Carmen Sandiego Drabble #3 Night around town
It was passed 3 in the morning. Inspector Chase Devineaux rubbed his tired eyes, struggling to keep awake. His partner, Julia Argent, was slowly drifting off. Her head jerked up as she caught herself nodding off. She lifted up a hand over her mouth and yawned. Chase lifted up his third cup of coffee.
“Here you are, Miss Argent…” He said, with his scratchy voice. “Drink this.”
Julia glanced at the drink with an empty gaze and shook her head. “I must decline, Inspector...you need it more than I do.”
Chase placed the cup down into the cup holder. He straightened his back, hearing it pop in three random places. He groaned and scratch at his chin.
“Then perhaps, you should sleep.” He said.
Julia removed her glasses to rub her right eye. “No, I-I am alright. Carmen Sandiego still haven’t arrived at the Barcelona museum.” She out her glasses back on. “I shouldn’t neglect our duty.”
Chase dismissively waved her concerns aside. “Nonsense! I shall keep watch, you may sleep. I will let you know when “La Femme Rouge” arrives.”
“Inspector, I am quite alright, I do not need-!”
“Let me just adjust your seat.” Chase said, with his arm reaching over her lap. Julia let out a blush, lifting her arms up in alarm. “Now where is that lever?” He muttered, his arm brushing against her legs.
“I-Inspector! I-I really do believe this is an inappropriate-“
“Aha! There we are!” He pulled the lever up and sent Julia falling backwards as her seat fell down in a reclined position. Julia shifted and lifted her head at Chase, who felt as if he accomplished something grand as he wore a pompous grin across his face. “There. Now, feel free to dream Miss Argent.”
“Here you go.” He ignored her once more when he tossed his lucky suit jacket over her small frame. It smelled like the coffee they had been drinking and body odor. Her nose wrinkled by one sniff of it. “Might as well be comfortable.”
Julia sighed softly. There was no sense in arguing against him. She was too tired to try. She leaned back and shifted on her side. She watched Chase lean against the steering wheel, his eyes concentrated at the museum. She had to admit, underneath his stubbornness, his elevated ego and pompous superiority attitude, she admired his commitment.
“Alright…” She said, giving in. “But only for twenty minutes.”
“Of course, of course.” He said, waving his hand. “Whatever you say.”
Julia couldn’t help herself smile before closing her eyes, and bringing the coat closer to her.
