Stories of Vice: Project Nartana Case Set 1

By Kimberly Vogel

In the distant future, the world has been destroyed. Some companies had the foresight to create safe havens. Kroz Enterprises created Central City. It is there that the Nartana brothers solve cases for President Kroz to keep the place running smoothly...despite the actions of the inhabitants.
(This Collection includes: The Baleful Letters, Farming Disaster, Of Love and Politics, Songs of Violence, Vandals in the Park, Eyes Over the Playground, & Lessons of Life)

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Jun 29, 2012
• ISBN: 9781105867507

Book preview

Stories of Vice: Project Nartana Case Set 1

Stories of Vice: Project Nartana Case Set 1

Copyright

Copyright © 2012 by Kimberly Vogel.

ISBN eBook 978-1-105-86750-7

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

For additional copies refer to:

http://www.lulu.com/shakkathi

Acknowledgements

I want to thank my family and friends for supporting me.

Without you, I don’t know where I would be.

0 Bros Group 01 BW eBook.tif

Case 1 – The Baleful Letters

Nartana stared out of a window in the top floor of an apartment building in Central City. In his bedroom was the only quiet place he could escape to. Living with six other siblings made both the main room and the rest of the apartment very noisy. Despite the chaos, they each had a job to do. Shaking his head, Nartana stood from his desk chair and walked out of the door.

The top floor had just one apartment. It was a good thing, since the seven siblings ran their business out of their home as well. Lining the east and west side walls were the bedrooms. To the north was a pair of bathrooms on either side of the expansive kitchen. In the center of the home were a mix of dining room and lounging spaces. Most of the center wall that separated the dining room from living room was made by bookcases or other tall pieces of furniture.

You brat! Give me back my shoes!

No way, Dante! Laughing, a blonde boy appearing fourteen years old ran away from a brunette boy three years older than him. Holding a pair of shiny red sneakers above his head, he dodged away from the hands of the other boy. Jumping over a footstool, he yelled, They’re mine! 

Kirabo!

Shaking his head, Nartana ran his fingers through his purple bangs feeding his fingers through his collar length tan hair. Guys...

I don’t think they’re going to stop.

Nartana glanced at a curly haired boy who looked to be seven years old. What’s that now Mikasi?

Harshly shaking his head, Mikasi replied, Kirabo’s been trying on Dante’s clothes. Whatever he finds that he likes, he hides in his room.

Nartana sighed deeply. Well that’s not right; I’ll try and talk to them.

Okay. Mikasi slid off of his seat. I’m hungry. I’m going to see how Dusan is doing with dinner.

Alright.

Hurrying through the living room then into the kitchen, Mikasi hugged his plush kitten tightly to his chest. Dusan!

Glancing over his shoulder, the bleached brunette replied, Yes Mikasi?

How’s dinner coming?

Chuckling faintly, Dusan shrugged. If my calculations are correct then you should have your meal in twenty minutes.

Okay. Mikasi nodded. The orange haired boy then turned around and watched the other two boys run around like madmen.

Jerking open the door, a redheaded man yelled out, Hey! You’re being too loud!

He stole my shoes Trevet!

We share everything!

No, we don’t!

Yanking open another door, a fair blonde man snapped, It doesn’t matter! You’re going to get us kicked out if you keep making so much noise!

Canto!  Kirabo stopped in his tracks. He was surprised only because the other brother never seemed to lose his temper.

Dante ran into him then snatched back his shoes from Kirabo. Troublemaker.

Nartana walked over to the group. He’s right. Frowning at them, he folded his arms across his chest. We don’t live in our own house. We live in an apartment. We have to be respectful of the other people around us.

I’m sorry, said Kirabo.

Me too, said Dante. While walking to his room he mumbled into his chest, But stay out of my room.

Whiles sticking out his tongue at his brother’s back, Kirabo smirked. Fine.

