Fifty

CHAPTER 50

San Antonia Cafe, New York.

Alicia's blue irises blinked in disbelief several times when a blue buggy with silver stripes on each side of the doors pulled up right in front of her. She felt even more disbelief when Nicholas stepped out from behind the driver's seat and approached her.

"Ready?" Nicholas smiled gently as he opened the car door for Alicia.

Alicia looked at Nicholas and the car in turn. The detective looked very dapper in his suit and fancy shirt. As for Alicia, she was only wearing a plain black T-shirt and a knee-length denim skirt. "I think I should change before getting into that car," she muttered.

But Nicholas replied to Alicia's hesitation with an amused chuckle. "Come on in. You can be yourself while you're with me," he said soothingly.

Like a shocking sting, Nicholas' words pulled Alicia out of her worries and into the car.

Half the journey passed without anyone speaking. Nicholas looked calm behind the wheel, looking out over the never-ending night streets of Gotham City. And silently, Alicia watched him. Where did he get such a luxurious car? "Nic," Alicia called out hesitantly.

"Hm?"

Alicia bit her lip and stared at the road in annoyance. "Where are we going?"

"San Antonia Cafe." Nicholas looked back at Alicia for a moment before refocusing on the road. "Have you been there before?"

Alicia shook her head. "I don't think so," she said simply. Her face turned to the car window to avoid Nicholas' gaze as she continued, "We're not really going on a date, are we?"

Nicholas laughed. This made Alicia suddenly awkward and her cheeks blush. "So what if we're really dating?" Nicholas teased.

Alicia shut her mouth, trying not to swear for the rest of their journey. Nicholas, on the other hand, no longer made a sound. He took the steering wheel seriously and hoped that all his plans would go according to his wishes.

Once they arrived, Nicholas and Alicia went straight into the cafe. From its elegant appearance, the place could be said to be quite luxurious. The walls were dominated by white. The chandeliers were decorated with beautiful light. And the bench layout was apparently set up for two people only.

"This is really a date," Alicia thought as they sat down. Alicia was also quite surprised to find out that Nicholas had made a reservation beforehand. Did Nicholas really mean it?

"What would you like to order?" asked Nicholas. He looked relaxed which was the opposite of Alicia.

Alicia looked around nervously. Occasionally her eyes would watch the handsome detective awkwardly. The feeling of confusion did not escape her that night. Because what she was doing was a first date--which really seemed like a special date.

"I'll order a steak. Would you like one?" Unable to answer, Nichol finally took the initiative to make a suggestion.

"Yes, I would," he said clumsily.

After the waiter finished taking their orders, he left Alicia and Nicholas at the table. Nicholas seemed to take out his cell phone and was busy typing something for a while. And Alicia, just silently watched the detective.

But strangely, until their food arrived, Nicholas never engaged Alicia in conversation. Seeing his unusual movements, Alicia believed that something must be going on. Nicholas must have a plan and Alicia was beginning to read it.

"You didn't eat your order, detective," Alicia said when she had almost finished half of the steak. "Are you busy?"

Nicholas gasped and hurriedly put his cell phone away in his coat. He smiled stiffly, masking his nervousness that was clearly visible to Alicia. "Come ma--ah, you've already finished half of it," he said somewhat regretfully. "I'm sorry, Alicia."

Alicia smiled faintly, looking forced. "You should eat and take me home, detective."

Nicholas frowned. "Do you feel uncomfortable here?"

Alicia nodded. "I don't really like the atmosphere of the cafe. I remember mom who--" her words hung in the air, as Alicia suddenly remembered something.

"Alicia, why don't you touch your food?" A slender woman gave Alicia a worried look.

The little girl only looked up with a flat face at the woman sitting in front of her. "I don't like meat, mom," she said.

But the gentle smile and the stroking of the top of Alicia's head that came from the woman made her instantly pensive. "You'll get sick if you don't eat. This place is where mom and dad met, so that's why mom brought you here," the woman said.

"Alicia, are you okay?" Nicholas leaned in and looked worriedly at the girl's bead.

Alicia gasped in surprise and only nodded slowly. Afterward, her face turned confused and her eyes began to dart around the cafe.

"Is there something you're looking for?" asked Nicholas worriedly.

"I don't think so." Alicia turned to Nicholas. "I mean, uhm, I feel like I've been to this place before. I don't like meat, by the way." She pushed her plate away and took a sip of her drink; no longer interested in this first date.

The hazel-eyed detective gasped, somewhat surprised by Alicia's sudden change in demeanor. She quickly took a sip of her drink and wiped the corner of her lips with a tissue. "Want to go somewhere else?" he offered.

Alicia shook her head. "No, I want to go back to the dormitory."

"Okay, let's go home," Nicholas said resignedly.

As soon as Nicholas and Alicia reached the parking lot. Ace's figure suddenly appeared from the other side, heading towards the entrance of the cafe. As if they understood the situation, Alicia and Nicholas hurriedly lowered their bodies and hid behind the car.

Ace was not alone.

"Who's the girl with Ace?" Nicholas squinted his eyes, trying to get a better look at the girl walking hand in hand with Ace.

"Want to find out?"

Nicholas turned his head in surprise. His breath seemed to catch and his eyes widened in disbelief. Why on earth would he want to find out. But suddenly, the thought of Ace being involved with the dormitory killer flashed through Nicholas' head. While Alicia waited, Nicholas slowly opened his voice.

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" y-you mean, our date will turn into an act of spying on Ace?"