1 The law firm

"What's a girl like you doing out so late at night, ma Chérie?"

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"Oliver add the next client meeting to my schedule please" I stipulate, adjusting the cuff of my suit jacket before entering my office. I let my gaze settle upon the New Orlean's view for a moment or two. The sky, a light blue, seemed replete with clouds. I shook my head dismissing the memorable distraction. Sitting at my desk I looked over my most recent case before a knock at the door pulled me away from my work, with a sigh I said "come in" although my frustrated look was replaced with a smile when Theodore and Vincent entered my office.

"Ahh good afternoon you two, what can I do for you both?" I spoke with a sincere smile. "We were about to go get lunch and wondered whether you wanted to join us?" Vincent said softly as Theodore agreed in silence a light blush blending with his ivory skin. I grabbed my bag before locking the door behind me as we set off for lunch. We took our orders before settling into the quaint café. "How was work?" Theodore said smiling. Albeit rare, his smile was soft and warm contrasting his usual icy personality. "Ok I guess, any developments in your cases?" Vincent and Theo were detectives currently investigating one of the most lethal crime families in New Orleans. "We have no leads at the moment but I'm sure Theo will find something eventually," Vincent said with confidence.

Theo was known for his intellect, practically a modern-day sherlock holmes, He never ceased to surprise me when he found a fine detail that slipped through the police force's fingers. Theo just nodded in agreement. No one seemed to understand Theo, especially me. One minute he is acting apathetic to his colleagues the next he is smiling at me sweetly a pink tinge to his harsh cheekbones. I dismissed my thoughts as our drinks arrived."So what have you got so far? maybe I can help" I asked the boys. "Are u sure u will be able to help? This is police work after all" Vincent said rather matter of factly. "True, I can give a lawyers insight though" I correct as a slight smirk formed on Theo's face almost as if he thought no one would see.

"Okay, what we have so far is the members, what they specialise in and where we think they might target next. However, we have no current location" Vincent sighed as if the case was a lost cause. " Here's the boss," Theo said handing me a folder out of his bag. I skimmed the page absorbing the details as if it were a clients case. The name at the top read Victor Laurent. "So that's the mafia boss" I thought to myself. The photo wasn't very clear, I assumed they took it from a CCTV camera. They really had no leads, this guy must be skilled to be able to slip past Theo's insight. I wanted to laugh at that but thought it was best not to given the situation. "I'm assuming you examined the last location he was seen at?" I enquired as my delicate fingers traced the words on the page. Last seen at night on a street not too far from here. That line sent a chill down my spine. I made a mental note to make sure I finish work early tonight. "Yes, there were no clues, DNA, anything we could use to trace them. They seemed to slip into the shadows as if they were never there in the first place" Theo said with a grin. "You should probably smile less at that Theo, you'll give people the wrong idea of who's side you are on." I laughed as his cheeks flushed red.

It seemed that Theo's one true love was impossible cases. I handed the file back and sat back in the velvet seat of the café, I let my fingers drum against the side of my mug of hot chocolate. "It seems flawless, I wonder how they manage it," I thought aloud. "So are all of us down at the police department" Vincent sighed. "Time is going faster than I thought, I really should get back to the office," I say realising the time, I still had a case to look over before going home. "True, we should be heading back to the police department," Vincent said to Theo who just nodded in agreement. "I'll be sure to message you two if I come up with any ideas that may help you, till then I bid you adieu," I say grabbing my bag before giving them a sincere smile. "Bye Maria," Theo said with a smile as I left in a hurry to get back to my office.

I sat at my desk pondering thoughtfully at the latest case that I had added to my schedule. The official court date was a few weeks away and I needed to make this flawless. Time continued to pass by as I sat focused unaware of night slowly creeping in. A knock on my door made my attention shift, it was Oliver. "Umm hey, Maria you are aware of the time right?" My gaze moved from him to my window. I sighed in frustration, "thanks for reminding me Oliver, I guess I better head home" I began to gather my paperwork and my bag, mentally kicking myself for working myself so late into the night before leaving the office and making my long way home.