Below is part 3 of the Curse of the Deadly Gym. You can read part 1 and 2 here.
The next day I’m looking through a goat skinned grimoire on the Goetia, doing some research on a project of my on, when I hear a tentative knock at the door. That’ll be Ackerbee.
“Come in, Mr. Ackerbee,” I call out.
The door opens and Ackerbee sidles in, looking abashed.
“H-how’d you know it was me?”
“You did tell me you were going to let me know today if I had the case. I figured you’d either call to let me know I didn’t have the case, or stop by, with my retainer, if I did have the case.”
“Uhm yeah, good reasoning. I guess that’s why you’re a detective,” Ackerbee lamely says.
“Among other reasons,” I dryly observe.
Ackerbee walks up to the desk and hands me a bank envelope. I open it and thumb through the money. It’s all there. I put the envelope in my desk and beckon him to take a seat. I pull out a contract I use with each of my clients, and a pen.
“Sign this contract and then I can get started on your case.”
Ackerbee nervously laughs and asks, “Am I signing over my soul?”
“Really Mr. Ackerbee, I don’t traffic in souls. There’s no monetary value in them. This is simply a contract that states the terms of our arrangement, and relevant conditions that apply. You’ll get a copy for your records. Feel free to look it over, and sign and let’s get started on this case.”
Ackerbee quickly scans the contract and then signs and dates the bottom and hands it back to me. I pull off the top sheet and hand him the bottom and then put the contract in a case folder I have ready.
“So let me tell you how this investigation will proceed so that you have a clear understanding of what to expect from me,” I say.
Ackerbee warily nods.
“I’m going to do some onsite investigation at the gym to determine what is happening there. To do that I’m going to take advantage of a 3 day trial period they offer, but if I don’t uncover what I’m looking for I will join the gym and the membership will be included in my final expense report.”
“That makes sense.”
“I will also need to examine your wife. Perhaps you could invite me over to dinner tonight or tomorrow and I can meet her.”
Ackerbee’s eyes widen and he says, “Why do you need to see her?”
“I need to understand what’s happening to her. You gave me a good description, but if I can take a look at her, it’ll help me spot things you aren’t seeing. It may even help me identify the nature of the magical affliction she’s going through. So, when would be good to have me over?”
“Uh, she’s not going to like me inviting a woman over for dinner, especially one she doesn’t know,” Ackerbee says.
I smile and say, “Let me handle that concern. She’ll have nothing to get upset about.”
“Ahh, ok. Come over tomorrow night.”
Ackerbee writes his address down on a piece of paper.
“Tomorrow it is. I’ll visit the gym today. Do you have any questions for me?”
“How often will you report to me on your investigation?”
“I’ll report in if I’ve either made a significant breakthrough or at the end of the day each day. I can do it via phone call or text, whatever works best for you.”
“Uh, text me. I’ll call you if I have questions.”
“Very well then. I’ll be in touch,” I say.
Ackerbee gets up and lets himself out of the office. I pull open the desk, and pull out the envelope and take 5 $100 bills out. I need to pay rent and then get ready for my investigation.