Stella and Lester "...Ms. Stanfield can you tell me what the locket looks like? Anything that's special about it?" Stella turned on her heel to face the detective. "Yes Sir, I can. The locket was in the shape of a heart. Made of gold, but a normal size, not quite large. Oh and it had the letters v-e-r-u-m engraved in an elegant font. A beautiful piece," Stella's voice drifted at her thoughts. "It must've been special to Father since he kept it locked away from our reach. I always wished to see what it held inside, but never could. Such a shame, but Father's orders and I would never think to disobey him." ---- Lester glared at David. "I didn't say I wouldn't agree to a walk. Though I don't see a reason to separate from the rest of the company, given I've only been here for..." He flicked out his Bot, bringing up the time. "No more than ten minutes. Is there a reason, Sir, you insist on a walk?" Lester wasn't fond of The Valentine. Despite how he appeared...could he be trusted? As he had said himself, any and all could be suspects.
"Hm... Verum... verum... verum..." I mumbled, I put my hand on my chin, I was sure that I had heard it before... was it in class... yeah... but which one? English... Spanish... Latin... yeah... Latin, I heard it in Latin class when I was studying, it meant... truth, verum means true or truth. "Alright, got it, so now we can tell it if we see it, and I believe I know what V-E-R-U-M means, it's a Latin word that means true or truth." I said smiling.
"VERUM!!! latin root for veracity, meaning it's true..." Said The Valentine confirming Joe's statement... He then turned to David and said... "Well my friend, I realized I don't have money, so forget the popcorn and movie and let just check the crime scene will ya?" asked the man, as if all this were to be a play. Totally ignoring the fact that they were into a funeral last day, that they were attacked, etc. "Oh btw... what relationship exists between Eugene and your family?, you know that weird cop that showed the other day. Also do you happen to know that man in green?, not even I knew who he was. And well, he disappeared right after the shooting."
"Alright, got it, so now we can tell it if we see it, and I believe I know what V-E-R-U-M means, it's a Latin word that means true or truth." "Well my friend, I realized I don't have money, so forget the popcorn and movie and let just check the crime scene will ya?" "Oh btw... what relationship exists between Eugene and your family?, you know that weird cop that showed the other day. Also do you happen to know that man in green?, not even I knew who he was. And well, he disappeared right after the shooting. "Eugene isn't a friend but everybody knows him and he's not a cop. He's the police chief's son." David replied. "Though he was certainly there for a reason. I mean I've never seen him vanish like that before." He paused and looked thoughtful. "As for the man in green no clue on who he is?" David started towards the door and opened it. "Verum huh? Never knew that." "Before we go are you guys sure you wanna look into this murder thing? I'd like to fine the killer to but not at the cost of my own or any of your lives."
Eddie Cartwright After listening to the conversations going on across the room, he thought to himself. Wow, verum means truth. I guess you learn something every day, huh? He put his hands on the back of his head, grabbing his light brown hair, he didn't really know what to do at this point everyone was just standing around, talking. Though he did find it strange about Eugene. Son of the Police Chief, and comes like ten seconds before the police. And doesn't help them at all, just sends them back. Either he is a super idiot or he is hiding something. "I think I'd like to go say a few words to Eugene." Eddie said out loud, but lowly. He didn't know if it would be good to just leave the group. "Before we go are you guys sure you wanna look into this murder thing? I'd like to find the killer to but not at the cost of my own or any of your lives." Eddie looked at David, who might have been older than he. He wasn't sure if David was scared or just concerned for others. "I am going to find the murder and beat him with my own two hands." said Eddie explaining that he was okay with going to find the murderer.
Lincoln Once more, the red Cabriolet rumbled up the Stanfield driveway, but this time there was no valet to meet him. Parking the car near the steps, Lincoln got out and leisurely walked up the steps. On his way over, he'd had a chance to think, and had come to the conclusion that this was not only interesting, but potentially could save him lots of money, and gain the trust of the Stanfields. Win win, as they said. But, he couldn't appear to eager, he had to adopt the visage of a friend of the family, trying to help them out in their hour of need, as opposed to what he really felt inside. And so, having prepared his mask, he entered the mansion. Seeing the assembled group he said, "Lincoln Anderson and his considerable resources are at your disposal. Anything that I can do to be of assistance, feel free to call on me for it." He said it with a surety and confidence that would have made even the most skeptical believe him, and in the most natural way, like he was meant to walk in unannounced and offer his assistance. Anyone who had a problem with that would be shamed to even think it in the face of such a perfect facade of chivalry and affected concern.
