Author’s POV:

Detective Sleuth was pacing back and forth in her office; looking rather angsty as she stared at the Megaminx Rubik’s Cube in her hand. She desperately wanted to solve the puzzle. It had kept her busy for 2 days straight since the clinic incident.

Her patience grew thinner by the passing minute as she occasionally reflected on the visit she had to Greenwich Orphanage. Greenwich Orphanage was known for its remarkable treatment and housing of artistic children.

Denise went there a day ago to have a sit down with Andy Smart, however, her visit was revoked despite her prestigious occupation due to the special policy that prevents anyone from meeting with special children without direct approval from the Head Mistress.

The Head Mistress of Greenwich Orphanage amongst many other similar establishments was none other than the elusive dame, Story Book Fairy. She was very close to the members of her facility, especially the ones who display unique talents. Andy Smart was among this special listing, so she made sure he was very secure and well taken care of.

“Why is it taking them so damn long?” Denise was peeved that her appeal to see Andy Smart was still on hold. Placing the Rubik’s Cube on her desk, she uttered, “They act as if they are running a prison instead of a damn daycare. Should I bust out my big guns and knock on their door again.”

Just as she began considering doing something rash to get her way, Denise saw her office door slide open. Rebecca came in with her cell phone in her hand.

“Detective, that favour you asked for just came through.”

“It did?” Denise’s eyes acquired a glint when she heard the good news. Joining her partner by the door she asked, “Are you certain, Rebecca?”

“Yes. The call just came in from Greenwich Orphanage. That notorious woman has agreed to see us.”

“That’s great. We should get going right away.” Denise put on her jacket and got ready to leave.

Rebecca stopped her and said, “Don’t forget the puzzle.”

“Right, thanks for reminding me.” Denise went back and took up the Megaminx Rubik’s Cube from her desk. Her way of moving was so brisk that she had to turn back a second time for her car key.

When Denise reached where her vehicle was parked, she turned to Rebecca and inquired, “Have you informed Lewis yet?”

“I already did.” Replied Rebecca. “He said he will meet us there after he finishes questioning a suspect in the Dutchman’s case.”

“Oh.” Denise was delighted to hear this. “His absence will make this run smoother.”

Listening to what her partner said, made Rebecca question, “What makes you say that? Do you and Lewis have some sort of history that I am not aware of?”

“It’s nothing like what you are thinking of, Rebecca.” Settling into the car, Denise explained, “According to the file I read when I visited Greenwich, the kid we are going to visit has a great dislike for men.”

Rebecca raised a brow. “Is that from a past trauma or something?”

Denise answered, “It could be. I’m not keen on the details because that portion was redacted.”

“Poor child.” Rebecca was starting to feel sorry for the orphan youth. She had a kid of her own so she could relate on an emotional level now that her motherly nature had peaked.

“Don’t forget to buckle up.” Denise reversed the vehicle out of the station’s parking lot and set out on the main road. Their journey to Greenwich Orphanage was met with zero disturbances, hence they got to where there needed to be very quick.

“This is the place.” Denise went off the main road onto a semi-dirt track that was partially coated with asphalt. Following along that path led them through an area that had many tall beautiful trees growing on both sides of the road. Up ahead was the main facility for welcoming guests.

Staring out the window, Rebeca voiced the following compliment, “This place has a comforting atmosphere about it.”

Glancing abreast of her, Denise spoke, “Don’t let the beautiful nature fool you. This place is run by a cunning lady who thinks she is a literal fairy that adores children. Although she pretends outwardly to care, she has a hidden operation going on. I just wish I knew what it was so I can bust her smug ass.”

“Then what will happen to children? Even though she is that sort of person, I’ve heard that this place actually helps a lot with nurturing their special needs. See…” Rebecca took out a pamphlet that was well structured with what Greenwich Orphanage was about.

Denise briefly looked at it before saying. “It does. But what bugs me is that she might be using their special needs for herself.”

“But haven’t we come here to request the aid of one of those talented kids?”

“That’s different. We are trying to put a dent in a major case for the greater good of this city. But I’m certain that woman is using the children for some sort of illicit profit.”

“You might be correct about that Denise. However, we have to solve one issue at a time. There are plenty of pending criminals on our plate as it is. We can barely scrape one off much less add a big fish such as Story Book Fairy.”

“You are right about that Rebecca. Let’s just focus on what we came here for.” Denise pulled over in the gravel-filled driveway.

As soon as she and her partner stepped out of the vehicle, they saw that there was a portly woman dressed in white waiting for them by the main entrance.

The person came over and said to them, “Gooday, you must be Detective Sleuth and Detective Fletcher.”

“We are.” They both answered in unison.

After receiving this confirmation, the staff member then went on to say, “The Head Mistress is expecting you. Right this way please.”

“Lead the way.” Both detectives silently followed behind the woman. They maintained a distance of 6 feet where they could freely observe what was going on around them.

They walked by a playground where a bunch of kids were playing with each other, having a joyous time while the staff members secured their safety.

The smile on their faces reminded Rebecca of her 3-year-old daughter. She secretly garnered her partner’s attention and whispered, “Denise look. They even have a swing over there.”

“Yes, I can see that. Now stop drooling. You’re making it obvious that you are infatuated with children. Remember why we are here. We can’t afford to seem weak.”

“Sorry. I’ll act better.” After being mildly scolded by Denise, Rebecca straightened up and slapped her game face on.

“It is through here.” The woman that was leading the detectives stopped at the entrance of a flourishing garden where cute butterflies and freshly scented fumes were roaming. She gestured for them to enter and they did just that.

Shortly after they entered the private garden, they noticed an elegant beauty sitting around an exquisite concrete table while sipping tea. Her diaphanous dress was pure white, almost as pale as her skin. Her tall silvery tresses was billowing back and forth through the wind. Every inch of this lady’s perfectly sculpted figure was radiating confidence mixed with a soothing aura of understanding and mystery.

Looking at this shimmering seductress, Rebecca propped her head closer to Denise’s ear and whispered, “Is that her? She is more gorgeous in person.”

Denise shrugged away her partner’s lip from her ear and said, “She isn’t all that. Now be quiet and let me do the talking.”

When they arrived at the table, Story Book Fairy took a fancy sip of her tea before directing her eyes at her guests. “Detectives to what do I owe the pleasure?”

“Cut the crap, Story Book Fairy. You already know why we’re here. So just stop wasting both of her time and let me see the kid. ”

“Wow.” Rebecca wasn’t expected Denise to answer so sharply. What if they offended the Head Mistress of Greenwich Orphanage and were forced out without getting what they came for? This question ran through her head a bunch of times as she kept her gaze fixed on Denise and Story Book Fairy glancing at each other.

Story Book Fairy rested her teacup on the table and said to Denise. “Very straightforward I see. You look like a detective who has solved a lot of cases. Please, I would prefer if you call me, Melinda. I don’t very much appreciate that cognomen.”

“Ok, Melinda.” Denise planted her palms faced down on the table and uttered, “I would very much appreciate it if you stop stalling and bring me to the boy.”

“And what if I refuse?” Melinda glanced at Denise with a cunning expression.

“Listen, I can simply get a court order officialised pronto, but I rather not get certain folks involved to stir up your dirty laundry.”

“I see. That is very kind of you.” Taking another sip of her home-brewed tea, Melinda issued a vital query. “Before I take you to meet my prodigy. Do tell me one thing…” She paused for dramatic effect then finished, “…What is so important that you’ve come all the way here to meet him?”