It was the hinge of day, where the heat of noon began to lean towards the cool of evening. A ladder shelf rested on a white, pristine wall. "Dream, Inspire, Create" were the words written on the center of the wall, two pink and white sofas—a two seater and a three seater were arranged in an L-shape . Abayomi was seated on the two seater sofa while Amari sat on the other.
Amari scanned through the list of reviews on the hotel website: event section. Trying to utilize the feedback that will be helpful in future events. His eyes kept darting to his sister, who seemed more busy with typing than the calls she was taking. After the last call ended, she sighed, raising her arms over her head.
Amari decided to break the silence. "Why did you do that ?"
She blinked. "Do wha?"
"Trick Raymond the other day. He was quite pissed."
She snorted, flipping her hair back. "He deserved it, he owes me a favor y'know."
He said nothing.
She shot him a look. "You ain't gonna ask ?"
He let out a heavy sigh. "Why bother." She chuckled at that. "So when did you come back ?"
"Come back ?" She scoffed. "I never left in the first place."
His body froze, as though he wished he'd misheard. "You wha?"
"I said..." She dragged her words. "I never left and Ray wasted his time looking for me."
Amari didn't speak, his eyes remained glued to the computer screen. Though he didn't look like it, he was trying very hard to believe she was joking, but knew better when it came to her.
His voice lowered. "Raymond must not hear of this."
Abayomi rolled her eyes, a sly smile spreading across her lips. "Oh I'm sure Ray will hear, especially from Gramps over there."
She gestured towards a figure hovering at the corner. His farmer clothes were translucent, he looked around in his late 50s or 60s of some sort. He huffed.
"You have some nerve messing with that boy like that." He grunted. "That half-breed has one of the worst tempers I've seen." He paused. "What makes you think I'll snitch ?"
Abayomi waved him off. "Oh you don't just snitch... You blab a lot to the point you accidentally. . . snitch."
"I don't blab."
"You do."
"I don't."
"You do." She chimed.
"I—
"Okay I think that's enough from you Gramps ... both of you." Amari asserted weakly.
The ghost huffed while Abayomi grinned. Amari raised his arm at an angle, rolling it backwards. "At least you were inside, I thought you had gone to do that."
"What's that ?"
"You know what I mean."
Abayomi pondered for a moment before her lips parted in an "O" shape.
"Come on, you know I'm better than that."
"No you're not." Amari protested. "Have you forgotten about the issues you had with that small casino down the street ? I had to pull you out of the mess you caused."
Abayomi sighed as if she was dealing with a slow child. "Those people were a bunch of losers. They couldn't accept me winning so they threw a tantrum."
He threw his hands in the air. "Tantrum!? That's what you're gonna call it!? They almost stormed into the hotel, If I hadn't figured out your shenanigans and settled them on time—God knows what they would have done."
Abayomi looked at him, seeing his defeated composure. She moved to his sofa, placing a hand on his shoulder, slowly rubbing it.
"To be frank I would have dealt with them since I had my way. But I appreciate you for helping me out."
"If you really want to appreciate the boy, might as well stop this damn gambling of yours." Gramps snarled.
The sun bid its farewell for the day. Diana had just finished directing a guest to the dining area. She walked along the corridor, turning a corner she came to a halt before bumping into Raymond.
"Oh sorry Raymond, I didn't see you there."
He dusted his shirt. "That's fine. By the way I got you the book."
He took out a maroon colored notebook with golden lines that shimmered. It had a pen hung on the cover, Diana remembered the time she told him her need for a magic notebook.
Eyes filled with warmth locked unto his, her lips curved upwards. "Raymond..." She gently took the book. "You didn't have to."
Raymond flashed her a toothy grin. "Nah it's fine. I just drew the book and pen and it came to life... as always. Eniola helped me out with the magic properties."
He pointed at the book. "Tell it to write something, it's best it knows your voice."
Diana spoke to the book, asking it to create a list of items. Suddenly the book and pen floated in the air, the book flipped through the pages before going still. The pen glided across the page as if an actual person was controlling it.
Once it was done, the book hovered at her front. The list was perfect, items well organized as she liked it.
"Wow..." She huffed, voice laced with astonishment. "This...This is amazing, exactly what I need. Thank you very much Ray."
He beamed, hand formed into a thumbs up. "Anytime."
♦♦♦
The next day came rolling in once more. The hotel went about it's usual activities just as the tension of the case simmered beneath the surface. Aisha remained faithful in sending updates.
Aisha: They're still discussing but keep in mind that the wards will be weakened everywhere except the backyard.
Eniola: Sooo we'll be entering through the porch then ?
Aisha: Yeah, but you need something that can hide you so they won't notice.
Eniola: So invisibility cloaks then.
Aisha: yeah something like that.
Zuri: hmmm how about you just invite us ? Won't it be better if we go undercover as guests ?
Aisha: they only want relatives to attend.
Jared: Oh, I guess we'll go with Eniola's idea then.
Aisha: no problem. On that day I'll need one of you to be with me, I'd like the black haired girl.
Amare: you mean Veronica ?
Veronica: Me ?
