Carter Arvil - 4/25/2018
Crosstown Realty - Long Island City, Queens
“She says she’s here to sell you a Magical Kingdom, sir,” Ms. Agusta said.
The intercom’s crackle mangled Carter’s secretary's southern accent. Its electronic hiss twisting her voice into something almost inhuman.
That’s odd, Carter thought, frowning at the new intercom. The warranty is for five years. It shouldn’t be breaking down already.
Wait a moment…
Carter pressed the intercom’s switch down to speak. “A 'Magical Kingdom'? I assume the client is talking about a theme park of some kind?”
“If you ask me, yes,” Ms. Agusta said, her reply chipper and bright. “She’s well-dressed and has extensive documentation with her in a briefcase, sir. She also seems quite serious. I don’t believe someone would go this far for a prank.”
“There’s nothing unusual about her aside from the way she’s worded her offer?”
“Well, her hair is dyed three... Let's say exotic colors. But theme park’s tend to have lax or odd requirements for their employees' appearances. It may be part of her uniform.”
Carter released the intercom’s switch and relined in his office chair. The leather creaked as he steepled his hands in his lap to think.
It’s not the first time someone has tried to sell a theme park to this company. Her offer could be legitimate. But unless she is selling a nearby Disney park I’ve somehow overlooked... Well, calling it a “Magical Kingdom” is a little suspicious.
He turned his chair to look out his office window. Sunlight streamed into the office, making the blinds glow. Carter had dimmed his office’s lights for lunch after his previous client had left over an hour ago. He hadn’t brought anything to eat for lunch, not that he had much of an appetite recently.
My next client’s pitch isn’t scheduled for another hour. We do accept walk-ins, but they shouldn’t have sent her to me. I specifically requested a light workload this week. Did Janice think hearing some prankster’s fake pitch would help cheer me up? It’s possible. She spent the entire month after her father died watching stand-up comedy on company time.
Carter turned his chair so it faced the wall behind his desk. He fidgeted with his narrow black tie in thought, uncertain of what exactly he should do. His eyes passed over his framed diploma as he turned.
You'd think a business administration degree would have gotten me a better job. Dealing with clients for a commercial real estate agency... It's not how I pictured my civilian life going.
Ah well. It’s not like I’m actually eating lunch. Besides, maybe Janis is right. If this is an elaborate practical joke, I’ll smell it a mile away. Or at least once she starts talking.
Carter spun his chair back around to face his desk and pressed the intercom switch down once more. “Lucie, please send her in.”
“Yes, sir.”
Carter released the switch, stood up, and walked to his office door to brighten the office lights. As he turned the dimmer switch, the door swung open, missing Carter’s nose by mere millimeters.
“Woah!” Carter said, stepping back from the door.
A remarkably tall woman in a white business suit stood in the doorway, her eyes wide with alarm.
She had light tan skin and a warm glow to her face despite not wearing any makeup as far as Carter could tell. Her true eye color hid behind a pair of magenta colored contacts. The lenses made her eyes sparkle under the office’s fluorescent lights.
The woman had an air of grace and dignity about her of the kind found only in the most respected leaders. Her back-length turquoise, cobalt, and pink hair did nothing to disrupt this impression. Somehow it reinforced it.
“Oh goodness!” She exclaimed as she stepped into the room. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t hit you, did I?”
Carter shook his head and took a moment to look his unexpected client over from head to toe.
She’s easily six and a half feet tall, Carter thought as he took note of her unusual height. Lucie wasn’t kidding about her hair either. Definitely exotic. She’s at least in her forties, making that hair color unlikely to be a personal choice. Especially not with how long her hair is.
We’re talking weekly touch-ups to keep it looking nice, each lasting one or two hours. It’s got to be for her job.
“No, I’m alright. I had dimmed the lights while I was eating lunch. I wasn’t expecting a client right now. That is not to say your unexpected visit is unwelcome. I’m happy to do business with you,” Carter answered as he held out his hand for her to shake. “I’m Carter Avril, and you are?”
