FILE 23: THE PAINTING PART 1

I stared disbelievingly at the girl before me. "You followed me?" I asked bluntly.

"Well, you're the reason I lost my job. Hence I reasoned you might as well take responsibility for it," Lea replied smugly.

We were back at Lucan's ranch. Lea and I stood on the main house's porch, talking. It's been two days since the blaze.

I fingered a hand through my hair as I considered. I never had a girl work with me before. "What can you do?"

Lea looked uncertain for a moment before she answered reluctantly, "I possess a photographic memory?" Is she making this up? I peered doubtfully at her before sighing.

"I'll have to speak to my partner before I deliver my answer. Go explore the ranch or something," I made a shoo-ing gesture, which caused her to look annoyed. I didn't care as I returned to the house and closed the door in her scowling face.

I went to where Mars lazed on the couch with Blair. "Who was it and was it important?" he yawned. "It was Lea. She says she wants to join us with our investigations," I frowned.

Blair snorted contemptuously. "A normal human wanting to battle spirits? Ridiculous," he muttered savagely. Mars' ears twitched as he replied, "I don't see why not? Your mother didn't know anything either when she became an Otherworld Investigator. Let her take the job."

Blair and I stared at him. In my case, I didn't want her to, and Blair couldn't comprehend it. "Are you sure? What if she messes up?" I inquired in a last attempt but Mars ignored me. I guess that's that then, she was hired. Urgh.

I went to give her the bad—I mean good news. I found her by the field. Her face appeared even more smug after informing her. I grimaced at the sight of it. She's not gonna let it go, I'm certain.

A few days later, when Blair was in peak condition we said our goodbyes. We left for my parents' house but it was a mistake on my part. Mom was dressed in all black in mourning yet when we appeared, she swooned the moment she saw Lea.

"Oh my. Oh my, oh my. What a lovely child. You didn't tell me you had a lover," she grinned slyly. As you would expect, she misunderstood. "You misunderstand, Mom. She's a new co-worker," I protested fervently. She merely smiled and hooked her elbow in mine.

"Your father is in the archives. I'll send Bridget to fetch him and we'll enjoy a nice big lunch. Lea, is it? Come along, dear. I want to know all about you!" There's no helping her when she's like this.

Hauling me inside, we were followed by an inquisitive Lea and two indifferent animals. 

My parents loved her more than me I believe. They sent us off with lots of gifts, mostly for her. You'd think she was my fiancé or something. She was very puzzled about the warm reception but shrugged it off. "You have very kind parents," was all she remarked.

We took the flight back to Busan, South Korea. After I had flagged down a taxi, I turned toward her. "You have a place to stay? I hope you're not thinking of staying at my place? I only have one bedroom."

She blushed. "Oh. I thought—well. Oh. Hold on a second." She swiftly pulled out her phone and tapped. She undoubtedly thought she could stay with me. What an idiot. The taxi came around and we got in.

"Nam-gu please," I said quickly.

"Same here," she added. I bestowed her a pained look. Her eyes fluttered innocently as the taxi sped away.

It was nearly evening when we reached my house. I released an exhausted Mars and Blair and entered my home in relief. "I'll see you tomorrow, boss," Lea taunted. I gave a growl as I opened the door. 

The following day Lea honoured her promise. She waited right outside my entrance as I opened my doorway to check on my bike. I groaned dismally. "It's too early and I haven't had my breakfast yet."

"That's fine. I can wait a little bit longer. Also," she pulled out a piece of paper, "I already have a job for us. Having scoured the internet, would you guess I came across something on social media? Take a look." She thrust the paper at me.

I scanned the information distractedly as we went back inside. I was casually dressed and was busy cooking. The pets were still in bed, waiting for their food. 

I continued yawning as I read.

'My house became haunted since I bought this painting of a family. You can identify the couple and their young twins enjoying a picnic in the field which I thought looked beautiful and hung it up in my living room to show off.

However, since the first night odd things have happened around my house. The wind would blow through my house, despite the locked windows and doors, and in the middle of the night I heard childish laughter. 

Some days when I enter the living room, I'd find the furniture has been relocated. The local fortune teller won't enter my house for fear of being harmed, and the priest already blessed my house which had no effect. Is there anyone that can aid me?'

"You think she purchased a haunted painting and want to investigate?" I inquired as I filled the food bowls for Blair and Mars. Lea nodded eagerly.

"Should I contact her and inform her that we want to help her?" asked Lea.

"Sure, I'm due for a payday. I mean, I'm very curious about her situation. Call her and ask her when it's convenient for us to visit her."

"Yes sir, Boss," Lea answered sarcastically. I rolled my eyes as she withdrew. The two waiting animals were annoyed that I was taking so long to feed them.

"I thought you went on strike or something. I'm starving," Mars yipped as I settled his sardines before him. 

"Maybe he overslept?" Blair teased as he devoured his meat. I frowned in irritation at their mocking.

"No. Lea came by with a potential client. I solely reviewed the details, that's all. Be glad I didn't burn your food or you'd be consuming charcoal," I shot back. 

"We're only teasing, no need to fuss," Mars said defensively, "So what's this case about? Will it be dangerous? Do you require me to come with you?" he kept questioning.

"A haunted painting. Just some poltergeist activity so no. I'll take Lea with me as she's still in training," I replied thoughtfully.

"Suit yourself. Make sure you are both well prepared and don't leave anything out when you instruct her. We don't want her to get hurt. And don't be impatient, she is only a student."

What a nagger. "Yeah, yeah. My breakfast is getting cold, so I'll leave you to yours," I responded exasperatedly. The cat snorted as he went on eating. Lea phoned me and informed me that our appointment will be that evening.

I'm good with that. I happily chewed my bacon as I worked out my new pay check.