Waking from hibernation
驚蟄 [7] / [20]
“How about we have a small party with Anna and Ed before we return to work?”
She proposed and he agreed willingly. They might be able to announce they are dating.
On that Saturday, Cynthia and Alexander were busy making some food for the party. They made small batches of various party foods; grilled glazed drumsticks and chicken wings, ham and cheese sandwiches, cocktail meatballs, crispy parmesan roasted potatoes, smoked salmon appetizer bites, sausage rolls, and french onion dip. As Cynthia insisted, grilled steak and ribs were added, so it became quite the menu.
“How can we eat all this?” Alexander was stunned,
“You shouldn’t have grilled the meat, that’s too much!”
But he looked pleased. Cynthia answered naughtily,
“We can deal with the leftover food for weeks if anything's left.”
Ed and Anna were set to arrive in about 20 minutes. The preparations for the party were almost over. Soon, the bell rang. Anna and Ed came in. They didn’t need to bring anything as there was plenty of liquor at Cynthia’s place, but Ed brought a bottle of Crown, as promised. On the table, Anna opened the box in front of them proudly. Tiramisu, chocolate mousse, cinnamon honey creme brulee, apple berry crumble and other various kinds of cakes. Anna looked excited and almost shouted.
“Dessert from ‘Tramibloom’!”
On the other hand, Ed seemed blasé, and shrugged. Alexander and Cynthia giggled. They knew Ed reluctantly ate sweet things when Anna wanted them.
Quite a number of bottles of liquor were opened. No one mentioned work. The atmosphere was congenial, unlike before.
“I will bring lamb ribs. Hold on,”
Cynthia hurriedly went ahead to open the oven. To be sure, the news of Lucas’ case made the atmosphere grave.
Changing the subject, they discussed the annual reshuffling of personnel, and that Cynthia and Alexander would be transferred to another department.
“John also should transfer,”
Anna said, observing Cynthia’s expression cautiously.
“I know,”
Cynthia answered lightly.
“What department do you want to be transferred to?”
Ed asked, seeing Alexander and Cynthia.
“I thought about transferring to John’s position,” Cynthia continued.
“I want to take on Alexander’s attempted murder case since there’s no result in the investigation. I thought about assembling a new task force to investigate the case further. And if it’s possible, with Alexander,”
she added. Alexander was startled.