The woman took Carter’s hand and shook it gently. “Miss Sol Invictus,” she greeted while looking Carter over in return.
Carter was almost the opposite of Miss Invictus. He was a little shorter than average, with a thin almost lithe build which made him appear wiry at best. His hair was black and cut short. Carter's blue-grey eyes sat behind a pair of somewhat feminine looking black-rimmed glasses.
Carter was quite average in appearance. The only unusual thing about Carter lay beneath his simple black business suit. Carter had no body or facial hair, a trait he had paid good money for.
Of course, there were other less average things about him, but none of them existed outside of his mind. As far as anyone could see he was an average man with an average name.
Carter raised an eyebrow at the sound of Sol’s unusual name. Was that Latin? No, wait. There are some Indonesian families with similar names. Is Sol her given name? Hippie parents with Indonesian ancestry? Maybe… Or, this is a joke.
“That’s a rather uncommon surname… Is your family from Indonesia?” Carter asked as he let go of her hand and returned to his desk.
Sol smiled and shook her head. “Not as far as I know.”
“Have a seat,” Carter instructed as he sat behind his desk and gestured to the two chairs on the opposite side.
Sol sat in one of the simple modern chairs and set her briefcase down beside her before folding her hands in her lap.
“I understand you’re trying to sell a theme park? There’s quite a lot of them in the Tri-State area, plenty of competition. It’s company policy for me to lead with a certain question for any properties which are likely to be in a lot of debt. Is this a bankruptcy sale?” Carter asked as politely as he could phrase such a blunt question.
Sol shook her head. “No. I’m not sellling for any financial reason. I’m selling the property because it’s vacant, rundown, and in need of proper management. I don’t have the free time to tend to a second kingdom personally. One is more than enough.”
Aha! She’s the owner of a park, bought another location, and realized she can’t manage both. Now things make some sense.
“I see. We can help you set up a franchise. That’s one of our more common services. Or are you looking to completely transfer the property to someone else?”
“I’m a bit of both,” Sol said after a moment’s thought. “I’m looking for someone who is willing to work with me, yes. However, I don’t intend on imposing any control over how they intend to rule their kingdom. It will be theirs.
“I am looking for the right person to sell to because I want the kingdom to flourish. No more, no less.”
Carter raised an eyebrow again. “We are not like a home realty company. We don’t act as a middleman between you and an interested party. We buy assets from you directly and sell them to whomever we choose.
“If you’re looking for a specific kind of person, you’re better off selling it yourself. Especially if you are seeking a non-competition agreement.”
Sol smiled and looked Carter in his eyes. “I like you, Mister Avril. You’re a very honest man. I’m not here to sell to your company, I am making this offer to you as an individual.”
Carter frowned and tilted his head to one side. “Excuse me?”
“I am here to offer you a magical kingdom, not Crosstown Realty. I had hoped your secretary would make that more clear,” Sol said with a small frown.
Okay. Someone is playing a joke on me. Carter decided with a long weary sigh. I don’t have time for this. I should be planning mom’s funeral.
“Is this a joke?” Carter asked leaning forwards in a failed attempt to loom over the woman who was a head taller than him.
“Not at all,” Sol said, shaking her head as she picked up her briefcase, set it in her lap and opened it.
Carter’s eyes widened in surprise as the lid opened. Inside her briefcase was a collection of legal documents, several maps, and a pile of folders. Carter had seen enough property transfer papers to know that hers were the correct forms.
Well, this got interesting real fast. Is this a legitimate attempt to sell?
Sol reached into the case, took a folder labeled with Carter’s name on it from the case and opened it.
“Carter Arvil, born August 21, 1969, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Graduated the top of your class in High School. Almost achieved the same feat at Columbia University. You were once again the top of your class when you graduated from Camp Peary.
“While in the CIA you spearheaded fifteen successful operations, earning many awards. You were on track to a very nice high-ranking position, only to be fired for... Well, it says you violated a federal policy. It's okay, small technicalities hurt everyone eventually.
