A NEW CASE

Days passed with Adrian and Emilie slowly growing accustomed to each other's presence. One morning, as they were engrossed in watching an intriguing show, a sudden knock at the door disrupted their tranquility. Adrian lacked a doorbell, relying on his keen senses to detect any visitors to his home. Upon hearing the knock, he signaled to Emilie to investigate the unexpected visitor who had arrived so early in the morning.

Emilia got up reluctantly and went to the door. Opening the door, she saw a woman in her thirties, her presence commanding attention. Her face bore the weight of heavy makeup, creating an air of mystery as her features remained partially concealed. A touch of artistry adorned her eyes and lips, adding a sense of allure to her appearance.

She possessed a fuller figure with a hint of voluptuousness, which exuded a confident charm. Her attire was intriguing, and she sported big, fashionable sunglasses that shielded her eyes from prying gazes, lending an air of enigma to her countenance.

Her aura hinted at a story untold, a visit that promised intrigue and curiosity, leaving Emilia to wonder about the purpose of her unanticipated early-morning arrival.

"My friend mentioned Detective Adrian. Am I at the correct address?" The woman inquired, her uncertainty stemming from not hearing about the presence of a child in the house.

Emilie stared at the woman for a moment, then nodded in agreement. "Emi, who's at the door?" Adrian called from inside. Emilie exchanged glances with the woman, silently asking what she should tell Adrian. "It's Katherine. Can I come inside for a chat?" the woman replied, raising her voice slightly so Adrian could hear. 

A few seconds later, Adrian, fully dressed in his customary black attire and holding his cherished cane, arrived at the door and welcomed the woman inside. She was a bit surprised by Adrian's youthful appearance, but she didn't dwell on it, as she had come for a professional task, and he had a reputation as a highly capable detective.

They proceeded to the living room, with Emilie following closely behind. She wasn't particularly keen on meeting new people, but she decided to hear what the woman had to say.

"So, Katherine, what's the deal today?" Adrian inquired with a casual air as he settled into his favorite chair, while Katherine took a seat on the rather shabby-looking couch. "I've heard you're a detective, and I've got a job for you." She retrieved an envelope from her purse and continued, "I suspect my husband is cheating on me, so I want you to look into it. Just so you know, I'm pretty well-off, and I believe he's squandering my money on some side chick."

Adrian examined the contents of the envelope, discovering several photographs featuring a man, likely in his early forties, alongside a young woman, possibly in her teens. The images depicted them together in various locations. Looking at them, it did feel like he was cheating because the pictures weren't what a kid like Emilia could see. Even if they were in open places.

"Do you have any information about the girl's identity or her address? If I need to track her down, there might be additional costs involved, I hope you understand," Adrian inquired in a professional tone, a far cry from his usual demeanor.

"I don't have her address, but I know they meet at a members-only hotel. He used my membership, and I found out from the hotel management. He's been there several times. I'm quite sure he's cheating, so I just need some solid evidence of his actions," Katherine explained.

After explaining, she retrieved a card from her purse. It was a golden card with a few black stripes, bearing the name of the hotel and its address.

Katherine extended the membership card to Adrian. "I've already arranged a membership card for you. You can enjoy yourself there as well; they have many activities," she added with an air of affluence.

"How were you so sure that I would accept this job? Adrian asked because he was curious.

Katherine looked at Adrian with a confident smile. "I've heard quite a bit about your reputation, Adrian. I had a strong feeling you wouldn't turn down a case involving infidelity," she replied, her eyes sparkling with a hint of mischief.

Adrian was left utterly speechless, his gaze locking onto Emilie, who regarded him with an even icier demeanor than usual, the frostiness in her expression somehow amplified on this particular day.

Katharine Wile spoke with a playful tone, "I'm just teasing, Adrian. You're a private detective, and I've heard you're discreet, which is precisely why I'm here. I'm more than willing to pay handsomely, and I had every confidence you wouldn't turn down an easy task. This matter touches upon my reputation within the upper echelons, and I'd rather keep it hushed. I know you're known for being tight-lipped," she added, folding her right leg over her left, her demeanor a mixture of trust and intrigue.

"I appreciate your confidence in my discretion," Adrian said with a slight smile. "I'll do my best to get you the answers you're looking for."

Katharine responded to Adrian's words with a grateful smile, a palpable sense of relief in her expression. "Great. I'll leave you to it. Can you manage to have it wrapped up within the week? I've got some other commitments, so the sooner, the better," she inquired, deftly exchanging her contact details with Adrian before deciding it was time to take her leave.

After Adrian bid farewell to Katharine at the door and returned inside, he found Emilie perched on the table, her eyes riveted to the pictures before her, wide with curiosity. "Well, I suppose this counts as a change in expression, doesn't it?" Adrian mused as he approached Emilie, playfully snatching the pictures from her grasp.

Adrian, with a mischievous tone, playfully remarked, "You're not quite old enough to witness everything, Emilie. Your time will come, but for now, let me take the spotlight."

Emilie, her doubt about Adrian's suitability for the task still evident, inquired, "How do you intend to crack this case, Adrian? You lack the abilities for stealth, after all."

Adrian simply pressed a finger to his lips, signaling Emilie to maintain her silence, thus adding an air of intrigue to the situation.