The Calm Before the Storm

Kate parked her black Mazda in the lot of the Global News Network and Printing Press. The multi-story building loomed ahead, its dark grey facade almost swallowed by the night. With work hours over, most of the lights were off, save for a few that illuminated the entrance lobby.

"This Henry is going to ruin my whole night," Kate muttered, sidestepping a stone in her path to avoid stumbling in her heels.

As she entered the lobby, she crossed the scanner and caught sight of the guard by the main door.

"Hey, Freddy," Kate greeted him.

"Hey, Miss Kate," Freddy replied with a smile. He was Henry's assistant and had been with the company for two decades.

"Who hasn’t left yet?" she asked.

"Mr. Henry and Mr. Rodrick are still here," Freddy informed her.

"Hmm," Kate murmured, processing the information.

"If Henry is still here, how did you get to leave?" she asked.

"I had to take my wife to the doctor. He let me go while he stayed in," Freddy explained.

"Okay," Kate said, her voice lowering. "Let me see these old guys and ask why they don’t let anyone enjoy their lives." She walked past the large hall and headed toward the lift doors on her left.

Pressing the button, she stepped inside and rode up to the second floor, where the offices of chairman Henry Wilson and managing director Rodrick Noah were located. Knowing they’d be in a meeting, she headed straight to the room and swung the door open without knocking, a clear sign of her frustration.

"Hey, Kate," Henry greeted, noting her serious expression.

"Hello, Henry... why did you call me?" she asked, keeping her tone even.

"Sit down, Kate," Rodrick interjected, recognizing her mood. They needed her expertise, and he decided to overlook her anger for now.

Kate dragged a chair from the oval table and sat down opposite Henry and Rodrick. Kicking off her maroon high-heeled shoes, she stretched her aching feet.

"Why did you call me?" she reiterated.

"Read this," Henry said, sliding his tablet across the table and pointing to a news article headline.

Kate leaned in, reading, "Dead Body Found on Somerton Beach."

"I’ve already seen that clip," Kate replied, unimpressed.

"Then you must know why it’s getting so much attention," Henry insisted.

"This case doesn’t seem to warrant all this hype. Some anchors just love to sensationalize," Kate said, dismissive.

"Kate, this is going to be the biggest news of the year," Henry leaned forward, his excitement palpable.

"I don’t think so. People die every day in Australia; we can't cover them all," Kate replied, her exhaustion evident.

"This isn't a simple murder case. It's one of the most mysterious we've come across," Rodrick chimed in. "The police can’t even identify the victim, and there’s something cryptic on the body they're keeping under wraps. And then there are the missing feet."

"Missing feet? Sounds personal," Kate commented.

"The killer likely had a grudge," she stated plainly.

"Focus on the facts, Kate. There’s more to this than you realize," Rodrick urged.

"Rodrick, what’s the point? I still don’t understand why you called me," she pressed.

"We want you to take on this case," Henry finally revealed.

"You dragged me here for this?" Kate said, disbelief creeping into her voice.

"And you know I’m going on leave. Why are you asking me to take on this case?" She locked eyes with Henry.

"This case needs your expertise. Once you solve it, you can take a month off," Henry insisted.

"Henry, I’m getting married in three weeks. How can you tie me down with a new assignment?" she shot back.

"We know about your wedding, Kate, but sometimes professional duties demand sacrifices," he said, his tone serious.

"He needs you, and you know it," Rodrick added, attempting to persuade her. "This could be a milestone in your career."

"I'm not postponing my wedding again," Kate said firmly.

"Maybe you can solve the case before your wedding," Henry interjected quickly.

"That’s not how these things work. You know murder cases take time and energy, neither of which I have right now. Ask someone else," Kate suggested.

"I'm not asking anyone else," Rodrick asserted. "This isn't for an amateur. The missing feet and those strange symbols indicate this needs someone seasoned."

"What symbols?" Kate asked, her interest piqued.

"I’ll show you if you agree to work on it," Rodrick replied.

"Plus, if you take the case, I promise a promotion, a raise, and a furnished apartment," he added, hoping to entice her.

"Rodrick, don’t do this," Kate said, feeling conflicted.

"It’s your moment to decide," he pressed.

Kate closed her eyes, contemplating. “Can you let go of this case? Can you let go of the promotion you need for a peaceful life with Samuel?” she thought.

“No, what if this turns out to be the biggest story of the year? I can’t let someone else take the credit,” she reasoned.

She turned to face Henry and Rodrick, their eyes filled with expectation.

“Alright, I’ll take the case… but on my terms,” Kate began.

“After solving it, I expect a promotion to senior investigative journalist, a thirty percent raise, a furnished apartment, and three weeks off for my wedding,” she stated firmly.

“Thirty percent is steep, and a furnished apartment might be too much,” Henry replied, considering. “But we recognize your worth.”

“We’ll have an agreement ready for you,” he assured her.

Rodrick smiled. “Now let me show you,” he said, activating his laptop and pulling up documents related to the case.

As Kate leaned in, she saw various images and files.

"Interesting," Rodrick remarked, opening a file with the symbols.

Kate examined the first symbol—a key, representing life—then the second, a skull for death, and the third, two arrows symbolizing continuity.

"I’ve seen these symbols," she murmured, curious.

"Probably Googled them," Henry suggested.

"No, I’ve seen them somewhere else," Kate replied, frustration growing as she struggled to recall.

After several moments, she decided it was time to leave. “Send me all the images and files,” she instructed.

“Got it,” Rodrick said, pulling the laptop closer.

“I’m leaving. I’ll see you both on Monday,” Kate announced, heading for the door. Before exiting, she turned back. “Don’t forget the agreement for my promotion and incentives,” she reminded them, then stepped out.

"If we didn't need her, I wouldn’t tolerate her demands," Henry said.

"She deserves more than we’re paying her. She’s the future of investigative journalism," Rodrick replied as he followed Henry out, the weight of the night hanging heavily around them.