A scary guy and then --

Claire bolted away from the stool with a gasp. Anger and confusion bubbled up the surface. She fought the urge to throw something at the gentle beast who settled at the base of the stool. Pressure mounted on her chest. She held onto it the way she knew how, because of fear that letting go would create more harm than good. Yet the surprise, the anger, the confusion, the eyes of the beast that deceived her made her lose her grip and so she released the pressure. 

It was not the first time she faltered on her control, but it was the first time she saw something that came out of it. Because the friendly wolf that sprawled on the floor was no longer there. In its place was a mass of a man. The same one she met at the docks. 

Of course, how could she forget? There were different types of magic users, one of such was a shapeshifter. 

The door chose that moment to swing open. “What’s all the commotion about?” asked a blonde man in gray overalls. He had an air of superiority that manifested itself in his tone. He moved from the main entrance to the bar as if the pub belonged to him, then crouched beside the shapeshifter and patted its head playfully. “Had a little too much to drink, buddy?” 

“Mr. Gresley.” It was more an accusation than a statement. Claire peered at the man who cocked his head upon hearing his name.

For a moment, a flash of recognition flared in his eyes, then he pushed himself to his feet and claimed one of the stools for himself. “Pardon me,” he coughed. “You look like somebody I know. Didn’t think you’d really risk coming out of your suburban hole. Candy? Chloe?”

She looked as if she wanted to take a seat beside Hector, but then hesitated. “Claire. My name is Claire.”

“Mmmm… Scarlet, do you have a vacancy?”

[hr]

Levi nodded when she gave him directions where to take her. He stopped briefly at an intersection then took the right turn towards the Theater District. The streets were busy at that time of the day when most of the daily wagers came out of work. It would stretch on until late at night. He received an invitation to an exclusive party that night, but had yet to decide if he wanted to attend. 

The lady went on to assure him that she did not have motion sickness. Levi nodded again. Blue eyes focused on the road ahead, careful not to accidentally overrun a carriage or a commuter crossing the street. 

“Careful,” he warned low as she continued defending the rebels. “I may be swayed to believe that you have an intimate relationship with the rebellion. Not a lovely characteristic for a lady of your standing.”

They slowed down to a stop beside the valet. Levi left the keys on the ignition. Protocol dictated that he should be the one opening the door for her. In his defense, the valet tried, but also failed. The woman was a person of her own. She stepped out of the vehicle on her own, her mechanical dog tagging along. 

Levi was already at her side of the vehicle beside the busy street when she swayed, looked away, and unconsciously grabbed the metal roofing for support. He didn’t ask if she was, because she didn’t look like she was alright. “I don’t have a lot to do tonight.” A lie. “An investigation will proceed faster with two detectives. Tell you what. I will help you with this case. In exchange, you will help me revive the case of Emilia.”