The Mystery Writer

Negotiations

Shouting could be heard in the street from the first floor office. Luckily it was late into the night and no one except the remaining office staff was disturbed by the discord.

“How could you risk her life like that? And without her consent? You are knowingly putting her in danger!” Max's voice became shriller when confronting his boss, Matthias Scott. He had refused to be quiet his protest. Darcy's lips twitched as she watched her friend but otherwise remained quiet. Ever since they met, Max had always treated her like a little sister and had always been protective of her. It was nice to see that protection displayed in front of her.

“Nonsense! Leo James would be the biggest i***t in the world to murder someone on the face of a camera. He has to be quite smart to pull off such horrific acts of murder without being witnessed.” Max's jaw dropped after Matthias voiced such naïve thoughts. This infuriated Darcy and she glared daggers at the back of Matthias' head.

“You believe that Leo James could really be a murderer and still daring to put one of your employees' life at risk! All of this just so you can corner Leo James. You don't know what he could ask for when he negotiates a contract. You could be sentencing Darcy to death! You're such a bastard!” Max only became more enraged so that Darcy stepped in front of him, giving him a meaningful stare as she quietly begged him to stop arguing. They'd get no where fast with a boss like Matthias Scott.

“Imagine,” Matthias quickly shot back as if he hadn't heard a word Max had just screamed at him. “I mean, just imagine how much attention this will get nationwide. Our whole station will be put on the map and given recognition!”

Darcy was sure Max would have lunged at their boss or done something he'd regret later if she wasn't already standing between them. She didn't need him getting in to trouble because of her. After a moment she turned to Matthias, showing her discontent all over her body language.

“I will agree to this, but-”

“Darcy!” Max interrupted her and attempted to pull her back.

“BUT! I want my own negotiations to be considered. Also, Max and I will both need raises for doing this. Otherwise, I will quit and tell everyone what a scoundrel you truly are. Also, if I quit you will have no contract with Leo James.”

Matthias' lips spread in an awful grin. “Just tell me what you need.”

In contrast from the previous night, which was only a few hours ago now, the Channel 4 building bustled with activity. Everyone was preparing for the arrival of Leo James and the air seemed electrified as if it too sensed what was about to take place. A conference room had been set up for the negotiations, allowing only a table, two chairs and and tripod for a camera to stand in the room. Darcy stood just outside with her arms crossed in front of her; she gazed absentmindedly into space.

It wasn't long before she heard the commotion of Leo James' arrival which seemed to waft closer in her direction. After a glance at her watch, she found that Leo and his manager, Malakai, were perfectly on time.

“Leo! Malakai! Prompt as usual!” Matthias brushed by Darcy to greet the two before loudly leading them into the prepared conference room. Max was just behind them. When Darcy entered, Leo and she met eyes for a brief moment. It was long enough to see the impenetrable loneliness lingering in his dark brown eyes.

“Can we finish this quickly?” Max stressed with a glare in Matthias' direction. He didn't wait for an agreement before pushing the record button on the camera he had hastily set up on the tripod. Matthias turned instantly to the camera with a fake smile attached to his lips.

“Leo James and his manager, Malakai, have graciously agreed to go under a twenty-four hour, seven days a week surveillance. Channel 4's very own Darcy Wren, or more commonly known as D.W. Has also agreed to be the reporter for the project. We are here today to discuss agreements, or negotiations if you will, for this new reality project. Lets begin with Leo.” Matthias quickly introduced the reasoning for today's broadcast and quickly moved the meeting forward.

Leo didn't speak at first as he moved to take a seat opposite Matthias. Then he unfolded a piece of paper in front of him. 'He came well prepared, it seems.' Darcy noted as her eyebrows raised at the observation. She then glanced behind Leo to find Malakai looking annoyed as he watched over the proceedings.

“I'd like to begin the negotiations by asking for a curfew of 10 p.m. At that time only the common area cameras will remain on. There will be no volume on the camera in my studio and cameras can resume rolling at 6 a.m. No cameras in the bedrooms are permitted. I will only agree to continue filming while there is no false editing and what is being displayed is falsely misconstrued. I only agree to this project while Darcy Wren is the reporter and will only last for a years time. I will agree to any working crew that Darcy sees fit and I will provide space for Darcy, and only Darcy, to spend the nights along with a living and working space. Also, I ask not to be interrupted during working hours. Finally, I ask that my family and private matters are to remain private. That is all.” There was silence for a few minutes as everyone thought over what Leo asked for in his negotiation. Darcy nodded her head as all of his conditions sounded reasonable enough to her.