“Your record is very impressive. You’re a well-learned individual. Few people with a business degree choose to go to work in the Intelligence field.”
Oh great, Carter thought as he listened to her recite his service record. Another group of fifteen-year-old “Hacktivists” leaked CIA documents again. At least I don't have to deal with it this time. And at least she doesn't have the real reason I was discharged.
Carter sighed and held up a hand to stop Sol. “Ma’am, you shouldn’t have access to CIA records. Those are classified documents. You should shred that file at the next opportunity. I also suggest you report the source of your intelligence to the CIA or local law enforcement.”
Sol smiled and winked at Carter. “I can promise you they would find my source to be a little too unbelievable to take my report seriously. That’s a topic for another day. Right now I want to talk about you.
“I am looking for someone who knows how to manage a kingdom. The people living there deserve a leader who knows what they are doing. I’ve already exhausted all my personal contacts. The only suitable person for the job I know personally is too young and inexperienced. But you?
“You have a degree in business administration. You know how to manage finances, establish supply lines, and set successful policies. Based on your time as an agent you know how to properly delegate tasks to make a group work efficiently.
“Most importantly, you know how the underworld works. You can sniff out corruption. I expect you also know what under-the-table-operations shouldn’t be disturbed. And of course, you can establish an information gathering network with ease.
“What's more, you have some combat experience. That is more useful in non-combat roles than many will admit.
“You’re the third highest on my list of people here who I find qualified to run the kingdom in question. The number one and number two choices turned me down. I hope you won't do the same.”
Sol closed the folder and returned it to her briefcase. She exchanged the folder for a large stack of papers, which she set on Carter's desk. The papers were separated into ten book-like segments via document clamps.
“This is the Crystal Empire,” Sol said as she spread the first few pages out over Carter’s desk. “An ancient place built long ago, in the far-off northern lands. A wondrous oasis of warmth and springtime surrounded by perpetual winter.”
Carter hid his suspicious frown by looking down at the paperwork in front of him while keeping his eyes on Sol. If this is some sort of trick, now would be the best time to strike.
Unfortunately, the task became harder as he studied the documents she had laid out in front of him. After a few moments, Carter couldn't pay attention to anything but the paper he was reading.
Houses made of crystal. Long ceremonies about love and friendship. Detailed instructions on how regimental guard armor for cartoon-pony costume characters should look. Bold text warnings to not let a “unicorn pony” named “Twilight Sparkle” into the library unsupervised.
This could be the most elaborate practical joke since the Dreadnought Hoax. Or she’s a very eccentric woman looking for a business partner. One who is not only highly competent but just as kooky as she is.
Unfortunately for her, I’m not kooky. I’m a weirdo, pervert, or nut-job depending on whom you ask.
Carter turned his attention to one of the pages at random and hummed to himself.
Eternal spring, eh? It must be an indoor park. I know that’s possible. There’s the Tropical Island Resort in Germany that’s inside an old Airship hangar. Before world war one there was some airship trade between the US and Germany. New York was a stop on that route… There should be some old hangers here as well.
“The park is fully climate controlled?” Carter asked cocking his head to one side.
Wait, why am I entertaining this? She’s asking if I will PERSONALLY buy a theme park! Or in other words, a bottomless money pit. Unless you have an excellent brand or gimmick. Which I don't.
Sol nodded her eyes and nose wrinkling with joy as she saw the interest in Carter's face. “Yes, it is always springtime in the Crystal Empire. So long as the Crystal Heart remains at the base of the Crystal Spire, that is.”
“Okay,” Carter sighed. “You want me to purchase a climate controlled park. With how much you know about me, it’s clear you believe I can pay your asking price. But here’s the thing. Theme parks are not profitable unless you have one hell of a good gimmick, or are completely unique.
“They are expensive to run. If you add in the cost of climate control for a park sized area they are ludicrously expensive to run. I can’t buy property which will bankrupt me in a month. What guarantee would I have that people would go to this Crystal Empire?”
