May 22, 1999

May: So, how'd it go?

I took a drink. After the interrogation, me and May decided to go out for some drinks.

Harlan: Well she talked, if that's what you're asking.

May: Ok, she talks to you and not to me, no need to rub it in.

May took a drink.

May: What did she give you? Names? Locations?

Harlan: She told me her family history.

May muttered "bugger" under her breath and went back to her drink. I slipped the notes I took to her and she read it.

Harlan: Kinda romantic not gonna lie, and plus hey, you could use that for your fanfics.

May: No thank you, I can come up with stories by myself, much better stories thank you very much.

She handed me the papers back. I couldn't help but reread it. May noticed me.

May: Hey, you ok?

Harlan: Yeah of course it's just... you know, new case, all that. And she said come back in a week and like... why one week?

May: Why? Are you missing her already?

Harlan: What?! NO!

I don't know why but I got so defensive, like I knew she was just messing but, I just did.

May: Ok geez, chill man, just messing.

May went back to her drinks. I reread the part about Clair's parents and it hit me. T.H.E.P.A. might not have files and data on Clair, but maybe on her family!

Harlan: Hey umm, can you do me a favor May?

May: What is it this time?

Harlan: I need you to do some digging.

I wrote down the names of Paul, Taylor and Chase Delvey and handed it to May.

Harlan: We got one week before I talk to her again. Must be enough time.

May nodded.

Harlan: Well then, I'm off.

I stood up.

May: Wait, you're going?

Harlan: Yeah, I'm really tired right now to be honest. Plus, don't want a repeat of last time.

May laughed and I chuckled. I made sure to pay my bill, then left enough money for one more round for May.

Harlan: Have one more on me.

May toasted her drink, and I walked out of the pub.

_.-

As I walked back to May's home, my mind went to the case. The story of Paul and Taylor Delvey stuck to me. My mind had a lot of questions about Paul, about Taylor, but mostly about Clair.

Clair didn't leave my mind even as I arrived back at the flat. I changed out of my suit and into my sleeping clothes. I sat on the bed in my room and I sat there alone, thinking, thinking about Clair until I fell asleep.