Heated Abscondment

Chapter Ten - Part One

4 years before

In the corner of a quiet, low key bar, a speakeasy as the locals called it, sat a group of women. Occasionally clinking their glasses together and erupting in cheers and laughter, they weren’t very subtle. The bartender kept an eye on them, not out of suspicion, but because he knew the group well, and they had naturally drawn the attention of several eyes. He wasn’t overly concerned since one in the group took martial arts and the others have taken basic self-defense.

When a trio of tall, well dressed men sat in front of him at the bar, his attention quickly turned to the group of men and their orders.

Ada wrapped her arms around the two best friends next to her and squeezed hard.

“Thank you so much for coming out with me guys!”

“You kidding?! This will be our last chance to do something as a group for a long time.” Lisa said.

“Yea, Ada’s going to go and do something for the better of the whole world! Don’t forget about lil’ ol’ us!” Rachael teased.

“If anything you are the ones who are going to be doing anything for the better good.” Ada gestured to Rachael and Abigail. Both were moving on to their second year in their grad programs. Rachael was getting a doctorate in forensic science and wanted to help with the progress of the science behind detective work.

Abigail was getting her doctorate in microbiology. Even trying to say the title of her thesis paper made Ada tongue tied and gave her a headache.

“I’m just going to do audits.” Ada shrugged sipping her beer.

“And budget revamping. For crisis centers, animal shelters, and other nonprofit organizations that would benefit from your help!” Astrid piped in.

“And pro bono, too.” Lisa said drinking her cocktail.

They all quirked the mouths in amusement as Ada wound up for her soapbox rant.

“Not pro bono! I mean, yea I won’t get paid scant. But I can subsidize my earned income with the interest payments from my investments. Some clients and I have even worked out that they room and board me for a period of time for my services rendered. Which I’m more than happy to help! I’m in the position to help, and I want to return for all that I’ve been blessed with. And if everyone had done some good for all that was done for them, could you imagine how much of a better place this world could be? And another thing—why are you all smiling?” She asked, noticing her friends grinning ear to ear.

“Shut up.” She said, taking a long pull of her beer. The girls erupted in laughter.