Sol frowned, hope seemed to flee from her face. “It’s not a park, it’s a magical kingdom.”
Carter bit his lip. He could see the paperwork inside Sol’s case. He recognized the seal of a local notary on the paperwork.
This woman is dead serious about selling this place. She's also a little crazy. Well, so am I. The least I can do is play along.
“Sorry,” Carter said, dipping his head. “What guarantee do I have that people would come to my magical kingdom if I bought it from you?”
“Many would come to see the Crystal Ponies alone,” Sol informed as she leaned towards the desk.
Sol reached into the stack of papers and put a single page on top.
“Have a look. There are many other reasons of course. It’s an exotic place. I know many people from my own kingdom would love to see the auroras the Spire creates.”
Carter picked up the page Sol had indicated and quickly read through it.
The entire thing is written in character. Talk about a full commitment to the bit.
His eyes scanned the page, each new line giving his mind something fresh to think about.
Crystal Ponies. Sentient talking crystal statues shaped like little ponies. They are already there. What’s this? Cultural information? What is this for? Why is it—
Oh! I get it. The ponies are likely a mixture of costumes and animatronics. Is that a photograph? Yes. Yes, it is.
Carter squinted at the small photograph at the top of the page. As best he could tell, it was a picture of a pink and white translucent cartoonish-looking pony.
I can’t see anything inside. It must be a statue. I guess this is the theme? Some kind of… Magical kingdom of talking horses. That’s actually a pretty unique theme for a park.
Lots of little girls would love it. I know I would have loved to visit a park like this as a kid. Assuming everything is to theme with— What am I saying? Look at the current owner. It is.
“These… Crystal Ponies are already there?” Carter asked. “I don't need to hire anyone? This point of attraction is all good to go?”
Sol nodded and smiled, glad to see she had renewed Carter's interest. “Yes, they are all there. Their homes too.”
Carter raised an eyebrow. “Employees live on site?”
“Yes. There’s extensive housing available in the Crystal Empire. Unfortunately, much of it will need to be remodeled to meet basic safety standards.”
“So the Crystal Empire is something like Epcot?” Carter asked, stroking his chin. “That is to say, what Walt planned for Epcot. Not the park which was actually built.”
The woman leaned back in her chair for a few moments. “I suppose it is. At least a little.”
That confirms the main attraction is roleplaying by live-in staff. Combine that with a few other interesting attractions... You might be able to make some good money with this!
Carter leaned back in his chair for a moment, then nodded to himself.
“Ma'am, you have piqued my interest. I may be interested in buying this kingdom now. But I want to know if there's an easy way for guests to visit the kingdom. Is it near a highway or a major road? Perhaps there is a waterway people could use?” Carter asked, steepled his fingers on his desk.
“Tourism is an important thing to focus on with the Crystal Empire. I am glad you’re thinking about it first,” Sol said, offering Carter a genuine smile. “I plan on constructing a railroad to the Empire from my own kingdom as soon as possible. If you built a spa or a resort style hotel that would be sure to attract some of my citizens.”
Carter paused, taking in what she had said before offering her a smile of his own.
So that’s her game, eh? Find a highly qualified partner. Then, ensure they are not working for you on paper. Last but not least, sell them a park property you bought. They do the heavy lifting to fix it up while you link the two parks with an express rail line.
Have one park focus on stuff for the whole family, and have another park dedicated to girl stuff like horses. Heck, buy a third park and have one for boy stuff. Offer things for the adults at the boy and girl parks like spas and luxury hotels. Then you can bounce guests from park to park.
They come to one, go to another to stay the night, maybe hit up a third the next day. Or they move from park to park and each park in the chain makes a little money off them.
Guests feel like they are spending their money wisely by getting to visit multiple parks. In reality, they are staying in the park system longer than they otherwise would. Therefore, they buy more expensive merchandise and food.
It’s a way to do the Disneyland experience for people using smaller parks. All while keeping it unique by having each park in the chain distinctly themed. Everything is made to attract a specific demographic.