Nartana rubbed his forehead in disbelief. Four of them appeared to be twenty-one, even if they were truly all the same age. A rare condition gave them purple eyes and stunted their growth. So far he, Trevet, Canto, and Dusan hadn’t been affected by the latter symptom. Nartana jerked his head up at the sound of their doorbell. While walking over Nartana exclaimed, Just try and get along, okay?

At the door stood a tall pale skinned man. He was six foot, just two inches taller than Nartana’s height. Hello Nartana.

President Kroz, said Nartana. It’s good to see you. Please, come in.

As Nartana stepped backwards, the mature white haired man stepped inside. Thank you. He chucked faintly, putting one hand on Nartana’s shoulder. But I told you to just call me Jeremiah.

Nartana shook his head. Very well, Jeremiah.

Good. Smiling, the president took a whiff of the air. Smells like I’m in time for dinner.

I can have Dusan set another plate.

Thank you, but no. Jeremiah shook his head. I have a case for you.

What is it? Nartana perked up.

Jeremiah lifted his briefcase, opened it up then handed him a manila file. Watching Nartana with his silver colored eyes he said, Take a look and call me when you’re done.

Yes sir.

With a slight nod, Jeremiah closed his briefcase. Good. He turned and exited the apartment.

Sighing softly, Nartana closed the door. He carried the file back to his room. At his desk, he gave a quick glance over the contents. Then he closed the file. It would wait until after dinner.

I noticed a file, said Dusan. He directed the troublesome younger duo to clean up the kitchen.

Yes, Nartana admitted.

The youngest of the siblings stopped cleaning the table. What is it?

It’s nothing.

He wouldn’t come here for nothing, said Trevet.

Canto folded his arms across his chest. That’s true. Tell us what’s wrong.

From what I read in the file, Nartana said, Jeremiah has been getting strange letters.

Is it a stalker?

Nartana shook his head at Canto’s supposition. He’s not sure.

What did the police say?

Glancing at Trevet, Nartana replied, Not much. They said it’s just a case of misdirected mail.

What did the postal office say?

Nartana glanced at Dante. They said it comes from the same place. It’s not misdirected at all.

Odd, said Kirabo. Is it really supposed to go to Jeremiah?

Do we have any of the letters?

A range from harsh to calm, replied Nartana to Mikasi. They are all from the same person, though.

That’s weird. Dusan frowned. How do they know it’s the same person?

Forensics from the police department determined that from both handwriting and writing style.

That is odd, said Dusan. We’ll have to track the writer down.

That’s another thing, said Nartana. It comes from different parts of Central City. Not a single one comes from a home address.

I assume there’s no return address on the letters.

Nartana chuckled at Canto’s statement. You’re right, there isn’t.

So we’ll each check out the different areas that they were mailed from. Trevet nodded. There might be a pattern.

That is a good place to start, said Dante.

We can each take a different day. Mikasi bobbed his head. Draw it out on a map. There may be a pattern.

People are creatures of pattern, consciously or unconsciously, said Dusan. We will catch them and figure out what’s going on.

It’s probably nothing. Shrugging, Kirabo turned back to the dishes.

Never hurts to look. I’ll gather all the stuff for us to look at in the living room. Nartana said while walking back to his room.

The group cleaned up after their meal; then joined their eldest brother in the living room. He had printed out the map of the city seven times on plastic sheets. The siblings placed colored dots wherever the mail had dropped into a public mailbox. The dots were also labeled with dates. At the end of it all, the group confirmed the details with one another.

Okay, said Nartana. Let’s report. My letters all came from a box near the school.

Mine came from the hospital, said Kirabo.

Trevet nodded. Mine were from the post office itself.

Mine were at grocery stores, said Canto.

My letters came from post boxes by the banks, said Dante.

Mikasi piped up, Theaters were mine.

And mine were from different churches, said Dusan.

Nartana rubbed his chin. That is an odd collection. They were all from those places on our specific days?

Yes, said Dusan. So we know part of the pattern.

Next we need to find out where the next one comes from, said Mikasi.

Dante shrugged. The bank is next. There’s no particular pattern to where mine show up at.

