Professional agents (1)
Florian Fiser had just finished writing a non-related report. He had left Frau Kaplan and the two witches alone, for there was no need for him. What could they do in just one day? They were going to talk a little and then decide to visit the house.
He didn't need to be there, did he? It was just a formal meeting. He would have witnessed the following, though. He had to write the report for his boss with every detail once things were over.
His boss wanted the reports to be detailed.
Also, he needed to be present when the case was solved because he had to ensure who among the two witches was the one doing the real work.
He knocked at the door, and Frau Kaplan waved at him.
«Come sit with us, Florian. We were having a chat,» she said.
He nodded, finding the perfect place on a chair nearby. The two witches were sipping cold-brewed tea and eating the snacks.
He noted that detail for later. Maybe it had some relevance; who knew? Witches liked cold tea.
«Are you done with your job?» Helena Kaplan asked him.
«Yes, I am. I just sent the presentation to the office.»
«You work too much,» she sighed. «And now, you even follow this case. You shouldn't have accepted to do this. Really, I feel guilty for how they're exploiting you.»
«There's no need to worry, Frau Kaplan. This is what the boss ordered me to do, and my job is following orders.»
«We were discussing business and how a job can take way more than what is written in the contract. You're the perfect example of it. Just like Fräulein Sara. She was telling me how their working hours depend on the missions.»
«It's just part of the job,» Sara said. «But we love what we do, so it doesn't weigh on us.»
«Is that so? Doesn't it bother your boyfriends?»
«We agents don't have time for relationships. And, even if we had, our partners would need to understand that we may be unreachable during the missions, and that we would need to travel for a few days at a time.»
Florian took mental notes about everything. His report would have been as detailed as to make the boss's head spin. It was his way of taking revenge for being sent to Hohenau. There wasn't a stable internet connection there, which was what made him the most bothered.
«And you, Fräulein?» he asked, turning to Vera.
He didn't miss the light in Sara's eyes. Something bothered her.
«Me, what?»
«Do you also prefer your career over a sentimental affair? No boyfriends, husbands...»
«That's a personal question,» Vera said.
«Oh, come on!» Sara blurted out. «There's nothing to be ashamed of. I just said we don't have time, so it shouldn't be too much of a surprise to just admit you don't have anyone.»
Vera sighed, displeased. But she didn't contradict her words. It was the truth, after all.
«Rather, I'm curious as to why Herr Fiser asks,» Sara added. «Are you interested? I have to warn you: Vera isn't easy to conquer!»
Her tone was jovial, as if she wasn't meddling in affairs not hers.
Florian straightened his back, and his blood ran cold.
«It was not my intention; I was just making conversation,» he said. However, his tone did show part of his distrust.
First of all, he'd better ensure no one ever thought he was interested in the witch. Not just because he was not, but...
He felt physical pain at the thought of the consequences. No, better not be involved at all. Those two witches were transforming into trouble.
Also, why weren't they working on the case instead of conversing? Could they imagine how much Helena Kaplan's time was worth? They wouldn't be able to afford one hour of her time with their whole week of work!
«I was sent here to ensure the investigations proceed flawlessly,» he said. «So, please, don't mind me. Just continue with your work.»
He leaned back, making it clear he didn't want to chit-chat anymore. Not just because he felt awkward after that woman's remark; he also couldn't bear those amber eyes on him.
What if she believed him? Oh, that would have been troublesome.
On the other hand, he would have hated a witch chasing after him. Even though he had discovered two days before the existence of such creatures, he had his head full.
«We solved it, actually,» Sara said.
Florian's blood froze for the second time in a short while. Why could that blonde woman make him fear for his life so easily?
Who had solved the case? When? So quickly?
But what about the house: when were they going to exorcise whatever ghost was living there?
«You were fast,» he said.
«What can I say?» Sara chuckled. «We're professionals and among the few experts about supernatural creatures.»
«So, what is the matter? We know it's not a ghost,» Florian said.
«It's a house spirit,» Sara said, moving her hand in an elegant gesture as if saying it was a simple matter. So simple that it didn't need explaining.
«What is that?»
«A spirit living in a house,» she said, smiling lightly.
She closed her mouth and didn't add anything more.
Florian observed her body signals, catching her slight nervousness. As if she feared further questions.
So, did she know what a house spirit was?
He moved his eyes on Vera but didn't dare repeat the question. His intuition told him he would receive a proper answer, but he also didn't want to ask just yet.
Something told him it was better not to. Also, he would find out more about the house spirit with time. There was no reason to rush.
However, he wondered whether to include those details in the report.
*Not sure this is the first time I use it, but Fräulein means Miss.*