“This sounds like you are expecting everything to be done at your place of choice. This is unreasonable! You cannot expect Darcy or Channel 4 to agree to this. There should be a neutral location we can all agree on.” Max spoke up heatedly before glaring between Leo and Matthias.

“Max, you will say no more!” Matthias hissed at him as he began to turn red in the face. “Darcy agrees to these terms.”

Max turned to Darcy, begging her to speak up and to say otherwise. She had already snapped her jaws together, glaring at her boss as she had at least expected him to ask her opinion. She was distracted, however, when the chair Leo had been sitting in scraped against the lacquered floor.

“I'd prefer it if Darcy made her negotiations and agreements directly.” Leo's head swiveled until he met eyes with her. Darcy was just able to glimpse Matthias' offended look. After taking a deep breath, she stepped forward to take her place at the table.

“I agree to all of your conditions.”

“Darcy! No-!”

Max groaned next to her but she silenced him with a simple look.

“I'd like one day off a month. On that day, a person you approve of can take over for me.” Darcy began her negotiations immediately.

“Agreed.”

Darcy narrowed her eyes at Leo. She hadn't expected his agreement on any of her terms so quickly.

“I'd like my privacy, and the privacy of my friends and family to remain such. They shouldn't be mentioned or approached in any form unless given consent. I have already agreed to the curfew with understanding of the live feeds in common spaces. I will chose Max as my camera crew and he will be around on a schedule that he will give to you no later then 6 pm each night. I also prefer if there are no guests past 10 pm but I will be flexible with emergencies. I also need a day off before recording starts.” Leo stared at her a moment to see if she had any other conditions before nodding his head and standing from his seat.

“I agree to all of these terms.” Darcy glanced at Matthias immediately, noticing that he looked a little put out. He had definitely been expecting more of an argument from both of them.

“Well since we are all in agreement then, a contract will be written up and it will start on the day after tomorrow, when recording starts.” Matthias stood as well, speaking directly to the camera rather than anyone else.

In true negotiating terms, Leo held is hand out to shake hands. Darcy had barely taken it before Leo brushed her hand away and he was gone with Malakai quick behind him. Max then intercepted her with by gripping her arms.

“Darcy can you not be so reckless! What if he is a murderous psychopath?!”

“I believe that you know as well as I do that Leo James is not a murderer. Nothing is going to happen to me.” Max released her but continued to glare down at her.

“You cannot be so sure!”

Darcy left the conference room and began to gather the few things she had brought to the office. Only when she could feel her friend's gaze still on her did she finally look back at him.

“I can't explain it, but I just know he isn't what everyone says he is. Now, I'm going home and I suggest that you do the same. I'll see you in two days.”

Before stepping into her modest studio apartment, Darcy stopped by her mail box to find it almost overflowing. She waved at her overly curious land lord who was just down the street before turning into her home and out of the cold, damp air.

She was excited to be home, but even more excited to find a piece of mail that she had been looking forward to. It had taken a few moments to rifle through the junk mail before she noticed it. Her letter from the MWU.

For years, Darcy had written to a society called Mystery Writers United. Every time she hoped to receive a letter back that would state her induction into the prestigious society. Until now, her attempts had been unfruitful but she hoped that with her latest application that she'd be a shoe in.

Dropping the bills and junk mail onto the kitchen counter, she latched onto the letter that was most important to her. She then tore the envelope open and unfolded the letter inside.

To Darcy Wren,

In regards to your application in becoming a member of 

Mystery Writers United, as an author and editor,

I'm afraid that we must once again inform you that you have

been denied. The governing body can neither see any signs of

experience in your writing or understand your vision. We are sorry

to tell you that our belief in your ability to become a mystery writer

has only grown dimmer over the years.

Until we undoubtedly receive your next application,

Best Regards.

MWU

Darcy re-read the letter once more as her fingers shook. The governing body of the MWU was known for their use of brutal recognition, but Darcy now felt humiliated. She tore the letter into pieces before pacing slowly around her apartment.

In high school, she had received awards for her writing. She couldn't believe that she was so untalented that the MWU would disregard her in this way. However, if the MWU wanted experience, they'd get it!

Forgetting her weariness and lack of sleep, Darcy braced herself once more against the cold weather as she exited her apartment. After returning to her car, she had to turn the ignition several times before it finally spluttered into life.