Nor mine, said Canto.

Mine does, said Trevet. They come from the central post office, so we can set up there.

We’ll watch it on Wednesday, said Kirabo.

Right, you’ll take two hour shifts, said Nartana. I’ll stay back since my look isn’t exactly common.

You could always shave your head, chuckled Kirabo.

Trevet laughed. It would just grow back.

You would certainly know, said Dante. How many times have you tried to get a manly haircut?

Groaning as he ran his fingers through his mid-back length hair, Trevet replied, Every morning.

I’m glad my hair is just on my collar, said Canto.

Mikasi shook his head. His curls bounced on his shoulders. Enough talk of hair. We each have our own problems.

Yeah, yeah, muttered Dante. He ran his fingers through his spiky hair. So back to the plan...

Right, replied Dusan. For timing I think Mikasi shouldn’t be out during the school time.

Yeah, it would be suspicious. For the rest of us it doesn’t matter when we come out.

Except for maybe you, said Dante to Kirabo.

Kirabo stuck his tongue out. I may be barely an adult according to the law, but I am an adult.

Trevet coughed. Let’s get back on track. We’ll go by our perceived ages to keep things straight.

Oh fine, said Nartana. Kirabo you start at six a.m. I’ll circle around all of you as backup.

Okay, said Kirabo.

Trevet nodded. I’ll relieve you.

And so on, said Canto.

Nartana clapped his hands. Okay, we have it. There’s only one day to set this up so let’s get moving.

Okay, said Dusan. I’ll set up the snacks for the trip.

Good. Everyone else pack up as usual. This is going to be interesting. With a nod, Nartana cleaned up the living room and took the files back to his room.

When the time came, Nartana drove to drop off Kirabo by the post office. Even if Kirabo was mistaken as a student, he still had the two hours before school started. Nartana would come back in different cars with his other siblings to relieve the one who watched. When Nartana picked up each sibling, he expected a full report of the people and animals that came by the post office.

Knowing that, Kirabo climbed out of the passenger seat of the two door car. He had on a light jacket to help fight off the frigid wind. Over his shoulder was a bag that had the appearance of something between a schoolbag and briefcase. At five foot five inches, he was about average height for a fourteen year old. Gazing at the post office, the blonde boy waited.

Many people traveled the sidewalks. Some went to the post office while others just passed by. The wait was long and boring. This was a tedious job for anyone who liked to be on the move.

Hang on guys, I got something. Nartana turned off his cell phone. Narrowing his eyes, he watched a woman walk down the sidewalk.

With her blonde ponytail bouncing over one shoulder, the twenty-something woman hurried down the street. She looked incredibly put together with her white headband, matching an off-the-shoulder sweater, and fitted blue jeans. A delicate pair of silver earrings and a pink heart necklace finished it off. What didn’t make sense was a tattered old envelope under her arm.

Leaning back in his seat, Nartana watched her move. He pushed his hair back then pulled on a baseball cap. Opening his door, Nartana slid out of the van. With a quick step, he moved with the crowd towards the post office.

The woman didn’t notice him at all. Walking quickly, she made her way through the crowd to the nearest mailbox. Opening the flap, she poured the contents of the big envelope into it.

Nartana pulled out his cell phone. Dusan, I’m going to follow this mark. Make sure the mailbox is secure. I can’t see what she put inside from here.

Roger.

Nartana trailed after the woman. He didn’t want to get too close just yet. If she was innocent then it would be very embarrassing for both of them. Nartana’s eyes narrowed as he watched her get into a car. Quickly he noted the license plate. Dialing another brother, he said quickly, Trevet I need a license traced and anything you can get about the person who owns it.

Go.

Nartana read off the numbers on the plate while returning to the van. There he took a bag of letters from Dusan. Just in case, watch for any others. Nodding as his brother left, Nartana took the letters into the van. Using the scanner he recorded the envelopes then the letters within. The contents were oddly disturbing, much like the letters reported by Jeremiah.

