(6 Days Before the Switch)
Location: Ember & Vine Restaurant, Downtown San Francisco, California, on Earth
Alex's voice was soft, almost a murmur, yet it held a distinct edge of expectation. "I was just wondering what else your 'garbage collectors' told you, Vivian? Were there other anomalies they noticed around that time, or in the months leading up to the more significant fires? How did you even think to interview them? No, first… why did you even decide to get into fire investigation?"
Vivian hesitated, the delicate flavors of the scallop still on her tongue, but her mind was already racing. Alex's questions were becoming increasingly personal, pushing at the edges of her carefully constructed professional facade. He wasn't just interested in the "investigation." It seemed he was interested in her. And that made her deeply uncomfortable.
"Mr. Greyson," Vivian began, her tone firm, attempting to steer the conversation back to safer, more analytical ground. "The observations were primarily related to the disposal of singed materials from those initial, smaller incidents from 18 months to two years ago. Fires that are large enough and accidental need extensive cleanup and debris hauling with a special collection call. But smaller fires that don't raise any alarms would be quietly cleaned up to remove evidence." She kept her gaze steady, hoping her professional demeanor would convey the unspoken boundary. "In that, garbage collectors are the best boots-on-the-ground an investigator could have. After all, if they noticed enough for it to stand out on their routes, it's worth looking into."
A slow, knowing smile spread across Alex's face, a glint of amusement in his deep blue eyes. "Vivian," he corrected gently, leaning back in his chair, "we're well past the 'Mr. Greyson's stage, aren't we? Especially after our little adventure in the warehouse." He chuckled, a low, pleasant sound. "And I assure you, my curiosity extends beyond mere 'singed materials.' You have a way of seeing things, of connecting dots that others miss. I find that... fascinating."
He picked up his wine glass, swirling the deep red liquid thoughtfully as if in homage to an old movie. "Your methods, your approach, like interviewing the garbage collectors, observing subtle charring patterns... they're not exactly standard procedure for a fire investigator, are they?" He wasn't accusing, merely observing, but his words felt like a gentle probe, seeking weaknesses in her defenses.
Vivian tensed almost imperceptibly. She prided herself on her unconventional, yet effective, investigative techniques. Well, more than that: she was proud that she was following in the footsteps of her father. And while her seemingly unconventional approaches were born out of necessity, they were also a means to find answers where others had failed. But sharing the why behind them felt too much like revealing a part of herself she wasn't ready to expose. Especially not to someone who could effortlessly disarm her and pull information from her with a charming smile if she let him. Luckily, her best friend Ben had helped her build up somewhat of an immunity to handsome, charming men over the years.
"My methods probably seem unconventional, but if they yield results…" Vivian stated, her voice a little cooler than before. "Well, that benefits everyone."
"Indeed," Alex agreed, his smile not faltering. "And they've certainly yielded results tonight. You've given me a completely new perspective on these incidents. A perspective I'm eager to explore further." He set his glass down, his gaze unwavering. "Tell me, Vivian. What else have you approached in your life that might be unconventional? What anomalies have you embraced that defy explanation?"
Vivian felt a prickle of alarm. He was fishing, openly now.
"My life is quite ordinary, Alex," Vivian lied smoothly, forcing a light, dismissive tone. "I'm a firefighter. My days involve killing time until I hear loud sounds and alarms, only to rush to a location where we can realistically only control the fires to keep them from spreading. And occasionally, I get called in to help investigate suspicious fires as a junior investigator. There's nothing particularly 'anomalous' about that. It's all just science, and it's all part of the job." She even managed a small, unconvincing laugh.
Alex's eyes, however, seemed to see right through her forced nonchalance. He leaned forward, his voice dropping to a near whisper, a hint of something more serious, more insistent, entering his tone. "I find that hard to believe, Vivian. You've just demonstrated an extraordinary ability to perceive patterns, to deduce hidden truths from the most mundane details. That's not 'ordinary.' And the way you moved through that warehouse, the way you seemed to instinctively know where to look..." He paused, letting the implication hang in the air. "You felt something, didn't you? Something you're not telling me."
Vivian felt a knot tighten in her stomach. "Alex," Vivian said, her voice regaining its professional firmness, "I've shared everything relevant to the investigation. Any other 'anomalies' are simply... my interpretation of data and training. There are no feelings involved. As I said, it's all known science."
"Training…" Alex said softly to himself. "Then, may I ask how you got into this line of work? I know you're a firefighter and an arson investigator in training. So, why did you become a firefighter?"