The little puff of air was visible in the dark, cold night. Alone, Darcy wondered the empty hallways. The same hallways that had hosted a fantastic charity event only a few nights ago. Then, shortly after the event's closure the hallways had seen tragedy. A viscous death had occurred with very little clues leading to a suspect.

The tiniest flashlight cast small glimpses of heavily shadowed corners. Even the smallest of sounds would have made anyone turn around to run for the exit, but Darcy continued to explored the abandoned city hall. She definitely didn't claim to be a detective but she was determined to think like one and maybe, just maybe, find a clue while she was at it.

Thoughts roamed her mind as she continued on. These thoughts turned into questions. Why would anyone want to kill a manager for a charity event? What was the cause that lead to such a brutal murder?

Darcy stopped in her tracks. Her flashlight had been widely misused in the past, but now in her greatest need it was beginning to fail her. The light flickered several times before going completely out. No amount of hitting the flashlight against her wrist convinced it to turn on again.

Shivering, Darcy continued down the hallway after switching to her phone's flashlight. She frowned, noticing the blinking battery signal which told her that her phone was about to die as well. She refused to retreat as she was too far in now.

After rounding a corner into another hallway of doors, she found that only one door was wide open with police tape protruding from it. She sped towards it before cautiously peering into the room. Her stomach rolled at the sight of dried blood. The stain was large and spread through the majority of the room. She glanced around the empty hallway once before ducking under the tape and into the room.

Darcy pulled her jacket up over her nose in an attempt to stifle the overwhelming scent of dried blood. She explored the corners of the room first, unsure of how career detectives would usually operate such a scene but she wanted to work her way in. Oddly enough, nothing seemed to be out of place. Nothing seemed broken or hurriedly put back into place. It told a story of extreme patience and maybe a sense of OCD in whoever committed such foul play.

“Stop where you are! Put your hands up.” Darcy had been reaching for a desk drawer when a sudden, blinding light flooded into the room and onto her. She slowly did what was commanded of her, her heart pounding in her ears. She couldn't even see who had come upon her as the blinding light blocked her vision. “Back up slowly and keep your hands raised.”

Darcy again did as she was told, but silently wondered if she should. The man had never identified himself. She jumped when her arm was suddenly ripped down behind her back and she nearly screamed at how rough the individual was being.

“I have a young female in custody at crime scene one.” A walkie-talkie clicked on before being followed with a static response. Darcy couldn't decipher the response, but was relieved to find out that the individual was a police officer. Then a feeling of guilt began to drown her in new worries.

“What are you doing here? Who are you?” The officer who still refused to identify himself began to place her in cuffs.

“My name is Darcy. Darcy Wren from Channel 4 news. I just wanted to see...”

A celebrity news reporter at a crime scene? Seems a little odd. Come on, you are being detained.”

Darcy was yanked under the police tape before being led from the building in silence. She didn't dare try to defend herself as her thoughts turned to how she'd be able to bale herself out of jail.

“Officer Wells.” Darcy raised her eyes from the ground to find another officer sprinting towards them. She was relieved to find this man somewhat familiar though she had never personally met him before.

“Chief Grant. I was about to escort this woman to the precinct.” Wells reported to the chief, but the chief had already began to relax after landing eyes on her.

“D.W?” Chief Grant questioned which surprised her. “What are you doing here? I usually have some trouble with the media in these kinds of cases but never thought you'd get involved like this.”

Darcy was still reeling from the fact that the police chief knew her name and face.

“Don't look at me like that. Everyone likes a little celebrity gossip from time to time.” Chief Grant spoke with laughter tainting his voice. He then raised his eyes to his colleague. “Wells, release her with a warning.”

“But sir!” The officer seemed outraged by such a command. However, with just a look at the chief his argument was quickly silenced.

Darcy rubbed her wrists after being freed from the cuffs then watched as Officer Wells retreated to his cruiser.

“D.W.”

“Darcy, please.”

“Darcy, then. I wonder if I could have a word with you?” Chief Grant asked and turned in the direction of her car. She nodded though remained silent in fear of what he may say to her. “I saw that you'll be starting a new reality show with Leo James.”

Darcy turned her head, keeping her eyes locked onto the police chief. She hadn't expected him to touch on this topic of conversation.

“I don't have any evidence nor do I believe that Leo James to be a murderer, but you should never let your guard down. I'd like to give you my business card so that if you ever feel threatened or insecure about anything he says or does, you are able to have direct contact with me. Is that ok with you?”