At the end of his shift, Dusan returned to the van. No new mail was with him. Climbing into the back, Dusan sat on the long bench. What does it look like?

Welcome back, said Nartana. He looked up from his computer. I’ve found a few things.

On what? Dusan glanced at the pile of mail. Are those the ones that came in after five?

Nartana nodded to his brother. Right.

Dusan frowned. It was that mark you called me about, right?

It looks like it. I sent the information on her to Trevet. He says that none of the letters have her fingerprints on them.

Who is it?

Her name is Donna. From all accounts she’s a perfect sort of lady.

Dusan rubbed the back of his head. So what now?

There was one smudged fingerprint. It belongs to her niece, Freida.

So we should go after her.

Hold on. Nartana lifted his hand. The niece is only seven.

Frowning, Dusan dropped his arms. So what then?

We’ll take her into consideration, but it might just be that she’s being used as a red herring too. Nartana shook his head. Or it could be a conspiracy. We can’t make speculations at this point.

The van door opened. What should we do? Trevet stood there massaging his scalp. After a moment, he climbed inside.

Nartana looked at his brother. You won’t do anything we’ve got to finish this twenty-four hour surveillance. We’ll see if anything else comes for Jeremiah.

If there isn’t?

Nartana frowned. We’ll need to watch over that family then.

Trevet nodded. I’ll relieve Kirabo. He pulled open the door then slid out of the van.

Not long after, Kirabo made his appearance inside of the van. He took out a soda bottle from the cooler in the back. Man, that’s thirsty work.

Nartana chuckled. Tired?

Shaking his head while he unscrewed the cap, Kirabo replied, I’m glad it’s just two hours. Do you have any idea how many people come to the central post office?

I can imagine. Nartana chuckled again. Nothing suspicious, though?

Kirabo took a sip from the bottle then bobbed his head. Everything is normal so far.

Good. Nartana gazed out of the van’s window. As he waited through the rotation, he drove the van around the postal office building. All the while he made sure that his brothers knew where he was.

At the end of the very last shift, Dusan happily made his way down the sidewalk to the van. When he climbed in, he said, Nothing unusual here.

Nartana yawned. Good. He turned the key and drove them back to their apartment building where upstairs in the living room, he spread out the clues.

Go get some sleep, said Kirabo.

Mikasi nodded. You’ve been awake far longer than you should be.

We’ll take it from here. Trevet put his hand on Nartana’s shoulder.

Yes, take a nap at least. Canto took the bag of mail from Nartana and spread it out over the table.

Dusan sat. We have more I see.

Just one, said Dante. It tested for fingerprints belonging to a man named Calvin.

So we have two to follow, said Nartana.

Yes, but tomorrow. Mikasi said while pushing Nartana towards his bedroom door. Go sleep!

Nartana chuckled as the smallest of the brothers pushed him along. Oh, fine, but you and Kirabo will have to help with the girl Freida.

Fine. Stop talking work and get to bed!

Watching the two, Kirabo chuckled. Fine, goodnight.

When Nartana was in his room, Mikasi folded his arms across his chest. Honestly, he tries to do too much.

Yeah, well, that’s Nartana. Come back here and we’ll discuss what to do next.

Dante tapped his finger on the tabletop. So, back to the matter at hand.

Calvin, Dusan said.

Dante nodded. He’s registered at twenty-seven years old, so one of you should probably approach him.

He’s listed as a driver by trade. Trevet said as he rubbed his chin. I suppose I’d be his clientele.

Or me, said Canto.

You can switch to get more information. Dusan nodded. I might be able to do it too.

That sounds like a good idea, said Kirabo. You three work on Calvin while the rest of us focus on the other family.

Donna and Freida, said Dante.

Kirabo nodded. Yes, them.

Trevet spread out the files on the different people across the desktop. Now, these are our targets...

For the rest of the day the seven siblings took stock of the people they were to hunt. Once everything was set for the next day, they struck out bright and early. Each group had their mark to follow. It was the group of four that found their prey first, even if it wasn’t in the profession they expected.

