close from her destination ! Without a sound she came back inside. She took a piece of paper and a pen and started to write. Once finished she posed her note folded, in evidence on the table like her mother used to do with her. Done, she waved and closed the door behind her before hitting the road to the East.
In the morning, the bat awakened, her neck sore from her uncomfortable sleep position. She extended her arm to the left to wake up her guest. Her hand only found an empty bed and retruned blankets. In a hurry she rushed to the door and found herself in the court.
« Misha ! Misha !Where are you ? Misha ! », she looked around but her call remained silent.
She came back inside and noticed a piece of paper folded on the table.
On the first page : To the Death Lady.
The bat opened it on the left page the drawing of an heart. On the right these few words :
I am going to Hybrid City.
Thank you for the pastas they were the best.
I will never forget.
Thank you Death Lady.
—
Misha.Chapter 5 : Old acquaintances, new friends.
Category Artwork (Traditional) / All
Species Unspecified / Any
Gender Multiple characters
Size 2262 x 1629px
File Size 543.7 kB
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