Fanatic ⇒ Only Murders In The Building

05 → Deception And Distraction

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'Deception and Distraction'
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Half an hour later and a ding of the lift, Callum had arrived in the lobby dressed in a black shirt, black trousers and a dark grey long coat. A smile formed on his lips when he saw Mabel. Her outfit was a more dressed up version of her everyday look- a blouse instead of a jumper and a sleeker coat instead of her fur.

"So who's funeral are we going to?" Mabel commented, motioning to Callum's darker outfit.

"Good one," the Brit replied sarcastically, offering the girl an arm, she took it and they walked out of the Arconia.

Their 20 minute walk felt like an hour due to the chilling evening weather. The sun had faded into the horizon a while ago yet the streets were still alive.

"So are you going to tell me where we're going or is it a surprise where I get murdered," Mabel broke the silence of their walk just as they reached their destination.

Callum laughed and unhooked his arm from Mabel's. "Oh no, you've seen through my evil plans," Callum dramatically declared, receiving a small smile from Mabel. Yet, the Brit noticed Mabel's fidgeting hands which was unusual for the confident woman. "It's a bar for seniors, the place opened like a month ago. They wanted live music and I needed money so that's how we're here. I come here like once a month," Callum scanned the girl's face for anything but more than anything she looked surprised. "It's not to late to turn back now. I'm warning you, I think it'll be a hour of just Frank Sinatra because apparently 'my British accent adds something to it'."

"Did I never tell that I'm a huge fan of Sinatra?" Mabel sarcastically replied, earning a smile from Callum.

"Like number one fan?" He played along.

"Oh yeah. I talk to his poster every night before bed," Callum shook his head, humoured by the comment.

"Alright, come on then," the boy replied as he held the door open for Mabel.

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Five minutes later, Callum had to abandon Mabel to set up for his performance. Occasionally, he would glance over in the girl's direction but she started nervously checking her phone for a reply. It was strange as everything time she caught his eyes she would smile and pretend she wasn't glancing at her phone. Yet, Callum decided to let it go.

Slowly, he made his way onto the small stage with the single microphone on it, rolled up his shirt sleeves to his elbows (due to the stuffiness of the room) and began his performance.

During this, his eyes would travel to Mabel who at first looked impressed and would clap along with the crowd at the end of every song but then became distracted with her phone and at one point left for five minutes to take a phone call. He could tell she was nervous about something yet he thought it was none of his business.

After his designated one hour was over, Callum stepped off the stage. He ran a hand across his face as the temperature in the bar was making him sweat before he made his way back to Mabel.

"Ready to go?" Callum asked, startling Mabel as she looked up from her phone.

"Yes," she simply replied, picking up her coat.

"Oh sh*t, can you wait just a minute? I left my coat back there," Callum informed, motioning to the direction he'd came from. Mabel nodded and he went to collect his coat.

Once again, the girl was on her phone. By this point, Callum had convinced himself to peak at who Mabel was texting. Yes, it was rude but he promised himself is it was a private contact he wouldn't look any further. What he didn't expect was for Mabel, Charles and Oliver to be texting.