13 Chapter 13

This time, the experience was far less pleasant. He sat beside Trixie, but Jacoby was present, occupying the bench across from them. Emerick knew that, practically speaking, it made the most sense for them to travel together, however he had secretly hoped Jacoby would opt to travel separately. He tried not to sulk as they bounced along.

Trixie didn't seem to mind, if anything she appeared more at ease. With Jacoby present, she wasn't as likely to fall prey to temptations, which was probably better for Emerick in the long run as well. The more comfortable she felt, the higher the probability she'd agree to a second date. Even without Jacoby there though, she seemed preoccupied. Glancing out the widow, he noticed she'd take keen interest whenever they passed a "for sale" sign. It wasn't hard to figure out what was going on from there.

Bored, he decided he may as well turn his attention to the letter he'd received from his father. He could guess what it said, but he read it none-the-less:

Son,

It's unfortunate that I was right to be suspicious and infuriating that the severity of the situation exceeded my wildest expectations. I'll admit, I have a different mind on how to handle this mess, but I'll leave it in your hands as you've requested. The solution you've presented is probably the best in the long run anyway. Send me that evidence as soon as you're able.

Sincerely,

Father

P.S. I'm quite proud of the initiative you've taken in this. Keep up the good work.

Looking at his father's note, Emerick thought through the plan in motion. He had been granted permission to investigate the orphanages attached to the Honey Pot Institute and encouraged to explore what and who else might be involved. Every facility with ties to the atrocity would be shut down, and the people in charge, arrested. Knowing Arnwald, Emerick doubted there would be a shred of mercy extended to the despicable facilitators, or that any of the benefiting organizations attached would survive long after their 'Honey Pot's' fall.

He had already worked out a solution for accommodating the orphans through various contacts in lower market, places that would provide those who wanted it with the opportunity for better lives. He couldn't guarantee everyone's happiness, but at the very least the children would have work more suitable to their talents and ages, food that wasn't going to slowly poison and eventually kill them, proper shelter, and better prospects than they'd known before.

He could feel Jacoby's gaze as they rode, but each time he glanced up to confirm, the butler was staring pointedly out the window. Emerick sighed inwardly, realizing the problem. The butler hadn't protested the situation—there were valid reasons behind Emerick's decision—but Jacoby was bothered by Emerick's current state of 'undress.' At the moment, Emerick was wearing his simplest, sturdiest pair of trousers and a plain white tunic with the day's tasks in mind. Dressed as he was, he would no doubt be taken lightly or disrespected. While he enjoyed harassing Emerick, Jacoby loved and respected him, and it infuriated him when nobody—Emerick himself included—took his young master seriously.

"You know, they probably won't be there," Emerick commented to Jacoby. He couldn't handle the stifling silence any longer. The awkwardness of it all was too oppressive.

"That's their problem," Jacoby stated, glancing his way with the ghost of a smile playing at his lips. The interaction was welcomed, though Emerick could've done without Jacoby's knowing look, or evident amusement.

"What are you going to do while you wait?" Emerick questioned.

"My job," Jacoby replied. Trixie stifled a giggle while Emerick rolled his eyes.

"Care to elaborate?" He pressed.

"Not really," Jacoby responded, then glanced back out the window.

"Really?" Emerick pouted, "I would like to know, and I bet Trixie here is interested in hearing about your plans." He glanced her way as she gave him a calculating stare. Realizing he had her attention, he shot her a pleading look. He wasn't sure what to make of the mischievous glint that shone in her eyes.

"Mmm," she thought for a moment, then smirked. "Not really."

"The lady has spoken," Jacoby was full on grinning.

"Oh come on," Emerick huffed. From there, he made a few more attempts at small talk but none the less the remainder of the trip as ultimately spent in silence.

As planned, they arrived at the institute precisely two hours before it was scheduled to open its doors for the day. To no one's surprise, not a soul was waiting to meet Jacoby for the scheduled inspection. Though it had been anticipated that they might not take the inspection seriously, the time had also been selected in hopes it wouldn't interfere with classes.

"Shameful," Jacoby scoffed, hands on hips as he observed the absolute absence of faculty present. "Completely shameful. Even if these sorry excuses for sentient garbage weren't expecting me, there should still be administrative and janitorial faculty present to prepare the building for the day."

So saying, he whipped out a clip board with frighteningly official looking documents and began scribbling furiously. Trixie and Emerick exchanged glances, then shrugged.

"Shall we?" She asked.

"Lead the way," Emerick replied with a small bow. She whacked him in the arm and shook her head, but he caught a smile before she managed to stifle it. That was good enough for him.

"Stick close," Trixie warned. "It's not safe around here. There's a pack of strays that hangs around the back."

"Strays? As in, stray dogs?" Jacoby halted his writing to regard her for a moment.

"Yeah," Trixie shrugged. "They're pretty big too. They seem content to leave well enough alone as long as you don't get to close."

"They don't attack you? Is there some kind of protection set up?" Jacoby's ears started twitching as he stared at her intently. "I would think that a wild pack of dogs would be fairly vicious, it's not as though there's another ready supply of food."

"There is," Trixie said, looking rather uncomfortable all at once. When they simply stared at her, she started to squirm. "Look, I really don't want to talk about that place. I recommend avoiding going too close, it's pretty dangerous, but just know it's a bad place."

"Interesting," Jacoby pursed his lips, but didn't press her further. "I appreciate the tip."

She jumped in surprise when he tossed her a small pouch, nearly dropping it before she caught good hold of it. Curious, she peeked into the bag, then her eyes shot back to him in surprise.

"What's this for?" She exclaimed.

"You rendered services," Jacoby replied without looking at her. He had resumed writing on his clip board. "It's only natural that I would offer the appropriate compensation."

"Thank you," Trixie said with a small smile. Jacoby didn't respond, and merely waved her off. "Let's go."

Taking Emerick's hand, she guided him around the side of the building. He wanted to tease her about the skin contact, but refrained. He enjoyed holding her hand too much and didn't want to jeopardize what little time he could appreciate the experience. She would let go of him too soon.

Once they were a ways into the alley, she glanced around nervously. About that time, Emerick felt the hairs on his neck rise, then glanced in the direction he could feel an oppressive malevolence gathered. She didn't say a word, but shook her head. He took that as a warning not to approach it.

Curious as he was, he would have to trust that Jacoby would sort out whatever was happening in the back. Based on the schematics, it was supposed to be something of a play yard for the children, but as with everything else in the institute, it had not been used properly.

"Hope you're good at climbing," Trixie said, trying to force some pep to her speech, but he could tell she was still rattled.

"You'd be surprised," He replied. "Race you to the top?"

"You're on, pretty boy," She said, then promptly started scurrying up the side of the building. He hung back to appreciate her for a moment. She really was the most attractive individual he'd ever met, and he couldn't resist the view. That said, he couldn't very well let her win.