Calvin trafficked in items more than people, so there was no way to get close to him during the first part of his job. Glancing behind him, the brunette scanned the streets. Calvin could feel that someone was paying extra attention to him. His blue eyes narrowed. With a quick step, he carried his pale form across the crosswalk.

Watching him go, Canto spoke into his cell phone. I’ll need backup on this one.

Coming, Dusan replied from the other side of the street. Walking quickly, he dodged through the crowds and traffic.

Canto lowered his phone. He walked across the street as soon as he had the green light. Stepping quickly, he caught up with his target.

Hurrying along, Calvin tried to get away. Whatever the reason, he didn’t want to be caught. He turned into one of the parking garages. Hurrying through it, Calvin made his way to the level where his vehicle was.

Canto made a call to Trevet. We’ve got a problem!

What?

I’m outside a parking garage. Dusan went in, but I’m afraid it’s not enough.

I’ll bring the car around!

Thanks, said Canto as he tucked his phone into his pocket. Waiting for his brother and their mark on the outside street, Canto glanced around.

In the garage, Dusan walked through the rows of cars. He kept behind the taller ones in hopes of not being spotted. With the way their suspect glanced around, Dusan knew that it would be a hard job to follow. Lifting his cell phone, Dusan put in a call. Should I approach him?

No, replied Trevet. Let him get away. I’m going to follow. You join Nartana in the other van.

Okay, Dusan replied. Sneaking along the cars, he moved closer to Calvin.

Glancing around, Calvin circled through the rows of cars. When he thought he was in the clear, Calvin went straight to his vehicle. Carefully climbing into the driver’s seat of the four-door, Calvin quickly reversed out of the parking spot.

Dusan watched while his mark left. Shaking his head, Dusan hurried out of the parking garage in pursuit. He met up with Canto as the other reported to Trevet the direction of the vehicle.

Glancing into his rearview mirror, Calvin drove west through the city streets. It wasn’t quite rush hour, but there were a lot of vehicles out and about. Calvin used his skills to bob and weave through traffic.

As Trevet joined in the pursuit, he followed Calvin’s movements. While taking directions from Nartana, he kept close watch on the traffic cameras. Trevet couldn’t get too close otherwise the mark may do something reckless. He trailed behind by a few car lengths. No matter where they went, they didn’t leave Central City.

Calvin pulled into a different parking garage. Once he parked, the man hurried away from his car into the corridor for the neighboring building. Glancing over his shoulder, Calvin scanned the hallway for pursuers.

Watching from the entrance to the parking lot, Trevet reported to Nartana. He’s at another place, but I couldn’t see which floor.

I’ve got him on the screen. It was the twelfth level.

Want me to go in?

No, I’ve got my eye on him. He’s going into the neighboring apartments. From his record this is a cousin’s home.

What do you want me to do?

Come back. We’ll try and catch him away from others he knows.

Right. I hope the others are doing better.

Nartana chuckled. Me too. We’ll meet up at home.

Roger. Trevet hung up. Pulling out of the parking stall in front of the garage, he drove back to their apartment building.

Book 01 Calvin BW Cropped eBook.tif

Meanwhile, as the elder group tracked the male suspect, the younger group tracked the female suspects. The easiest of them to track was the young niece. Freida had a set schedule during the morning hours. After school she went home to her aunt’s apartment. There she waited for Donna to come home.

As Mikasi was seven, he could migrate and blend easily into the group of children. Walking through the halls of the school building, he searched for Freida. It was just before the end of all the classes, so she would be heading home soon. He stopped when he saw her.

Freida was a brown eyed brunette. In the gray school uniform there wasn’t much to distract from the actual features of the child who wore it. While she walked, her pigtails bounced on her shoulders. She had a sweater vest over a skirt. Both were gray. Her blouse was white, just like her stockings. Freida pushed her thick glasses up the bridge of her nose.

In his uniform, Mikasi wore a gray vest and matching slacks just like the rest of the males. He hesitated for just a moment, but then he wove through the crowd to her side. Hey, you’re Freida right?

