Exasperated as he wrapped up recounting the details once again, Elias took to jostling the cuffs.

“You’ve the wrong guy. I’ll say it again, and I will keep saying it. Now let me go. I am innocent.”

“And I think—”

*KNOCK. KNOCK.*

A mysterious sound echoed from the door behind the Lieutenant officer, cutting her words short. She remained stoic, refusing to glance in the direction as her unwavering focus remained fixed on the person seated across from her. Ignoring the ominous noise, someone finally opened the door and called out to her.

“Chief wants a word.”

Glancing back to see it was the timid new recruit calling her with slightly more confidence in his sails left her a tinge uneasy. 

What does the Chief want now? He was just about to crack.

She sighed and removed herself from her chair to move to the hallway.

Her departure was quick, and she returned with a furious expression. She couldn’t help but stare down her suspect, who stared back with fish eyes. 

“You’re free to go,” she said, her teeth grinding as she spoke. No charges are being pressed, and no evidence can be supplied to justify keeping you here. But, mark my words, though…”

Elias smirked as he raised his hands in the same fashion as before. He couldn’t resist the urge to grin smugly as he needed to hear no more. 

***

Two individuals stood by the front gate of Torch HQ to welcome the newly freed Elias.

“Hey man, what happened?” Asked Sebastian, who now looked like a new man.

He looked almost unrecognizable, dressed in clean clothes and smelling of oak-scented cologne instead of alcohol. His neatly brushed hair still had a tousled look. There was no blood, sweat, or tears except for the dried streaks on his cheeks, hinting at recent waterworks. This starkly contrasted the disheveled and grungy appearance Elias had first seen.

“I was sooo worried. Are you ok…? *sniff* I thought it was my fault and—”

His eyes showed genuine concern for Elias’s well-being.

“Stop,” Elias shot, raising his hand in protest. It didn’t matter if Sebastian was now cleaned up or not; Elias still disliked the idea of him being so close.

“What happened? Are you ok? I tried to go in and talk to them, but I only got turned away.”

“You spoke to them? The officers, and they didn’t let you in?” 

Bewildered, Elias clung to the young man’s words. It was extremely odd, given he had supplied them with Sebastian’s name and contact details when asked how he ended up at the docks. 

“You’re free, buddy. Thank goodness—*sniff*. They didn’t strip you, did they?”

“What? Get off already!”

“Dear brother, can’t you see you’re being bothersome.”

As Sebastian tightly embraced Elias, a charming voice from the shadows commented on their situation. A beautiful young woman stood there, the breeze gently brushing against her. Her long platinum blonde hair shimmered in the sunlight as she eloquently tucked some loose strands behind her ear. She wore a beautiful white dress with light blue accents around the trim and a bow tied around her waist. She was sporting a wide straw brim hat to match.

Shoving Sebastian, Elias cleared his throat. “And who are you?”

“Hello.”

“Ohh, sorry,” Sebastian said, cutting in. “Right—introductions. I always seem to mess that up. Elias, this here is my twin sister, Silva.”

“How do you do?” Silva said as she bowed with a perfect curtsy.

Twin?

Elias managed to look at her, but staring too long was far too daunting. She radiated like a star. Her looks were stunning, and she was related to this weirdo. Why?

Twin? Elias pondered again.

“I’m fine now,” Elias answered, pushing the fool free from him.

His smile sparked her own. “Yes, you do seem well.”

Unable to pry himself free from her blue eyes, Elias fell head over heels.

“My dear brother was suffering in hysteria the moment he heard his good friend, Elias, was being detained. I came to support him. You should have seen him balling his eyes out.”

“Hmmm, yes, good friends we are. Are you into movies?”

“I love movies,” Sebastian shot. “Mostly a fantasy or sci-fi. But those dark, artsy noir films that have been coming out lately just tickle an itch I did not think I had.”

Realizing early on how the conversation would go, Elias thought quickly about how to steer it in the direction he needed.

“My guy, don’t you got work or something? I am sure someone, such as yourself, is extremely busy.”

“WorK OH Aah HAhA—HAHAHA,” he said, like a malfunctioning robot. This reaction garnered odd stares from both sides, as neither seemed to understand what was happening.

“Brother... Are you alright?”

“Yeah, no—YES! Yes, everything is peachy. Elias, we might need to talk.”

“So talk, mate.”

“Noooo, I mean it is about...” He again passed Elias’s defenses to invade his personal space and grab his shoulder. He wished to whisper his following words, “about the job.”

Elias let out a light chuckle as he wished to talk more about those details as well. “Yes, we do. Shall we discuss over drinks, Seb?”

“S-S-Seb? D-drinks? Ohh, that sounds like a splendid idea. We shall!” Sebastian was a bit taken aback after hearing his new friend’s words. Joyous with a childlike smile, he turned to his sister.

“Oh, no. Don’t mind me. Have a splendid boys’ time out. I have some errands to run on my own anyway. But please do have some fun.”

“Oh, ok.”

“We can set up another time for all of us to hang out. I would very much enjoy it. And brother, please refrain from drinking too much this time.” Silva smiled in Elias’s direction before taking her time to stroll by. Her hair flowed in the wind, and a subtle flora rose scent cast along its waves. 

That smell...

Elias couldn’t help but sneak one last glance at the beauty, Silva, who also seemed to sneak a glance back. Their eyes crossing each other before finally parting ways.

***

“Ahh, some fresh air. That was a close one.” A man chimed to himself as he removed his beige button shirt. 

He took off his crimson hat and ran his fingers through his hair, which was far more comfortable as he had never considered himself a hat person. 

Not long after, a wagon came into view. A local vendor was pushing it from behind, and he was having difficulty navigating the cobblestone pathway. 

“Do you need some help, old chap?”

“Oh no, no. Thanks, but I’m just heading right over there.” 

It was a kind gesture that was wasted. 

Coincidentally, the elderly man and his cart displayed a large assortment of hats, making it perfect for tossing away one that bothered another.

With the uniform ditched, he threw away the facade as an officer.

“Much better.” He murmured to himself.

The man continued along the cobblestone path, recounting his last night’s adventure.

“That truly was a close call. I heard that those experimental smoke pills were powerful, but seeing them up close is a different story. Aren’t they kind of pricy too? Anywho, it’s a good thing I had an officer uniform underneath. Got me to slip out just when I needed to. That security guard showing up out of the blue? Yeah, right, my ass. He must be one of their men. Clearly, they know what’s going on. Better call up some locals and have them take care of him.”

With that, the individual removed the final piece of clothing—to reveal a pair of running shorts underneath. He left, folding the crimson trousers and placing them on a windowsill as he strolled by.