The Mysterious Case of the Mayflower Dame

Chapter 2: Playing with fire (Part II)

She is in the lobby, sitting on one of the benches beside an officer eating his Balogne sandwich. Her drink is done and for some reason, she did take into heart to order as much as she can since it’s free. Moving closer to her, she doesn’t appear to notice me yet, since her perspective is affixed on her sandwich of the same quality to the officer beside her. It only means that Balogne must be on the menu and she had to try it along with other appetizers of similar caliber. 

  Quite the glutton, but I can’t blame her. Cecil somewhat managed to arrive here on foot from quite a formidable amount of distance. I believe my time fixing my stuff and preparing is enough for her to rest. As I slowly approached her, she saw me and stared blankly. I gave her a smile and sat beside her. I better clear this one up real quick.

“Don’t mind me just eat. We still have some time do we?” I said to her, giving Cecil the opportunity to munch her way through that meal.

“Yes… Ellie will arrive here with her car roughly around 6:40.” She replied, looking at the wall clock on one of the lobby’s pillars.

  Watching her eat her way through that sandwich, I’m surprised that she is hungry by that much. They should’ve provided her with some food during the venue last time. Nonetheless, she had a large mug of juice, two packs of crackers with cream, and this sandwich. I would be surprised if this is her usual food intake. I crossed my arms while looking at her gobble all those things.

So we both sat there, waiting for time to pass for like a minute or three. She finished her sandwich and chugged down the mug to push the food down.

“Phew! Thanks for the meal!” She said, placing the mug beside her.

“My pleasure. Since I’ve fed you that much I guess you owe me.” It’s my time to ask her some questions.

“Aren’t you a sly bastard?” Her response comes of chuckle.

“Come on, I just want to ask a few questions.”

“What do you want to know?”

“How did you two meet? Is it through work? Or casual acquaintances in college?” Due to the fact that I lost track of her after high school, it won’t hurt to ask for some history between them.

  She’s in deep thought, with her eyes fixated upward. “Well, we met through a common friend in Yorkshire. Her name was Jamie and we were studying at the same studio. It was a fancy day with the weather perfect for a stroll.” From her smile it must be a good memory. The officer beside her already left his seat and went outside place. Probably to resume duties for today’s shift.

“I was with my mum along with our dog maximus. It was by coincidence that I crossed with Eleanor and Jamie, they just finished doing their chores in the studio that’s why they were out for lunch. We decided to have a lil’bit of a chat at a nearby café just across the park that Jamie personally referred to us.”

“When you say studio – are you referring to dancing studio?” I asked in confirmation.

“Yes, you are probably aware that she took theatre arts correct?”

“I am. That’s as far as I know. However, that was a long time ago which means you guys have been acquaintances for several years.”

“Hmm, if I would be accurate, we met when we were in our second years. Even though my passion revolves around music, our studios were basically nearby that’s why I find our meeting inevitable.”

“That makes sense.” No wonder they knew each other for a long time.

“Please continue.” I added.

  Cecil paused for a bit then she continued her story. “So we went inside the café as a group and we were surprised with the place. Their theme revolves around the sea and there were boat parts placed on every corner, it’s as if the place was like the interior of a boat itself. The walls are made from wood, with maps and bottles everywhere, the smell of grilled fish and squid on the kitchen can captivate the customers within their line.” She adjusted her seating position to a much comfortable one by putting her arms on the rest of the bench, crossing her legs.

“We sat down near the windows and ordered some beverages with weird names. As a matter of fact I still remember it, the name was Cocoa Molotovs if I’m correct.” That really is a weird name.

“My mother ordered the same thing, Eleanor and Jamie took the pleasure of trying some of their coffee and dishes. We had quite a fancy time talking about our future plans and love life. It was by that moment that we noticed the ring on Jamie’s hand. She was already engaged! Jamie was going to treat us with the meal as a means to celebrate.”

I intervened. “You guys got closer due to another person’s engagement. I find it fascinating actually.”

“Fascinated? What do you mean by that?”

“I mean I haven’t done much lunch meetings that’s why forgive me for my ignorance.”