Aisha: Yes you. I want you to be with me as we try to steal the grimoire. I know where it is now but I'm laying low.
Veronica: didn't we agree on taking the grimoire when we get there ?
Aisha: yes yes nothing has changed. I just think it's better if we get it before they do.
Jared: ? If we capture them on the spot, you can just get the grimoire without any issues.
Aisha: you have a point but think of it this way. We're preparing in case something bad happens. What if by the time we have gotten them, the grimoire is gone ?
Aisha: The whole plan is useless if we don't get the grimoire at the end of the day. So I'm thinking we should steal the grimoire before you guys capture them.
Veronica: ok, you have a point there but why me ?
Aisha: because you're capable.
Amare: ... I don't think that's a satisfactory answer, for her of course.
Veronica: capable ? don't you think the rest are capable as well ?
Aisha: of course, please don't take what I said the wrong way. I don't really have a real reason, I just decided to choose randomly.
Zuri: randomly ? Are you sure you're not feeling nervous ? It seems like it.
Aisha: . . .
Amare: Are you there ?
Aisha: sorry for the pause. You're right Zuri, I am nervous. As for Veronica, I chose you because you don't seem like the kind of person to hesitate when it's time to act. I thought about the first time we met.
Aisha: that doesn't mean the rest aren't capable. I thought it wouldn't matter who I pick as long as we're in this together. Sorry.
Jared: it's fine. Veronica, you can do it right ? or would you like someone else to take your place ?
Veronica: Nah it's cool. I'll do it Aisha.
By the time they were done, they had built a solid attack plan. Eniola sets her phone down, pressing her back against the chair. She inhaled the unmistakable sterile scent alongside an underlying floral scent lingering in the air. She needed to get invisible cloaks but she would rather make it herself.
She picked up her phone and texted Raymond; asking him to help her make six cloaks. After some time he replied with a thumbs up emoji. She got up from her seat, letting out a heavy sigh.
"I just need to make the potion. I hope I still have the ingredients."
The cabinet doors opened with a creak. All sort of items were lined up: potions, leaves, weird looking solids.
"Let's see. Magic salt, Oh good I still have crushed Riolite. I hope I still have Dryhad leaves." Her eyes scanned before landing on a plastic jar. "Aha, thank goodness I still have these." She lined them up on the platform.
After getting a bowl of water and a medium sized cauldron; she was about to start when a knock interrupted her.
"Come in." She said dryly.
The door creaked open. She broke into a smile as she caught a glimpse of light green hair.
"Ray Ray, you're here. That was fast, looks like my request was that important huh ?"
His lips twitched into an almost smile. "Don't flatter yourself. I use a tablet to draw, of course I'm gonna be fast."
She waved a dismissive hand. "Yeah yeah. Drop the cloaks on the platform."
He did as he was told. He felt a tremor go through his body as his eyes landed upon the items. "Ugh... What now ?"
"Huh ?"
He pointed a shaky finger at the cauldron. "What mad scientist shit are you up to now ?"
Realizing his fear, she could have cleared this misunderstanding but where's the fun in that?
Her lips curled into a menacing grin. "Ho ho are you sure you wanna know? This isn't for the weak y'know ? especially..." She pointed in a certain direction. "not with that."
His eyes followed the direction of her finger. It was a table with something on it which was covered with a white cloth. It looked like a body, Raymond swore he felt his soul filing for divorce with his body.
What was beneath the cloth was just a couple of jars and bottles, but she was not going to tell him that. She smiled sweetly, too sweetly. "You see Ray Ray, I've been thinking you need a little more character development. I think this is the best time for it."
Raymond laughed but it sounded like static, like someone desperately trying to be fine. "I— I don't think I need any... development for now. Maybe... another time, with preferably more... witnesse"
A predatory smile settled across her face. She lunged at him, he let out a shriek before swiftly stepping back. He reached for the door and fumbled with the handle like someone who had forgotten how doors work. He finally let himself out before slamming the door shut.
Eniola let out a cackle, she held onto the edge of the platform. "Oh... Oh... that was fun." She wiped away mirthful tears. "Time to get to work."
Back at the lobby. Veronica stared dead eyed at MJ who's cleaning her pistol for the fifth time. They were on a break. MJ, however, dedicated it entirely to her "precious." Veronica pondered if it was the same one or a different one.
"Why does she feel the need to bring a pistol ? Oh...right, for self defense I guess. Makes sense if you're working in a..." She took a quick glance around, she didn't finish that thought.
She folded her arms, resting her back against the wall. Watching MJ clean her pistol with great passion enough to make anyone feel uncomfortable. Veronica was not anyone.
"Don't you do anything other than guns ? I don't know, like... art or something ?"
"Of course I do." She finally placed the pistol down. "I watch crime documentaries."
They stared at each other. "Or scrapbooking. I'm not some gun obsessed maniac."
"Debatable." Veronica muttered in a sardonic manner.
"You're debatable."
"I'm the opposite of that."
"You sharpen knives because —" MJ threw up both hands, flexing her index and middle fingers. "It. Helps. You. Calm. Down."