The Crime scene (?) The Valentine arrived with David, once again to the place where the body was found by the police... He scratched his chin, those remains of beard and then start to look through the whole place, seeking for any detail. "Yo, David, lend me a hand will ya?" asked the man, however he always kept an eye on David, making sure he wasn't trying to hid or add something to the scene.
David sighed and began looking around the area with The Valentine. It seemed like a cold search as they both scanned the area for anything they could find. But as The Valentine looked over the ground once more he spotted something he'd missed. It was dried blood a very small amount but something was off about it. It was of course dried but it looked like it had been wiped with something.....like a towel? No something else like something had been licking it.
"Hoh?... interesting no?..." said the man while getting close to the blood... "Did you lick this when I wasn't watching David?" asked jokingly... He then pressed his forehead with his finger and then said... "GOT IT!!... so this works finely.... The corpse was killed here maybe, or dragged from another place... yet no blood was found. Because some wild animals cleaned the crime scene!!!.... to add the victim's corpse had bites upon it, pointing the usage of animals..." He then went silent though.... "However those bites were to precise to be made by an animal, why didn't they eat the whole corpse?.... the culprit could had done that easily with beasts...... so.... our murdered wanted the body to be found?... yet this make no sense, why did he clean the blood then.... " Questions surfaced the mind of The Valentine. He was giving his back to David, yet he spoke in a cold carefree tone... "Now... if you were the culprit, this is like the moment when you pull a gun using the advantage that I'm not watching you... then you let my body here, and the crime repeats itself. Such funny tale no?...." On his pocket he was ready to counter a gun with a simple knife... However it was obvious that such event wouldn't happen
I looked at Stella. "I believe that we should go through the guest register and see who could be a possible suspect in the theft, then we'll look around for bullet casings, if we can tell where the shooter was standing then we can get a rough timeline of the killer's actions." I said crossing my arms.
Eddie Cartwright Eddie walked over to the coat rack quite swiftly, as if he was in a hurry. He took the grey overcoat and threw it over his shoulder. After, he grabbed his hat off the rack and bestowed it upon his own head, covering his multiple curls of brown hair. His blue eyes set on the door, but he first turned to Stella and Joe. He then spoke out with a strong voice full of determination. "Stella and Mr.Edogawa, I am going to be on my way. I think I need to pay our best friend Eugene a visit, ask him some questions...If you're okay with it Captain.." Eddie said referencing how Stella made teams. "...and Madam." he continued addressing Stella in a polite formal manor. He threw his jacket up in the air and tried to seem cool by slipping on his jacket while it was mid air. He failed terribly as his right arm missed the sleeve, and the right side of the jacket just hung on his shoulder. He slipped his arm through the sleeve. He looked back at Joe and Stella as he began to slowly walk to them, heading for the door.
Stella and Lester "Lincoln Anderson and his considerable resources are at your disposal. Anything that I can do to be of assistance, feel free to call on me for it." Stella turned to owner of the voice, her smile not fading. "Mr. Anderson how delightful that you've made it! Before your arrival I had separated each of our guests into groups, one to investigate my father's murder and the other to help me find my family's missing locket. With the numbers less on my side, I think you'd be a wonderful addition." "I believe that we should go through the guest register and see who could be a possible suspect in the theft, then we'll look around for bullet casings, if we can tell where the shooter was standing then we can get a rough timeline of the killer's actions." Stella looked to the Detective with a nod. "That's a very fine idea. The guest book is still on the desk in the library where I left it, if any would like to take a look." ----- Although David had chosen his own path, Lester had remained in the house. He didn't feel it necessary to follow and he didn't quite like The Valentine much anyway. As he glanced about the room, his ears perked at Eddie's announcement. "Stella and Mr.Edogawa, I am going to be on my way. I think I need to pay our best friend Eugene a visit, ask him some questions..." Lester took a bold step forward, his arms crossed. "Why don't I go with you, Ed? You shouldn't have to tolerate that nuisance alone." His eyes settled on Stella for a brief moment. "I'm not saying this gathering is wrong Stella, but...you must realize the dangers. These people here are now in our legal responsibility. Please do be careful." Stella's curls bounced as she shook her head. "You worry way too much, Les!"