“I see. Honestly, it wasn’t the engagement that glued us together.” She replied that with an irritating grin.

“What is?”

“Our discussions with Eleanor of course! The girl was a tough nut to crack and would rather listen to other people’s stories if not just stare afar.”

“It appears that you guys somehow managed to interrogate her. Your ways are rather devious for someone who studies music.” As a matter of fact, I don’t know why most women are good at such.

“Don’t flatter me Jonathan! I should be the one to commend you for doing such a feat.”

“Feat? What did I do during that time?” I can’t believe this.

“Eleanor spilled the beans about you! I guess that explains why even though there were a flock of men trying to win her over, she’s been able to stay away.”

“She had a lot of options you know. I’m sure that with her assets and family background, engagements would’ve been too elementary for her to deal with.” I said to her, stating facts about what I know about Eleanor.

“Exactly my point! I know from my own personal assessment that you are good looking. I mean if you haven’t been an officer I would have hooked up with you and introduce you to the film industry.” Her tone is rather feisty. 

“Good thing that situation has been averted well am I right?”

“Come on Jonathan!”

I checked my watch and it is almost time for us to leave the place. I grabbed my coat, placed it beside her to take care of it for a brief moment, and took the mug that she used for the juice. “I’ll be returning this to the canteen, wait for me here and then let’s go.”

“I will.”

I left the lobby with a new conspiracy tied to Eleanor. With all the men in the world, why would she even consider me in the first place? Unless Cecil is exaggerating the scenario based on her own bias. In regards to the entire façade that I’ve made, it’s best to settle things with both of them once we’ve met formally.

   Reaching the canteen, I rolled up my sleeves, removed my watched and washed the mug real quick before placing it back the cupboard. I paid her food and the rest of my other balances before returning back to the lobby. She met me halfway my walk to return my coat. From there I wore my coat, then she held my arm as we went towards the exit. Every single officer that knew me inside and outside the precinct began to stare at me with a rather complicated look.

“Is this really necessary?” I asked her.

“Of course not! However I want to test something once we meet Eleanor.” That last part of her speech sent me the chills. 

  Cecil and I walked towards Acorn street, a place where business usually happens. Multiple law firms and detective agencies fill this place including other professional services. There are several cafés and restaurants within the vicinity but I haven’t tried them myself. Due to the nature of the streets here being named after nuts, each place has its own trademarks or known establishments. In complete honesty, it’s rare for me to see this place with less individuals roaming around the streets. This may be the reason why Eleanor chose this place as a meeting spot for us.

   After five minutes, we arrived at the bus stop, just in front of a bookstore and a flower shop named Rosie’s bouqet. If I’m not mistaken, this is where we bought the flowers for Valentine’s Day. The rest of the officers bought a bunch of flowers to give most of our female employees including those at the canteen. T’was a good memory, but then after that the cleaning was tasked to me and the resident janitor.

“She should be arriving right now!” Cecil said, getting a tight grip on my arm. For a moment I can feel the softness of her breasts closer. I’m impressed actually.

  Suddenly a newly polished black Volkswagen Corrado stopped in front of us and out of my curiosity I went closer to inspect who the individual is. Little by little the windows are going down and I looked inside. On my surprise it was Eleanor driving, and there seems to be some items lying on her backseat. Thinking to myself I guess she learned to drive for practicality or leisure.

“Are you just gonna stand there? You know I can’t have too much publicity as of now.” She said opening the front passenger door for me. I can see that she wasn’t happy with Cecil’s actions. The moment women get jealous, I’m certain that trouble will soon arise no matter what situation.

“You don’t have to be that discreet you know that?” Getting inside the vehicle, it is rather uncomfortable for me due to the display earlier.

So I was sat beside Eleanor and Cecil is on the backseat with that lump of luggage as her companion. 

“Soooooo, how was your day Eleanor” Cecil asked as she leaned forward towards Eleanor.

“Hmph! It was fine of course, I met with my fans!” I’d rather sit this conversation out.

The two of them began to bicker while in the middle of the road. I gave both of them a discreet warning since Eleanor is the one driving. I may be out of duty but I am still carrying my badge in case of emergencies. 

(To Be Continued)