Inversion

The First Encounter

It’s beautiful in some sense how people can appreciate the first introduction to the world upon waking up. The melodious morning songs of the birds. The endless possibilities presented just by looking out the window. So  magical, right?

''Haha.... For me, it’s simply something that happens either in a movie or novel.''

It’s not that it doesn’t happen. It does happen . Just not to me.

My ‘'page out of a novel '' morning involves my pillows thrown across the room. It’s so reassuring ! It signifies my victory in the nightly  round of ‘ who falls off the bed faster’ .

You would think the purpose of an alarm is to make my day easier. However, mine just makes me question its efficiency on days like these. Truth be told, it’s got less to do with my alarm and more to do with me.

Pushing the covers off myself , I rush to the bathroom. ''McCarthy is finally going to mount my head on a spike'' I say as I hop in the shower.

Five minutes later I'm  rushing to get dressed after taking the quickest shower of the week. I can picture my mom's disapproving look at my current state. ''Well, good thing you aren't here'', I say smiling.

Running down the stairs wasn't exactly the brightest idea, considering how hungry I am. ''What's done is done'' I mumble running to get to my ride. Just then Rodney shouts ''You're unbelievably early today.'' 

''Would you believe that'', I say , pointing at my wristwatch while making an overly-exaggerated astonished face.

 ''Wouldn't want to be late now, see you later Rodney''.

''More like , early'' he threw back at me with a goofy smile on his face.

''Point made Rodney'', ''Well played! You're getting better.''

The best part of the drive besides reminiscing my morning exchange with Rodney, is the presence of only a few cars on my lane. I'm suddenly somewhat optimistic but mostly desperate to get to the office before he does. ''I will not hear the end of it if he does.''

My lips forming a smile as I get off scanning the parking area for his car. My smile fully formed and transformed into a laugh as I conclude his absence. Walking more uprightly than before ,I roll my eyes at the unnecessarily large signboard of Arpebo above the entrance.

''Although justifiable, he really could have done better with the name.'' ''Such a McCarthy-ish name he picked'' .Then again, ''Can't clown it, since it pays the bills well.''

Upon stepping into the office, my powerful strides declined to mere wobbles as I saw him seated at my desk.  His demeanour implied he had been waiting for me to arrive. As our eyes connected, he picked the Rubik's cube on the desk and tossed it from hand to hand while holding my gaze. His loosely tied curls accentuating his sinister smile .My brows furrowed as his smile grew wider. I walked  towards him with a defeated sigh.

''How did you even get here before me'' I asked.

''Oh you know, prioritised my time.'' ''Didn't you do the same?'' he smirked.

''Not another word Scott.'' ''Not so much as a word!''

''Here's your sandwich Vigilante'' he laughed.

''I don't even know why I agreed to this.'' ''You're such a pain.''

''Come on, It's not purgatory Morana!'' ''Besides you lost fair and square''

''What are you? A child? Text me the address, I'll meet you both there at 8''

Right on cue, McCarthy's raspy voice echoed through the hallway.

''Can't believe I ever agreed to this'' I grumbled to McCarthy as I sat down in his office.

'' It's a wonder you did knowing he would win'' he said placing his Ipad on the desk.

''So where are we on your recent assignment?''

''Seems like he's cheating on Lorraine with the art collector''

''Seems?'' ''Why the uncertainty,'' he asked.

''It doesn't completely fit into a perfect piece. He's going to lose a lot because of the prenup, so why risk it all? 

''Wouldn't the most obvious reason be love''

''That's the problem! I don't think that's all there is. I've tailed him for nearly 2 months so believe me when I say he's not just a pretty face. He's quite calculative. He's not one to take his finances lightly. And his constant need for control makes it hard to believe he's unaware of his wife's actions.'' 

''So why is he letting her get away with it then?''

''Now, that's the one-million dollar question that I can't seem to answer yet. However, It's unlike him to pick her over himself. That said, I'll be meeting with a source later. I just know it'll  put things into perspective.

''You've always been intuitive Morana and that has mostly proven helpful. But as I have always said ''Let the evidence do the talking''. Tomorrow is the deadline so it has to be done and dusted today. No extensions whatsoever . Are we clear on this?''

''Yes....''

''Good! Now, be sure to be at work before 11 a.m. tomorrow''

I had just stepped out of the building when I received a message from Liby that she'd be late. Regardless, I drove to the Cafe as I didn't have much to do anyways. I'd get to gather my thoughts and enjoy the sandwich Scott got me ,and eat me some muffins there.

Cafe de Galore is the embodiment of exquisite taste and art. The ambience makes you feel as though you have travelled to a beautiful city somewhere in Western Europe. Seated at my usual spot- the corner by the muffins rack, I analysed the customers in today. It's somewhat of a time-killing exercise I usually indulge in.

 My thoughts were interrupted by the movement of the chair opposite me. Immediately, reaching for my phone to check the time then finally to the person facing me. It's too early so it can't be Liby. I contemplated whether or not to feign ignorance as he sat down. Composing my voice I spoke, ''You're not the person I was expecting'' .

''Of course not. But I'm one you'd rather talk to''

''That's quite presumptuous of you .And. Not charming at best''

''I'd say likewise, considering you've been fuelling Lorraine's antics. Surely, you must have guessed that I've known what she's been up to. I mean, you are quite the detective, aren't you?''

Refusing to let him get the best of me I acted unbothered as my order was placed in front of me. His eyes daring me to retreat .Having stirred my coffee, split my sandwich into half and taken a bite of my blueberry muffin, I plastered a fake smile and spoke.

''I'd ask you to cut the crap but I'm a professional! You could have sued me or endangered my life but you're here instead. So . . . . why are you here?