A barren desert. Nothing but long-dead trees and remnants of buildings poking out of the sand, entirely devoid of life. The sky and the horizon, a sunless, sickly, depressing grey. Not a single sound is heard, not even the sound of wind or even the soft buzzing of a desert-dwelling insect.
Standing in view, in stark contrast, or perhaps entirely appropriate, a shadowy bipedal figure with two piercing green eyes, hands dripping with a green liquid, staring ahead. Its green eyes, they reflect no soul, not from such a distance, if it even has a soul. Every night, it stands there, and every night, without fail, it gradually gets closer.
A scene all too familiar for a 27-year old cat, her fur of cream and white colours, who jolts awake in bed. Like she does every morning, she inspects the back of her hands, each having a dark green, spiralling line.
“I swear these have grown again…” She makes a remark to herself.
She has been living with these nightmares ever since these strange markings appeared on her hands, only a year ago when they were but green dots. Every night, the same, every night, creeping terror.
She has visited doctors whenever she noticed major changes in the size of the markings, but they all told her the same: it’s perfectly normal. That not only sounded utterly ridiculous, but it also hardly eased her mind. Such a thing cannot be normal, she knew that back then and she knows that now.
Her apartment’s walls are grey, a colour that she doesn’t like, but can’t be bothered to repaint just yet. In her room, there is an oak wood bed, a closet, and a nightstand made of the same material, with a lamp and an alarm clock on the latter. Next to the bed, pushed up against the wall, a simple, wooden table with medicine and basic chemistry equipment on it. At the very edge of the table there is a name plate reading “Roxanne Solomon”. The walls are decorated with posters, some having French writing, to help with the dull feeling the colour gives off.
She takes a glance at the clock, which reads 7:32 in bold crimson.
“Better not be late.” She gets out of bed and gets dressed, putting on a red dress with a flower pattern, sandals and a light red scarf. She takes a pair of red gloves, golden bracelets, and earrings from the nightstand’s drawer and puts them on as well. She’s had those gloves ever since the markings appeared on her hands, as she doesn’t like people seeing them. It may not be the best way to hide them, but people have yet to question why a feline would wear gloves all the time.
Solomon leaves the apartment block and heads to her workplace. It's only been a few months since she moved from France to Britain. She used to be an apothecary, which she admittedly didn’t hate as it justified her degree in chemistry, but the payment simply didn’t suffice.
While still working, she was browsing jobs, and eventually came across one in Britain: “Bird’s Eye Inc. Investigator.” She heard that investigators get paid well, but the advertised wage was absurdly high. Most applicants were rejected, so she heard, she doubted it was anything other than some sort of a scam, but she was just too curious not to try.
All they asked was for a resume along with a picture of the applicant. For something so simple, she didn’t expect much.
Thus, when her application was accepted, she thought it was too good to be true. That amount of money… It was worth moving to Britain if the job ended up being real.
She thought there had to be a catch, even such a job shouldn’t pay this much, but as far as she could tell, there was no catch.
She’s been working for three months, nothing out of the ordinary has happened. No shady characters, no business with dubious individuals or substances, it all seemed too good to be paid so much for investigation.
In fact, the job can hardly be considered investigation, it’s usually people calling in to solve petty conflicts and look into similarly petty subjects. To Solomon, it effectively just feels like a non-emergy police line. They don’t deal with serious cases because it is “not their business”, as her boss said. She admittedly found it suspicious back when she started, but then again, for that much money… She wasn’t asking questions.
Today, she’s still not particularly fond of the grey streets of Lanolow, but she has to go through them to get to her workplace outside of town. The town itself isn’t what she would describe as big, not compared to the city she used to live in.
About half a kilometre away from town with only two buildings nearby, an old police station stands, a sign above the door reading “Bird’s Eye Inc.” She can remember the first time she came here, it was hard to believe that she’d be starting a new life at a place like this. A paint job is due for the outside walls, and some wallpapers would make her feel a little more comfortable on the inside. Everything about the place only made her more suspicious at first, but after the months working there, she can’t complain too much.
