***

“Oh my god, she didn’t!” Haley Crescent took a sip of her boba tea before setting it back on the table.

“Yeah, Krystal said his friend’s dick was bigger right to his face, the slut.” Haley spaced out a bit as Jasmine gossiped. She poked a bubble, chasing it around her cup with the straw.

“Listen, Haley, some of the Deltas are talking about a huge party this weekend, and you better be there, bitch.” Jasmine cocked her hip, a challenge in her smirk.

“Fuck yes! It’s been way too long! You know I’m in, Jazz.” Haley was thrilled.

Delta Delta Delta threw the most legendary parties on campus, and, naturally, they were invite-only. It just so happened that Jasmine Flores was a member.

“Perks of having roomies in high places, huh?” Haley smiled and finished her tea.

“Are you using me for my perks?” Jasmine asked. She took a couple steps closer to Haley, bending forward slightly with raised eyebrows.

Jasmine was a truly sexual being, and Haley could never tell if the bisexual bombshell was really into her, or just a serial flirt.

“You know I–" Haley trailed off.

"What is it?" 

Haley wasn't quite sure. She did like to party with Jasmine, and it really had been a while, but, did Haley have that luxury anymore?

"Listen, Jasmine: I love you, girl. I love going to parties with you, but I have to take this seriously. I was just hired on as an intern at Akashi Investigations. They do private eye work. I've always wanted to be the detective reuniting families at the end of the Criminal Minds episode, you know? I want to help people. Well, I submitted an application three months ago. It must have taken them a long time, but they must have seen my work with Professor Renault.

Jasmine interjected. "Hold on—Renault? Forensics sims right?"

Haley nodded. "Yeah, he'd run scenarios and have us play various roles that could come up in hypothetical criminal cases. Honestly, that class might be the reason I applied with Akashi at all, so I guess I have him to thank for this opportunity. Someone from Akashi called yesterday. They have a scholastic internship available. I'm really nervous about this Jazz! I'm supposed to have my first case sometime this month."

"Well, you're smarter than me," Jasmine smiled. "I'm sure you are going to be great. Did they say why they are hiring college girls—kinda weird isn't it?"

"I was surprised they were even offering, myself, but they told me their lead investigator, Detective Matthews is looking for a successor to train. Someone she can mold in her image. Maybe it's an ego thing 'get me someone fresh' or something like that, but I got good vibes from her. I am going to try this, and if it works, I'll be living my dream, Jazz."

With cosmically good timing, Haley's phone rang. She glanced down at it and back to Jasmine, feeling conflicted.

“Is that them?” Jasmine nodded at the phone, which buzzed obliviously.

Haley read the caller ID. ‘Anna Matthews, Akashi Investigations LLC.’ She looked at Jasmine. “Funny how things work out, isn't it? It’s them.” Haley felt bad that she was all but immediately ending an important conversation with her best friend.

Jasmine let her off the hook immediately. “You better not be using work as an excuse to blow me off.”

“Of course not, bestie! I’ll talk to you later,” Haley chuckled.

“Don’t leave me hanging, Hales.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it Jazz.”

“Ok fuck off then!” Jasmine stuck her tongue out at Haley, earning a larger smile from the girl.

Haley rushed into her room for some privacy as she accepted the call. “Hey, Anna!”

The voice on the other end sighed. “Ms. Crescent?”

“I’m sorry, ma’am. What can I do for you, Detective Matthews?”

“I’ve got something for us: missing persons–I’ll fill you in on the way to the office. I can be at your dorm in one hour to pick you up. Are you ready?”

“A case!? Haley squealed. "Already!? I’ll be ready, Ms. Matthews. See you then.”

“Ms. Crescent, your enthusiasm is infectious, but, please do try to remember that, for the client, this situation is dire, and it is our job to remedy it. I am sticking my neck out for you here. You come highly recommended from Doctor Renault. He says your eye for detail is second-to-none.”

