Chapter 1 The Job

An excerpt from The Titanium Mysteries Book 1: What Is She Doing Here?

Phillipe’s eyes darted too and fro. He nearly jumped when Zeta arrived. She was so quiet, that he didn’t realize she was there until he had turned around. “Zeta!”

“Hello, Phillipe.” She blinked.

“Still not going to smile?”

She shrugged her shoulders.

“Very well. Are you ready to get started?”

She nodded her head.

“Good. Over here. I’ve been writing up some notes of things I want in my book.”

“I see and on actual paper. Why not use a computer?”

“Because I don’t want anyone but you to see the notes before the book is released.”

“Oh.”

There was a noise. Phillipe turned his head in the direction of the sound. Zeta saw what it was.

“It’s just a bird.”

“Right.” He paused to sigh. “Where were we?”

“Looking at your notes.”

“Oh, yes.” He picked up his paper notes. “I hope you can read them.”

She blinked as she looked at the papers in his hand. “Yes, I can thanks to your penmanship.”

He smiled. “So, you can crack a joke at my expense.”

“I wasn’t joking. Most people can’t even write out the letters of the alphabet anymore. Your handwriting is very legible.”

“Very, well. Have it your way.” He handed her the notes. “Do you have any questions for me?”

“Hmm.” She looked over his notes. She scanned the pages as best as she could. “It looks detailed enough.”

“So you won’t have to embellish anything?”

She looked up at him. “Why would I? Your notes are very straightforward.”

“Oh, I see.”

There was a thump outside the room. Both turned their heads in the direction of the noise.

He gasped. “Uh…”

“What is it?”

“Perhaps you better go. Just take the notes with you.”

She slipped the notes carefully into her bag. “As you wish.”

“You need to hurry.”

She narrowed her eyes at him. “Why?”

“I… I can’t tell you. But I wrote everything you need to know down in my notes. Keep them safe. Don’t let anyone see them.”

She gaped at him.

“Hurry. Now. Before someone catches you on the property.”

She closed her mouth. Then her bag. She nodded her head and left the room just as quietly as she had entered. Her mind was in a whirl. But she didn’t run. She walked. And not fast enough.