May 22, 1999
May: So, how'd it go?
I took a drink. After the interrogation, me and May decided to go out for some drinks.
Harlan: Well she talked, if that's what you're asking.
May: Ok, she talks to you and not to me, no need to rub it in.
May took a drink.
May: What did she give you? Names? Locations?
Harlan: She told me her family history.
May muttered "bugger" under her breath and went back to her drink. I slipped the notes I took to her and she read it.
Harlan: Kinda romantic not gonna lie, and plus hey, you could use that for your fanfics.
May: No thank you, I can come up with stories by myself, much better stories thank you very much.
She handed me the papers back. I couldn't help but reread it. May noticed me.
May: Hey, you ok?
Harlan: Yeah of course it's just... you know, new case, all that. And she said come back in a week and like... why one week?
May: Why? Are you missing her already?
Harlan: What?! NO!
I don't know why but I got so defensive, like I knew she was just messing but, I just did.
May: Ok geez, chill man, just messing.
May went back to her drinks. I reread the part about Clair's parents and it hit me. T.H.E.P.A. might not have files and data on Clair, but maybe on her family!
Harlan: Hey umm, can you do me a favor May?
May: What is it this time?
Harlan: I need you to do some digging.
I wrote down the names of Paul, Taylor and Chase Delvey and handed it to May.
Harlan: We got one week before I talk to her again. Must be enough time.
May nodded.
Harlan: Well then, I'm off.
I stood up.
May: Wait, you're going?
Harlan: Yeah, I'm really tired right now to be honest. Plus, don't want a repeat of last time.
May laughed and I chuckled. I made sure to pay my bill, then left enough money for one more round for May.
Harlan: Have one more on me.
May toasted her drink, and I walked out of the pub.
_.-
As I walked back to May's home, my mind went to the case. The story of Paul and Taylor Delvey stuck to me. My mind had a lot of questions about Paul, about Taylor, but mostly about Clair.
Clair didn't leave my mind even as I arrived back at the flat. I changed out of my suit and into my sleeping clothes. I sat on the bed in my room and I sat there alone, thinking, thinking about Clair until I fell asleep.