The Legacy of Seán – Part 1: The Orphan’s Plight

Chapter 3: The New Routines and Revelations | Episode 7

After coming to Stourbrook Kevin spent the first few weekends exploring the neighbourhood either with Aunty Gupta or Annie. 

Annie took it upon herself to ensure that Kevin felt welcomed and familiar with the new surroundings. She recognized his eagerness to explore, so she often planned weekend excursions in the afternoon to various places in the town. Whether it was visiting local attractions, parks, or quaint cafes, Annie made sure Kevin got a taste of the community’s charm and also introduced him to neighbours and locals alike. 

Their explorations were not just about discovering places but also about building a strong friendship. On Sundays, the two would spend time together in Kevin’s cosy room. It became a regular spot for them to unwind, sharing tales of her adventures with her brothers, reading story books, discussing school, and sometimes simply enjoying the tranquillity of the neighbourhood and the delectables prepared by Mrs Malika Gupta. 

One day as these two teens were in the school canteen during the meals discussing the possibility of a meet-up between Annie’s parents and Kevin, the four inquisitive teenagers Alison, Sophie, Emma and Tara, were seen approaching them.

‘Well, well, Annie, what do we have here? Our cute little prodigy by your side? Decided to make friends with the younger crowd?’ Sophie said sarcastically.

‘Oh, please. Kevin’s a lot more interesting than you guys. And don’t forget, I can handle myself just fine.’ Annie defended.

‘Kevin, did you charm Annie into defending you?’ asked Emma.

‘Er…no. I mean. Why should I?’ Kevin fumbled as he spoke. He was bewildered as he had never been smothered by a gang of girls like this before. 

‘Oh, c’mon girls. Don’t bother him. And go back to your classes or else…,’ Annie said with a certain sternness in her voice that stirred a sense of fear among the girls. Looking slightly chastened Alison urged the other three away from the spot. 

From the very first day, Kevin couldn’t help noticing that his friend had this strange authoritative attitude that made her somewhat feared by most of the students in the school. He always wondered why. On that day he was unable to hold his curiosity. 

‘Annie, how come everyone is afraid of you around here? What’s the secret?’ he asked.  

‘Well, it’s not really a secret. My father works as a Detective Chief Inspector. You know, people tend to show respect when they know your family is associated with law enforcement,’ Annie chuckled. 

‘Your father’s a detective?’ Kevin’s eyes almost popped out in sheer astonishment. His hand froze and the biscuit he was dipping in milk accidentally plopped into the glass. He stared at Annie’s face, mouth agape with incredulity for a moment before regaining his composure and finding his words again.

‘Wow! Does he solve crimes like murders and bank robberies?’ he asked.  

‘Yes, of course. My father is in the Criminal Investigation Department. The CID you know? He works on all sorts of cases, from small thefts to more serious stuff. He’s really good at piecing together clues and catching the bad guys. It’s like being in a real-life detective story sometimes,’ Annie proudly remarked, putting a spoonful of a lemon pie in her mouth.

Kevin couldn’t believe his ears. Annie’s the daughter of a real-life detective! Now that’s a big deal for him.

‘That’s awesome! Tell me more about him, please. I love detective novels and mysteries. And I want to become a detective one day,’ Kevin couldn’t contain his excitement any longer, and his desire to pursue a career as a sleuth slipped out.

‘Really!’ Annie stared at him in amazement. This cute little genius wants to be a detective! That was so weird and funny, she couldn’t help feeling amused by the thought.

‘And why on earth do you want to be a detective? I mean there are better options available for you, especially when you are so good in academics,’ Annie expressed her concern. 

‘You won’t understand, it’s my dream to become a super sleuth one day. Have you read Sherlock Holmes or watched those James Bond movies?’ said Kevin excitedly.

‘Yes, of course. Alright, I get it,’ Annie recalled the sight of a pile of detective novels and story books she had noticed in Kevin’s room back at Aunty Gupta’s house. 

‘Do you want to be a real-life Sherlock Holmes or a James Bond or somebody like them?’ Annie asked him. Kevin nodded with a grin. 

‘But Kevin, those are movies based on fictional stories and not real life. Being a detective is not as glamorous and adventurous as it seems on screen,’ Annie said. ‘How many names of such famous detectives do you find in real life? They all remain in oblivion, dear,’ she added. 

Kevin’s grin widened, ‘Well, who said real life can’t have a bit of glamour and adventure? Plus, I’ve always been fascinated by solving mysteries and putting pieces together. It’s like a puzzle, and I love puzzles.’

Annie chortled, ‘You and your quirky dreams. But if that’s what makes you happy, go for it. Just don’t blame me if it turns out to be more paperwork than action. Trust me, I’ve watched my father doing those almost every time a case comes in his hands.’

Kevin laughed, ‘…and I promise, if I ever become a detective drowning in paperwork, I’ll remember to blame James Bond for misleading me.’

‘My dear friend, if you’re going to embark on these detective escapades of yours, you simply must gather an arsenal of disguises to solve mysteries. I’m talking trench coats, magnifying glasses, and of course, a wide range of moustaches and beards for all occasions!’ Annie teased Kevin by playfully imagining him as a grown-up man with a fake moustache, chasing a thief through the alleys of London.

Kevin, amused by the image, asked Annie with a mischievous chuckle, ‘So, will you be my trusty assistant, like Moneypenny in the James Bond series?’

Annie, still giggling, replied, ‘Absolutely! But only if you promise not to make me do all the boring paperwork. I’m in for the action scenes and thrilling chases.’

Kevin dramatically saluted her. 

‘Deal!’ he said, ‘Just be ready for some high-stakes adventures and, of course, a lot of puzzle-solving when we grow up.’ 

The two had a hearty laugh that day over the topic. 

Soon, these young teens became inseparable friends. They were often seen walking down the streets with their bicycles in tow and engaged in lively conversations that covered a wide range of topics. They chatted about school, their favourite sports, academic interests, and hobbies, and even confessed to their misdeeds at times. But their most-liked topic, the one that always lit up their eyes with excitement, was sleuthing. They couldn’t get enough of discussing mysteries, detective stories, and their plans for solving imaginary crimes. 

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