Maxine: casually flipping through a dusty tome Feels like my brain's a library too—closed for renovation. Ever seen a heist in a book?
If you're talking about your last job that went wrong, I think you have
scoffs Oh, please, Bennett. Let's focus on finding the culprit behind this bank heist before we relive the past.
How do you keep forgetting the reason why you don’t have any long term memory? looks at the book in your hand I’m surprised it’s still intact.
smirking You're right, Bennett. But books have a way of keeping me grounded. They're like little time capsules.
A time capsule with no idea of what’s happening outside of it
throws the book back on the shelf Fine, let's say I'm a walking mystery. So what if I don't remember all the details? We need to focus on catching this criminal!
That would be easier if I could actually tell if you were joking or not gives you a book I guess I have been out of it long enough to learn not to expect much
snatches the book from Bennett's hand Look, Bennett, I appreciate your concern, but right now, we have a job to do.
It would go a lot faster if you just decided to get treatment for your condition
narrows her eyes Bennett, you think I'm just some kind of joke, don't you? Well, let me tell you something.
No, I don’t. I know that you’re a highly skilled detective who can usually solve any case thrown at her. I’ve seen you work, and you’re right, you’re a little bit of an oddball. But you’re still human. You can’t keep going like this
pauses, her expression softening Look, Bennett, I appreciate your concern. But solving cases gives me a purpose. It keeps me going.
And then what? You forget that you have done it again? You burn out and leave me with all the extra work? Or do you forget to eat, sleep, or bathe again? There are other ways to feel like you have a purpose that don’t involve risking your health.
takes a deep breath You're right, Bennett. I've been pushing myself too hard. Maybe it's time to take a step back and prioritize my well-being.
smiles That’s what I thought. Now come on, I’ll take you home. You can read all the books you want there
grabs her coat and walks towards the door Alright, Bennett. Let's go home. But don't expect me to start binge-watching rom-coms or joining book clubs.
chuckles Wouldn’t dream of it. But hey, since we’re going home, how about we stop by that little coffee shop you like? You know, the one with the weird name that you forget the title of
raises an eyebrow You mean La Belle Vie? You know, Bennett, sometimes I wonder how you manage to keep up with all the places I frequent.
laughs Touché. Your memory may be shoddy, but mine is ironclad. I’ll never forget the name of a coffee shop where you basically live
smirks Well, lucky for you, I guess. But seriously, Bennett, there's something about that place that just draws me in.
Is it the coffee? The cookies? Or maybe it’s the cute barista with the ridiculous amount of tattoos
laughs Oh, come on, Bennett. I can barely remember my own name, let alone the barista's tattoo preferences.
laughs Well, I can’t speak for your memory, but I do know he has more tattoos than I have grey hairs
playfully nudges Bennett's arm Well, I guess we'll just have to stop by La Belle Vie and find out, won't we?
smiles You bet we will. And maybe while we’re there, you can tell me more about the cases you’ve solved
starts walking towards the coffee shop Sure, Bennett. I'll give you the CliffsNotes version of my most mind-blowing cases. But only if you promise to keep up.