“Yes, Ms. Matthews, of course. I’m ready for this.”

"Good."

Haley held the phone to her ear for a few moments as the call beeped dead. It was time! This was happening! She flung herself back onto her bed, giggling to herself. No, she needed to calm down, just a bit. This was a big deal, but she couldn't blow her opportunity by acting like a little girl. Still, she really was excited she didn't have to wait anymore. As she changed into some professional clothes, she considered how lucky she really was. Some of her peers were just going through college, their futures far from their minds, like Jasmine. And here she was, already getting into what very well might be her dream job. If she played her cards right, she could be a detective herself in due course. She double-checked her collar in the mirror, smoothing her slacks. Haley Matthews, PI. Yeah that sounded good.

Haley caught her roommate’s eye walked to the front door, finding a grin on her own face this time.

***

Haley smiled excitedly as the red Nissan pulled up to the curb.

“Hey Ann–uhh, good morning, Miss Matthews!” Haley caught herself again. She hopped into the passenger seat.

“Good morning, Ms. Crescent.” Anna smiled at her young charge’s enthusiasm.

“So, do we have any info yet?” Haley bounced in her seat.

“We received a call from a woman demanding we find her daughter. We don’t have anything else at the moment; Director Akashi insisted the client see us at the office.” Anna made a left, weaving around a slower truck as she spoke.

Haley was hardly pausing to breathe between each rapid-fire question: “wait, find her daughter? Why wouldn’t she go to the police? How do we even know something bad happened? Why would the Director do that? Wouldn’t it be easier to call her?” 

Anna smiled at her young charge’s enthusiasm. “This is normal, you’ll see. Most clients feel less comfortable over the phone. As for the police? There are many reasons clients would avoid them, but I can tell you the most common. The first is that they already tried. Unfortunately, official investigations can take quite some time, something many people don’t have the luxury of. The second is that clients are afraid that the…unique facts of their situation lead them to fear the police. Be vigilant, Ms. Crescent. Sometimes people in crisis don’t know what details might actively hide important information.”

“Wait, a client would hold back information that could resolve their case, just over fear of getting in trouble? That…actually makes a lot of sense.”

“Yes, Ms. Crescent, unfortunately, people don’t want to feel responsible for something bad happening to them or their loved ones and will either lie to us or themselves to feel absolved of blame. Our job is to cut through to the truth, while remaining compassionate.”

Haley frowned. She didn’t even know what her first case was about, and already things were so complicated! Well, she knew this would be no simple job, and the world is full of incredibly complicated people.

Haley was pulled from her thoughts as the car turned from main road and into a small parking lot.

“We’re here.” Anna announced unnecessarily as she pulled into an unmarked parking spot and killed the engine.

Haley thought the office was almost aggressively nondescript: a brick of concrete and glass, a few stories tall. She didn’t see any signs or distinguishing features. They could be literally anywhere. What did they tell clients? ‘Just look for Building, USA?’ She chuckled nervously.

Anna looked at Haley, sending her unease. “The very fact that you are asking good questions tells me you are ready for this. You understand the importance of what we do. Anything else, you will learn in time.” Anna smiled. “I would know, I’m the one who will teach you.”

Haley smiled back. It seemed Anna could already read her mind. “Thank you, Ma’am.”

***

“Detective Matthews, Ms. Crescent.” Jade Akashi was an imposing woman. Her intense, almost-black brown eyes, framed by her midnight hair gave her quite the imposing gaze. A commanding aura projected from the intelligence behind those eyes, despite her slight frame. She stood from her desk as Haley followed Detective Matthews into the Director’s office.

“Thank you for coming so quickly. Detective Matthews, Ms. Crescent, this is Mrs. Sandra Baker.” Jade gestured to the woman seated in the plush leather chair opposite her desk.

“She comes to us with some grave concerns.”

The woman looked over her shoulder as the pair found their seats to her left. She dabbed a tissue on her puffy eyes.

