Jade Monkey

Miss Mills’ offices were set over the newspaper printing works in the Herbert Manzoni building. As I walked across the floor of the lobby I could feel the rhythm of the presses below through the soles of my shoes. Light came down from wide skylights in the ceiling and played across the marble floor. Serious faced people rushed in and out of the doors, light catching on glasses, briefcase handles and broaches caught the eye briefly in a world of grey suits. I got directions from the front desk to Miss Mills’ office and after wearily looking at the stairs I took the elevator instead.

The name plaque next to the large oak double doors read Miss K. Mills. I paused for a moment in the corridor taking off my hat and smoothing down my hair. I glanced briefly at my reflection in the plaque. Not too bad, I’d managed to get here without being mugged, stabbed or shot at, now I could now hopefully try and get some suspects and start sorting out this whole mess. I smiled at my reflection in the plaque quickly and knocked on the door. A familiar, pleasant voice from inside said ‘Come in’.

The room was large and dominated by a large window full of sunlight that showed a clear view across town. Sat at a large mahogany desk that held all the symbols and icons of secretary-hood was a woman. Her hair was a golden red brown and drawn back in a businesslike fashion, her skin slightly tanned and her eyes were the same colour as the night sky on a tropic shore just as the sun has dropped into the sea and you’re waiting for the first stars. They were those kind of eyes.

She was dressed in a cream blouse and a dark blue jacket that hinted strongly that hidden curves were ahead. I could just make out a subtle perfume, that didn’t so much tickle the nose as caress. I smiled at her, she smiled back, and I smiled some more for good measure. Eventually it dawned on me that she was waiting for me to open my mouth and say something.

‘Hello.’

‘Hello.’

‘I have an appointment… But I’m willing to forget all about it if you’re free?’

I winced inwardly and waited for The Reply.

‘No I’m not. But you can come and watch later.’ She paused, still smiling, examining my confused expression and then started laughing. ‘The EHB club, 8 o’clock. I’ll be the one on stage singing.’

I raised an eyebrow ‘Doesn’t Miss Mills know that her Secretary works in a Nightclub?’

‘Yes she does, it’s her Nightclub. She paused. ‘Wasn’t it a little early in the day for passes?’

I grinned ‘What time would be acceptable then?’

‘Mmm.’ She said and rested her head on one hand. ‘Miss Mills will see you in a couple of minutes.’ She said gesturing with her free hand at a row of comfortable looking chairs against the wall. The hand was well manicured and didn’t have any rings. ‘And I will see you later when you can buy me a drink and we’ll talk about it.’

I took a seat, and looked out of the large window. From here you could see out across the town, the football ground and the racing track drew my attention all framed by the grainy little houses behind it running to the horizon. All those tiny houses with people who day in day out read one of Ms Mills’ papers, getting their news, sports results, their opinions from her. She also owned the EHB club where hazy recollection said I’d spent a couple of pleasant evenings.

The doors at the far side of the room swung open revealing a dark interior, blinds drawn so there were only a few spots of brightness where sunlight broke through into the room.

The Secretary looked over to me ‘You can go in now.’

‘Thanks.’ I said, standing up and making my way towards the open doors. Half way I turned towards the secretary. ‘Please, what’s your name?’

‘Miss Mills doesn’t like to be kept waiting.’ She said reprovingly.

‘I’d still like to know.’

‘Trudy. Now, appointment.’ She made shooing motions with her hands.

I smiled. ‘Thanks. See you later.’

‘Later.’

My eyes slowly adjusted to the darkness of the room as I walked in. Here a drinks cabinet and there awards on the wall their contents indecipherable in the gloom.

‘Good morning.’ A soft female voice said from the far side of the room.

‘Not bad. Apart from being in Loughborough, but you can’t have everything.’

‘No you can’t.’ The voice replied.

The room was large, and I had reached the far side and stopped in front of a desk that had the smell of newsprint and pulp mingled with its natural mahogany scent. The blind shot up in front of me and the sun blazed in. I screwed my eyes tight and made out the shadowy figure standing over to the right.

‘But I’m sure there is something I can do for you.’

Blinking now in the light, I settled in a large leather armchair that I had been standing next to as Ms Mills sat down at her desk. She was just under medium height, with short brown hair and pale green eyes. But she had an air of authority, of seriousness that was striking.

‘First of all’ I said ‘I’d like to ask some questions.’

‘Of course. I take it that Michelle has given you the basics.’

‘Yes she has. She also said you might have some ideas as to where to start my investigation.’

‘Which are you investigating, the theft or the murder?’

‘Both, but the Jade has priority.’

‘I see.’ She said frowning. ‘In that case I think it would be well worth your while to talk to “Red” Mark.’

‘Red? Red hair?’

‘No’ she smiled. ‘Actually he’s blond. There’s a long story about that… But it’s not really relevant. I believe he can usually be found in the Elvyn bar, and that he has some idea of its whereabouts.’

‘What makes you think that?’

‘Mark has more than a few ties to the less than savoury denizens of Loughborough. If anyone knows who may have stole the Jade, he will.’

‘Excuse me, but why did you make a distinction between my investigating the theft and the murder?’

‘Isn’t it obvious?’ Her eyebrows rose. ‘The theft was planned.’