Chapter 1: Prologue
The year is 2033. Though, at first glance, some would say it's the distant past. Clothing a fashion hasn't evolved as they did in our timeline. In a way, we're the personification of boomers using technology. The only difference is we're good at it. Very good at it. Anyway, we're here to observe Detective Walker Everest. A 27-year-old man living in the country of Nelron. It is a country southwest of the main American continent. It's half the size of Australia and just as powerful of a nation. It was originally called Middle India but as time passed the colonizers realized their utter stupidity.
Nelron was once a colony of Britain as most nations were. 400 years ago they were released from their slavery and established a functioning government. It is a democratic nation with a leader and council. Them being the Chancellor with an authoritarian grasp who rules the land. Then there are senators who represent the 4 counties or states of the land and 12 regional mayors. Each three govern three districts within a state.
I mentioned 4 counties, did I not?. The first, Katatonia, is mostly farmland and rural areas. It where 40% of the food grains. It lies to the far east and is governed by Senator Lorence Palan. He's a fair man with a heart of gold. He's short and pudgy with a dark skin tone and 4 decades since his birth. Born and raised in Hatton, a region of Katatonia, he's devoted to his people.
Secondly, we have Morano, which is popular for its beaches and urban sprawl. It's like Florida, but not as hot. As a vacation hotspot, it's filled with hotels, casinos and the finest breed of all sorts of pleasantries. Its border is to the North West of the country. The state's senator is Jahra Manaan. She's a no-nonsense woman with an eye for perfection. She always gets the job done but has a soft spot for children, whom she visits at times during school fundraisers. She looks more like a classic secretary. She's 5'4 and of European descent, as most of the citizens were. She has piercing green eyes that make even the most successful men and women question themselves. Yeah, she's a real cup of tea.
Next is the Chesterfield. On the South West side of the island, it is ruled by a man who is of few words. Linton Hound. He stands at 5'10, slightly above standard height. He wears glasses even though being only in his early thirties. His usual modus operandi is sitting in his office drinking coffee and doing paperwork. Chesterfield is the main technological development area of the country meaning he has jurisdiction over all technological endeavours. He was also a fellow scientist, fluent in the study of biochemistry.
The last county is Telanho. It's basically their version of New York City but instead of a city, it's the entire state. Led by Andria Cunningham, it's filled with busily urban sprawl. She's a real city girl with a knack for pleasing his people. The perfect politician.
Our story starts with a man, obviously. It's called Gingerbread man, not a woman. Our protagonist goes by the name, Walker Everest. He's a Private Eye who has earned the name, Gingerbread man or Gingy as some of his associates would call him. Why name him after an act pastry fantasy? Well, no one really knows who first called him that but soon everyone did because of his tendency of getting in trouble but somehow outrunning bureaucracy or because he's hard to catch. He's also known to bend the rules a bit too far sometimes yet he's never been caught. This drives the head detective of the local police department mad with rage. She doesn't fancy a lone wolf outdoing her by break the law. Moreover, she's was his supervisor, his mentor, his ex, and the one who made him lose his job. Shock ain't it. Classic trope. But that's another story for another time.
[March 5, 2033]
[Walker Everest]
I walked down the streets of downtown Danto city with my hands safely stored in my pocket. My hands fiddled with the firearm and other items that laid within it. I had just returned from a case I had taken on. For the record, I failed and the client went to the police.
I failed; well more like gave it up. The case required me to study some chemical evidence. I'm a Detective, not a Forensics Consultant.
I have been thinking about hiring extra help. Some with skills of a scientist at the very least. Someone to handle accounting, read and write reports and all the works. Basically, I want a secretary and a scientist. Preferably if they are hot. What can I say? I have preferences. Either way, I need a scientist. I published an ad a few days ago prior to this and I'm making my way to my office building. I should have some people waiting outside my room.
Nowadays, office buildings are comprised of multiple rooms or offices. Typically, they are rented per month; but I bought mine. I don't plan on leaving. I can't say the same for the room next door. I rented the adjacent room. It's large enough for a nerd to do his/her work.
I pulled up to the building and entered my held up my Identification Card to be scanned. The sliding door opened with a soft high pitched swoosh and heard it greet, "Welcome back, Mister Everest." I whipped my feet on the welcome mat before walking through. Why didn't I do this first? I don't know actually.
I continued walking towards the elevator with my head held high for no real reason. As I entered, I entered my floor number, 5. It carried me in pure silence. That whole elevator music crap is purely nonsensical. Music or no music it's still awkward riding in an elevator with strangers. Fortunately, I'm alone.
I ascend to the fifth floor then exit. Outside office 655 sat a small, young lady. "Must be lost or something." I thought. She looks to be 5 feet tall with a dainty build and long black hair. I brushed it off mentally and retrieved my keys. She seemed to pipe up at this so I asked her, "You here for something shorty?" She stood to her feet with a nervous expression. "Ah, yes. I'm waiting for a Mister Everest. Is that you?" I cocked my head and turned my body to face hers. "Who's asking."
"My name is Helengard Atkinson. I'm here for the job," She answered. "I have the necessary documents to prove my legitimacy and references from my professor." I eyed her from head to toe. She was indeed around 5 feet tall with straight black hair and a light brown skin tone. Standard brown eyes and a babyish voice. Perfect, fresh meat.
"Step right in, Ms Atkinson."
[Words = 1159]
[Posted 4/11/2021]
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
ARC655
ARC655 I'm going, to be honest. I have no big plans. Just some murder mystery and office romance kinda stuff. Btw its terrible writing
Anyway. This is my first novel. I usually do fanfiction on Wattpad under the same name. This will have a wattpadian counterpart with a cast and author notes.
I generally do fanfiction but I had this idea and the characters were in my head so I decided to put pen to paper. or in this case, finger to keyboard.