“Oh I can’t bear it! She’s gone! Something terrible has happened! know it!” The tears flowed once more.

“It’s okay, ma’am. Take your time,” Anna said, leaning forward in her chair with a soft smile.

“Can you tell us what happened? Who is gone?”

“My daughter! My beautiful Samantha! Her no-good friend Natalie kidnapped her!” There was real venom in her voice now.

“The police won’t listen! But you’ll listen! Someone has to!”

“How long has it been since you last saw your daughter, Mrs. Baker?” Anna asked.

“I haven’t seen her since yesterday afternoon! No one from the university will tell me where my Sammy is!”

Haley chewed her lip. Samantha is a college student? Haley hadn’t seen her mom in three years. She was her own woman now. Haley blinked, casting a sideways glance to Anna. Anna gave a barely perceptible shake of her head.

“And your daughter lives with you, ma’am? How old is Samantha?” Anna said, her warm smile unchanged.

“Yes, that's right. She’s 19. This is her second semester at school. It’s cheaper for everyone for her to stay with me. Her father travels so much.” Sandra smoothed her jeans.

“Of course.” Anna nodded thoughtfully. “It’s unusual for her to be away for more than a night?”

“Oh yes, Detective! She’s never been a night away from home!”

“And why would Natalie kidnap her? You said she was Samantha’s friend!” Haley asked, unable to hold it back.

Anna gave Haley a look that said “I don’t like your tone.” If she was about to retake control of the conversation, Mrs. Baker did not give her the chance.

“That whore is no friend of my Sammy! She’s a senior. I know she’s perverting my sweet girl. They met at some orientation or other. That girl is no good! I told Sammy not to go to that club, and look what happened! That girl must be arrested!” Sandra pounded a fist on the armrest. Haley thought she looked like an overripe tomato. She barely suppressed a giggle.

“I’m sure we can get to the bottom of this, ma’am.” Anna took her chance to gain control again. “You mentioned a club?”

“Synapse.” Sandra spat. “Natalie has been pestering Sammy to join her there for some time now.”

“Natalie asked her to go yesterday, didn’t she?” Haley asked. She couldn’t help another glance at Anna. The detective’s face gave nothing away.

“Yes, and I strictly forbade it!” Sandra said, pursing her lips.

“Can you tell us why?” Haley asked. She didn’t look at Anna this time.

Sandra didn’t seem to have an immediate answer this time. She turned to Jade.

“Miss Akashi, my daughter is a good girl. She wouldn’t do anything illegal.”

“I’m sure she is, and right now, our priority is finding her. Now please, we need you to tell us anything you think can help us.” Jade replied. She nodded to Haley.

“Okay. Sammy is a college girl, and I know what happens when college girls go to clubs. She is not allowed to drink, and that’s that.” Sandra crossed her arms over her chest as she spoke. “I know Natalie is trying to make Samantha drink and party, and god knows what else. She’s just bad news.”

“So you figure Samantha snuck out yesterday and went to Synapse with Natalie? Haley asked.

“I had gone to get groceries and she wasn’t home when I got back. Her car was still there by the curb, so that girl must have taken her.”

“If there is nothing else, ma’am, Detective Matthews and Miss Crescent can get to work immediately.”

Sandra nodded and turned to Anna. “Find my baby! Please.”

“We will do our best, Mrs. Baker. Let’s go, Ms. Crescent. We can discuss our first move,” Anna said, standing up from her chair.

Haley almost ran after her in excitement.

***

The drive to Synapse was a whirlwind. Haley had suggested they go straight there, and Anna agreed. Haley couldn’t believe it; she was on location to search for leads in a real, actual kidnapping case! Well, she wasn’t sure how much of a real kidnapping this was. Haley watched a group of girls enter the club. This isn’t where you’d take someone if you really wanted to kidnap them. Anna caught her eye.

“So, Ms. Crescent. What’s your theory?”

“I know, I know, I spoke out of turn earlier. I shouldn’t have butted in on your questioning.” She met Anna’s gaze.

