Hidden Lies, Stolen Truths

by ani_edish

Summary:

A serial killer is on the loose, influential people are getting killed.
An FBI agent is sent to help the police on the on-going case, will he stop the murderer or be murdered in the process?

New faces will be met, new truths will be set on the surface to be exposed and lies will keep going.

Do you deserve to know the truth or do you need to be lied in your face?

Chapter 1: .-Observe the details-.

The forest at night is normally an uncanny place that would make you feel two emotions; get you constantly paranoid of your surroundings or make you impressed to make you think ‘Oh wow! I want to get deeper in the woods'.

A white haired man with amethyst eyes was walking inside the woods.

 

He held a lamp in his left hand while holding his phone on the right one.

 

He was walking cautiously, looking back and forth to check no one was following him, he seemed to take the first reaction from the woods.

 

While walking, twigs were crushed behind him, he turned back and stared in that same way realizing that there were two familiar figures, he knew who he was going to talk to.

 

“And I almost grabbed my gun... How a coincidence to meet you two here.” Branzy spoke to the duo as he headed closer to them.

 

“Though you got lost here, me and Jaron headed over after you didn't tell us where you were going but I realized that you indeed told me, it was just that my fuzzy mind didn't remember” 

Rek replied while ruffling his dark brunette hair.

 

“Yeah, we were worried for a long time”

Jaron added while looking at Branzy with concern.

 

He chuckles while lowering the arm that is holding the lamp.

 

“Also it is worrying that there's already a damn serial killer on the loose so that's why we needed to get you”

 

The agent looks to the side, a soft smile on his lips while looking back at them.

 

“So, anything new on the case?”

 

Jaron picked his notebook from the pockets of his beige coat and rummaged through the papers.

 

“It's bad news anyways... We couldn't find any DNA from the last murder, no evidence and nothing to prove their identity, it is a planned murder after all”

 

“Nothing huh? It was expected to know...”

 

Branzy puts his right hand near his mouth, the screen of his phone touching his lips, he tries to think but the phone starts vibrating, he moves it away staring at the screen.

 

An unknown number is calling.

 

“It's like he chooses the victims randomly-”

 

“Hello?”

 

Branzy asks the caller, interrupting what Jaron was going to explain but he wasn't pissed which was a good thing.

 

    -“Hello Special Agent Branzy”

 

“Who is this? How do you know my name?”

Branzy bit his lip, holding the phone tightly.

 

     -“I know that you know we don't know each other but I think you should always check your surroundings don't you think?”

He realized that the voice was from a man, it was muffled but he could audibly hear it clearly.

 

Branzy scoffed while moving back his hair.

 

“Is this a joke, because then it isn't funny if you know”

 

     -“Oh well... It is not, my dear Branzy. I'm just calling to warn you about the situation in the woods” 

They mocked.

 

“How do you know where I a-”

 

     -“You know.. There's something.. How do I say it... Weird going on where you are, don't you notice?”

 

The agent eyed Rek and Jaron, trying with his remaining hand to instruct them to start looking around the place.

 

Jaron spun around to see if something was going on while trying to not get too far from the duo.

 

Branzy went back to the call.

 

“What are you gonna do huh? Kill me, take me as a hostage, what?”

 

Rek looked at Branzy with extreme concern in his face while the agent was glancing at his left side.

 

The voice let an audible gasp and started to talk.

 

     -“I wouldn't do that to you my darling, I'm not as cruel as you might think, you are a good person even a saint so you shouldn't deserve death”

 

They cleared their throat and continued to talk.

 

     -“Hm... What if I give you a hint?”

 

“Sure, I shall accept your help”

Branzy replied sarcastically, a cunning grin on the edge of his lip.

 

     -“Start looking for the smallest details, Special Agent Branzy Craft”

They giggled and in just a few seconds the call hung up.

 

“Hello?! Damn it...”

The duo of brunettes approached Branzy who was already pinching the bridge of his nose.

 

“What did he tell you?”

Jaron asked worriedly.

 

“Nothing just... Just... Could you start looking around the bushes or... anywhere?”

Branzy replied, he crouched to leave the lamp on the floor and saved his phone in his pants pocket to cross his arms around his chest while tapping his arms with his fingers. 

 

It worked as a way to make him relaxed, even in bad situations.

 

“Take the lamp, might be useful for you”

 

Rek, who was near him was the one to grab the object and let Jaron go while they left Branzy alone in the dark, only with the light of a beautiful moon.

 

On the search (For something or someone?) Rek noticed a hand startling outside of a nearby bush while walking and almost tripping.

 

He opened the bush just to stare at a body of a person, he took a quick look at them and didn't hesitate to call for his colleagues.

 

“Someone's here?!”

Rek shouted, loud enough to let know about his location.

