I finally made it into work after that crazy encounter at the parking garage. However, the death of Mr. Evans weighted heavily on my mind. As I went about the motions of the day, I thought to send out an inquiry to the local police department requesting the official report. However, I had to write and report my own account of that situation to our HR department. Contrary to your normal HR department, this department concerned itself chiefly with the well being and safety of agents and analysts, such as myself. Since this was not my first time dealing with a body count, I went through the motions without much thought. However, as I went through the motions, I realized that I had never had to deal with a body count since Prague in '04 and never had I had to deal with someone dying this close to home. With these thoughts swimming through my head, I proceeded through my day at work. Not much interesting was coming through. I finished up my after action report from the document transfer in Poland and decided it was time to head home. However, right as I was packing up my things to leave, a HR representative came by,
"Leclerc, we got your report on the death of your neighbor. We encourage you to investigate. However, if things become heated, we are relocating you. So, be discreet. We are working with the police to secure the report."
"Merci Evans. I shall proceed accordingly."
I took that as a sign to leave and left the desk. On my drive home, I considered how I was to investigate this mystery. Hmm, I thought, I shall start with this Coco woman. She appears to have been almost complacent in information for the murder.
I pulled into the parking lot, and gathered my nerves, as I do before every operation. I exited my car and decided to stake out in the coffee shop, which was on the main street. However, as I was on my way there, I spotted Coco leaving a park bench and heading towards the bar. Breaking every protocol in my head, I stopped for a second a took in the situation and started after Coco to the tiki bar. After all, I was only a friendly neighbour heading to the bar for a friendly conversation.
When I reached the bar, I sought out Coco and sat next to her
"Bad buisness about ze Mr. Evans no?'
"Yesh fer real"
"Were you two close?"
"Yea he was a friend"
"My deep condolences. Here, first round is on me."
It had been a while since I had really decided that it was a good idea to drink in large quantities, but tonight seemed to be as good as an opportunity as any. Besides, if anything went wrong, I had that comforting little weight tucked in on my right hip...
