Back in his office at the Snigograd Central Police Department, the usual sounds of typewriters and discussions were slowly fading away as tired policemen and detectives were starting to make their way home. Adrian was slouched over a pile of files at his desk, his mind deep in thought about the tangled web of mysteries that surrounded him. Opposite him sat Julian, his young protégé, observing him closely with a hint of curiosity in his gaze.
"I brought you your coffee, Mr. Belinsky," Julian said, a glimmer of mischief dancing in his eyes. He pulled out a small bottle of whiskey from his inner jacket pocket, a mischievous smile playing on his lips as he contemplated adding a touch of rebellion to the day.
Adrian raised an eyebrow as he looked at the cup of coffee in front of him and then at the whiskey bottle Julian held. He caught the mischievous glint in Julian's eyes and let out a half-amused sigh before pulling the coffee cup closer to himself, keeping it well out of reach.
"You think I'm that much of an alcoholic?" Adrian quipped with a wry smile, his tone light despite the seriousness that often weighed on him.
Julian's expression shifted momentarily to one of mild disappointment as if his grand plan had been thwarted. "I thought you might enjoy a little extra kick with your coffee."
"I do enjoy it, but..." Adrian paused, studying Julian's face, "I shouldn't be setting a bad example for you. Alcohol tends to cloud the mind and lead to decisions one might regret later. It's not conducive to solving cases."
Julian's smile wavered, and he met Adrian's gaze. "Then why do you drink so much?"
A hint of melancholy flickered across Adrian's features as his eyes shifted to Orlin's empty desk. "Did he fill your head with tales about me?"
Julian nodded, a mix of sympathy and understanding in his eyes. "He did mention a few things. Said if I ever wanted a transfer or even to be placed under his command, all I had to do was ask, and he'd arrange it with Chief Lobakin."
Adrian's fingers found their way to his neck, instinctively massaging the tension there. "And what was your response?"
"I told him I wanted to serve and learn under your leadership," Julian replied, his gaze dropping to his hands, which he was nervously fidgeting. "I want you to trust me, to take me with you instead of leaving me at the mercy of Detective Orlin."
Adrian observed the young detective, his features illuminated by the soft lamplight in the room. Julian was a fresh face straight out of the Police Academy, his chestnut hair and spectacles giving him an air of seriousness beyond his years. Handpicked for a special path of learning from the best, he exhibited exceptional deductive abilities. Adrian had initially thought Julian's assignment to him was a joke or a move by the Department to keep a close eye on him. Adrian knew his penchant for drunken escapades and his dwindling number of successful cases were catching up with him. He couldn't rely solely on past triumphs forever; he needed fresh victories to prove his worth. It seemed his tenure at the Department was slowly dwindling, his meticulous observation skills taking a back seat to numerical achievements. Julian's presence felt like a reminder that his time was running out.
"Sir?" Julian's voice snapped Adrian back to the present moment.
Adrian blinked, refocusing on Julian. "Yes?"
A genuine smile spread across Julian's face. "So, you agree?"
"Of course!" Adrian exclaimed a renewed vigor in his demeanor. He downed the rest of his coffee in a single gulp, then reached into a pile of files on his desk and pulled out a card.
"What's the plan, sir?"
Adrian slipped Johnny Terenkin's library card onto the table. "Time for us to pick up the trail where we left off. Let's see if the library still has any records of him."
Julian's eyes lit up with excitement. "Is it open now?"
Adrian chuckled as he slipped into his jacket. "I certainly hope so. It's not far—just across the Valerion River, in the Central District."
Julian eagerly donned his coat and hat. "Can I drive?"
Adrian shot him a sly grin. "Sure, but on one condition: your bottle of whiskey for my Crow's keys for the night."
Julian's face lit up, the deal clearly suiting him. "Deal!"
As they made their way out of the office, Adrian turned to Julian. "While we're en route, brief me about the 'Fat Beaver' situation. I want to be up to speed."
Julian nodded, his energy palpable. "Absolutely, sir. Let's get going."
And with that, the two detectives embarked on a journey that would take them deeper into the heart of the city's shadows, both in search of answers and a chance at redemption.
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