What a beautiful couple" the lady said, smiling warmly.
"No, no-" Athena began, but before she could finish, Donald cut in with a wide, fake smile. "Thank you!"
Athena shot him a sharp "Excuse me?" Look
"She's the love of my life" Donald added, draping his arm over Athena's shoulder - carefully hovering not to actually touch her after what happened last time.
The woman invited them to her 50th marriage anniversary. She explained that most of her friends wouldn't be able to attend, and she didn't want the place looking empty. Donald smiled and assured her they would be there.
Later at home, Athena confronted him.
"I don't see how pretending to be a couple helps our mission" she said, clearly annoyed.
"We have to play along with whatever comes our way," Donald said calmly.
"What does she have to do with anything "
"Look at what happened with the park and the kid. The mission isn't straightforward, Anything - even the random people we meet - could lead to something.
Athena's jaw clenched. Without another word, she spun on her heel and vanished into the hallway. She didn't like the latest development at all, she came to find her relics not to dress up and go to some party especially pretending to be in a relationship with a man.
I watched the whole scene play out and clapped slowly. "Your taste is so high, you can't land a normal - now you're going for a goddess," I said mockingly
Didn't you say you know everything about Greek mythology? Isn't she Celibate - sworn off relationships? He asked, sounding exhausted.
"Anything can happen" I replied playfully
"Especially when some do with some DonGold magic"
He just sighed and walked away. Down in the underground hideout, Justin asked were you able to recover your relics?
'No' Athena replied, "but we have a new lead",
She explained that Triple T was actually a heroine - manufacturing front. They had created the children's Park to cover up their drug operations. That was the man they interrogated at the park revealed.
"This is a strong mission", Wendy said, frowning.
"I agree", I added.
"But it's so grounded - realistic," Donald said
"Maybe for the narcotic department," Justin countered. "This was supposed to be more of an archaeology thing," Athena agreed with him.
"Or a serial killer case," I added - immediately regretting it was everyone turned to look at me.
The factory was located in an uncharted area with no network coverage. That means Justin couldn't assist them remotely. On top of that the transportation to the area - a supply truck that regularly visited the factory - wouldn't be available for another three days.
"I've got a strong feeling about this," Donald said
"Just like your strong feeling that the kid wouldn't cause us trouble? Athena shot back
"Gotcha!" I said, laughed.
Meanwhile, Wendy - who had a habit of staying in the dark when she was alone. Cold white tile warmed by the golden glow of a single dance, its light dancing off the steam-clad mirror. The air was heavy with lavender soap and the faint pinch of citrus from an over-ripe candle, undercut by the soft hiss of dripping faucet. She stepped out of her bathroom and froze. In the dim light, she saw the faint figure of what looked like a man. She was terrified.