The best part is the park owners wouldn’t pay as much tax and insurance as they would with one big park. Ooohhh! Accidents at one park wouldn’t reflect too much on the other parks because the chain can always cut a link out. That’s… Brilliant! It’s not even illegal. It is a bit shady in terms of customer manipulation, but then again what business isn’t?
Carter nodded to himself and began to sort the papers Sol had spread out back into one stack.
“Miss Invictus, you have my interest,” Carter admitted as he handed the papers back to her. “I would like to go over our offer in detail. Do you have a verbal pitch, or is everything written down?”
Sol frowned, her eyes widening as if Carter’s question had not been one she had expected.
“I’m sorry, are you unable to hear it now?” She asked.
Carter frowned and nodded. “I’m afraid not. I am interested in learning more about this opportunity. In fact, I may purchase your kingdom from you, now that I understand what you’re trying to sell me.
“Unfortunately, I have a scheduled client in—” Carter looked up to check the time on his office wall clock. “— thirty-three minutes. That’s not enough time for you to give me what I would consider a satisfactory oral presentation.
“After all, a Magical Kingdom is a big purchase which shouldn’t be made lightly. If you have everything written down, I would like to take your proposal home and read it. At any rate, you don’t expect me to make a decision immediately, do you? This is a large commitment of time and money.
“Further complicating the issue… My mother died recently. I’m not in the state of mind to make a large financial purchase. Not without thinking it through even more than I normally would.”
Sol took the papers and placed them in her briefcase, giving Carter an understanding nod.
“Yes, I heard she passed on. I’m very sorry. Losing a parent is hard. Do you have any other family? It’s always important to have support in times like these.” she asked, pairing her question with a sympathetic frown and hopeful expression.
Carter wasn’t normally one to talk about his personal life while at work. She seems nice… And genuinely concerned. Alright, just this once.
Carter shook his head. “No. I’m afraid I don’t have any family left. I do have a good friend. He’s no substitute for a mother, but he is more than capable of helping me through hard times.”
Sol closed her briefcase and set it on Carter’s desk.
“I’m glad you have someone. Please take all the time you need. As long as it’s less than four weeks,” she said as she stood up. “There is contact information for me in the briefcase. I intended to leave it with you, but after I gave an oral presentation. While I am here, do you have any questions from what you’ve already learned?”
Carter’s lips pursed in thought. “Yes… A magical land of ponies seems more like something a woman should be managing. Wouldn’t you agree? Oh! Not to be sexist or anything. I mean strictly in terms of a public image and relations since. I won't turn down the offer over this, but I’m curious about why you chose a man over any woman with my qualifications.”
Sol’s eyes twinkled. “You being a man will not be a problem. Though I do agree a woman is more suited to the role of a pony princess,” she said with a somewhat sinister smile.
Carter couldn’t help but snicker. “Is that really what the kingdom’s owner, I mean ruler, is called?” He asked, slowly shaking his head.
If she wants me to wear a pony costume and pretend to be a woman… I’d be okay with one of those two things. Carter thought, a light blush forming on his cheeks.
Sol nodded. “Don’t worry, magic can work wonders. You’ll do just fine!”
Carter smirked and shook his head. “We’ll see. I’ll be in touch shortly,” he said with a polite nod as he stood up and opened the door for Sol. “Have a nice day.”
“You too,” Sol said, smiling as she took her leave of Carter’s office.
Carter turned around to return to his desk. His office door began to swing shut.
“Whoops! Excuse me, miss,” an excited male voice said from the hallway.
Carter groaned at the voice and covered his face with his palms. Not now, Jake…
“It’s alright, young man,” Sol said as she stepped past the newcomer.
Carter reached out and grabbed the doorknob before the door fell shut.
“Come on in, Jake,” He said with a weary smile.
Please just be here to drop off a sandwich. Last time you came over you almost blew my cover. Carter moaned inwardly.
Jake was also an average man: youngish, blonde hair, green eyes, pale skin, athletic build, six foot one. He was dressed in his usual manner, blue jeans, and a white t-shirt. Today he also had on a red Nike backpack.