The door leads into a reception where no one is sitting ever, to the right are two poorly disguised holding cells, to the left is the main hall where most meetings are held. Like she does every time, she takes a left turn.
Walking in, there is a round table no more than two metres in diameter with five seats around it. Three of them are taken by her colleagues already, waiting for the boss, and her, to arrive.
And the people she works with… She sure finds them to be a bunch.
She sits down at one of the unoccupied spots. To her left is Lisa, a local dark grey wolf looking to be in her thirties. Solomon hasn’t learned the wolf’s last name in the months working. She wears a dark blue trench coat, a pair of black and brown chequered trousers, and a black fedora, which has a blue band matching the colour of her coat. She also has a wooden cane, which has a handle that resembles a finger and claw, and a smoking pipe on her person at all times.
During her time working there so far, Solomon has always seen her in those exact same clothes every single day, although she doesn’t mention it out loud. She would describe Lisa as rather eccentric, but someone she can call a friend and rely on. Lisa’s been working there the longest, about five years, as she described. Solomon previously conversed with her about how this is her first job, how much it fits her, and how much she would love it if they could work on actual cases. That only made the cat more suspicious at first, going from unemployed to making this much money? That seemed impossible.
To Lisa’s left is Yaroslav Sokolov, a Russian bear with brown fur. He is wearing a brown coat with a green shirt and black trousers, looks to be older than Lisa. Solomon has come to know him as a friendly and jovial man, always telling stories from his old life when he was a demolitionist. One thing Solomon can’t help but notice every time is how big his hands are. She doesn’t see bears all that often though, so it may just be her.
In stark contrast to him, on his left is Sol Durazo, a Spanish canine with floppy ears. Solomon learned that the exact kind is called “spinone italiano”. His fur is brown with white patterns, he looks to be in his fifties, but is in overall good physical condition. The first time she saw him, she thought he was a priest, wearing all black clothes and a cross necklace. Her assumption proved to be somewhat correct, as he used to be a member of the clergy. Because of that, his colleagues nicknamed him “Father”. He doesn’t talk much and usually keeps to himself, but will respond earnestly when asked. As far as Solomon can tell anyway.
Upon first meeting, her colleagues only confused Solomon more, regarding the job. The four of them couldn’t be more different, how come they were the ones who were accepted for this position? Eventually she decided that it was best not to think about it and just accept the wage she was offered.
Solomon’s colleagues greet her as she sits down next to Lisa. She greets them back, trying not to look too tired.
The four converse about some rather mundane topics, like the weather, for a few minutes until the man himself arrives, their boss, a German eagle named Johannes Adelar. He looks to be around the same age as Yaroslav and has a brown plumage. He is dressed elegantly, wearing a suit and a red tie. He nonchalantly sits down at the table, taking the fifth and final seat.
“Everyone, I have some great news to tell.” He says, his voice akin to authority. “Our next few tasks may just be our break into serious business! I know that some of you…” He glances at Lisa. “...are very eager to be involved in some real cases.”
The excitement on Lisa’s face couldn’t be more visible. Even Solomon herself thinks that something more than a neighbours’ dispute is due for the so-called investigators.
“The client, who would like to remain anonymous, gave us these two people to monitor, as well as whoever might be with them.” The eagle puts a binder on the table, taking out two sheets of paper. “Churchyard and restaurant. The details are in the papers.” He adds.
Lisa looks decidedly less excited upon hearing those news. Yaroslav immediately takes the churchyard paper and skims through it.
“Father, you’ll feel right at home!” He exclaims with a heavy accent. Durazo reads the paper thoroughly and smiles.
“Consider it accepted.” His voice is deep, but friendly, Solomon finds it comforting in a way.
That leaves Solomon and Lisa to go to the restaurant, the latter of whom seems increasingly disinterested.
“This is just the first task from this client.” Says Adelar. “I was promised that we’d be working together depending on your performance here.”
