Chapter Text
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“Mail call!” The ghost postman from the dead letter office calls. Charles jumps as the man appears suddenly right next to his ear. He was reviewing the agency case board when the ghost popped out of their closet. Crystal and Niko smile from their spot on the floor and Charles smirks back before taking the letters from him. “Cheers, mate.” They expect the postman to leave but he sidesteps Charles instead and hands a letter to the detective with his head buried in a book at the desk.
He shouts, “Special delivery for Edwin Payne!” and moves to leave.
Edwin looks up from his textbook and groans, “You don’t need to yell, I am right here.” He takes the envelope but there is extreme caution in his eyes. It’s been decades since he’s received a letter addressed just to him. He’s looking at the thing like it could explode any minute. After the surprise from the Night Nurse and her superior, he especially tried to be more careful when it came to opening mail from unexpected sources.
Niko gets up and examines the paper next to Edwin. The back reads in bold capitalized letters, “FOR EDWIN’S EYES ONLY”. A small heart is drawn under the bold statement. He gets a sinking feeling in his gut as he stares at the words on the paper.
Niko, on the other hand, is positively bubbling now. “Edwin… Who is sending you letters with hearts on it? Do you have a secret admirer?” She nudges him with her hip, which earns her a glare from the ghost.
“Of course not! I have no idea.” He looks from her to Charles, like he is being accused of some heinous crime that he definitely did not do.
Crystal doesn’t get up but she waves her fingers in the air lazily. “Want me to check for you?” she says with an air of reluctance.
“No. No, it’s fine. I’ll just open it.” Niko leans closer over his shoulder as he grabs the letter opener and slices the fold apart. Edwin sighs, “Niko, some privacy please. I will tell you who it’s from after I have read it.” She pouts but acquiesces soon after and joins Crystal again on the floor. She lays between Crystal’s legs and the psychic wraps her arms around her neck, kissing the top of her head. Charles sits on the desk and watches as Edwin pulls the letter out.
He sucks in a deep breath and starts to read.
Dearest Edwin,
I admit I am a little sad you haven’t reached out since we last met. Things in Port Townsend have been deathly boring since your band of merry detectives have left. Drop by when you have a break in charity work, would you?
There is one puzzling conundrum I could use your help with, if you have the time.
Yours truly,
- The Cat King of Port Townsend
Edwin stifles a smile and looks back up at his friends. He says, “It’s nothing. Just an old client thanking us for our services,” and tucks the letter into his jacket pocket.
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