First Day
Hill imagined her hands on the driver's throat trying to strangle him. Murder was the last thing she wanted to do on her first day in Shilon. She was late for her work because her landlord had prepared a long list of rules and regulations taking his time to explain each and every do's and don'ts personally to her and her taxi driver has to make it more difficult by clearing his throat every single minute.
She closed her eyes and tried to calm herself with pleasant imaginations, not like the one she had a while ago. She thought about the beautiful view she had from her balcony. The beauty of the Everynwoods spreading near the foothills of Frevis hill. That hill is strong and high and this Hill was nothing but a weak annoying girl hated by all the people she met, she switched back to pleasant thoughts remembering the day she got the promotion letter.
"At your destination, mam." Announced the taxi driver.
She took no time in rushing out of the taxi after paying the fare. She looked at the building with a dozen windows in front of her in pure amusement. 'Shilon's Crime Fighter's Syndicate' the best crime bureau in Inberg, working here felt like a dream come true. She straightend
her clothes and started to walk towards the main gate, but was stopped by the guard; of his father's age.
"How can I help you?" He asked.
"It's my first day here as a general investigating officer..." She was interrupted by the guard.
"Ms. Hildred Brown?"
"Yeah, that's me. You were definitely expecting me, weren't you?" She asked quirking her eyebrows.
"Of course, please follow this guard." He smiled.
She started to follow him. They passed the small frontyard lined with benchs near the high walls surrounding the building. They then reached the automatic front doors that led to a small reception area. The guard made her write her name in the entry book, handed to them by the young lady behind the desk.
"Myself Alex." He said as they waited for the elevator. Hill gave him a smile and nodded. They reached third and the topmost floor of SCFS, there was a big waiting area with sofas and chairs on the right side and a reception desk on the left. They walked to the end of the lobby to a cabin which belonged to her boss. Alex mouthed 'all the best' while lifting his thumbs and left. She knocked the door.
"Come in."
She took a deep breath and then opened the door. She saw him sitting on his boss chair, his back towards her and he was facing the window. She waited for him to speak first. For straight two minutes the room was filled with silence she then took in the looks of his office, no ornamental plants, no photo frame on the desk. She had noticed one thing this far that every furniture in SCFS was made up of oak wood. The silence continued to spread so, she decided to break it.
"Mr. Augustus I'm Hildred Brown, new general investigating officer." She said in a composed tone.
"I know, Ms. Brown I saw you at the gates from here." He said plainly.
Finally he spoke, but didn't turn.
"You have your file for joining here?"
Didn't turn.
"Yes." She opened her bag and took out the file.
"Keep it on the table and have a seat." She did as she was told.
Didn't turn.
"Inspector Jane speaks highly of you Ms. Brown, let's check how correct he is."
Didn't tu...
No, he turned. He glanced a look at her and started to read her file.
"You solved 'Bell mansion' case and 'Kiin mass murder' case? Interesting. Bell mansion case was difficult, but not that much for one to take three months to solve it." He said without taking his eyes from her file.
Hill's hands were now clenched tightly in her lap. When did she clenched fists? She saw her knuckles turning white, her nails were digging in her palm. 'Remember to cut your nails' she made a mental note because from now on she has to deal with this arrogant man, almost everyday.
"Ms. Brown, welcome to SCFS, you can join your duty from tomorrow." He handed the file back to her. She started to walk towards the door.
"Ms. Brown, this are some summary papers of the case we are starting from tomorrow. Go through them before we start investigation."
"Okay." She took the papers from his hand and turned back again.
"Kiinster town doesn't have moral values, do they?" He gave a wicked smirk to her.
"You should use 'sir' when addressing your boss. Hope you will remember next time. Have a good day, Ms. Brown." He turned back towards the window and Hill glared at him. She stormed out of his cabin.
She walked towards the main gate with a frown on her face. As she passed the main gate Alex gave her a knowing smile. That proved that Justin Augustus was arrogant with everyone working there. Her apartment was three miles from SCFS, she had plenty time to walk back to her apartments. She took the Willowood Street that connected the eastern side of Everynwoods to north Shilon. It was a fall morning, the dried fallen oak leaves rustled as she walked on them. It was so chilling out there that people may freeze if they came out of their houses without three to four layers of clothes.
Hill bought herself a blue cardigan from a nearby roadside stall. She was excited for her first day at SCFS, but here she was going back home because Mr. Arrogant told her that she has to start from tomorrow. 'Mr.Arogant? Nice pet name for my boss.' she thought and her lips curled up in a smirk.
She settled herself on the her desk at night and started to read the summary papers given to her by Mr. Augustus. Prelstan was a neighbouring country of Inberg. The last tiger of Prelstan died seven years ago. His canines and nails were plated in gold and kept in the national museum. But, four years ago the canines were stolen and allegedly smuggled to Shilon. There was a research back then but nothing was found and just two weeks ago the tiger nails were stolen and were smuggled to Shilon allegedly, again. This time the government of Inberg has given this case to SCFS.
The papers had a list of museums and antique shops present in Shilon. Shilon was a small town but it has three museums and five antique shops because there was an ancient civilization here some centuries ago. Hill knew about each and every shop and and museum although she was here for the first time. She was always intrested in history; about excavations, fossils, ancient kingdoms.
She finally made some notes, her phone ringed.
"Hey dad!"
"I know you miss me but, I was with you only a day ago, remember?" She giggled.
"As always I would love to talk to you but, I am tired of unpacking the suitcases and keeping all the things in their places just like you prefer them; tidy. I have to sleep, I have to join work tomorrow. Talk to you later dad, bye love you." She hung up and went to sleep.
She slept peacefully not knowing what surprise was waiting for her the next day.
