The magnificent grand manor loomed majestically. Its sepia stone walls reached skyward, adorned with delicate snow-white stone accents that appeared to be carved by angels. Countless towers and turrets adorned the colossal exterior, resembling glistening icicles reaching toward the heavens. The manor was punctuated by numerous windows, each adorned with a striking blue hue. A meticulously manicured line of hedges framed the house, leading the way to the front door. I was no stranger to this house. The Lotusburgs were one of the most influential families and London. I’ve seen many illustrations and heard many personal accounts about the house, however none of it prepared me to see it with my own eyes.

“Quite the stunning building, Huh?” Cecil grinned leaning back and forth on his heels. “So many floors and rooms. An ideal place to carry out any murder!” He added.

“Sure, I guess.” I mumbled.

Perhaps what was more grand than the house was the amount of chalk and police tape. Adam bent down examining a peculiar white chalk outline.

“Seems the yard has examined this place up and down already.” He stated.

“And not one of the nugatory men could find the trace of the poison,” Cecil added harshly. “This is quite the embarrassment to the Yard.

I peered at the few leftover men on their way back to the Yard. They all looked more upset than usual. It didn’t take me long to find out the source.

“You inept men! Earn your damn wages!” A voice boomed. Adam and I looked over. Cecil pinched the bridge of his nose.

“What if Boss was here, huh? Twelve hours and zero progress? We’d oughta hire monkeys instead!”

The man stood at an average height, with a sturdy build that exuded an air of quiet strength. His feathery blond hair, tousled by the perched goggles on his head, framed a thin face with a narrow flushed nose and piercing cornflower eyes, not unlike Monica’s, that seemed to miss nothing. His face, round with youth, likely barely out his teens and a similar age to me. He was dressed in a roseate sweater and a magenta tie tucked meticulously into a light gray vest. His slightly darker gray dress pants were tucked into black field boots that spoke of practicality and purpose. His expression contrasted with his well-dressed figure. His eyebrows were knitted together and thin mouth in a snarl. After a few more insults he noticed it.

“Boss!” He shrieked. “I didn’t know you were here!” He ran passed us and stopped shortly in front of Cecil. “These men know nothing!”

“Quiet down,” Cecil responded. “They’re trying their best.”

“That’s a different tune from what you were singing earlier,” I mumbled. It appears the hot-headed man didn’t realize my presence earlier as he looked a bit startled by my voice.

“Oh, and who is this Boss?” He asked, slowly leaning into my face.

“Mayla. I told you about her surely. Adam’s new apprentice.

The man’s eyes lit up with realization. “Yes! Quite right! I remember now.” He sang. “And Adam.” He moved away from me and leaned toward Adam, who looked a bit uncomfortable. “I’ve heard much about you. The boss talks about you nonstop!”

I swore I caught a look of embarrassment on Cecil’s face.

“Quite the detective I hear!” He chirped. “A shame what happened though,” He added gravely.

“Mhm.” Adam said shuffling his feet. He seemed not to be in the talking mood.

“Ah, but how rude of me!” The man rang out. He grabbed Adam’s hand, then mine, shaking them wildly. “Junior Detective Pigeon Price, at your service.”

“Pigeon? What an odd name.” I said once I was done breaking my hand from his iron grip.

“Ha! What can I say? My mother was a fan of birds. So, what brings you here?” He asked us.

“I already told you this, Pigeon,” Cecil said in a warning tone. You are to walk the girl through the crime scene.”

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“Yes, of course! That positively slipped my mind!” He chuckled. “But sir, you said we weren’t going to be here!”

“I didn’t plan to at first,” Cecil added. “But how could I miss the chance to see my dear friend back into field duty?” He grinned. “Besides, I had a feeling things were to go badly.” He looked around at the sorrow-stricken bobbies. “And it appears I was right.” He sighed.

Adam finally added his two cents. “Perhaps we should speed this up?”

Cecil grinned again. “Ah, of course. Just can’t wait for our alone time, huh? Well, we oughta be going.”

“Aw,” Pigeon moaned. “How unfortunate for you to not see my greatest in action.”

Cecil chuckled. “I’m sure. No more yelling! Especially not at the girl.” Cecil nodded at Adam and they retreated to the carriage. I was left with a strange man in the middle of a crime scene.

Cecil hummed to himself once more. Adam couldn’t miss his obvious good spirits.

“I’m so excited! We have so much to get caught up on, dear Adam! Once you join me at my apartment.”

Adam furrowed chestnut brows. “Let’s just get this over with.”

Cecil's apartment was as one would expect. Jet-black walls matched the black carpeted floor. Two black licorice-colored fainting couches with delicate curves sat across each other, next to a large crackling fireplace It didn’t take a genius to guess what his favorite color was. On his ebony desk were neatly stacked papers and several dipping pins, illuminated by the soft glow of the fire.

“Sit, sit! We have much to talk about!” Cecil pleaded. Begrudgingly, Adam sat on the couch across from Cecil.

The air was still, except for the sputtering and crackling of the fire. A hesitant emerald gaze fixed onto a longing sapphire one.

“You said we had much to talk about,” Adam said lowly.

“Indeed,” Cecil answered “You got my little letter, yes?”

“I did.” Adam sighed out.

Cecil leaned forward. “So?” He asked expectantly.

“You know we can’t do that. After last time, Ironheel can only do so much. And even he has his doubts. I’m almost positive he said something to the girl.”

Cecil leaned back, looking a bit crestfallen.

“Enfield was reckless. It was neither of our faults.” He stated sharply.

Adam rested his head on his hand tiredly. “That was, like everything else, a mistake.” He retorted. “You promised me that once it inevitably proved to be too dangerous we would back out. Do you know what I had to do to cover you? And you are the one upset about it.”

“That was an unexpected causality,” Cecil replied slowly.

“One that proved to be the end. Monica is on to us, I know she is. I don’t know how much longer I can keep up this charade. Soon it will all fall apart. And I have a feeling your plan with the girl and boy will backfire terribly.”

Cecil chuckled. “Pigeon knows nothing. And the girl, well, she doesn’t know enough.”

“No Cecil this isn’t wor-”

“If we can only keep this up a little longer we clear ourselves and everyone else and get rid of the Lion’s Den once and for all.”

Adam snorted. “Is that what they are calling themselves these days?”

“Don’t try to change the topic! I’m telling you, Adam. It will work. You have to have faith in us. In me.”

Adam idverted from Cecil’s intense gaze. After a few moments of thought. “I’ll give you ten days. Take care of the manor.”

Cecil smiled. “Of course.” He hummed. Suddenly, his expression changed as he leaned closer to Adam. “Did you change your mind about the other thing?” He asked softly.

Adam’s face burned.

“Monica would surely find out. We’d risk everything.”

Cecil huffed in disappointment, but he leaned closer to Adam, faces nearly touching.

“And what will she do about it, huh?”

Adam said nothing. They remained like that for a few moments until Cecil retreated, gaze darkening.

“How much longer are you going to lie to yourself?” He said, barely above a whisper. “You don’t love her.”

“Nor you,” Adam retorted, bitterness evident in his voice. “Is this all you had to say to me?”

Cecil managed a dry smile, his eyes betraying him. “Quite. It seems I’ve overestimated you. Let’s get back to the manor, shall we? Cecil stood up and left the apartment, heartbroken.