Solomon takes the other paper. It reads: “Location: Olympus Restaurant, Armenshire. Time: 11:00. Target: great dane, always seen with two others around. Kinds of entourage vary greatly. Target is seen at the location every Friday. Task: eavesdrop. Listen to as much as possible. Utmost discretion advised. If and when the target leaves, do not follow.”
Solomon nods, along with Lisa.
“Excellent.” Adelar smiles proudly. “Off you go then. You know what to do. Once you’re done, let me know and I’ll update you with any calls we get. Make a full report when you’re back in the evening.”
With that, he leaves the room, the others following close.
The two groups each get into a car and drive off.
“So, nothing exciting once again. Outstandin’.” Lisa starts talking to Solomon in her somewhat raspy voice, but the cat zones out during it, wondering who this new client could be.
“Maybe I should ask Adelar… Maybe I should have asked him for more details… Then again, if there were more details, they would have been written on that piece of paper, surely.”
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The name of that restaurant intrigues her. Olympus? She secretly has some high expectations of a place with such a name.
“...and that's exactly the kind of people who I call wankers.” Says Lisa, causing Solomon to snap out of it. “Give ‘em the middle finger when ya can.”
A short trip later, Solomon can see that they will arrive at the location very soon, she can already see the place from a distance. A massive sign reads “Olympus'' on a building that Solomon guesses has around four floors.
“Well ain’t that tacky. Can’t miss that one, eh?” Lisa remarks as she parks close by. Solomon immediately jumps out of the car.
“Wait up, will ya?” Lisa yells after her, but the feline is already at the entrance.
The inside of the restaurant is decorated with various Greek motifs and items, just enough windows to tell the weather and time of day outside. There are many tables, all but two are already taken, right next to each other. Solomon tries to walk to one of them, but is stopped by a leopard waitress, the name card on her uniform reading “Achlys”.
“I’m sorry madam, but this restaurant is reservations only.” The waitress explains. Solomon opens her mouth to speak, but nothing comes out as she tries to think of an excuse.
Just then, Lisa makes her way inside and mutters to herself as she enters, looking less than pleased. The waitress glances at Lisa, then back at Solomon.
“Are you with her?” She asks with a curious look.
“Well, yes. I just thought we could-” Solomon tries to make up a lie that could possibly get them in.
“I might be able to get you a table then.” The waitress smirks and cuts her off. “Go ahead, madam.”
Solomon feels confused, but she won’t stop to question why that waitress did what she just did.
“Why'd you leave me outside like that?” Lisa frowns, slightly annoyed. Solomon tells the wolf that she just got them a table, which seems to lift her mood.
The two each take a seat at one of the empty tables. Solomon looks at the time, two minutes until 11:00. “We just barely made it in time.”
Like clockwork, a great dane walks through the door, escorted by a thorny lizard and a zebra. All three are wearing rather fancy suits. Solomon and Lisa try to make themselves look busy as the targets sit down at the other empty table. Solomon sits further away from them, she finds the staff and the guests talking behind her quite distracting. She hears the names “Zeus” and “Hades” uttered quite a few times.
Lisa is facing away from their table opposite to Solomon, discreetly perking her ears.
The targets talk about the condition of certain roads and houses on the way to Armenshire and how it makes the city look worse, sounding irritated. That topic is followed by other, similarly less exciting conversations. Solomon is starting to think that the client just wants the infrastructure to be better, which it admittedly could be.
“So you found someone who can pull that off, eh?” The great dane asks the lizard, noticeably quieter. Lisa listens closely, her attention entirely on the three as far as Solomon can tell.
“Yes. Away from prying eyes. It will be hard to-” Says the lizard.
“Excuse me?” A loud voice cuts off the lizard. “This is supposed to be our table!” An aggravated-looking weasel is looking at Solomon and Lisa, standing next to her is who must be her husband, another weasel who seems to just feel bad for the two.
The targets stop talking and look at the scene unfolding.
“You better have a really good explanation for this.” Says the weasel, bending down to their table, eyebrows furrowed. Solomon gulps, her mind racing to come up with an excuse once again, but it all suddenly goes blank when she sees the leopard waitress rush over to the table.