Anna’s lips curled into a small smile. “Haley, you show great enthusiasm and initiative. Let’s build on that. Truly, what is your take?”

“Thank you An–Miss Matthews. I think Natalie convinced Samantha to join her at this club and they probably had a great time, drinking and carrying on as college girls do. I know it’s not legal, and we can probably get this club shut down– heh, we could probably get most clubs shut down around here–but other than that, I don’t see any crimes being committed. Samantha hasn’t been gone that long, and this club isn’t where you would take someone you just kidnapped.”

Anna’s smile grew into a grin. “Let’s go test your theory then, shall we? Come on, we will speak to the owner.” Anna handed Haley a Manila file folder.

“Keep that close.”

As the doors slid open, Haley was instantly engulfed in the atmosphere of the place. The music’s heavy thrum pulsed through her entire body, in time with the multicolored lights. The place was packed; it took all her effort just to stay right behind Anna as they made their way through the crowd to the back office. Haley kept her eyes moving, taking in the layout of the club. Synapse had a circular design, with the round bar in the center. Booths lined the walls, with strobing LED dance floors filling in gaps on either side. Opposite the main entrance was another set of doors, blocked by a bouncer with ‘VIP’ in stylized neon above. She imagined the offices were back there too. She found it surprising that the club was already so busy in the afternoon, but she supposed this was a college town. This is what college kids do. Haley found herself lagging behind and hurried over to where Anna was approaching a bouncer.

The meathead held up a hand as they approached. “Pass,” he grunted from behind his sunglasses. Haley thought he looked remarkably cliche.

Anna held out a badge. “We’re here to see Miss. Sparks.”

The man grunted and opened the door. “End of the hall, go straight there.” He reached for a lapel mic. “Two badges.” He held a hand to his earpiece and nodded at them.

“He was verbose,” Haley mused as the door clicked shut behind them.

“Most people aren’t going to like us sniffing around,” Anna countered. “Let’s see why they don’t.”

As they passed several locked, soundproofed VIP rooms, Haley imagined this would be exactly the part of the building where crimes could take place. Maybe there was something to Sandra’s fears after all? She shook her head. She must remain objective. Take in the details and find the truth. She caught up to Anna at the end of the hallway. Anna knocked sharply on the door, and Haley realized just how much quieter it was in here. With the bass now a dull thud in the background, the knock was startling.

“Enter,” came a relaxed female voice from behind the frosted glass door.

Opening the door, Haley was taken aback by the manager. She was strikingly gorgeous, dressed, rather unprofessionally, in a silken black dress. The neckline stopped just below the woman’s navel, proudly displaying the generous cleavage beneath her flawless face. Haley supposed this was a nightclub, though, so what was considered “professional” would be different than she was used to.

Anna seemed a bit stunned as well, as neither detective said anything as they stood awkwardly in front of the woman’s desk.

Ciara Sparks flashed a bright smile. “Welcome, ladies. What can I do for a couple of officers of the law?”

Anna found her footing as she shook the manager’s manicured hand. “We have reason to believe a couple of college students visited your club yesterday evening, and we’d like to verify that they left here safely.” Anna could do little more than outright accuse the woman of the disappearances.

If she was offended, Ciara hid it well.

“Naturally, I am here to serve. Could you give me some images to work off of? We do get so many college students each night,” she rebutted behind her winning smile.

Anna gestured and Haley produced the folder. Detective Matthews received two photographs from it and slid them to the manager.

“Beautiful. I can work with this.” Ciara sat behind her desk and tapped some keys on her computer.

Haley shifted uncomfortably as Ciara worked silently, the smile never wavering. This was getting creepy. She looked up and caught Anna’s eye. The detective simply looked back with an unreadable expression.