 

It was an avian about their age, he was pale, surely because of the body being left for days, he had light brown hair with pilot goggles on top of his short hair, emerald eyes and wings on his back and smaller ones on top of his ears.

He had a black turtleneck shirt and a brown leather jacket on top of it, pants with the same color and boots.

 

The avian had a long cut that passed through the shirt and cuts on the edge of his lips, like it was forming a forced smile.

Branzy and Jaron quickly arrived and their reactions weren't new as from the other yet similar murders.

 

“Another one... Call Zam and tell him to get some people in here.”

Branzy said in an unintentional high pitched tone and grabbed his white transparent gloves from his other pants pocket while switching with his fingerless black gloves. He crouched next to the avian's corpse, the grass hitting his knee and right feet.

 

Jaron grabbed his phone and started calling Zam while putting his spare fingers on his teeth that were chewing it.

 

Meanwhile Rek was beside the laying body and facing Branzy.

 

“Another victim... How many do we have now on count?”

Rek asked while trying to search for any evidence.

 

“I don't remember very well but with this one the fourth one I think, damn.. Now thinking about it the only victims were popular people with no clear public knowledge of being in shady businesses"Branzy replied while rummaging through the victim's leather jacket and found a secret pocket, he went deeper, finding a piece of evidence.

 

Picking the object that he found was a Polaroid photo of someone but it had their face blurred with blood, it could be useful since it was evidence but he didn't have a bag to save it, he looked at Rek who was researching the corpse.

 

“I know… but Vitalasy wasn't in anything shady right?”

Rek asks while looking at Branzy's eyes, he knew Vitalasy more than Rek himself.

 

The agent freezes on the mention of his former friend.

 

Oh.

 

Vitalasy.

 

Branzy blinked once and his mind decided to go back to the event that up until this day was the one mission that haunted him.

 

For a reminder he and Branzy go way back when they met each other at the Bureau, but little did his clueless mind would know is that he would be backstab.

 

They were involved in an important mission: Get the documents about the Federation's alleged corruption and give it back to the higher-ups, they (or at least Branzy) had an advantage, a masquerade was going to happen in the same building so that meant that they had it easy to sneak in and get the information.

 

That day came faster than he thought and he was already standing foot into the ballroom, his partner was next to him, staring back and forth at his phone.

 

At some moment Vitalasy needed to excuse himself and Branzy let him go (Bad decision).

 

An hour in the ball he snuck from the room opening and closing doors while trying to find the room to get the folder.

 

Stuck in the clear view of the hallway he rushed in case someone would catch him in the act and he indeed needed to rush because two of the members known as “Prince” and “Itz” were walking through the same hallways as him.

 

He was sneaky yeah I give him that but once he found “Itz's” office where he successfully got the papers, he immediately fucked up.

 

“Itz” was behind him with a gun in his hands and without thinking he hit it on Branzy's head, making him fall and bleed out, his white hair being stained from the fresh blood.

 

The only thing he could see before falling unconscious was a glimpse of him, “Prince” and someone similar as Vitalasy next to the gold masked man but he couldn't be sure because of the mask he had.

Branzy woke up like he was woken from a nightmare (Because he was in one) and realized that he was tied to a chair, his hand and legs were tied up by a rope.

He was in a basement.

 

A bright light turned on in front of Branzy's face, blinding his eyes and making him look to his other side while constantly blinking to clear his blurred view.

 

“Itz” was the one interrogating him while someone with a purple fox-like mask was on the corner, looking away from the situation.

 

The talk between him and “Itz” was intense, he would threaten the poor man with his gun, punch him in the face and stomach but the breaking point that almost made Branzy die was when he tried to press an emergency button on his sleeve.

 

“Itz” took notice of that and untied his right hand, pressed it on the table and broke his index and middle fingers while pointing the gun in his forehead.

 

He could only focus on the pain of a pair of broken bones, ignoring that he was at gunpoint, he hoped that he could be saved.

 

Saved from this nightmare that at the same time wasn't a nightmare.

 

“Itz” luckily needed to catch a break and let the other man being “Fox” look out on him.

 

“Fox” got near Branzy and revealed his identity.

 

It was him.

It was his so-called friend.

Why?

Why did he betray his friend?

Why was he doing this?

Why did he go to the bureau being already a member of the Federation?

 

Branzy thought of many questions that he couldn't answer for himself to analyze.

 

Vitalasy untied him but right as he let Branzy out a gunshot was heard outside. (Surely it was the hope he pressed, right?)

 

Right?

 

He was right, a man in a suit stepped in and Branzy realized it was someone from the Bureau to save him.

 

Vitalasy froze and put his hands in the air, eyes glossy from tears on his face, the man cuffed him as he instructed Branzy the way out, he limped away going up stairs, an officer noticed his appearance and escorted him out of the building.

 

He was safe, safe away from the man that almost killed him.