“Oh, madam, you must be mistaken!” Says the waitress as the weasel turns to look at her.
“No, I know for a fact that this was the-” She begins to say.
“I’m certain that this was the table you reserved!” The leopard takes them to another table that just became unoccupied.
A short argument can be heard, but the weasel relents and accepts the spot.
Solomon exhales deeply. “That was close… But why is that leopard helping us?”
“People nowadays… Can’t even remember which table they reserved.” The zebra scoffs. “As I was saying…” The lizard continues. “It will be hard to track the shipment after it is put to sea, but that’s what boss says. Who am I to question that?” He looks at the zebra, who slightly shakes his head.
“I think we should just take the ledger-” Says the zebra, causing the dane to whack him on the back of his head.
“We were told explicitly not to say that.” The dane reprimands him, followed by an apology from the zebra.
“All you need to know:” Says the dane. “Port of Moore, in exactly two weeks.”
Lisa takes notes: shipment, ledger, Port of Moore, in two weeks. The leopard walks over to the table where the targets are seated and takes their order. She then does the same for Solomon and Lisa and waves, specifically at the latter, when she walks away.
“Just why do you like to eat here?” The lizard questions. “Boss pays us well, but these prices are outrageous!”
That makes Lisa take a good look at the menu. She holds back a gasp when she sees the price of the simplest of meals.
“I just love Greek food.” Says the dane. “And like you said, boss pays us well. Wouldn’t give this job up for anything. Especially not because of people who can’t be cautious.” He shoots a look of disappointment towards the zebra.
A short while later, another waiter, a gazelle, brings three plates to their table. His name card reads “Hermes”. Right after, the leopard brings the ladies’ orders.
“Do enjoy your meals.” She smiles and leaves them to their business.
“Something’s very off about her. Can’t quite put a finger on it though…”
The targets finish their meals quickly, the lizard remarks that it really wasn’t that worth it this time either, and they leave without a word after paying one of the waiters.
“I’d say we got what we came here for.” Says Lisa. Solomon is pleased to hear that, she can only imagine how pleased Adelar will be. The two finish up and stand up to leave, the leopard wishing them well. Lisa sighs as they exit the restaurant.
“So, what was that about?” Solomon inquires. “Why did Achlys help us so much?”
“Her name’s Thalia.” Lisa rolls her eyes. “That name is just a quirk of the place, you didn’t really think her boss is called Zeus, yeah?” She asks with a raised eyebrow. “Anyway, she’s an old friend. That’s all.”
Lisa doesn’t seem to be in the mood to talk about it further. Solomon doesn’t push the subject.
When Solomon opens the door, however, she feels a strange sensation, something she would only describe as a… Compulsion to look around. She feels like she’s being watched, but she doesn’t see anything or anyone suspicious as she turns her head.
“Let's get going, mate.” Says Lisa, already in the car, having waited a good few seconds for Solomon already. The cat dismisses the feeling and gets in the car as well.
“At least we got some pretty sweet info.” Lisa states with considerably more energy. “Adelar will be happy, I bet.” She starts the car and the two drive back to the station.
Yaroslav and Durazo are at a churchyard. A funeral has recently taken place, one particularly devastated mourner is talking to the priest who held the ceremony.
“Always a grim sight.” Durazo quietly says to the bear. “Never was something I liked in the trade.”
“What did you like then?” Yaroslav asks.
“The look in the people’s eyes.” The canine says, solemnly. “The hope, the promise that their faith will be rewarded. It was heartwarming… But some people who claimed to be like me weren’t interested in that.” Durazo frowns, in his eyes, uncharacteristic anger. “Reverend Antonio… To exploit the faithful at their most vulnerable… I could not put up with that anymore.” He scoffs. “Look where that got me.” He shakes his head at the thought. “I tell myself that it’s better. Financially, maybe, but these jobs don’t make me feel like I’m helping people. Not in the way I’d like to.”
Yaroslav puts a hand on the ex-priest’s shoulder.
