In the time we spent in Ms. Keinsley's home, minutes easily passed into hours until the sun in the sky set and the moon had risen. Only then did we get the courage to excuse ourselves as we got up from our seats and head back to the motorwagen which awaited us all this time, hidden away at a few blocks away from the apartment building to wear suspicions off from our suspect.
Fin Keinsley did not come back home that night, and we had completely wasted precious time as we waited for him and ate his cookies. At least, that's what Jayus thinks. The poor guy waited hours and didn't even get a single bite of those goods as I happily stuffed myself. No wonder he looked so grumpy on our way back to our apartment.
As we stepped into our apartment, I was immediately greeted with the dark living room illuminated only by the moonlight seeping through the window and landing upon the messy piles of papers on the floor. I sighed. Not only do I come from a tiring day at work, even though all I've done was follow this guys around and eat stranger's cookies, I also had to come home to this messy apartment.
I slumped on to a chair at the kitchen table which held our current case's files as Jayus so graciously lit all the lamps of the apartment. Soon, it's yellow light engulfed the entire room, completely twisting it's once miserable vibe into one of an even more devastating one as Jayus began to prep some coffee.
My eyes fixed itself to the files infront of me, and I scorned, "Hey, we didn't even get all that much new information to help us today." I noted, "Can't we just begin brainstorming this tomorrow?"
Think about this well, Jayus! You have a clueless person with no Criminology degree in front of you, and all we got today was a cigarette lighter. No matter how much you think about it, it won't change the current conclusion you had before!
But Jayus merely shook his head, and for a moment, he seemed to be contemplating my words. As he sat down the kettle pot he was to fill with water down back on the sink and took the seat in front of me, I cheered a silent victory. From how quick Jayus was to light up the lamps and start the kettle after a long day, I can only assume this has been his and Isolde's regular routine for a while.
"You know," I said, breaking the silence as we both sat in the timid light of the lamp illuminated us from the center of the table. "That Miss Keinsley sets off a bad vibe," I pointed out. From Jayus reaction, I could tell he thought the same. His red eyes twinkled like warm sunlight under the lamp's fire as think sharp brows creased upon smooth, dark skin.
"You thought so too, huh?" Jayus's vacant eyes never left focus on Anita Fields case file as nimble and rough fingers gently caressed it's pointed corners. "Most of the time, people would become overly protective when their children are accused of a crime, yet Ms. Keinsley hardly ever argued with us. Ever."
For the first time since we both sat down at this very table, those eyes which burned like phoenix finally met mine, they clouded with an uncertainty in those clear red. "It's very unsettling. She even welcomed us and everything. I haven't met anyone who would warmly accept people in their home after accusing their child of murder,"
He was right. Behind those dark round eyes and red lips felt as though she was trying sink us deep within, and yet... during the enter four hours we waited for Fin Keinsley in his home, Ms. Keinsley never emitted a vibe of malicious intent.
"Do you think she genuinely believe her son did no wrong? There are people like that, so confident in their assumption it almost seems cryptic," I shared my thoughts freely. Jayus shook his head, "I have no idea. For now, let's get some rest. Tomorrow we'll make sure to have all our questions answered," I nodded my head in agreement. As I got up to head back to my room, where I had first woken up in, Jayus stopped me with a raised hand. "Actually, I have something else in my mind that I need settle with you,"
For some reason, the tone of his voice slightly changed in that moment. Without any argument, I sat back down, pushing back the exhaustion behind me, "What's up?" I asked. That question alone got a reaction out of it. He flinched, lips pursed as a tiny crease furrowed in his brows.
"Isolde, you've been acting weird since this morning. Are you sure you're okay?" That question caught me off guard. So much that I failed to react. I knew I slipped up a few times but I thought he'd have let it all go by the end of the day. To ask about me so early, I thought I'd have at least a day or two before he'd eventually catch on.
You truly couldn't hide anything against a detective, huh?
My own lilac eyes burned through the lamp's light as I met with Jayus's own concerned gaze. In the middle of that paper-stormed room, silence breezed through.
"...Of course," I answered, though unsure of it being true myself, I smiled in hopes to put him at ease. "Just had a bad dream, that's all. What makes you ask?"
Even if I tell him the truth, would he believe me? Believe that I'm not his co-worker? His friend?
And what if he does? With my current knowledge, I had no clue where the Isolde of this world had gone. Nor do I know how to bring her back.
"I really am fine now." I admitted, more sure than ever.
"I..." Jayus said, his words lingered under his tongue, "Isolde... I've known you since we were ten. I would appreciate it if you told me if there was anything bothering you. Today, you've changed your entire routine, you used to say it was good luck for the day's work. And you usually took charge of the case even when I tell you to let me handle things. Yet today you've done none of those things!" Jayus pointed out, his voice growing increasingly anxious with each word.
That was the moment I realized I already failed the second I met Jayus.
How lucky the Isolde of this world must have been to have a friend who cared this much for her....
What should I do now? Tell him the truth?
I shook that thought away. If I told him I'd only seem crazy. As I opened my tell a lie, I paused. Could I really afford to lose Jayus trust like this? In this world where I know no one, when Jayus knows the Isolde of this world the most, could I afford to break his trust knowing he'll see through all my lies?
"I... didn't lie...earlier, I mean," I admitted, truthfully. Whole heartedly. Timidly. Keeping mt eyes fixed on the many files on the table and on the lamp. "I really can't remember anything about my life since this morning,"
I can't remember the Isolde of this world's life. I don't know the life of this Isolde before me.
"I mean, I still have my thinking in tact. I don't think there's anything physically wrong with me, but everything regarding my entire life, I absolutely have no clue of," I may have twisted the truth. But it was better than telling an entire lie. Jayus seemed taken aback by my confession. For a moment, he was too stunned to speak. What I feared with that move was the possibility he wouldn't believe me, it could set me at a really bad place from my stand point. But Jayus was reliable. He was patient. He gave it a thought before he wholeheartedly accepted it.
He puffed out a breath, a trace of sweat trickling down his face, "Alright, I believe you. I can't even imagine you'd lie to me barefaced like this. Still, do you have any idea how this could have happened? Or whatever tiny recollection you have of your life, do you remember even one moment?" Jayus proded as he sat back with his arms crossed around his chest.
I acted as though I was in deep thought. The part where I came from another world, died of overwork and was sent here was not something I considered to tell him. I shook my head rebuttal.
"Then how about work? Are you still in the right head space to keep working with me? Of it's too much, I could ask Adelai to fill in a paid leave for you," Jayus offered, kindly. A paid leave? I've dreamt of one of those for as long as I could remember! Yet all my managers only knew how to overwork their employees and never giving them the pay they deserve!
But with just a simple nod of my head, I could get to experience a paid leave!?
I answered, "No, it's alright. I've said so before, there's nothing wrong with my thinking. I'm still sharp as ever but I may need to review a few things before I take charge of any casr for a while," I could have accepted the paid leave...but that would mean letting Jayus deal with all we dealt with today. Somehow, I would feel bad taking that advantage just like that.
Jayus understood immediately and he agreed, "I understand. I'll handle our cases for now, you don't need to push yourself too hard. We'll work just as we have today," With that, he stood up from his seat, "Just stop eating good from our suspect's family members, it could easily be held against us as taking bribery."
I choked on my spit at that, I didn't even consider that possibility!
I let out a nervous laugh, "...Right! Definitely won't do that again."
As the crescent moon's lantern glow illuminated my room, I couldn't help but ponder on my next move.
Whatever I may need to do next, I just hope I don't get that terrifying dream again...