I am never going to get the funk out of jacket. Even the bag over my head didn't keep the almost living smell out of my nose. some sort of binding cut into my wrists adding to my wonderful morning. Was it a Monday? It had to be a Monday.

"Jiminy Cricket, that stinks."

"She's awake, what should we do?" A young male voice asked.

"I don't know you idiot. I told you to be gentle with her. Why in the great gates did you knock her unconscious? Mom's gonna be mad." This one sounded older and a little pissed.

"I know." He groaned. "I panicked."

I could help us all out. "Listen guys, how about we take off these restraints and we talk like civilized... creatures?"

"What if she is lying?"

I shook my head trying not to dry heave. "I'm a reasonable person let me hear you out."

They mumbled to each other but I couldn't make it out. The one that sounded younger started talking to me.

"I'm really sorry, I never meant to hurt you. Things just escalated and I panicked. I wanted to talk to you but mom said not to be seen and I'm really sorry. All the Council officers made me nervous. Please, I'll make it up to you."

The bag lifted over my head and I saw two Mermen. Yep that's right. Mermen. They have pointed teeth like sharks, gills, and a particularly fishy smell. They must have been out of water for bit because the smell gets stronger. Atlantis didn't sink. They found a way to leave our earth for another one. Go figure. Water proved to be an amazing way to travel between realms.

"Boys?"

The grownish men locked eyes and got the looks of every kid that forgot to take out the meat to defrost or do the list of chores. Pure terror.

"Hurry and untie me." I didn't sense any malice so I went with my gut.

They both rushed over. Using some sort of knife. Their skin felt more like sand paper instead of slimy as they rushed.

"Boys?"

"In here mother, she just got here. We haven't had a chance to talk to her yet."

A portly woman with short curly lavender colored hair tuned the corner with a basket in her hand. The floral shirt and solid colored apron accented her gentle smile. I took a moment to look at my surroundings. Brink walls and some sort of wood storage containers lined the room. Along with a card table and another door leading somewhere from the look of the window next to it. Probably outside and an escape if needed.

"Kat dear, I'm so glad you accepted my invitation and came to meet me on such short notice."

"Yeah, no problem." I narrowed my eyes at the two boys that had the decency to look sheepish. Quite the task with their sharp features and bare chests and ragged jean shorts.

"Boys," she continued. " You need to go for a swim. You are beginning to smell a bit ripe."

A darker shade of grey cover their cheeks as they hesitated. Blushing? Kind of cute.

"Don't worry about me, I'm sure I'm perfectly safe with Kat."

I smiled reassuringly. The little human woman wouldn't get any trouble from me. The boys left and she sat the basket on the table and took out a thermos and two cups.

"Coffee dear?"

"Yes please."

The smell lessened when the boys left and the room filled with rose oil and coffee. I let out a breath I didn't know I held.

"Help yourself to the pound cake as well. I keep a hold of the recipe even when the gates fell. Lost my George but found my boys. They were separated from their family and had no one. My daughter made it through those scary times too. I'll never forget her bringing two strange creatures home with her. All three were crying and my first thought was to grab her and run. But she begged me to help them and we became a family. We are still searching for their Pod but haven't had any luck yet. You see, that's why I wanted you to come here. My daughter was the one that was found. My Mary. I just got done talking to the Council. I tried to get them to listen to me earlier but nobody pays attention to a little human. Not until more people hear. My boys smelled her blood on the way to see you and I had them call the papers. That way people would listen. They wanted to bring her home but as hard as it might be we needed the officers and their knowledge to try and find a lead. But deep down I know they won't look like they should. Not like you. So I want to hire you."

I met her gaze and searched for any untruths and found none. She'd been through a lot and despite everything she had survived and even helped others despite their differences. How could I deny her request?

"No. You can't hire me."

Her eyes started to fill with tears.

I held up my hand and continued. "I won't be accepting any form of payment. I'll do this because its the right thing to do. And as thanks for the delicious coffee and pound cake."

Who needed money to pay bills anyway right?

I shoved some into my mouth and filled the extra space with coffee. Her expression of gratitude made me uncomfortable and I just couldn't let her see it.

"Thank you." Tears fell down her cheeks.

I swallowed and gave her a small smile.

I couldn't shake the feeling that there were a lot of coincidences. The mermen just happened to be coming to me for help when they found their sister in the alley next to the coffee shop? I wanted to trust the woman before me, to trust people in general, but old habits die kicking and screaming. People and creatures let you down. If something smells like dead fish. It's usually a merman.

I needed more information. I exchanged numbers with Mary's mom and promised to follow up with her. I needed to know more about the days before she disappeared.

Time to go see the cute council officer. Maybe I could make him smile. I snorted, I do love a challenge.