 

Months later with his fingers recovered and with better mental health he was watching the news while it was revealed that “Prince” betrayed his friends or members for the Solar Union, and another month later, which would be the happiest one for Branzy, the deaths of Vitalasy and “Itz” or Subz were confirmed.

 

He got the news when he and his colleagues at the bureau were watching the news and if you were there then you might have thought that your white haired colleague was a sociopath.

 

Branzy, who was sitting at the couch was laughing his ass off like he had a psychotic attack, but he had a damn sinister laugh you know? The ones that a villain at a movie would have after successfully murdering the hero and taking the world in his hands.

 

He blinked again, he had clearly zoned out.

 

Branzy stared at Rek who was talking, he had clearly seen him unfocused and off guard.

 

“At least publicly he wasn't known to be in that type of trouble, right? Branz-”

 

“Spare bag?”

Branzy interrupted him while holding the photo.

 

Rek checked in his pockets but didn't seem to find it.

 

“Hm.. I think I don't have but maybe Jaron has, why? Found something?”

 

“Maybe... Maybe not but I'll need to check”

 

Rek let out a low sigh as he went back to search for anything crucial.

 

Meanwhile Branzy stood up from his current position and headed to Jaron, who was checking his phone.

 

“Jaron?”

 

He touched his shoulder, making the detective flinch and look behind him.

 

“Oh! Branzy, you scared me!”

He immediately turned front to look at him.

 

“Got a bag?”

 

He opened his eyes a bit.

 

“Why? What did you find”

Jaron asked while he was checking in his pockets.

 

“Found something, got an-”

 

“AHA!! Here it is”

He lends the bag to Branzy.

 

“For you and also note to know, there were available officers so they're going to come here in 10 minutes or so, but that will alert the reporters from the city and they might come and we know how you are when they annoy you..”

Jaron added while looking at Branzy with a nervous smile.

 

“Depending on who might come first, they'll get lucky to get some articles from me.. Damn I didn't know I was going to be in this shithole if it wasn't for Rek”

The agent replied while he put the polaroid on the evidence bag and saved it in his pocket.

 

“Come by if you want to, better stay together with us than alone”

 

Branzy said while he was heading away where Rek was still analyzing the corpse, he seemed to have trouble, it was really dark and even that the lamp had good lighting, peering at small details was the hardest thing for him since he had bad eyesight (If his ophthalmologist wasn't an asshole and didn't lie in his face he would have got some glasses for sure). 

 

“Officers are coming, you should let CSI do their job, the only thing we can do is secure the body”

Branzy said while eyeing the brunette who was too focused on searching that even Branzy thought he ignored what he just said.

 

Rek exhales and blinks, looking at the agent.

 

“You're right... We should let them see the body.”

 

“And we need to wait for the autopsy report too.”

 

Silence filled the area for a while until Rek spoke up again.

 

“How long until they're here?”

 

“Jaron told me that in about 10 minutes but I don't think so..”

 

“Damn..”

Rek stands up from the grass and circles the corpse, going where Branzy just stood.

 

“Mhm and bad thing, press surely will come here asking questions that we won't even know.”

 

He let a long sigh.

 

‘Gods have some mercy on me...'

Branzy thought.

 

“You're kidding me Branz, the press?! They're gonna make me insane, last time they even asked me a lot of things that even Zam wouldn't even know?!”

 

“Same too, Rek, welcome to the damned club.”

 

“Oh gods.. what do we do meanwhile until the others arrive?”

 

“Like I said, secure the body and check that we are alone and alone being that no weirdo is in the area”

 

“So we have to wait here sitting doing nothing? Is Jaron even going to get over here, it's dangerous now”

 

“I’ve already told him, surely he’ll come here.”

 

They sat on the grass while leaving the lamp beside them.

 

After thirty minutes worth of chatting (In which even Jaron FINALLY arrived to where they were) while staying near the body about nine officers and ten forensics and Zam arrived at the zone. 

At the same time a shadow journalist with his partner arrived with a camera, not those fancy ones but more like the type that you can see at the news sometimes when you can get a glimpse of it.

 

In a matter of causality Branzy somehow knew the duo from different times he got "imprisoned" by them.

 

‘I must have bad luck or something’

Branzy though, having his known gentle smile on his face, trying to not show any negative expressions.

 

“So how do you feel finding the fourth victim of this case Mr.Craft?”

The one who was talking to Branzy was Spoke, a charismatic shadow.

He had black medium hair with a rainbow headband circling his hair and, as usual from other times he wore a dark shirt with a white lighting bolt as its logo and some parts of the sleeves were rainbow, he must have an obsession with rainbows.

 

“Both not happy and surprised, I would rather say that I am Disappointed, this serial killer is taking lives for no reason and here we are trying to find who they are to put justice in the murderer’s hands”

Branzy explained, while fidgeting with his hands.