"Do you believe that's a good idea to do that just yet, we have no proof of why he was here, his father is the chief of police, we make one wrong move with him we could spend a few nights in jail, probably for 'harassment' or 'assault', I believe we should look around here first." I said, I turned to Stella. "I believe that you should be the one to look through the register, there are tons of people there and we wouldn't know who would belong and who wouldn't." I said crossing my arms.
David smiled at The Valentine's back. "I told you I'm not a killer." He said walking over and examining the blood along with his new found friend...or partner. David frowned at the discovery as he squinted to get a better look at it. The Stanfield seemed to be recalling something and his eyes got that same distant look in them. David sighed and looked at The Valentine. "So what do you think we should do now?" David said eyeing various people as they walked by. Many different people lived on Peabody. It was quite the active little neighborhood.
"I told you I'm not a killer." ....." Oh... but I am one..." said The Valentine with an ominous tone Then he quickly forced David into a lock from his back, immobilizing him, and then offering a sharp knife to his neck..... A few seconds passed.... Then the man started to laugh... People looked at the scene curiously... "Just jokin' pal!!" he said with a carefree tone. Then he threw the knife in front of the curious..... "Fake knife... just playing here..." And in fact the knife was a fake one.... He then laughed and said... "No one would kill someone when there are a lot of passerby no?"... He made a couple of things clear in one move One, David wasn't free of suspect, it was obvious that he wouldn't attack if people was close Two, The Valentine was a man able to deal with him if needed. You could say that this kinetic message accompanied by a laugh contained some words hid with it Do not fuck with me... "Saying... any other place you know that may be related to the murded David?" said while patting him in the shoulder.
David blinked a few times he was clearly shocked by The Valentine's display of power. It was obvious David wouldn't stand much of chance against him. But why would he need to? David never planned on hurting him. He was breathing heavily as he looked The Valentine. "Um..n..no. Wh...what the hell was that about?" David asked. He was clearly confused the world was certainly becoming more hostile lately. And that's when both David and The Valentine were caught off guard. A police car with the sirens going off started coming down the street and parked right in front of the two. Two officers stepped out and walked over to the two. " The cop nearest to The Valentine started to speak. He was a big man that looked like he could certainly stand to go on a diet. "We got a report about some people doing some snooping around this area. You know anything about that?" The cop asked already knowing that they were the culprits. Which was furthered when a young woman came out of her house. She was nothing but a robe she was waving at the police. "That's them officers. Their the ones I called about." She continued. "I think they are reporters or something." The woman of course didn't know what she was talking about. But she was the type that called the police on strange people. As most could imagine David and The Valentine looked pretty odd scanning a good portion of the street.
Eddie Cartwright Eddie looked at Joe and said, "I never said we would harass him, but he will answer some questions. I am not afraid of spending a day or two in the slammer. I just need to dig on who could be the killer. And I don't Eugene is, he doesn't have the stomach. Though, he might be associated with someone who can. He has arrangements with the police like that, he could have stopped them from going anywhere near where Richard Stanfield was being murdered." Eddie was surprised that Lester wanted to tag along. He wasn't completely sure what to say, since he still suspected Lester. Though, he showed absolutely no signs of disliking his father, and there was no evidence that said he was the killer. Plus, Eugene had already done something that made him seem suspicious whether he was an idiot or not. Eddie looked at Lester and said, "Alright, Lester. Let's go." he signaled towards the door. "Though, I have two questions. Where would Eugene be, he isn't a cop so would he be at the police station? And are you taking my or your car." he asked.
Piper: Leaping and Looking, Never Heard of It... Piper didn't get the chance to ask Mr. Gruine her question as she saw a police car pull up in front of the alleyway across the street. Hurrying over to the front window she squinted through the cloudy glass. She swallowed a surprised squeak and hurried toward the door. "I'll talk to you in a bit, Mr. Gruine." The aged dealer caught sight of the patrol car and swore under his breath. "Miss Piper...Wait!" The bell clanged behind her as it slammed shut. Which was furthered when a young woman came out of her house. She was nothing but a robe she was waving at the police. "That's them officers. Their the ones I called about." She continued. "I think they are reporters or something." The woman of course didn't know what she was talking about. But she was the type that called the police on strange people. Piper's steps were silent on the paving stones as she hurried across the way and into the middle of the fray. "Excuse me, officers. I think you have been misinformed about these two. They aren't reporters."