Uh huh, replied Freida. She blinked at him. Who are you? I haven’t seen you around before.

I’m Mikasi. He shook his head. I’m in the other side. We only had one class together.

Oh, said Freida. She shook her head. Sorry, I don’t remember.

It’s okay. Chuckling, Mikasi folded his hands behind his back. Are you going home?

Yes.

Mind if I walk you home?

Freida tilted her head to the side. Um, sure we can go together.

Great. Mikasi smiled brightly at her.

Though Freida shook her head, she walked down the hallway with him. Freida held her books tightly to her chest. So, um, my apartment is in the north part of Central City.

Okay.

Is that too far from where you live?

No, replied Mikasi. He shook his head. Dropping his arms, he held them out. Can I carry your books for you?

You may, replied Freida. She handed them over then led the way out. Walking along the sidewalk, Freida glanced at Mikasi every so often. So where do you live?

I live further in. Mikasi shook his head. Don’t worry about me that way.

Okay. Freida nodded. She was quiet then, not knowing what to say. Leading the way to the bus, Freida took a seat near the front.

Sitting beside her, Mikasi held her books in his lap. Since she didn’t speak, he decided to. What do you do usually after school?

Oh, I go straight home. Freida shook her head. There’s someone always waiting for me.

A babysitter?

My grandfather actually.

Oh.

Mhm, so I don’t get to go out much.

Mikasi nodded. I’m the youngest one in my family. I spend most of the time at home while everyone else is out.

I see. Um, Grandpa probably won’t let you stay for long. Maybe he’d let you come in for a juice box.

That would be nice.

I can’t guarantee it, though.

Mikasi shook his head. It’s fine. When the bus stopped, he stood and walked off of the bus behind her.

Freida led the way across the street to the apartment buildings. It was a place much like others in the city. Steel, stone, and cement stretched up boxlike high into the air. Freida went into the lobby then up the elevator to her floor. At her door she unlocked it with her ID card. Grandpa! I’m home...and I brought a friend.

Oh? Who is this? The grandfather stepped from the kitchen to the door. Lifting an eyebrow, his blue eyes stared down at the pair. He put one pale hand on Freida’s shoulder.

Mikasi looked up at the serious expression. Mikasi, sir.

He’s from school.

I see your uniform, said the grandfather. Freida, your mother doesn’t allow guests.

Please? Freida asked. He did carry my books home for me.

The grandfather’s gruff face didn’t change. There was a scar that ran over his right eye. His chin held some ruff scruff. The outfit he wore held the same no-nonsense look to it. He wore a brown dress shirt under a blue vest and pinstriped slacks. His shoes were embellished with metal.

As he stared, Freida continued, Hospitality demands we at least give him a moment to rest before sending him out.

Sighing, the grandfather shook his head. Very well, but just for a moment. He took the stack of books from Mikasi and put them on the kitchen table.

Here, sit, said Freida. She walked to the refrigerator and took out two juice boxes. She then sat beside Mikasi at the kitchen table.

Thanks, said Mikasi. He glanced around while he sat. It was a small apartment, just two bedrooms. He looked back at Freida. It’s a nice place.

We try and keep it nice.

The grandfather just stared at Mikasi. Even though he’d accepted him for the sake of his granddaughter, it was obvious that he didn’t like the orange-haired boy. So how did you meet?

At school, Mikasi replied.

We had a class together.

I see. The grandfather rested one hand on his knee. His other arm rested across the tabletop. Do you do anything else together?

Grandpa!

Mikasi shook his head. No, sir. He ducked his head and took a quick sip of the juice. It was more awkward than he thought it would be.

On the other side, Freida was incredibly embarrassed. She didn’t want to lose a friend because of her grandfather’s actions. As soon as the drinks were finished she hopped out of her chair. Thanks for helping me, Mikasi.

Oh, you’re welcome Freida! Mikasi slid off of the chair, taking the juice box with him to the door.

