Chapter 1: Neo-Noir
It was her eyes.
In his memories, she wasn't possessed of the same poise that seeing her in person granted. Still, those amazing eyes were fresh in his memory. She had given him a lead on some strange "nocturnal" activities of local suspected organized crime leader, Joseph Valentine. What he saw was, indeed, strange...but there was nothing illegal about it.
He knew he couldn't go to his editor with the scandalous story of an orgy hosted at the Valentine estate. Lex could almost hear the boss now, "THIS IS A RESPECTED NEWS PAPER! If you want to push stories like that, take it to some tabloid dirt-rag!" Lex sent his photographer friend, Arty, to do just that. At least somebody could make some money off of this.
When last he saw her, she had found his apartment and come to visit. She ended up spending the night and even though she wasn't there for breakfast, she certainly deserved breakfast in bed after her performance. Almost two weeks, and he hadn't heard from her since. It was unusual. She wasn't at any of her normal haunts and no one had seen her. Lex refused to let it stress him.
Lex glanced about the Cafe, looking for any of the old familiars that used to hang out here in his college days when it was nothing more than a glorified coffee bar. The emo girl with the green hair in the corner finished whatever she was doing and strode past. He offered a polite smile and nod (nowhere akin to the lecherous smile and nod) as she left, but Lex didn't think she noticed.
He turned his attention back to his lap top, sipping his raspberry-flavored Chai latte. He had an article to finish and the deadline was tomorrow. Of course, that was better then his usual articles, which he'd just finish in time for the editor to do a quick once-over and pass it along for printing. All things considered, it was shaping up to be a pretty good day.
Then, he heard the familiar instant message sound. Probably just a porn-bot...
whisper2007: Alexander Rekkenmark?
That was strange. Lex was careful to give his name out to nobody on the internet. Also, his computer had so many anti-hacking defenses, the Pentagon would envy it.
newshound24: who is this?
whisper2007: Just a bit of advice, Mr. Rekkenmark. If I were you, I'd make damn sure to forget what I saw at the Valentine estate. Furthermore, it's in your best interest to cease all investigations of Joseph Valentine and the woman who put you on to him.
newshound24: who are you?
/error - this username does not exist.
In a few quick mouse-clicks and keystrokes, Lex brought up his web browser and keyed in the profiles section of the chat and messenger client he was using. Still it read that the username he had just a moment ago seen does not exist. He quickly checked his message archive and found no record of the conversation.
If whoever sent that message had meant to scare him away from the investigation, they had achieved the opposite of their goals. Now, Lex was more resolved then ever to uncover the story of Joseph Valentine.