Chapter Text
There’s a knock on the Mystery Room’s door. Lucy jumps up from her seat, scaring Alfendi. She laughs at his concerned face and he shakes his head, returning to his papers.
The door creaks and opens. Commissioner Barton enters, getting a curious look from both much younger adults. Neither Al or Lucy can read the emotions on Barton’s face, making them both worried. They exchange some quick ‘Do you know what’s wrong?’ glances. Lucy decides to speak up. “Aye, Commissioner Barton sir, what brings ya here?” She asks. Barton sighs and closes the door. Clearly making Alfendi uncomfortable.
“I got a call, Inspector.” Barton sits down in front of Al’s desk. “I-I’ll make sum tea!” Lucy says as she notices Al’s worried face and hurries over to the stove that’s tucked away in the cluttered room. “That would be best,” Barton says. Al furrows his brows
“What brings you here?” Al asks, both ‘Placid’ and ‘Potty’, as his beloved crime-solving partner had named them, were out and about at the same time. Clearly stressing Al further. “Yes. You see, I got a phone call regarding you, Alfendi.” Al leans forward in his seat, his elbows resting on the table and his head on the back of his hands. “A call? From whom?” This peaked Potty’s interest, Potty could hear Placid groaning, clearly not wanting to be involved in anything more.
Lucy hums and places down two cups in front of the men. Al gives her a smile which she returns. He brings the cup to his mouth and takes a sip, the scolding hot liquid hitting his tongue. Something about the unbearable heat perked Al up although his tongue was going to be very sore for the rest of the day. “It’s your father, Al. He’s home.”
Lucy turns around to ask what Barton means ‘Your father is home.’ She thought the Professor was already at home, enjoying his last few years before retirement as Alfendi had mentioned. Before she can open her mouth though, there’s a shatter. Tea spilling on the floor and ceramic breaking.
Alfendi stands up, slamming his hands on his desk, Lucy winces.
“Where is he?”