This was something Vivian had been asked many times before, so the answer was easy. "I wanted to help people." She paused, then added, "A fire destroys a lot more than things. It also destroys memories, safety, and often hope. For someone who has lost their home to a fire, it is one of the worst days of their lives. So I want to prevent that loss. Or, at least, ease their suffering. I know it's probably hubris, and you might think it is altruistic, but it's why I do it: I want to help people."
She picked up her fork, signaling an end to the line of questioning. "This dessert looks exquisite. Shall we?"
Alex watched her for a long moment, a flicker of something unreadable in his eyes – frustration? Amusement? A deeper, more calculating resolve? He didn't press further, at least not directly. He simply smiled, a slow, deliberate curve of his lips.
"As you wish, Ms. Lorenson," he said, the use of her formal title a subtle acknowledgment of her resistance, yet also a hint that this conversation, this probing, was far from over. "When should I schedule our next outing to visit another site?"
"Next outing?" Vivian looked both surprised and confused.
"Yes, our next outing," Alex iterated, emphasizing 'our.'
In the continued expression of her bad habit, Vivian bit at her lower lip and then responded. "There's no need for a busy CEO to personally escort me around the properties. I'm sure a manager or even just on-site security would be able to give access, given your permission, of course."
"I fear I've had too much fun today, and you've sparked my curiosity. So… my permission will only come with my inclusion."
"I guess this is what Liam meant when he hinted that you are very motivated when you are curious about something."
Alex laughed softly. "He's not wrong."
"So what happens when you eventually get bored?"
Alex's smile became wider and even made his eyes look more amused. "I'm not bored yet. And I suspect that I won't be for a while."
Vivian knew that arguing would be pointless, so instead she said, "Hold that thought and excuse me while I visit the restroom." She stood quickly and departed before Alex had the opportunity to even respond. Then she looked for the restroom and sent a text to Ben as soon as she closed the door.
[Viv] Hey, best buddy in the whole world… What are you up to?
[Ben] Too much to drink or awkward company?
[Viv] A little from column A and a lot from column B.
[Ben] Figured. Where do I pick you up?
[Viv] Do you know The Ember & Vine restaurant?
[Ben] Seriously? Yes, I know it. And I expect YOU to tell me how you ended up there on the ride home. Deal?
[Viv] Ugh. Fine.
[Ben] I was actually working late, so I'm not too far away.
When Vivian returned to the table, Alex was chatting with Julian, who had taken a seat at the end of the table. Both men stopped talking immediately and looked at her, making her feel even more awkward.
"Please, don't let me interrupt."
Julian waved his hand in dismissal. "It's nothing pressing. I was just eager to hear what you thought of the new menu items."
Vivian sighed, both internally and externally. She grabbed her attaché and pulled out a business card. "I know I owe you feedback for your incredible dishes. But I, unfortunately, have to report to legal for another issue, and it has to be tonight." Vivian handed Julian her business card. "But I would like to hold up my end of the bargain, so let me know when we can meet." Vivian's phone buzzed. It was a text from Ben saying that he was outside. She texted back to him to stay there, and she'd be out in a few seconds.
Alex stood and asked, "I hope it's nothing serious. I'll have Thomas bring the car around, and we'll get you there quickly."
"Thank you, but a car already came for me. They are waiting already," Vivian declared with some urgency.
Alex looked out of the window and could make out a sharply dressed man leaning against a car with his hands in his pockets. "I know him. Is that… Ben Orwell?"
"Yes. I'll have to ask him how you two know each other," Vivian said as she gathered the rest of her belongings and gave a polite bow in deference to Julian.
Alex chuckled at her formal farewell, then clarified, "It's more I know of him. He's taken on some rather high-profile cases, making a name for himself."
Vivian couldn't tell if Alex was chastising him or praising him, but she felt a little defensive about her best friend. "I suppose those who are loved by the camera must all know each other."
Julian let out a sharp, appreciative bark of laughter, while Alex gave a wicked grin at Vivian's witty retort.
"Thank you again, gentlemen. I hope the rest of your evening is wonderful." Vivian turned on the balls of her feet and made a hasty exit, jogging to the end of the sidewalk and greeted by a waiting Ben.
It was obvious that Ben also recognized Alex and was already preparing his interrogation of Vivian. "Viv? That's…"
"I know. I know." Vivian put one foot in the car and said, "Just get in so we can go. I'll fill you in later."
Ben stood staring into the restaurant window as Alex stood staring out of it. "I have questions, Viv," Ben declared in a stern voice.