 

“Do you have any suspects to interrogate?”

 

“No, since they're leaving no evidence we cannot find anything valuable but as I said before we are trying our best to find the responsible of these murders so they get in prison”

 

“Okay but if you have no evidence, how are you gonna find out who is the murderer of this case?”

 

The agent exhales, crossing his arms around his chest and eyes sharp.

 

“You're really trying to piss me off aren't you?”

Branzy responded aggressively, his jaw clenched and his smile never going away.

 

At the same time, Rek who was nearby getting interviewed, overheard what he said and glanced at him. He was already worried but when he was talking to another reporter he excused himself from the current conversation he was having, heading to where Branzy was.

 

“Hey dude calm down”

The brunette whispered to Branzy.

 

Although the agent already heard his 'warning' he had a smirk on his face and got closer to Spoke whispering something in the shadow's ear.

 

“Look Spoke, I myself know I am a refined man but when people try to annoy me, it's the best to leave me alone, I wouldn't like someone to fear me but I have no choice, get the fuck out of here or the next time I see you, I am going to open your guts and make my dog eat them.”

 

He didn't even have a dog but he needed to make an excuse to leave him and Rek alone.

 

Branzy backed off from Spoke while smiling innocently, this made the shadow back up too and go to his partner known as Planet while tugging him from the sleeve to leave them alone, the cloud turned off the camera and started leaving the area with Spoke.

 

Rek meanwhile looked at Branzy, eyes of shock were watching him as Branzy was still staring at Spoke going away, heading deeper in the woods.

 

“What did you say to him, Branz?”

He questioned, his lips were tight and a worried look was all over his face.

 

“Oh nothing, just a little warning”

Branzy answered, relieved in a sort of matter.

 

“You're my best friend since we were kids but still, you sometimes scare me when you're like that”

 

“Cmon, we should go to Jaron and watch the forensics if there's anything potential to the case!”

 

“Sure.. But you know that you were being recorded and if that gets to the news you're going to get suspended for sure”

 

“Rek, we both know that I was really tired of them right? I'll just make an excuse that I was provoked or some shit that I can think of.”

 

“Right… We should go now as you said” 

 

“Then what are we waiting for, let's get moving!”

 

The duo starts walking away from the mess of reporters, heading back to the crime scene.

 

♥*ੈ✩‧₊˚༺☆༻‧₊✩˚ੈ*♠

 

Someone is resting on their couch, watching a movie that they now have finished.

 

“Hm”

They smiled, putting his feet on the wooden floor.

 

They turn off the tv and get up from their seat and walk, heading to their office and unlocking the door.

 

They went inside the office opening a chest with a personalized weapon that was pretty large for a normal person like them, they grabbed it and went to the hallway not before locking the office door.

 

They go to their bedroom and start to change from their casual clothes into a weird yet notorious outfit filled with black and some parts of dark red and with the final touch being their porcelain mask, crosses are portrayed as eyes and a sinister smile creeps the lower part of the mask.

 

With their weapon on their back they snuck out of their apartment and ascended to the building's rooftop admiring the starry night, it was a clear one but even with their mask on they couldn't sense the ambient of the calmness it brought.

 

They proceed to walk to a point known to them in which there was a ladder, they climbed down smoothly touching the concrete floor that led to an alleyway.

 

Turning up their phone they messaged someone.

 

«Hey! Can we meet up in the alleyway behind the casino?»

 

They replied in the moment.

 

«Listen I don't know what you want now but it better be something important but I'll since it's you I'll go there anyways, meet me in the garbage section of the casino in 20 minutes and fast, I don't wanna be seen by anyone.»

 

With that they headed cautiously by different alleys with some having a shortcut, a big advantage for them.

 

Arriving 11 minutes later or so, they saw him leaning in a wall looking both left and right almost like he was getting hunted by someone, they put their weapon on their back again, that magnet really does the work for his weapon to stay steady when he doesn't hold it, he could thank later his friend.

 

“Hello Minute-”

 

He didn't hesitate to interrupt them.

 

“Get to the point, I have to do stuff.”

 

“Wowowow, you didn't even let me finish what I was going to say, you didn't even let me speak up, Minnie”

They mock with their hands in the air.

 

Minute bawled his fists, his sharp eyes never leaving the crosses on their mask, taking them as their eyes.

 

“Don't you dare calling me that you asshole”

 

They lay down their hands.

 

“Calm down Minnie Tech, you owe me information and I want that from one way or another”

 

“Oh, the information?”

Minute asked confused.

 

“Yes, the information I need, Minute”

 

“About that there's a problem”

 

“Go on, better not be that bad, you know how much I need to know more about him right?”

 

“I know, the problem is that the link that you gave me that led to the Bureau's database is locked, I would need a hacker to help me.”

 

They chuckle.