Jake walked into the office with a smile on his face. A smile which only became wider as he met Carter’s gaze. The young man was always happy to see Carter, or rather, the person he knew Carter was on the inside.
Making a friend online as the real me seemed like such a great idea at the time. Carter sighed to himself as he shut the door. I wouldn’t have chatted with him so much if I knew we both lived in Queens.
Carter looked up at his wall clock. “I’ve got… twenty-six minutes left for lunch, Jake. Unless you bought a sandwich— “
Jake shook his head. “Nah, I wanted to make sure you are getting better. I know you won't be okay for a while, but I wanted to help cheer you up,” he said as he slipped off his backpack and opened it.
“I appreciate that,” Carter said, his eyes softening.
I’ve never met anyone who cared so much. Sometimes I swear Jake wants to be more than my friend.
“You’ll appreciate this more,” Jake said, looking up at Carter with a dorky grin.
Jake hummed happily as he pulled a plastic shopping bag with the kiwi clothing line’s logo on it from his backpack. “Tadah!”
Carter squeaked and rushed over to his office window, lowering the blinds as fast as he could. He spun around to face Jake, his eyes narrowed and teeth grit.
“Are you crazy?! You could get me fired!” Carter hissed.
Jake snorted and waved a hand in dismissal. “No, I can’t. You were fired from a FEDERAL job in the don’t-ask-don’t-tell days. Come on, you know what year it is! There’s a woman like you serving in the Senate now.”
Carter opened his mouth to object, only to stop, jaw wide open for a moment. “There is?”
“Yeah. Danica Roem. She beat some stuffy old dude who had the job forever last year. She’s open. No one cares. It’s not a problem anymore. You can be you. Especially since you’ve got the money for all the surgery,” Jake said happily as he opened the bag.
“I… No. Too risky,” Carter stammered as he stared down at the floor.
“At least look at what I got you. I know you’ll like it!” He said, beaming his friend the biggest smile he could.
Carter relented with a sigh and took the bag from Jake’s hands. He opened it, peaked inside, and frowned. “It’s pink.”
“Yeah, you like pink.”
“But this is leather.” Carter deadpanned, giving Jake his best stink eye.
Jake’s eyes widened to the size of dinner plates. “Oh-my-gosh! Uh, I didn’t get you sexy clothing! Please, actually look at it!” he squeaked.
Carter smirked and took the article from the bag. A hot pink leather biker’s jacket with purple and yellow trim unfolded in his hands.
The jacket was high quality. Carter could tell just by looking at it that it would not only fit him but also the padding he used when he was Carla.
“Why do you remember both my male and female clothing sizes, Jake?” Carter asked, rolling his eyes playfully.
Jake blushed and clasped for a long, shy moment. “Well, um… I think you’re cute when you’re all dressed up… Besides. You get me stuff you know I like.”
Carter’s cheeks flushed bright red as he quickly folded the jacket and stuffed it back into the bag.
“Thanks. I’ll wear it tonight,” he promised.
“You could try it on now,” Jake pleaded, flashing Carter the brightest Bambi eyes in the city.
Carter shook his head. “You know I can’t. I’ll get in trouble.”
“Oh, my, god! No, you won’t!” Jake said, closing his eyes tightly for a moment. “Worst case scenario: someone is rude to you and then I punch them.”
Carter laughed and shook his head. “First, that’s not the worst case. Second, please quit trying to be my knight in shining armor. It will get me fired.”
Jake frowned, his lips almost puckering as he pouted. “But I LIKE being your knight in shining armor…”
Deciding to change the subject before Jake talked him into doing something he wanted to do anyway, Carter nodded at the door. “Anyways, did you notice that woman’s hair?”
“Yeah I did,” Jake said, nodding. “I’m jelly. I’ve always wanted blue hair. But my job doesn't let male employees dye their hair.”
Carter raised an eyebrow. “That’s a sexist policy right there. You should take it up with management.”