The more talkative cop glanced at Piper. The cop snorted and started to speak. "That maybe but mam I'm afraid that we were called because these men were speaking of investigating the crime that happened here recently. We can't civilians looking into a crime like that when it’s still so hot. Get what I'm saying?" He sighed and turned to David and The Valentine. "I'll give you 5 minutes to clear out and if I get another call like this and find either of you here I'll take you in." The woman was about to speak again but the cop cut in before she could. "Mam thank you for contacting us be we're gonna ask you to move along away from here." She sent a scowl towards David, Piper and The Valentine but complied and with that she walked. But the cop stayed waiting for the now trio to leave the crime scene ............................................................................ Eugene could normally be found in his family's home which was just off Broker Street when he wasn't out but the thing was there was rarely a time when he wasn't out. But at the moment he was currently on his way out the door.
"Time to leave I guess..." said The Valentine, not dissapointed as the clue they find was interesting "Unless you want to use my powers on them...." said with an smirk, however the stern look of the cops was convincing enough. And he didn't want to reveal too much of himself. "So where to go now guys? Remember I have no money for the popcorns, only for the information..." Said doing a funny gesture. "David, there is a different place you would like to visit?, or better let go to the mansion and check it thorougly like filthy burglars looking for money and jewels..... Oh but they go the locket already no?" concluded with a laugh
Eddie Cartwright Eddie drove down the roads towards the police station, looking for Eddie. "I am headed for the police station, if you have any idea where Eugene might be just tell me. I'll pull off a swift U-turn in a jiffy." Eddie stated to Lester as he sat in the passenger seat. Eddie Black Lincoln K-Series Car ran like a wild hoarse down the road, none of the cops seemed to be around, he was speeding but not by much. A lot came to the mind of the young mover. Why would Eugene do it? What is his motive? What could he or his father gain from this whole situation? A job, maybe a raise or promotion for 'solving the case'. Eddie reached into his glove compartment and grabbed his Lunger P08. He then laid it on the dashboard and to turn down the tension or awkwardness of the entire situation. He turned on the radio. I'll be glad when you dead, you rascal, you! I'll be glad when you dead, you rascal, you! When you dead in your grave, No more women will you crave. I'll be glad when you dead, you rascal, you! Eddie heard one of his favorite songs, but the song was kind of inappropriate for the current situation. He turned the radio back off, and waited to see if Lester had any ideas on where Eugene might be.
Lester Lester drummed his fingers on the car doorframe, eyes darting as he looked out the window. Part of him wondered why he'd gotten stuck in this situation, why he even listened to his sister. He could be back in the office today if he wanted. But no, he was going to try to talk with a fool. A demented fool...and he was not looking forward to it. Looking to Eddie, Lester shrugged his shoulders. "That kid could be anywhere. But how about we swing by his place? If he's not there, someone is bound to be and could give us a clue where he could be. He lives off Broker street." He turned again to the window with a scowl.
Eddie Cartwright "Got it!" Eddie said with a passionate tone, feeling as if he was able to help. He automatically spun his wheel enough to pull of a highly powerful U-turn. His car made skid marks on the road and he began to speed off. He was headed towards Booker Street. Eddie's car speed down the road, leaving literal dust behind it. It moved so fast on the back streets, as not to be caught by police, that people driving on the roads could only describe it as a black speeding figure. Though the music coming from the figure made it less intimidating, even if it resembled a black knight on his horse running through the night. Good authors too who once knew better words, Now only use four letter words Writing prose, Anything Goes. The world has gone mad today And good's bad today, And black's white today, And day's night today, When most guys today That women prize today Are just silly gigolos And though I'm not a great romancer I know that I'm bound to answer When you propose, Anything goes Eddie sung along with his radio as he sped down the streets, eventually ending up on Booker. "So, where does he live?" Eddie asked while turning down the volume on the radio by the wave of a hand.
David smiled nervously at The Valentine. He wouldn't be surprised if he was the killer......but he wasn't, David knew that. "I think we should probably head back to the mansion." He said. "Maybe the others found something else. What do you think?" He asked The Valentine and Piper as they started their way down the street.