Veronica flailed her hands. "HEY ! I don't do that... Okay I do but sometimes... SOMETIMES... Besides its—" She paused as if trying to look for the perfect words. "It's an ... Aesthetic."
MJ arched a brow. "An aesthetic ?"
She nodded eagerly. "Yes yes, an aesthetic... a very niche aesthetic... Something you won't understand."
MJ giggled and shook her head. She rose to her feet, standing on her tip toes before lifting her arms. She waved Veronica off saying she would be back. Veronica slammed her forehead against the desk. Letting out a loud groan as she rose to her feet, deciding to take a walk. There was still some time left for her break.
She thought of taking a walk through the hotel garden. She considered that a guest might come in, plus MJ wasn't around. She forfeited the idea and decided to do the walk in the lobby. She bit her fingernails, pacing about. Unable to settle her racing thoughts, she took out her phone and clicked on the message app.
She clicked on the group chat and tapped on the group name. It revealed the members, she clicked on a certain number. Fingers tapped the screen with such intensity.
Veronica: Hey Aisha:-) it's me, Veronica. Can we talk ?
A reply came in a few moments later.
Aisha: Hello Veronica ^_^ what you wanna talk about ?
Veronica: It's about the case. Yk your family and stuff
Aisha: yes. We've already established a plan, what seems to be the problem ?
Veronica: ha ha, yk everything just seems to be going smoothly
Veronica: too smooth yk. U get what I'm tryna say ?
Aisha: ah, I see. Your concern is understandable, but trust me. Everything is under control :-)
Veronica: yh yh I totally trust you. I'm still worried yk, like are you sure your family ain't suspicious or anything ?
Veronica: your family haven't done anything rash but who knows ? When cases like this go too smoothly, it usually means something drastic is waiting to happen.
Aisha: you sure are something but I see your point (•‿•). I have been keeping a close eye on my family. I always text you guys whenever I'm alone, Though my mom has been giving me wary looks. I have been treading carefully so she's paying less attention to me.
Veronica: oh ok. Sorry, right now I'm gonna come off as that one math teacher but have you tried
Veronica: like eavesdropping on any conversation that doesn't involve you. I wouldn't suggest asking questions unless you can phrase it in a non-suspicious way.
Veronica: besides there haven't been anymore victims ever since you came to us. Not that I mind, but isn't it enough to raise suspicion ? What if they already know what we're doing and are just waiting ?
Aisha: remember when I said that you guys are a variable they didn't expect ? Yh that's it. Trust me, they've been under scrutiny.
Aisha: Ever since they found out about the police involving you guys, they've been on the low. No victims yet because they really want to know your movement.
Aisha: oh yeah, I managed to eavesdrop on them and they're planning on getting another victim just to force you guys out.
Veronica: ah, so we won't be just an unknown variable anymore :-O
Aisha: exactly ;) once the grimoire is gone this plague will finally end ^_^
Veronica: gone ? Like gotten rid of ? But why ? Don't we need that to defeat them ?
No reply came in, Veronica felt a sinking feeling in her stomach like the way a stone is dropped into water. What if she had been caught ? Would it have been better to just let her be ?
Aisha: sorry for not responding on time. Something came up.
Veronica: what ?
Aisha: nothing much, I thought I heard my mom footsteps but it was just my head. Yes, I checked and confirmed it so calm down.
Veronica: ha ha looks like U know me so well already ( ╹▽╹ ) so what did you mean by "once the grimoire is gone."
Aisha: yk, gone, as in us, me and you stealing it when the time comes.
Veronica: ok ? So does that mean after we steal it, we destroy it ? Is this the main reason ?
Aisha: no, no. Don't start jumping to conclusions, sorry I should have phrased that message better.
Aisha: When I said once the grimoire is gone, I meant after we steal it. Looking back now, I understand why you misunderstood me. I'm just so nervous that's all.
Veronica: Why ? It's just me after all
Aisha: it's about the case, that's all. I tend to get nervous and end up saying vague words.
Aisha: I'm sure you understand how I feel, you're a newbie after all.
Veronica: How did you know that ???
Aisha: :-) it wasn't that hard to tell. I watched the way you interacted with the others, you seemed to shift your leg a lot, like you felt out of place.
Aisha: I remember feeling that way when I was a newbie in the hospital. Classic newbie behavior ^_^
Aisha: forgive me if I spoke out of line (●´⌓`●) I just felt nostalgic. I didn't mean to degrade you or anything.
Veronica: ha ha it's fine ^_^ well I did feel out of place but I'm getting used to it.
Aisha: that's good to hear. Anyway pls tell the others what I told you. I gotta go now. Bye bye ⊂((・▽・))⊃
Veronica: (◔‿◔)
She slumped onto the chair, pressing her forearm against her forehead. She checked the time and saw that the break was over. Funny, it felt like forever to her. MJ wasn't back, she would turn up soon enough. Veronica reached out for the files in the open drawer.
The stone-in-the-water-feeling didn't go away. Her eyes narrowed as they landed on her phone, waiting. Hands reached out to grab her hair. "I still feel weird." She said. "Newbie huh ?"