Chasing After Mists

Not the First

As much as the information had given quite a shock, I had the response in a trice. "I wasn't planning on it," I said, taking a puff at my smoke. He knows I'm not the sort to lose my head on a job.

"No smoking either," he warned, snatching the stick from my hand. "Environmentalist. And yes, that look? You're planning on it."

I glared at him, blowing at the air, letting the smoke come out. He laughed, seeing how that little action flipped my mood. "She looks familiar, that's all."

"Familiar?" Xander raised an eyebrow, then shrugging right away. "Files do say she travels a lot. One of your night-stands, perhaps?"

I've taken no insult on the matter yet I'm not really one to take on nonpermanent things in life, especially one night-stands. That's his area. And, no. If I'd done it with this woman, I'd remember. No. It wasn't like that. "I've just seen her somewhere."

"Well, it better work to your advantage, then."

It better.

Inhaling a deep breath, I placed the files on the seat and opened the door.

Moist, fresh grass and dirt flattened underneath the soles of my shoes. In front of me was a vine-devoured gate with a sign that said 'Vehicles at this point only' large red in painted against the white metal.

Waste of paint, I thought. It could have said 'STOP' and the message could still be the same. And it wasn't as though many vehicles would attempt to force their way in.

The smell of dirt and leaves filled the cold air. Spring should have been visible and yet, only thick blankets of grey clouds and darker shades of green filled the forests and fields. It seemed as though the temperature was lower than the towns and cities I've passed to drive here, not that it bothered me, I've faced worse.

I could already see the small red house that was their office that was near the orchards and vineyard, not too much on the ploughing fields as most of what I could are still greens. Not a single hint of machinery could be sighted and I had to remember, environmentalist.

Far impressed with the nature reserve I'll be dealing with, I realised why Miss Swift would never let go of the land she has. There were mountains and cliffs as well that stretched over to the nearby oceans, hills, planes, forests and all. . . Having this opportunity only now to see the marvel of its beauty, I half wanted to simply get back to my car and call it a day, but I can't fail this. . . not when this was something I haven't done before. I sort of find the challenge enjoyable.

Honestly, if I hadn't been here myself and I hadn't looked at the files, I wouldn't have believed that only one person owned the land. Fortunate of her to have blood of rich historical background, the line of old royals and businessmen. And yet, the odd part was, not a single relative left alive to speak of.

I continued with my long walk down to the path of the office. The skies had been threatening to call rain with the constant rumbles, yet, hopefully, they won't fall yet. I barely brought anything with me.

The vineyard is the closest thing to the office, workers had craned their next to look, most probably thinking 'there goes another one who will leave just as crestfallen as the one before.'

Regardless, I entered the office, only to be met by an empty scene. An empty desk with only a few folders up. I almost walked towards it when a young boy, most likely twelve, more or less, entered the office, carrying a clipboard. Muddy shoes, a worn cap and stained clothes must have meant he's helping around the place.

Dark hair under the blue cap and a bright grin, "Hiya, sir. What can we do for you?" He asked, rather politely so I gave a brief smile as well.

"I'm looking for Miss Swift, if she's around today," I answered, gladly I sound polite by nature's law.