“Chief Grant, I appreciate and accept your offer. However, I am agreeing with you. I don't believe Leo James would intentionally hurt anyone.” She smiled and took his business card.

“Call me Grant. One more thing, Darcy. Don't try to inspect any more crime scenes. Get home safe now.” Chief Grant smiled mischievously at her before waving a goodbye as he headed back towards the way they came.

After arriving back at her apartment complex, Darcy sat in her car for a long time. For once the world around her seemed quiet and distant; frozen, even. It was the exact opposite in reality as turmoil seemed to only grown inside her head. She had assumed that her drive home would help with her unchecked thoughts but being alone only seemed to amplify them. Why had she agreed to host a reality show? She already hated reporting on celebrity news as it was. What exactly had she agreed to because she was about to start living with a stranger that was the closest thing to a murder suspect and she was pretty sure he disliked her just because she was a reporter. Why had she gone to city hall knowing that if she had gotten caught her problems would have only increased tenfold. Maybe Max was right and she was reckless. Did she really not think of her own well-being?

Darcy released a long, loud sigh before resting her head against the steering wheel. A chill settled along her spine even after pulling her jacket closer around her. Then she bit down on her lip in an attempt to keep the rising emotions from rising to the surface. A loud knock against her window made her scream, but after a moment she turned her head to see who had startled her. She shot up in her seat after finding Leo James peering in the window at her. How did he know where she lived?

Glancing around her car, Darcy pushed the lock discreetly into place before rolling her window partially down.

“Why are you here, Leo James?”

Leo seemed to take his time as he examined her. She unconsciously tightened her jacket around herself.

“Can we talk? Just for a few minutes.”

When Darcy returned her eyes back to him, she found the same lonely gaze staring back at her. She gave a nod, expecting him to dive into conversation immediately. She would later find out that that just wasn't his style. He seemed to choose his words carefully.

“It's hard to have a conversation like this. Will you step out of your car?”

Swallowing, Darcy thought about her options as quickly as possible. If she left the safety of her car, she'd be completely alone with a suspected murderer. If she refused to get out of the car, and he really wasn't a murderer, then he'd never trust her or take her seriously as a reporter. She settled her thoughts by pushing her door open, though it didn't resist her on her initial push.

Not realizing how shaky she was, Darcy realized as soon as she was on her wobbly legs. She shivered but crossed her arms protectively over herself. When she once again met Leo's eyes, she swore she saw surprise or maybe interest cross his face. He was quick to hide whatever it was.

“Why did you agree?”

“Agree to what?”

Her voice was just as shaky as her legs and she hated it.

“You've agreed to stay alone with me at my house, which I might remind you that many suspect that I am a murderer and just now you've agreed to step out of the safety of your car to talk to me. Why?”

Darcy lifted her chin sharply, attempting to show him how defiant she could be. Then her teeth grounded together. She didn't need the reminder or appreciate the tone of his voice.

“If you are considering my opinion, only overly nosy people have accused you of such a crime. Either they saw or heard an apparent fight and believe that is enough evidence to proclaim someone of a crime. From what I have heard there has been no evidence that you have committed such a crime and because so I have no reason to fear you and I will not be frightened just because some people think I should be. I agreed to the assignment because, quite frankly, my boss could punish me or fire me if I chose to deny it.” Silence spanned the space between them. This time Darcy was sure she recognized surprise in Leo's eyes and also a hint of understanding. Then she felt her energy disappear along with all emotion in Leo's eyes. She slumped back against her car as the longest shiver she ever had raked through her entire body.

“Hey! Oi! Darcy, are you alright?”

Though her head dangled as she had no energy, she managed a small nod. Weakly, she tightened her jacket around her once more.

“I'm fine. I've just been running on very little rest.”

“Define low.”

“That isn't terrible.”

Darcy lifted her eyes to scrutinize Leo's face. She wondered what kind of nights he had put into his work to consider three hours of rest decent. She sighed, straightening as she slowly lifted her head.

“How about three hours over three days?” She watched as his reaction turn into one of horror.

“You can't be serious! That is insane. Why would you do something so dangerous?”

Darcy laughed, the effort making her knees buckle and she caught herself by holding onto her car mirror.

 “For starters, I'd have lost my job and my cameraman's job would have been in jeopardy because of it. I really didn't have a choice.” Unable to clearly see Leo's face anymore, she imagined him with an angry but protective look. She had a stray thought that maybe such a look would be the first of its kind she had received since birth. “I'll be going inside now.”