 

“So it is because they locked it away huh? Let me tell you something Minute, you're just an useless pawn”

 

“What do you mean? I have helped you get your information about that agent and now you tell me that I am useless?! What the fu-”

 

Before he could keep whining and complaining the blade of their weapon was on his neck.

 

“Are you serious? You're gonna kill me?! After all this time, Clown?!”

 

Minute started to get anxious, backing off to a wall.

 

“Indeed, since the betrayal of our former group of three little assassins you have been more than a burden and I don't like having a burden on my plans”

 

He tightly grab the weapon, his knuckles getting rigid while leaning it close for a straight cut on his neck.

 

“NO?! I CAN'T DIE I-I'LL HIRE SOMEONE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE I PROMISE I WON'T FAIL I SWEAR THAT I WONT BE A BURDEN I- SOMEONE HELP-?!”

 

Before he could shout for help he sliced Minute, blood was going down his trachea while his clothes were in blood, he was sitting on the floor, blood in his mouth and lips agonizing in pain.

 

“Let..her..know..I..died..”

 

Minute coughed his last words as he slowly closed his dull white eyes.

 

With that he picked their dagger and stabbed Minute in the chest, he deepened the cut until he arrived at Minute's heart and the blade passed through it then he retrieved the dagger again on their bloody hands to later clean them in their apartment.

 

He left the decoy weapon on the floor and carried Minute in his arms and throwed him on the nearest container, even though it wasn't the best hiding spot for a corpse it would be fun to mess with the police if he arrived.

Clown left the dagger for a single reason: it didn't have anything involving them (such as fingerprints) so he didn't need to worry.

 

He calmly left the crime scene while heading to their apartment.

 

'I hope he gets to see what I did'

He thought while walking away.

 

'And I would need to see who my next competition would be and a new strategy to get closer to him.. Now I'm thinking I need a hacker to do the remaining job, meh it would be easy, after all I have the money to do so!'

 

He have to do many things before they do something crazy, they need him and they will have him by all means, hell even taking him to another country miles away!.. Stalking could be an option but that would be obvious, they needed to meet him casually or else their soon lover would suspect that he's in danger.

 

He would have a new advantage and they needed to perform it as soon as possible, he just had to find him in a café or somewhere, anywhere would be great.

 

Oh gods he already has a plan… But for now h need to go to their apartment and rest. 

 

Tomorrow was going to be a good day.

Chapter 2: .-The smile that I followed-.

Branzy, Jaron and Rek were sitting outside the morgue while waiting for the autopsy report.

 

They have been here already for more than an hour and the detective was still tapping his foot with the resinous floor.

 

“How long until Bacon finishes the report? It's been four hours already, god I'm going to fall asleep if we stay up here for a few more hours!”

Jaron yapped while crossing his arms and looking down.

 

“Be patient, we need to do more big shit tomorrow"

Rek replied to his whining, closing his eyes trying to relax.

 

Branzy just looked at his phone for any notifications or just... Something.

 

A tanned man walked out of the double doors, he had a white mask covering his face with a blue gown and gloves.

His hands were slightly raised up and with his thumbs he quit his cover.

 

Branzy looked at Bacon while standing up from his seat.

 

“Found anything?”

He asked while rubbing one of his eyes.

 

“Yeah, you three should come here”

Bacon replied, going back inside the doors knowing that the trio would immediately follow him.

 

As they go inside the room they see in the center a table with the body's private parts being covered by a towel that was on top of him, a big lamp reflecting the avian as it was now clear to see details that the three of them couldn't see hours before in the dark.

 

“You have the report of the initial examination on the counter”

Bacon said while he was quitting his gloves and gown to rest for a bit.

 

Branzy listened to Bacon as he took the file and started to read the contents inside it.

 

The report included the basic information being his name which was Parrot X-Two.

 

'Interesting'

He thought while looking down.

 

Skipping some really basic information he was caught up with the figure drawn that had circled the chest, the back and the throat.

 

Looking back at the corpse Branzy realized that a knife couldn't have done this so it was something bigger than that.

 

Therefore he looked at Bacon and smiled.

 

“From your observations, what weapon do you think caused the death of the victim?”

 

“Since something small couldn't have done that I would rather think either a scythe or a hoe to be honest”

Bacon replied, looking at the agent.

 

“I was thinking that too!”

Jaron shouted in surprise, making them eye the detective.

 

“Sorry...”

 

Branzy only chuckled softly and remembered that he still has that photo that he saved and picked it up from his pockets.

 

“Bacon, are you good at getting rid of blood from stained photos?”

Branzy said.

 

“Depends on which type of model it was used to take but I could try”

 

As he doubted he got new gloves from the counter and took the bag with the picture from him.

 

Opening the bag he took a look at the photo, it was unrecognizable to look at but could be cleaned.