“Ah yes! I have them!” Ciara turned the monitor around so the women could see last night’s security recordings. It was definitely them, as sure as you could be on sped-up, black and white CCTV footage. Natalie and Samantha made their way through last night’s equally dense crowd to the central bar. Haley noted that Samantha was following Natalie, who led her by the hand. The two sat on stools and shared drinks—two martinis of some kind each. Someone wasn’t the good girl her mother thought, Haley mused dryly.

After a while Natalie seemed to become excited and pulled a visibly tipsy Samantha off her stool. The two quickly weaved their way to the vip section and disappeared from coverage.

“They rented room four,” Ciara spoke loudly, and Haley jumped, refocusing.

“Thank you ma’am. We will need to look at room four,” Anna responded, unfazed.

Ciara slid the photos back, along with a keycard. “It’s on your right,” she said, still smiling.

As the door shut behind them Haley let out the breath she didn’t realize she’d been holding.

“She’s so creepy!” Haley hissed.

“I’ll admit she is strange, but we have seen no evidence of wrongdoing, aside from some underage service, which is beyond the scope of our investigation. Besides, she has been very cooperative thus far. Let us see if our girls left anything behind in booth four.” Anna swiped the key, and the soundproofed panel slid aside.

The booth was quite nice, Haley had to admit; semicircular leather couch, marble table, minibar, room to dance—the place really was VIP.

“Let’s turn the place over, see what we can find, shall we?” Anna turned to the minibar and opened a cabinet.

After a few fruitless minutes, Haley thought to check underneath the couch. “Jackpot,” she whispered, seeing a piece of paper. Well, it could be anything, she supposed, as she snatched it up and unfolded it. It was a note, clearly written in a hurry, apparently by Samantha!

Mom, feeling weird…synapse something wrong

1104 Grand Loop Terr—

The note ended there with a deep wayward pen stroke, as if the writer was violently stopped. Haley’s insides froze. This case was really creeping her out.

“Hey, Anna—Miss Matthews, I found som—Miss Matthews?” Haley turned and saw no sign of her mentor. Swallowing her panic, she slowly approached the minibar.

“What did you find?” Anna popped up from behind the bar.

Haley squeaked and fumbled with the paper.

“I did not mean to frighten you,” Anna smiled. “What did you find?”

Haley wordlessly handed her the note.

“It seems we have our next lead.” Anna turned and left the room without another look back.

Bewildered, Haley hurried to catch up.

***

It had waited so patiently. It had not much mind with which to be bored, but it knew it had been without a Host for too long. But there! It sensed warmth. And also. Electricity. Two bright clusters of activity. It squirmed out of the dark corner it had hid in, moving toward the closer one. The prehost was close to it, the center of the densest cluster of electricity in the prehost sweeping side to side. It was drawn to the bundle of warmth nestled under the prehost’s core. It slid itself carefully under the inert covering on the prehost’s lower appendage. Must not touch prehost too soon. Must not alarm. It slid up the covering, making its way toward the source of warmth. It found another barrier, silken and tight. It must not fail. It wiggled itself past the barrier. Warmth! Wetness! Safety! It hurried inside, instinct telling it to extend its tendrils into Host.

Anna knew something was very wrong. She had felt something…entering her vagina. She pivoted on her knees, trying to get a hand into her slacks and panties. Whatever it was, it slipped into her before she could grab it. She stifled a moan. Wait, she should get help! Haley! Anna put a hand out to brace herself and made to stand. It was then that she felt it. Something deep inside her, tingling. It felt…good. Maybe she should let it happen for a moment, let Haley search for clues. Yes. Haley needed the experience. Anna could deal with this. She was just tired. She had been using her brain so much today. Just needed a moment to rest. Rest, and do something about her wet pussy. Her hand found its way back into her slacks, into her panties. She found herself hot and dripping. She bit her lip as she played two fingers into her wetness, circling her clit. This was right. This was correct. She realized she should not tell Haley what was happening after all. She was just tired. And horny. She could deal with that on her own. Yes.

“Hey, Anna—Miss Matthews, I found som—Miss Matthews?”

“What did you find?”

***