One Hundred and Fourty Three

CHAPTER 143

"What are you going to do today? You look nice," Nicholas said, taking his eyes off his cell phone.

Alicia, who had just finished putting on her clothes, pulled a gray backpack from behind the bedroom door and put it on her back. She sat next to Nicholas, who was preparing to leave for work while enjoying Alicia's green tea. Alicia smiled and explained, "I'm going to apply for some part-time jobs today. I heard that Uncle Chuck's shop needs a lot of waiters for Christmas week. You know that their ice cream is the best, right?"

Nicholas squinted. "You don't need to look for a job, aren't lawyers going to take care of your parents' entire estate?" The man recalled. "That will be enough for you. And... starting today, I'll pay for you. I'm serious about our relationship, so please let me help you financially, Alicia."

A soft chuckle sounded from Alicia. She stroked Nicholas’s hair which had been polished with strawberry-scented hair gel. Then looked at him intensely. NIcholas's brown eyeballs made Alicia addicted. It felt good to be able to look at him like this. "You don't have to do that, Nic. You can do it if we're married."

Nicholas grinned. "You want to get married?"

"I mean... someday, Mr. Pervert!" Alicia pinched Nicholas' cheek, then got up from the sofa. "You received a call from Noel, didn't you? Is there something urgent, you looked uncomfortable when I saw you. That's... not bad news, is it?"

Nicholas didn't seem to want to discuss it, but it was Alicia. The man couldn't possibly refuse to talk. So finally, Nicholas looked up, lifting his head to look at Alicia who was now folding her arms across her chest curiously. "Noel said they found a body by the beach."

Alicia couldn't hide her surprise at this. Her hand flew up and landed right on her lips, just as Nicholas finished delivering the news from Noel. Nicholas nodded, as if agreeing with Alicia's opinion that the girl had not even said.

"If you think that this might have something to do with Ace... then our thoughts are the same, Alicia," Nicholas said in a sad tone. He bit his lower lip, then continued as he stood up. "I'll leave you to check things out over there. Do you think you'll be okay? Everyone is busy searching for Ace, we're short on personnel in the field. I have no choice, I have to go help Noel."

"I think he needs you more." Alicia took Nicholas' hand, clasping it gently. Flashing her thin, worried smile, Alicia added, "I'll keep you posted so you won't worry. Besides, I'm just going to apply for jobs and travel around the city. I'll be in a crowded place so as not to cause any trouble."

Nicholas smiled with relief, then gently rubbed the top of his girl's head. Alicia was adorable for being sweet and mature at the same time. "I'm very lucky to have a smart girl like you."

As Alicia leaves for work, her mind is caught between her plans to apply for a job and the disturbing news of the discovery of a body on the beach. She calls a taxi, deciding to start her day at Uncle Chuck's ice cream parlor, where she hopes to land a part-time position.

The crowded streets and cheerful conversation at Uncle Chuck's offered a temporary diversion.

"Uncle Chuck!"

Uncle Chuck, who was known for his friendly and polite attitude towards everyone, greeted Alicia back. He welcomed Alicia. "Wow, you're the girl who always orders caramel ice here. What's wrong, want to order another caramel for this cold day?"

Alicia laughed softly, she took out a folder from inside her gray backpack and thrust it forward. "I saw the job board on your door yesterday and I'm interested in joining. I was wondering if I could be your part-time worker."

Uncle Chuck accepted the folder with enthusiasm. He didn't compare Alicia with other applicants.

Alicia greeted Chuck warmly and asked about the job opening. Chuck, a well-built man with a twinkle in his eye, immediately saw Alicia's potential and offered her a trial starting the next day. Her spirits lifted as she enjoyed a scoop of his famous caramel swirl ice cream, feeling a glimmer of normality amidst the unsettling news.

"I believe you can do it. You can come tomorrow morning and help me put together the ice cream before the customers arrive. Your work will probably get busier when Christmas comes, would you mind that?"

And Alicia shook her head slowly. She had no problem with that. "I have no problem with that. I'll come tomorrow morning."

Uncle Chuck shook the folder from Alicia in the air. "In that case, I'll keep this as a guarantee for you to come tomorrow morning."

"Well, thank you, Uncle Chuck."

After that, Alicia wandered around the city, checking out other job applications at various cafes and boutiques, taking advantage of the crowds to calm her nerves. She occasionally glanced at her cell phone, contemplating whether to call Nicholas. Worries about him and the mysterious body found on the beach continue to haunt her mind.

As dusk fell, Alicia found herself near the beach where the body was found. The scene is eerie - the once tranquil beach is now heavily guarded, filled with police cars and twinkling lights. She hesitated, torn between curiosity and fear.

Finally, with a deep breath, Alicia approached a familiar figure standing among the officers. It was Nicholas, his face etched with worry. He turned his head towards the sound of her footsteps, shock and worry mixing in his eyes. "Alicia, what are you doing here?" Nicholas asked, his voice strained with both relief and worry.

"I... I wanted to make sure you were okay," she replied, her concern reflected in her eyes. "And I can't shake the feeling that this might be related to Ace. "Nicholas nodded, appreciating her concern, but he was clearly distracted by the ongoing investigation. "We're still putting everything together. It's too early to come to any conclusions."