Benjamin's dad's case got handled by the cops over at Crystalhaven Aspen District Police Station. When Ben rolled up to the station, he was met by this young female officer, probably in her mid-twenties, looking sharp in her uniform.
After Ben laid out why he was there, the officer was pretty chill. "You're Daniel's family, right? Lemme see your ID."
Ben handed over his ID without a fuss. As she leaned in to check it, her uniform gave a little peek of cleavage. Even with Ben's height, he couldn't miss it.
"Benjamin?" The officer repeated his name in her head, like she'd heard it somewhere before but couldn't place it. Handing back his ID, she said, "Follow me. The forensic team already confirmed your dad's case as an accidental fall."
Ben followed her to her office and took a seat. She started explaining what went down that day. They got a call the morning after Daniel's death. Forensics said he fell from the eighth floor around 10 p.m. the night before, jumping from his own office with no signs of a struggle.
Not buying it, Ben asked, "Can you tell me? Who reported it?"
He wanted to talk to the witnesses, but the officer shut him down, "Sorry, we can't give out the reporter's info."
"Alright, thanks." Feeling let down, Ben left the station. It was already past ten, so he decided to head to his dad's company.
Just then, Sophia called, "Ben, you there yet? I've got dinner ready, come over now!"
"Sophia, I might not make it. How about I treat you another day?" Ben tried to dodge, but Sophia wasn't having it.
"Don't even think about it. What's more important than eating? Get over here and fill your stomach!"
While cooking, Sophia added, "My mom's on the night shift, so she won't be back. I'm handling the kids and cooking for you. If you don't come, I'll be pissed."
Ben laughed, "Sophia, aren't you worried your husband will get jealous of how well you treat me?"
Sophia thought, "Jealous of what? I'm just inviting you for dinner, not doing anything else... Whatever, just get over here."
After hanging up, Ben grabbed a taxi to Sophia's place. He was super grateful to her. Even though they weren't related, Sophia always treated him like a little brother. Back in high school, Ben had a crush on her, but some things were just too awkward to say.
Back then, Ben and Sophia were closer than siblings, always together, more intimate than a couple, doing everything together except the deed.
They even shared a tent during a spring outing. Looking back, Ben felt he was so naive. If a girl was cool with sharing a tent, she was probably down for more, and if they had gone all the way, she would've been fine with it.
When he got to Sophia's place, Ben picked up a bottle of red wine from the supermarket before heading up. It wasn't fancy, but it was something.
Taking the elevator up, Ben rang Sophia's doorbell. She opened up, wearing an apron over a casual outfit - a t-shirt and black shorts, showing off her legs.
Because of breastfeeding, her chest was particularly large, and she had this faint scent of milk.
"Yo, Benjamin! Why you just standin' there? Get your butt in here!" Sophia caught Benjamin gawking at her chest, his face turning beet red.
Benjamin got ears like a hawk. He could totally hear her heart racing. Sophia was probably all jittery and excited. I mean, any chick would be stoked if a dude she kinda likes checks her out, even if it's a bit too personal.
But if she ain't into him, even a quick glance would be a total turn-off. Truth is, Sophia didn't marry her hubby outta love. It was more like a spur-of-the-moment thing. She used to dream about tying the knot with Benjamin, but since he was MIA for ages, she ended up hooking up with her current husband after one too many drinks.
Next thing she knew, she was pregnant. She was all confused and stuff, and with her hubby begging her to marry him, she just went with it.
Married life? Not so great. Her husband seemed like a decent guy, but he was always horny. Every time he got home, he'd drag her to bed for some wild action.
Sure, it's normal for couples to get it on, but the dude could only last like three to five minutes. Just when Sophia was getting into it, he' d be done, leaving her super frustrated.
Seeing Benjamin back in town yesterday totally messed with her head. She thought she was gonna live this boring life, but Benjamin showing up changed everything.
Even though she's married now, she can't shake the urge to do something with him.
They were childhood buddies, but neither of them ever said how they felt, so they missed their shot.
Sophia still remembers that one spring trip where they shared a tent, cuddling and making out, but never going all the way. She had her heart set on marrying Benjamin, but then he up and left, leaving her in a mess.
Back in the house, Sophia served up the food, "Benjamin, grab a seat and dig into what I cooked!" Sophia ditched her apron and gave Benjamin a warm welcome.
Benjamin didn't hold back, plopping down and putting the wine he brought on the table. "Sophia, it's been like four years since we last hung out! Let's catch up and have a few drinks!"
Sophia perked up, grinning, "Yeah, you've been gone forever, had me worried sick. But hey, I can't drink, gotta breastfeed the baby!"
The kid was just a few months old and needed feeding every day, so no booze for Sophia.
"Benjamin, what've you been up to all these years abroad? So secretive, not even a call. Did you meet some other chicks and forget all about me?" Sophia cracked a joke, and after their second hangout, they started to get that old vibe back, like they could talk about anything.
Benjamin got a bit sentimental, poured himself some wine, and swirled his glass. "Sophia, don't mess with me. You know I care about you. It was rough out there for a few years, and I didn't call 'cause I was scared I'd wanna come back. But I toughed it out, made some cash, and now I'm back for good. Gonna find the right girl, settle down, and have some kids."
He casually dropped hints about his life as an assassin, not mentioning that while no one knew "Benjamin," the name "Loneblade" sent chills down mercenaries' spines.
The "small money" he talked about? We're talking millions, not even counting his stash in Valoria Bank. If he pulled all his assets, he'd be rolling with the billionaires.
"Simple life's the best. So, Benjamin, no girlfriend yet?" Sophia asked, curious.
Benjamin shrugged and shook his head. "Nah, the chicks I met abroad were tougher than the dudes. No way I was finding a girlfriend there!"
Sophia felt a weird sense of happiness at his answer, though she couldn't figure out why.
Just as Benjamin was about to crack a joke and ask Sophia to set him up, the baby in the other room started wailing, cutting him off.