Chapter One
Mabel checked her lipstick for what seemed like the 30th time. It's dark shade was attractive next to her pale skin, but was less appealing stuck on the front of her teeth. As she clicked her compact shut, her eyes wandered on the clock: 11:57. At noon, Lt. Powers would come in to assign her to the next project. It was strange, being assigned projects again, Mabel thought as she drummed her nails on the table. She had spent the last six months in a small town in Massachusetts, investigating claims of zombies and witches. That town had been obsessed with witches, and Mabel shuddered at the thought. She never wanted to see pointed hats and broomsticks again.
As usual, Lt. Powers arrived promptly on time, set his briefcase on the table, and opened it with a soft click. "Agent Pines. It's a pleasure to see you again," She almost detected a hint of fondness in his voice. The Lt. had been with her since she was an asset, and acted almost like a father to her. Well, a monotone unlaughing father, but still.
"I can truly say the same sir," Mabel rested at ease, resisting the urge to bounce her heels excitedly. She quickly continued, "I am ready for my next assignment."
"This is an easy observe and report assignment," He began. Rustling with some papers, he produced a photograph and slid it across the table. "Pacifica Northwest. Age: 21. Sole heiress of the Northwest fortunes. Apparently, her family founded some small town in Oregon called Gravity Falls. Numerous reports state ghostly apparitions during her annual party, possibly leading to the death of her mother and father, among others who went missing after the party took place in early 2015. We've already procured you a ticket to this year's party. Your assignment is to investigate any paranormal activity happening at this years event." He passed along a scarlet envelope before standing and clicking his briefcase shut. He concluded his debriefing with a quick, "I do hope you like dressing up, Agent Pines. Your flight leaves in three hours. Good day."
After he left, Mabel's heart sunk. She knew that her files from when she was taken in as an asset were confidential, so he couldn't have know her history with the town. But after all these years . . . she never thought she'd be going back there ! She faintly remembered fond memories of the place, but being kidnapped by the US government whilst being there left a sour taste in Mabel's mouth. This was her job now, Mabel reminded herself, she was supposed to investigate and find the truth. But the fear of being sent to the holding facility, of being a scared 12 year old asset who wanted her mom was instilled within her. Wasn’t searching for the truth what got her into this mess in the first place? She swallowed, straightening her shoulders, determined. She may have once been that young scared asset, she was Mabel Pines! She was one of the only agents chosen for the government's Paranormal Task Force. She survived the farm, and she could survive this.
She glanced down at the picture resting on the table. It was a high resolution photo of the asset, Pacifica, at some red carpet event. Her light blue dress complimented her bobbed blonde hair and perfectly done makeup. Overall, she looked as if someone had breathed life into a barbie doll, dazzling smile included. Briefly, she remembered the way the girl used to tease her. She remembered the reason why she was sent away in the first place, how she wanted to prove that she was a serious person. Everything in Mabel's life lead back to Pacifica, now that she thought about it. She picked up the picture and envelope and tucked them into her folder before leaving. She had a flight to catch.