 

He headed to the sink next to the counter to get a rag and pour it with water, letting the polaroid get humid and safely clean the Polaroid, placing it on top of the image and carefully moving the rag to all sides the blood went to.

 

The photo was restored yet some scratches were clear to see.

 

“Here”

He lands the evidence in Branzy's hands.

 

“Thanks Bacon, now I know who to go if I need help from a forensic”

Branzy jokingly says with a smile.

 

Rek got close to the agent to check at the now cleaned picture.

 

There were two men, one who was Parrot and a dark brunette haired man around his early 20s with a deep purple bandana on his forehead, they were both...Smiling... Together surely having a happy day.. 

 

He was reminded by a memory from his childhood.

 

A young girl with long white hair was running, she was holding his hand tightly, the kid in white looked back but her face was covered by her smooth hair but a nasty mark was seen all over her left side.

 

It was all fuzzy, he couldn't see clear, he couldn't see her face, was it her-

 

“Branz?”

Rek touched his shoulder in a concerning matter, he looked at the deer knowing that he zoned out for the second time already.

 

“I'm okay don't worry I was just... Analyzing the photo if there were any details.. We should find him for more information tomorrow”

 

“I trust you, if you need anything I'm free anytime”

 

“I said I'm okay.. We should go to rest, we need to do more tomorrow don't we?”

 

“You're right.. We need to clear our minds for tomorrow morning..”

Jaron insisted while letting a soft yawn, almost falling out asleep.

 

Rek let Jaron drive him to his apartment to which he weakly nodded as they started to leave the room.

 

“Night for everyone!”

Rek exclaimed to both Branzy and Bacon while carrying the detective's left arm on his shoulder.

 

With that Branzy also said goodbye to Bacon and headed outside to go to his car. 

 

It was one of the decent ones, he needed one for this mission of course but he couldn't go with the one he had and loved in case someone would vandalize it.

 

The ride to the hotel he was residing for now was both calming yet rushed, oh the late night, the lights making the city alive and beautiful.. God it is so pretty that even Branzy wanted to do late rides more often.

 

After arriving he left the car in his parking lot and grabbed the keycard for his room and important things he needed to get.

He headed to the elevator and selected the floor his room was on.

 

'Room 103'

He thought, touching the button that had the number one on it.

 

The doors opened as he walked out, arriving at his place and turning the small card on the door's handle, it confirmed the code and Branzy could open the handle going into the comfortable area while closing the door that automatically activated the locks.

 

Branzy let the files, card and other things on the table while unbuttoning his shirt and putting on his upper strapped pyjamas revealing his arms and a bit of his chest and with his pants doing almost the same, except that he had some shorts instead of those long sweatpants that he was uncomfortable with, it was a basic outfit for some pyjamas but it was all he had though for this mission.

 

He rubbed his eyes and headed to bed letting out a long sigh. 

 

After a few minutes his mind was fuzzy and fell asleep.

 

.-Thursday: 6:40 a.m-.

 

Branzy opened his weak violet eyes from the vibrations of his watch that was on his wrist.

 

He started to rise up from his bed, making a beginning to his routine, put on one of his only ‘iconic’ (which was the one that he loved) outfits, brushed his teeth, all that simple stuff.

 

He grabbed his bag as he put the files carefully and grabbed both his keycard and phone while going down the elevator in which an elderly couple greeted him and as a good man would do he could just wave since he was in a rush.

 

The agent decided on going to a bar nearby that he went once with Rek with the objective to get some decent breakfast before starting his shift at the station.

 

Once he went in he sat on a seat that was in front of the bar counter while scrolling his phone in his messages if someone tried to text him while he was asleep as someone arrived and looked at him.

 

“Can I help you?”

Branzy looked away from his phone to see a demon with dark short hair and a red bandana wearing casual clothes for his work. He seemed nice.

 

“Um.. What do you have?”

Branzy asked while scratching the back of his neck.

 

“We have the usual, coffee, tea, water, all that stuff and we also have some appetizers if you want some”

 

“I'll just have a cappuccino and a bun, please”

 

“Okay! I'll have it served for you in just a few minutes”

The man headed for a cup and started preparing the coffee.

 

“Thanks!”

 

Branzy let out a soft sigh of relief and turned off his phone, the music and the ambient on the bar was... Cozy to say the least, there were some people at other tables, some chatting with their friends, some eating and others on their phone doing the same as he was doing before.

 

A faint tap was heard in front of the agent, it was the bun he ordered.

 

He and the waiter quickly smiled at each other for a few seconds not after the demon kept doing the cappuccino and some post seconds the coffee was placed in front of Branzy.

 

“Here is your cappuccino, that would be... 2 dollars and 10 cents, do you have cash?”

The waiter asked him.

 

Branzy's smile faded into a nervous one.

 

“Oh, um- do you pay by card?”

 

“Sorry, only cash”

 

Branzy rummaged through his pockets and checked his wallet as he realized he unfortunately didn't have any money on his hand.