I can throw that away for you, said the grandfather.

Mikasi shook his head at the outstretched hand. Thank you sir, but no. There’s a little bit at the bottom. I don’t want to waste it. He smiled at Freida. I’ll see you around.

Okay, said Freida. Smiling and waving, she watched Mikasi head down the hallway. Then she looked up at her grandfather as he closed the door. That was so embarrassing!

What?

Mikasi chuckled faintly at the conversation he heard. Shaking his head, he tucked the juice box into his pocket. There was something off about that man. He didn’t feel safe leaving behind anything that could be used against him. Quickly pulling out his cell phone, he put in a call. I’m ready to go.

Outside of the apartment, Dante pulled up in his car. Once Mikasi was inside, he drove away. What’s up?

I found the niece, but not the aunt. Mikasi shook his head. Freida said the man in the apartment looking after her was her grandfather. He does it while Donna is at work. I didn’t get a name.

We’ll look into it.

Good. The grandfather might have been overprotective, but either way I got a weird feeling from him.

Alright.

Where’s Kirabo?

He’s trying to track down Donna, but so far he’s been just missing where she’s at.

I see. Mikasi glanced around. I should go change.

We’re going to pick up Kirabo first. Nodding, Dante drove the car to the shopping district at the center of Central City. It wasn’t very far from where they lived.

Okay. Mikasi tied his hair back tightly then put in green contact lenses. As soon as Dante parked the car, he slid out. I’ll go find him.

Check the clothing stores.

Nodding, Mikasi scrambled from the parking garage to the elevator. Then he headed down the corridor to the shopping complex. Taking out his cell phone, he sent a quick text message to his brother. With the return reply, Mikasi hurried through the crowded levels.

Further in, Kirabo tucked his cell phone back into his pocket. The blonde boy had put in blue contact lenses in order to blend in with the crowd. He could be found by his brother with no trouble. Right now, though, he had to keep his eyes on their mark. So far the blonde woman wasn’t doing anything suspicious.

Glancing around, Mikasi searched for Kirabo. Though the other was disguised, it wasn’t enough to fool a sibling. He worked his way through the crowded kiosks to the walls of stores. His fears were eased as he saw his brother standing near a child’s clothing store.

Donna worked in this store. She had other jobs too, but this one she loved the most. She loved children. It was another reason why she took in her niece after her parents died. She would have taken in more orphans, but the law wouldn’t allow it since she wasn’t married.

Stepping up beside his brother, Mikasi asked softly, What do you want me to do?

Pretend like we’re going to buy you clothes. Kirabo glanced inside. Maybe we can hear something.

Okay, said Mikasi. He stepped through the crowd into the clothing store. I wouldn’t mind finding something new to wear.

Just remember, we’re on a budget. Kirabo walked in beside him.

Scanning the clothes on the racks, Mikasi sighed. I don’t see much of my style.

I know. You like soft things with ruffles. Why don’t you try something else?

I don’t know...

Shaking his head, Kirabo picked up a brown suit. I know it’s not as brightly colored as your eyes, but this one’s serviceable.

I’ll try it on. Mikasi sighed and took the hanger. Where do I go?

Kirabo glanced around. Looking at Donna, he asked, Where are the fitting rooms?

This way, replied Donna. She gestured to the back wall. She led the way through the crowded store. On one side were the male’s room and on the other side were the female’s room. If you need help I or one of the other staff can get you something else.

Kirabo nodded. Thanks. While Mikasi went inside, he talked to her. This seems like a nice place. I haven’t been in here before.

I’m glad you like it. Smiling, Donna glanced away before she looked back. We’ve only been open a couple of years.

Oh. How long have you been here?

Since we opened three years ago.

Neat.

Donna nodded then looked at the fitting room door. Oh, is that your brother?

Kirabo glanced at Mikasi. Yes. He chuckled. It doesn’t quiet suit you.

I told you so. Mikasi scowled. Turning quickly, he walked back into the fitting room.

Kirabo shook his head. "My try at clothes didn’t