Maps of the Unicorn

Summary: Phyllis is young librarian assistant who lives right next door to Tintin. The two have a fair friendship, as they collaborated together time and again when it involves history. But a tragic event left a rift between the two. Yet Tintin and two other men have come to the library in search of the Unicorn. See how their adventures unite their friendship once more.

Chapter 1: Midnight

It was midnight and my feet hurt like hell. Never in my life would I expect people be interested in naval history this past month. At least I'm back home in my one bedroom apartment on the second floor that could be mistaken as a miniature library in general. As everywhere you go your eyes land upon a book either from a first edition or today's classics. Kicking off my heels, I stumbled towards the couch, before falling face first into the cushion. The smell of aged ink and perfume invaded my nose causing familiar memory of my father.

I sighed, sitting up to remove the rest of my outerwear. My name is Phyllis, Phyllis Lancaster. A young librarian assistant; working out her life as best as she can under today's economy. I shouldn't be complaining in what I have right now, but lately things have become boring. Then again, the last time I went on an adventure almost got me killed. You must be wondering how can that be. Well, my neighbor is Tintin. A renowned reporter and traveler who cannot get himself out of trouble even if he tried. His curiosity is far greater than a cat.

We met about two years ago. I had just moved into apartment three thinking I can carry up all my necessities up the first flight of stairs. Sadly I tripped on the rug falling backwards expecting a painful impact on the tile floor. However, there was no hard impact, but a strong collision into flesh.

"Easy, the last step isn't secured." A male voice said. "Here let me take that for you."

The man grabbed the box before I could reply. When I got a good look at him, he was a young man with fair skin and orange hair with a turf in the front. His eyes a vibrant blue and freckles dusting over his cheeks. Soon barking could be heard as I look down to see a white wire fox terrier. The dog coming up sniffing me.

"Don't mind Snowy, he's just sniffing you." The gentleman said. "Apartment 3?"

"Yes," I confirmed leading the way and open the door. "Thank you. I was taking more than I can chew apparently."

"No problem." He said, setting the box down then offered a hand. "My names Tintin by the way."

"Phyllis," I said shaking his hand.

"Phyllis, I'll keep that in mind." Tintin said.

I nodded as I thanked him once more. He generously helped me unpack as we got to know one another while Snowy relaxed on the couch. And since then Tintin and I have become good friends. He would visit me in the library either research on his latest story or a good book to read. If weather gets out of hand or news breakout of a crime or murder in the neighborhood with the killer at large, Tintin would be there.

Now things have become a rift between us. It's been about five months since we spend time together without having an awkward atmosphere. Just the occasional hello and basic light conversation as if were merely acquaintances than friends. There was a case that we wander into involving a murder in the park and led to a gangster rivalry, if not a lost artifact. I shuddered from the memory shaking the past behind.

Anyway the past few months have been hectic in the library. Never has the library been this active that doesn't involve university students prepping for an exam or essay. Lately there have been two gentlemen who have constantly come asking for the same books at different times. In the beginning a gentleman name Sakharine came first. In fact, he has been coming to the library for an entire year reading books about historical ships. The man being sincere explained he is a model ship collector, and does his research on collecting renown ships to make his collection complete. I find his passion entertaining as his scroll through books of mid-sixteenth hundreds of royal naval ships. Just last month he purchased a replica model of The Unicorn, saying the tales are enlightening to own.

Then another man came this past week name Mr. Barnaby Dawes asking for all of the naval royal ship dating to precolonial of the French navy fleet. At first I gave him the basics, but the man continued to come back every day more desperate than the next. And today I had to stay longer to a point I had to ask security to escort Mr. Dawes out. I don't know what the man's problem is, but I sure know he would be at the library in the morning talking nonsense about the Unicorn.

What both men have in common is a damn French navy vessel called The Unicorn. From what I could recall, The Unicorn captained by Sir Francis Haddock, sailing in the service of King Louis XIV of France. It was a cargo ship that dealt with fresh material from the Caribbean. What makes The Unicorn so unique was that it was attack by pirate. And not just any pirates, but the crew of Red Rackham.

I sighed, it was late and I got work in the morning. So getting up off the couch, I dragged my way to my bedroom, undressing and changed into a nightgown. Afterwards I sat at the vanity brushing my long brunette hair staring at my reflection. Though a nice scar could be seen along my left hand follow by a burn. Once prepared, I laid turned off the lights lying in bed in hopes tomorrow will be better than today.

As the apartment became silent that you could hear the occupants breathe in their peaceful. Although the sound of a typewriter could be heard in the background on the latest story for the following day gazette.

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So I always wanted to do a Tintin story but could never think of a good plot. So I decided to toss in a character into the movie. Phyllis Lancaster is a young librarian who knows her history about books and how to repair them. You'll see her role in the upcoming chapter.

Thanks for reading and please review.