 

Coins were heard on the counter as he looked at the person next to him.

 

“That's for him”

 

He had medium dark red hair with his roots being black, his eyes were also a red that seemed like old blood but really matched with his pale skin, he was wearing almost formal clothing but at the same time it was also casual, a tail was wagging softly, he was a demon.

 

“Mr.Pierce! It's really rare for you to come into these types of places, something changed?”

The waiter replied and left the money on the register and lent him the change.

 

“Let’s just say I have many interests and this morning I said to myself ‘Oh, I'll just relax myself a little’, sometimes I'm tired of doing the same things everyday you know?”

 

“Hm... Free man, didn't know you had that liberty to do more stuff than just controlling businesses.”

 

“My people are doing that so that means I have a free day off.”

 

The door was opened as he glanced at the newcomer.

 

“Well I'll just leave you two alone, I have things to do.”

The man replied, leaving them alone.

 

Branzy gulped as he saw the man smiling at him.

 

“Thanks... Um... If I could have cash I could pay you but I left it all in my room... Oh gods I so have a fuzzy mind...”

Branzy asked him while taking a sip of his coffee, noticing redness on his face as he looked to his side.

 

“Oh don't worry about me please, that's the least you could do.”

He replied, heh, met two demons in a day, that's a weird shot to take.

 

“So, Mr.Pierce”

 

He moved the collar of his shirt to try and play cool but his face betrayed him as he tapped his fingers on his bare collarbone.

 

“You're the owner of that popular casino right?”

 

The demon snorted as that smile never left his lips.

 

“Such an eager eye, yes I do but didn't expect you to immediately know, most people don't even know until they meet me after a conversation, you just knew me the second you saw me, you're the madman right?”

 

“News?”

Branzy asked as he took another quick sip from his coffee.

 

“Yes, I heard that you were... Provoked to say the least, may I ask you why?”

Mr.Pierce asked curiously, at least he didn't mean to offend him.

 

Branzy took a long sip of the coffee that he almost left empty, surely the caffeine has gotten him by now.

 

“You probably know how the media and reporters piss you off right? So that happened with me and because they are irritating with the police especially asking questions that we don't even know or are better not answered to the public he got onto my ass and well…”

 

The agent got near him.

 

“Let’s just say that I somehow threatened him with murdering him”

 

He backed off and let out a sigh”

 

“You slept well? Not to sound like a creep but because I'm rather worried.”

 

“No-Yeah I did um, thanks for your care”

 

The agent reached for his watch and saw it was 7:05 a.m and he needed to be in the station at 8:10. He was an hour and a half away from there and getting his car meant wasting time.

 

“Shit I need to go or I'll be late.”

He stood up as he stepped out.

 

The demon picked the bun that was left untouched and ate a portion of it, he followed Branzy who was holding the door.

 

“Do you need a ride?”

 

Branzy turned to face him.

 

“I... Yeah... I mean if that isn't a burden for you-”

 

“Of course!? Come on, follow me!”

 

Branzy was a bit surprised by the tone he replied.

 

The agent opened the door as he and Mr.Pierce went out on the streets, Mapicc waved at them as they got out.

 

Outside the bar the cold breeze passed through them even though it wasn't winter yet, Branzy softly sneezed and Pierce glanced at him while having a smile on his face.

 

“This way”

Mr.Pierce gently grabbed Branzy’s arm to lead him to his car which was a black sports car, an unusual one to see casually.

 

He opens the passenger door for him, Branzy steps in, his shoulders calm as he seems relaxed, he sits down while Mr.Pierce closes the door and moves to the other side, also doing the same as Branzy.

 

“Thanks for letting me in Pierce”

 

He started to drive and glanced at the man.

 

“Call me Clown, we aren't in a professional position right now”

 

Something in Branzy clicked hearing that name.

 

“Have we met before?”

He looked at Clown.

 

“Perhaps, what's your name?”

The demon glanced, catching his amethyst-like eyes that shone with the sun.

 

'He seems trustworthy’

 

“Branzy, Branzy Craft”

 

“Then nice to meet you...”

Clown hummed as Branzy turned to look at the window.

 

At that same moment his phone started to ring on his hand, he noticed and faced the screen, it was Rek.

 

He picks it up.

 

“Morning”

Branzy said, Clown glanced at him but he quickly looked back at the road.

 

   -“Where are you Branz? It's odd for you to come late?“

Rek asked.

 

“Oh, um... I overslept yeah...”

 

   -“Dude I know that tone”

 

Rek is heard exhaling, he surely was pissed off.

 

   -“At least tell me when are you going to come?”

 

“Maybe in...”

 

Branzy looked at where they were going, Clown kept glancing at him.

 

“Half an hour or so”

 

Rek sighs.

