I got there early, at about quarter before 8. I think.
Needed to clear my head, the whole thing about the CI. In addition, as much as I hate to admit it, the whole thing about how Cecilia left had upset me. She was breaking my heart. Hadn't affected my confidence yet though. Heh.
I got my regular, at sat at my regular. Got my regular food and enjoyed my regular view. The regular music was playing and the regular smells punched you in the face. I liked this place. In a world of irregular this was my regular. My fortress of solitude. Except the solitude.
I was lost in my thoughts when by brother walked in. Without his regular buddies and cronies. This is was not good, not regular. Pretty fucking irregular. I didn't like the sight of it.
He got his regular and sat himself down.
The chatter began.
"Anything?"
"No. Anything?"
"No."
That settled the progression of our investigations.
"So why did you call me here?"
"Well not to look at your pretty face, Alice! I needed to talk to you."
"Go on then"
"They might be taking me off the case"
"What? It's only been about 2 days since the murder. Have you guys already given up?"
My brother didn't seem very amused. "Not the time for amusements. I think the order came from way upstairs. I am not to involve myself in 'any way, form or capacity".
"So what you going to do?"
"I'm going to involve myself in every 'way, form or capacity. Albeit discreetly."
"You don't know how to be discreet. You just come in loud and dumb."
"Well I guess i gotta learn. And soon."
"Yup, be careful though"
"I shall." He pause, "I need to give you something. Here, be discreet while you open it."
Before I could ask what, he downed his whiskey, handed me a brown paper bag, and made his way out.
I looked in. Discreetly.
Smith & Wesson. Numbers filed off.
Fan-fucking-tastic.