“Eh... Management only helps you if you make more than minimum wage,” Jake muttered bitterly before perking back up. “What was she here for anyway?”
“Oh, um, well that's actually an interesting story,” Carter began, moving the shopping bag into the desk drawer he kept his motorcycle helmet in. “Miss Invictus was here to make me a personal offer on some property.”
“You’re looking to move?” Jake asked, tilting his head to the side. “I thought you loved your place.”
“Not a home,” Carter corrected, popping open the briefcase. “She’s selling an indoor theme park. It’s a money-making scheme. Nothing illegal, the idea is to make one big park using several smaller independently owned parks. Get the Disney parks without paying the Disney tax. I’m actually interested in it.”
Jake raised an eyebrow. “You’re interested in buying a rundown theme park?”
“Yes.”
“Let me guess; it’s because the whole place is pony themed and it appeals to the inner child you never got to express,” Jake said, giving Carter a wink.
“N— Uh, maybe…” Carter replied, blushing and shuffling one foot against the carpet.
Jake’s eyebrows rose in unison. “Wait it is? I was joking.”
Carter reached into the briefcase and passed Jake the topmost set of papers. “Well… It’s a unique idea. She has everything written down in character and on theme. Miss Invictus is something of an eccentric.”
Jake took the papers and began to flip through them. Slowly at first, but then with growing speed until he had thumbed through the entire document.
“This reads like it's supposed to be fan fiction of something,” Jake said distantly before looking Carter in the eye. “And that file in the case has your name on it. This is weird, girl. I want to check this out for you. You’re former CIA. You’ve got enemies. What if this is some kind of elaborate revenge scheme?”
Carter rolled his eyes. “It’s not,” he dismissed.
Real life isn’t like movies. If someone from back in the heyday wanted me dead, they would have my home address in minutes and I simply wouldn’t wake up the next day.
“Maybe not. But it’s still weird. It could be a scam. Did she leave her contact info?” Jake asked peering into the case and then quickly snapping a picture of the contact page with his phone.
Jesus! I didn’t even see him reach for his phone. I’m getting rusty.
“Okay, good point. It could be a scam,” Carter admitted. “I haven’t looked into things myself yet. Only the surface layers.”
“Well, I think I’ll swing by her office today and let Carla know this evening if things are legit,” Jake said with a decisive nod.
Carter smirked. “What makes you so sure I won't be Carter tonight?”
“Because you hate him,” Jake sighed, giving his friend a sad look. “Which is why I’m going to keep bugging you to fix that…”
Carter rolled his eyes and gave Jake a gentle nudge towards the door. “No shining armor! Not at work, at least. Especially not when I have a client coming in a few minutes. I’ll see you this evening.”
Jake nodded and stepped over to the door, grabbing the knob and starting to turn it only to freeze. Jake turned and looked over his shoulder, a light blush on his cheeks.
“Hey, I just realized I’m doing spy stuff for you. C— could you do the thing?” Jake asked.
Carter smiled and sat down in his office chair. “Sure…” he said before relaxing his throat, changing his voice to a deeper pitch.
It’s the opposite direction I normally change it, but if it makes that silly boy smile…
“Your mission, should you choose to accept it,” Carter intoned, “is to investigate Miss Sol Invictus and her theme park. As always, should you or any of your IM Force be caught or killed, the secretary will disavow any knowledge of your actions. This tape will self-destruct in five seconds.”
Jake beamed Carter the largest grin anyone had ever seen. “Yes! Thanks! We’ve gotta get that on a real exploding tape sometime!”
Carter cleared his throat, returning his voice to its normal natural sound.
“We never actually used anything like those,” Carter said for the thousandth time.
“Yeah, but we could make one!” Jake said, opening the door and stepping outside. “Later, Carl— ter!”
Nice save, kid… Carter sighed, shaking his head. He’s really sweet… If I were twenty years younger, and not so afraid to be myself— No! Not at work. Never at work. Don’t think like that here. Just focus on the next client.