…
The next day, the sun shone so brightly that they decided to take the river path. At the port of Grythwill City, Amon reserved a private steam boat for him and his companions for a hundred silver coins. Juliane could only stare at the bag of coins as Amon handed it over to the boatman. For her, it was a damn big amount, but for Amon, it was a good deal for an hour's travel.
With the help of the boatman, Joerdan, Amon, and Juliane rode the steamboat. The small boat was designed to carry six passengers and featured a functional enclosed cabin with large windows for scenic views. It had a classic wooden interior, offering a cozy atmosphere. The boat was powered by a steam engine, providing a relaxed way to explore the tranquil Eudaemora River.
In the middle of their journey, Amon, who was sitting at the end of the seats, stared at his assistant who sat in front of him. Juliane displayed a wide smile as she saw the wild deer drinking at the banks of the Alfogia Forest which they passed by. How innocent, the young master thought. Why was the lady so easy to please?
Meanwhile, Joerdan noticed how excited Juliane was, guessing it was her first time riding a boat. He offered, "Ms. Johara, would you like a photograph?" and showed her the folding camera he held.
Well, she almost nodded, but upon catching Amon staring at her for an unknown reason, she reflected on her decision. "But Mr. Merritt, the film is too expensive to be used for someone like me," she said, momentarily glancing at the young master, "I think Mr. Midas will not allow it-"
"It's okay. One photograph will do." Amon responded curtly.
"Alright," Joerdan unfolded the camera, then looked for a good angle. "At the count of three, smile, okay? One… two… three…!"
Click!
"Thanks, Mr. Merritt!"
"I'll give it to you once it's ready," Joerdan responded with a playful grin. It was interesting, though. He noticed how his stern boss' face softened as he stared at the blue-haired lady. The investigator strongly felt that the rumors of Amon having feelings for her were actually true, despite the refusal during the radio interviews.
Joerdan, the young master's loyal dog, made sure to also capture Amon in the picture a while ago. He wondered if he might get some bonus coins or perhaps a bar of gold, for his cute effort?
"Ms. Johara," Amon called in a low tone.
She turned her head towards him and inquired, "What's the matter, sir?"
"You do know there's no such thing as a free lunch in this world, don't you? You know what I mean?"
"Hmm… Yes?" Juliane answered with sheer uncertainty in her tone. "I still have some of my allowance from last week. I can pay for my own lunch…"
A deep sigh escaped from Amon's lips. "That's not what I meant… But of course, you may pay for your own lunch. And also, pay for that one space you used up on the camera film."
"But you said it's okay, sir?"
"I allowed it, but I never said it's free."
"Oh, geez… Alright."
Juliane pouted, before looking ahead to the river. She knew she lost the right to complain to Amon, especially regarding money. Although he's grumpy, he's also unpredictably generous. Well, maybe it is just because he is being professional to fulfill the contract, or, is he a natural bully?
Luckily, the weather remained sunny, and so the 1-hour trip to Oseanna Town happened without any difficulties. As soon as the three of them set foot on the soils of Oseanna Town, they were mesmerized by the vibrant, coastal ambiance.
A 15-minute walk opposite the direction of the riverside led to a beautiful beach facing the sea. A weathered wooden dock extends into the bay, a historic fixture that has seen countless visitors over the years. Fishermen cast their lines from its edge, seeking a daily catch, while tourists enjoy the views and sea breeze. The coastal houses, painted in pastel colors, cling to the cliffs, each one a picture of seaside living. Balconies provide bay views, and flower boxes decorate window sills, enhancing the charm of the town.
Amon and his companions walked alongside the towering cypress trees which provided pockets of shade along the beach. Joerdan held the map firmly in his hands as the wild wind blew. He led their group towards the row of inns, and one by one, they looked for the signboard that displayed "Quincy's Inn".
But until they reached the last inn, they couldn't find one. Joerdan then asked one of the fishermen about it.
"It has been demolished," the fisherman said as he stood there holding his net. "But you may ask the recent owner, the son. Go to the town chief. He knows where he is."
Just as instructed, they went to the town hall. Greeted by the town chief, Amon and the others were led to one of the meeting rooms and were served a bunch of grilled clams.
With the food in front of her, Juliane was quite distracted, wondering when Amon and Joerdan would start eating. Oh she's a little hungry after the boat ride!
Jumping to the main topic, Amon inquired to the chief, "Sire, we'd like to ask about the Quincys."
"Why, Mr. Midas, what's the problem?" he asked with a confused expression.
"I have a valuable item and we're tracing its source. Can I know where the son of the Quincy couple is?"
"Their son, huh…" the town chief frowned.
He then mentioned how the son had a fight with his mother because of their bankruptcy, to the point where he even left home even though she needed help with the inn. In the end, the inn and everything inside became government property. One by one, the items were sold to different buyers.
The town chief then gave them a piece of paper, "Go to this address. It's in the middle of this town, right after the butcher's store."
The meeting was brief, and they weren't able to eat the clams. Fortunately, the kind chief noticed Juliane had been eyeing the basket for some time and placed them in a box for her to take with her!
Outside the town hall, Joerdan told Amon and Juliane that he would be looking for the son alone. "I booked three rooms in the Seashell Deluxe Inn for us. You can both check in… It's the nearest inn from the dock."
"Are you sure you don't need our help, Mr. Merritt?" Amon asked.
He shook his head. "I think it's wiser to trace the painting as discreetly as possible. With us three, there might be some people who might spread the news around."
"You're right… Then, be safe, Mr. Merritt."
"Thanks, sire… See you later, Mr. Midas, and Ms. Johara."
"Take care, Mr. Merritt!" Juliane said, then she and Amon watched him disappear in the crowd.
The previously blue sky became grayish with the clump of clouds. Seeing that it might rain, Amon and Juliane dragged their feet on the sand as fast as they could, until they reached the Seashell Deluxe Inn. The inn was located right in front of the dock, and seashell-like decorations adorned the exterior walls like a collage. Inside, different colored shells hung from the ceiling, and the walls were painted in a light turquoise color, giving the inn a refreshing vibe of the beach.
Amon and Juliane rang the bell, which notified the receptionist, who was sweeping the backyard.
"Yes? Do you have a reservation?"
"Yes. Under the name Amon Midas," Amon answered.
"A moment, please," the receptionist quickly responded. She looked at her logbook for the reservations, she found no Amon Midas on the list. "Apologies… Your name isn't here… But do not fret! We have one room left, and the bed is king-size!"
"But miss, we need-" Amon's words were cut off when the receptionist gave him a key.
Standing strong in the name of etiquette, Amon thought it would be embarrassing to share a room with a lady who wasn't even his lover. Amon insisted as he tried to return the key, "We need separate rooms-"
Suddenly, the rain outside poured heavily, and with thunder and lightning complementing the rain clouds, the startled Juliane felt her heart jump, and she automatically held onto the back of Amon's shirt.
The receptionist, noticing the lady's reaction, uttered, "Please, take that room… Look how terrified she is. Don't tell me you're going to look for another inn in this weather?"
Amon glanced at Juliane, who closed her eyes, trying to calm herself down. "Then… we'll take that room."
And so, the confused Amon and the distraught Juliane checked in. Little do they know that the storm in the coastal town of Oseanna would be an incident that could send tornadoes in their bewildered minds.