#already behind

The day needed more coffee, that much Gilbert was certain.

His phone had been ringing nonstop since last night when the cryptic note had arrived at the station. And while the entire police force was on deciphering its meaning, he was the one in charge of this mess. That is to say that every higher up in the city was on his ass demanding answers. He turned the foul electronic device to silent and stuffed it straight down to the bottom of a pocket as he got out of his cruiser.

Gilbert had been awake over 24 hours and he was sure it showed clear across his face. But like clockwork he liked to step through the doors of his favourite café at 9am for his usual blend and today would be no exception. Simply smelling the aroma as he stepped through the doors was enough to settle some of his nerves and instantly infuse some life back into his exhausted body. The baristas knew him by name here and his order by heart and as soon as they spotted him went to work putting it together. He sauntered up to the counter and leaned against it, fishing out his card to pay as he did so.

But the brief reprieve in his mood was instantly soured. Sitting at a table close to the counter was a person hidden behind a newspaper. The day's headline was a sharp jab.

Cryptic Phantom Sets Sights on City! Police Baffled by Latest Puzzle.

"Put that thing away!" Gilbert shouted, startling the majority of the room and earning him stares from all corners.

The newspaper's owner slowly lowered the offending item, his eyes wide when he found he was the one set in Gilbert's sights. "The newspaper?" he asked quietly.

He growled and rubbed a hand on his face, regretting the outburst. "Sorry, that was stupid of me. Just been up all night working on that damn puzzle and the front page is only adding insult to injury."

"Oh!" The newspaper was quickly folded up with fumbling hands and set face down. "Is that better?"

"You didn't have to…" Gilbert grabbed the disposable cup and took a small sip, nearly scalding his tongue in the process. The barista quickly rang up his drink and gave him space.

"Does this mean you are one of the investigators on the case?"

He wiped the back of his hand across his mouth. "You're not some reporter, right?"

The man shook his head, short blonde strands grazing his cheeks. "Just someone visiting the city. Who knew it would be while a big criminal would be here!"

Gilbert winced at the smile and unwavering gaze. "Don't get so excited. This guy is bad. International criminal bad. There's a task force landing in a couple hours to take over my city and I've got nothing to show them." He hung his head and threaded his hand through his hair.

"Oh, sorry. I didn't mean anything by it…"

"It's fine, just forget it." Gilbert waved a dismissive hand. "I feel bad for yelling at you when you make that sad face. Can I buy you something? Another coffee or a cinnamon roll or something?"

The other blinked and hopped up from his chair. "A coffee is fine, thanks." He relayed a simple order and stood quietly a respectable distance beside the counter.

"I'm Gilbert, by the way." He stuck out a hand which the other tentatively took.

"Matthew."

"How long are you visiting the city for?"

Matthew smiled and traced a finger along the counter. "A couple weeks? Decided I needed to see more of the world."

"When all this is over and if you're still here I could show you around?" Gilbert caught the words a little too late and after a moment where he had stunned even himself he looked away, feeling an awkward flush filling his face.

"I'd like that," Matthew said quietly, reaching over for a pen and a spare napkin, quickly scrawling out his number. "If… If you want to text me yours…?"

Gilbert nodded, collecting the napkin and holding it tightly in one hand. "I will. But, I gotta go…"

Matthew nodded. "Of course. Thanks for the coffee. And… I hope you catch him!"

Gilbert was gone a few minutes before Matthew began to move. He gathered up the newspaper, checked his phone which he was pleased to see the completed status on it and packed it away. The paper went under his arm and he sipped his coffee as he exited as well and casually walked down the street.

The hotel he was staying in wasn't anything fancy. Comfortable and clean, and hardly anyone checking in on him which was a requirement for his vacations. He pulled out his room key at a door with a 'Do Not Disturb' hanger on the knob and let himself in.

"About time! Did you get it?"

Matthew threw his phone to his brother and dropped the paper to the top of a dresser. "Of course I did. Who do you think I am?"

Alfred caught the small electronic item and grinned, quickly switching to typing on his computer. He had an impressive set up for a hotel room, something the twins always had difficulty smuggling in without being seen. "Okay if I head out after I'm done? I'm starving and I keep smelling fried food from somewhere…"

"Yeah, sure. I had a snack at the café." The brother flopped onto his back on the bed and stretched out, hands behind his head to watch the ceiling. "Detective Gilbert is always there at 9. Even after getting our puzzle last night."

Alfred grunted, his focus entirely on the screens in front of him. "And done! Phone cloning is complete and I've already got all his information. Looks like…." He leaned in closer to this screen, squinting. "Oh, boring. He went back to the station."

"Task force will be here this afternoon," Matthew added. "They're getting faster."

"They still think they're looking for one guy. I checked."

The phone in his hand chirped and a sneering grin spread across Alfred's face. "How did you get so close to Gilbert, huh? Looks like he just texted you."

"I didn't sleep with him, if that's what you're asking." Matthew raised a hand and caught the phone as it was tossed back to him. "I'm not you." He swiped his thumb across the screen and read the message, a small smile appearing faintly on his lips.

"You going to reply?"

A moment of hesitation and he chewed on his lip. "Yeah, why not? You had the last one."

Alfred leaned back in his chair, a dreamy look in his eyes. "Detective Braginsky would have been the reason I got out."