FILE 24: AT THE SECRET HOTEL PART 1

It's two weeks since the case of the painting and Lea had already practically made herself home at my house. I think she expected there to be an investigation every day since she keeps asking me if there is any.

It's not like we're the homicide unit where people get murdered every week, sheesh. We get a case when we do.

"No wonder you're so expensive. It's because you barely get any work done. Why don't you get a part time job?" she suggested as she played with Mars.

I scowled as I wrote my report on the painting. "I hate part time jobs. They expect you to work hard for little pay. No way."

Lea laughed at my protest and said. "You still have the tickets right?" I paused, trying to remember where I put them. Oh yeah. "They're in my study, why?"

"It's almost the due date and we have nothing to do," she said lightly, "so let's go for a trip." My shoulders slumped at her bright attitude. "With you? Alone?" I asked wearily. She only grinned.

"Have fun together," Mars teased as he lay on his back while she stroked his stomach. Blair only glared contemptuously at him. She offered to pamper him, but he growled so she backed off.

"I'll take one of the tickets and meet you at the airport," she notified me. "Don't worry, we'll have a great time together."

Secret Aura Hotel in Cozumel was a massive resort in the Caribbean. We are currently in late November, which means the weather is hot and dry here. It would be perfect for a week of holiday.

Thanks to our tickets we received a free flight and hotel booking, but that was about it. The rest we had to pay ourselves, and luckily for me I had a lot of money saved up. 

"I shall merely provide for you this once. If you want to go on another vacation, pay for yourself," I told Lea a bit crabbily. She inclined distractedly as she eyed with excitement at the en suite.

I sighed and went to the balcony for some fresh air and alone time. The salty breeze whipped through my hair, relaxing me and lifting my spirit a bit. I won't be using any abilities while here, so if there are ghosts or demons, I refuse to investigate. It's my holiday after all.

We both eagerly went down to the beach, which to our displeasure were full of people. "Let's go near the boulders. People don't like sitting there as they could get soaked from the sea waves," Lea recommended.

"Won't we get wet as well?" I was bothered. Lea smiled slyly. "My dad taught me a trick to hinder that. Follow me." Hence we trudged off for a spot.

"Straighten the umbrella like this. No, more to the left, wait, you practically got it—" She ordered me around like a drill sergeant, and I believe she enjoyed it as much too. At the end, the umbrella was positioned like a shield, overlooking the sea, with our belongings behind it.

"I'm going for a swim, so I'll catch you later. Don't allow a bunch of guys bully you while I'm gone," I mocked as I waved. She uttered a snort as I ran off.

The water was delightful. Nice temperature and high waves. I decided to snorkel a bit to detect if I can find some exotic fish that they show on TV sometimes.

When I came back to Lea, she lay on her stomach, poring over a book. A few feet away, two people lay unconscious. I flicked my moist hair and issued her a questioning look.

"They refused to go away, so I taught them a lesson," she replied nonchalantly. I blinked. "Where did you learn to fight?" I inquired inquisitively.

"My dad compelled me to take self-defence lessons," she responded smugly. My eyebrow twitched as I gave an uneasy chuckle. Maybe I should be more mindful around her?

The day advanced surprisingly slowly. In South Korea the sun set at least before eight pm. Here it was past ten and the sun was still up. I was thoroughly exhausted yet individuals were still actively partying. I grumbled some obscenities and turned on the television.

Lea had gone out for a drink at the lounge, therefore I won't expect her for no less than another hour. I'm so terribly bored. Admitting defeat I switched the TV off and decided to take a walk. If someone dares to nab me, regrettably for them they will simply end up in the hospital.

The sky was still orange with crimson hues when I strode along the shore. People laughed and babbled as they bypassed me. Though the female joggers did convey second glances before carrying on. 

One or two girls did stop to chatter to me, so I could put my charm to practise. I'm terribly glad Mars isn't here to bite my ankle. About midnight I ultimately returned to our hotel room, feeling as if I'm about to collapse.

When the elevator doors opened four levels beneath my floor, a hefty, brown-haired man in a grey suit entered. The atmosphere immediately turned uncomfortable for me as he kept glancing my way. Don't tell me this guy is—

Precisely as the elevator reached two floors below mine I snapped. "Look dude, I'm straight. I appreciate women. Women!" I proclaimed impulsively. The man in the suit looked startled before he began chortling.

"What? Don't tell me I misunderstood? Aw man." My face heated up. "How embarrassing," I mumbled as I facepalmed.

"I'm sorry. It's my fault for giving you the wrong impression," he apologised. He then held out his hand in greeting. "CEO of Research Institute for Disease and Bacteria. The name is Liam Dankworth and it's a pleasure to meet you."