"Opening his apartment?"
"Yes."
"Why can't you do that now? What if he's too sick to answer his phone or let anyone know?"
Long pause. "Alright. I'll meet you there."
Heaven was waiting outside Baka's door watching Simon stride purposefully up the hallway carrying a master key. She stepped out of the way to give him access. Knocking on the door drew no more response than either of them expected in their respective heart of hearts. Simon used the key, cracked the door, and said, "Hello", loudly enough to warn anyone within.
Nothing.
Simon opened the door further and Heaven scooted by. Everything was neat and its place. The bed was made. Baka's passport was in the top dresser drawer. His toiletries including electric razor and toothbrush were in the bath. Opening the closet door revealed nothing except that, again, everything seemed to be in order.
"You see?" Heaven said. "Missing."
"For someone who is famous for detesting her boss, you seem concerned."
Heaven flushed. "Famous? What do you mean?" People talked about how badly she treated Mr. Baka? Good grief. "I don't detest him. All the time." She looked around again. "What are you going to do?"
"Nothing."
"Nothing?"
"If he is out of touch for three days, I will ask someone from the Psychic Division to assist."
"Do it now."
"I beg your pardon?"
"I'm sorry. I know that sounded... imperious. Please, let's ask one of the psychs to take a peek at the ethers."
"At this point, it would be an abuse of my power and a possible serious invasion of privacy." Simon looked at her pointedly as if to silently punctuate that men sometimes have good reason to temporarily disappear and keep their activities to themselves.
Realizing what he suggested, she stood a little straighter. "It's not what you think."
"Heaven. Forgive me for saying this, but it's not as if you're close to him. There may be quite a lot you do not know."
"There isn't."
The Director studied her curiously then softened his tone. "You sound adamant. Why are you so sure you're right?"
She looked flustered and frustrated. "I just am!"
"You're sounding childish."
"You're sounding insensitive."
"No need for apologies. I can see you're distraught."
"I'm not distraught nor am I apologizing." Simon arched an eyebrow and Heaven flushed again. "Something. Is. Wrong. I know it."
"Three days."
"Tomorrow."
He locked Baka's door then turned to stare at her, looking like he might reconsider. "Tomorrow I will ask someone from Psy to look just far enough to tell us if there is any indication of distress. Will that satisfy you?"
"I think you should call his friends."