3

You've done great work over the years, and we will remember you for the rest of our lives. But now we have to focus on the case."The editor looked at Dalkon with an expression filled with disgust. He turned away from him and picked up the phone, making it clear that he wanted to end the conversation.Dalkon stood up, and left the room.He sighed deeply as he closed the door behind him and leaned against it. He thought that he deserved that. After all, it was a stupid idea...right?It's just that Dalkon loved the thrill of being a detective and solving crimes, even though he didn't actually solve any of them. He just wanted the chance to prove his worth. But he'd made a terrible mistake: He was too eager to impress everyone around him. He was so focused on proving himself that he didn't even think things through. He'd made a big deal out of it, but it all blew up in his face.He'd always been the type to jump straight to conclusions and get ahead of himself. He didn't realize until he was forced to consider everything he had previously believed that it might be possible to change his views and ideas. If only he had been more careful.Unfortunately, he couldn't dwell on these thoughts anymore.The meeting had lasted far longer than he expected, so he hurriedly made his way to the exit. When he stepped out onto the sidewalk and headed towards his car, a black SUV stopped next to him."Hey," the man sitting inside said. "Are you Dr. Prestcote?"Dalkon nodded. "That's right. Do I know you?""I'm a friend of your brother, Mikey Prestcote," he replied.Dalkon's eyes widened. He suddenly remembered that he'd seen the driver earlier. He wasn't sure if it was really his brother, but he had a feeling it was. His brother would never drive a black SUV."Yes, I recognize you," Dalkon said. "What can I help you with?""My name is Michael Preston, and I'm looking for your brother, Mikey.""Why do you want to find Mikey? Is something wrong?"Dalkon's heart sank when he asked. He didn't think he liked this situation at all."I'm not entirely sure," Michael said. "But we both know that something happened between him and your ex.""I don't know what you mean," Dalkon said quickly."Your ex. I know she left you a long time ago, so there has to be a reason why she left," Michael said, "but you probably won't believe me because you haven't forgiven yourself for breaking up with her, and you think you deserve whatever happened. But you really don't. There is nothing you can do about the past, Dalkon. Now, let's try this again: Can I talk to Mikey alone for a minute?"Michael reached across the passenger seat and opened the door. Dalkon hesitated before opening his door too. He got out of the car and slowly walked towards the building."I don't know what's going on," Dalkon said. "And you shouldn't assume anything. This isn't some sort of interrogation. We're just here for answers. So are you coming in or what?"Dalkon shook his head."No. I'm sorry, but I won't. I'm busy."Dalkon started walking to his car, but he was interrupted."Where do you think you're going? We need to talk to Mikey!"Michael shouted."I don't have to talk to you," Dalkon replied, and then he drove off. He drove down the street, wondering what the hell he was supposed to do now. He still had a meeting to attend later that afternoon. He'd forgotten to text his secretary.He wondered what his boss would say about this."