“That’s behind you now.” He takes a reassuring glance at Durazo. “We’re helping, currently like this, but we’re helping.”
Durazo nods, expression unchanged, opinion on the matter likely similar.
After the funeral’s final steps are completed and the crowd leaves, Yaroslav spots a rat and another bear approaching. They go behind the church, Durazo slowly makes his way closer to their direction. At the building, he listens intently, although he can’t quite make out everything they say.
He hears the words “port”, “book”, “two weeks” and “night” mentioned more than once. He leans against the wall as he hears them start walking back. The two targets stop to look at the investigators.
“Taking a break, eh, father?” The rat asks, seemingly not suspecting anything.
“We all need a break sometimes.” Durazo forces a convincing smile. “Don’t we?”
The targets chuckle and start walking out of the churchyard.
“Praise be.” The rat says jovially.
Durazo sighs, not a sigh of relief, but one of slight disappointment, watching the two disappear into the distance.
“Time to leave.”
Back at the station, the four make their reports to Adelar.
“Something will happen at Port Moore in two weeks.” Lisa reports. “Heard ‘em mention a ledger. It’s not much, but we have a location.”
“Our targets were talking about a port and a book in two weeks as well.” Durazo recounts what he heard. “In addition, whatever they, whoever they are, are planning, it will happen at night.”
Adelar claps twice with a satisfied smile.
“Oh, our client will be very pleased with that information. Make sure none of you have anything to do that night, I will need you all to be there!” He stands up. “I will tell them immediately. Great work, you are all dismissed for today.”
Solomon checks the time, they still have two hours before officially closing. “Then again, if Adelar says so…”
She tries to ask more about the situation before Adelar leaves, but no response comes from him other than the sound of a door closing.
“Dismissed, I’ll gladly be.” Lisa yawns, stretching her arms as she leans back in her chair.
“Wait!” Solomon speaks up. “Don’t any of you think that this is…” she takes a look to make sure Adelar is gone. “...weird? Like, who is that client? What is this connected to?”
Lisa taps her cane against the floor.
“Unfortunately, we don’t get paid to ask such questions.” Lisa shrugs. “And we get paid a lot, so I’ll keep it that way for the time being.” She chuckles softly in excitement. “Not to mention, don’t you find this thrilling, Solomon?”
“No?” The cat looks back incredulously. “It could be dangerous! We’ve seen five people who may or may not be a part of something bigger. What if they found out that we found them out?”
“You do have a point.” Yaroslav chimes in. “But I agree with Lisa. This is the most comfortable my life has been. I can support my wife back at home and can visit her every month!”
“Listen…” Lisa glances at Solomon energetically. “I’ve been here for five years, and this is the biggest case in company history! That alone has me so excited!”
“Oh, mon Dieu…” Solomon covers her face with one hand and looks at Durazo, hoping that he would help her case.
“It does seem off.” Durazo admits, supporting Solomon’s side of the argument. “I say we wait and see what happens. Let’s get back to this once we’ve thought about it.”
Lisa and Yaroslav nod, which makes Solomon feel relieved. Sure, it’s only been a few months, but she really doesn’t want her colleagues or herself to get seriously injured or worse by some illegal organisation.
“Alright, that settles that.” Says Lisa. “Time to hit the bed.” She walks out of the building, followed by the others. The door is locked by the last person to exit, who is Durazo this time. It makes this whole company feel more like a family endeavour in Solomon’s eyes.
On her way home, Solomon can’t help but keep thinking of the incident. What it could all mean… She has to admit that it has her curious, but if she has to choose between knowing and safety…
Once she’s home, Solomon does her average evening routine before getting in bed: a shower, putting on pyjamas, brushing her teeth and dealing with the thoughts of imminent recurring nightmares. She doesn’t look forward to that last one.
She thought she would get used to it eventually, but she just never did. Every night, the same, barren desert, same ruins, same trees, same figure. She wonders just how long she can take it without going insane, but since that hasn’t happened in over a year… She goes to sleep.