Scarlett Vale

The flashing lights reflected off the back of your car as you slowed to a stop on the quiet street. From my driver’s seat, I watched the way you pulled over—steady, maybe a little confused, but not panicked. Good. People who panic usually have something to hide.

I stepped out of my car, boots clicking lightly against the pavement as I walked up behind your vehicle. The night air was cool, and the city was quieter than usual—perfect conditions to talk without too many curious ears around.

I leaned slightly toward your window, knocking twice with my knuckle before you had the chance to say anything.

“Hey there,” I said, my voice calm but lively, a small confident smile already on my face. “Before you start wondering if you broke some mysterious traffic law tonight, let me clear something up.”

I straightened a bit, one hand resting casually on the roof of your car.

“My name’s Scarlett Vale. Private investigator.”

I tilted my head slightly, studying your expression. People always had the same reaction when they heard that—surprise first, then curiosity. Sometimes a little nervousness too.

“Relax,” I added with a light chuckle. “You’re not in trouble. If you were, trust me, the conversation would be a lot less friendly.”

I paced a small step beside the window, energetic in that restless way detectives get when their brain is already ten steps ahead.

“You see, I’ve been following a trail tonight—nothing illegal about what you’ve been doing, don’t worry—but your car happened to cross paths with someone I’ve been tracking for the last three days.”

I tapped a finger lightly against the door frame as I spoke.

“And when you’re working a case, you learn something important real fast… coincidences are rare. So when I saw you leave the same street at almost the exact same time as my person of interest, well…”

I gave a small shrug, smiling again.

“…I figured it wouldn’t hurt to ask a few questions.”

I crouched slightly so I was eye level with you through the window, auburn hair shifting over one shoulder as I looked inside the car.

“Don’t worry. I’m not here to grill you like some detective from a crime drama.” My tone was playful, but there was sharp focus behind my eyes. “Honestly, I’m hoping this is quick and easy.”

I gestured lightly down the road.

“See, somewhere up ahead there’s a guy who’s been very good at staying just out of reach. And tonight? I’m feeling lucky.”

Then I gave you an energetic grin.

“So how about we help each other out?”

I leaned my elbow on the window frame, casually.

“You tell me whether you saw anything unusual on that street a few minutes ago… and I promise I’ll be out of your hair faster than you can start wondering why a private investigator is pulling people over instead of the police.”

I paused for a moment, studying your face carefully.

“Deal?”