 

   -“I swear to god if you get your ass in here after that time me and Jaron won’t wait for you”

He replied seriously, maybe he was joking but who knows.

 

“I will go and also, you can get a protocol violation for that shit and you know how your superior can react to that information, he would kick your ass in seconds”

 

Rek chuckled softly.

 

   -“I was kidding Branz, God you're the same kid from high school, speaking of old times, I'm sorry if you get angry but… Do you know anything about your sister after all this time?”

 

Branzy frowned at his words, his cocky face faded away and got changed with a more serious expression filled with concern, Clown also took notice of that but was focused on driving.

 

“You know that she wanted to leave the family... It was her decision.”

 

   -“I know she wanted to but remember the fact that you went crazy trying to find her.”

 

The agent balled his spare fist as he kept staring at the window.

 

“That was years ago for fucks sake?!”

 

   -“I know but don't you have any hopes on finding her, she was your sister Branzy you, me and her friends cared about her?!”

 

“Was, Rek and if you didn't fucking catched up, this is my problem so do not care do intervene, I knew her more than you or everyone else and also she wanted to disappear from my doomed family to follow her dreams, not to get onto my father's shady government shit like I had to?!”

 

Silence filled the other line.

 

   -“I'll see you at the station, I'm bothering you right now.”

 

“Rek?!”

 

He looks at his phone and sees that the call was hung up.

 

Branzy leaves his phone on his lap and puts his right elbow on the door of the car while covering his face.

 

Clown puts his hand on his shoulder while handling the wheel with his left hand.

 

“If you need to take a break we can go somewhere near the station if you want”

 

Branzy quit his hand from his face and looked at the demon with sobbing eyes.

 

“It's okay... I don't want to bother you”

 

“Don't worry! My clients will be okay without me for a few hours”

 

“Are you sure?”

 

“Yeah yeah, anything to help someone”

 

“Like helping a damsel in distress?”

 

They chuckle as Clown tightens his grip on the other's shoulder.

 

“You could say it like that”

 

Branzy snorted and stared at the city on the window

 

The remaining time of the ride was pretty calm, Branzy kept a view at the window almost all the time and Clown was still driving to head to a nearby store at the station.

 

 

Thirty minutes later Clown parked the car.

 

“Here we are”

 

“We're at a store, hm...”

 

“Come on I insist, maybe we get something tasty”

 

“You talk like we are friends already”

 

“What? I am a social guy, like a social butterfly you know? Knowing people easily, perks of being open”

 

“I know, come on let's just go”

 

Clown immediately jumps out of the car, sprinting to open Branzy’s door for him.

 

“Thank you”

He said with a smile on his face, Clown kept his gentle expression but was clearly excited for this moment.

 

They go in and a young woman greets them, she has this surprised face, surely thinking of the fact that both Mr.Pierce and the known 'alleged' FBI agent Mr.Craft have entered this small store.

 

“So! What would you like?”

Clown circled him like he was a living ghost but Branzy wasn't bothered about that.

 

“I don't know... We haven't even seen what they sell here”

 

“Ahh! Surely the normal stuff”

 

Branzy just looked at him and blinked away, walking through the shelf to check its contents, Clown sprinted to where he was, following like a dog with an invisible leash on his neck.

 

He found the agent facing down, staring at both a bag of carrot sticks and some bagged popcorn he grabbed on the top shelf.

 

“Ooh... Interesting choices, are you going to grab both or one of them?”

 

Branzy took a quick glance at the demon but went back to choose.

 

“The one that resembles more of my old times”

 

Clown kept smiling, his gaze never looking away from Branzy.

 

“Carrot sticks are good, if you want it I can buy some water to rinse it”

 

He pondered for a bit but finally decided, he grabbed the bag.

 

“That.... Could be actually good”

 

Branzy’s smile rises, even his teeth are shown, Clown lightly blushes at that cute expression

 

'Gods he's so handsome I'm so lucky to have him near me today'

The demon though, eyeing Branzy’s face.

 

“-leave the popcorn”

 

“Sorry?”

Clown asked, he clearly had zoned out.

 

“I just said that you get a bottle while I leave the popcorn, ok?”

 

“Of course”

 

They parted ways to do what they said, one to put something in its place and another one to pick something from a container.

 

Branzy’s reaction to Clown's behavior was peculiar to say the least, they have known each other for an hour and they look like they are best friends already.

 

'Good job Branzy, you're socializing with someone that isn't Rek or Jaron or Zam'

 

He let out a sigh and turned to get on with that demon until he glimpsed someone taking a photo of him. He couldn't see who it was since they were hidden thanks to the shelves but that made Branzy freeze.

 

“Something wrong?”

 

A hand on his right shoulder was placed, it was Clown with worrying eyes, on his hand a plastic bottle of cold water.

 

“You look like you've seen a ghost”

 

Branzy slowly saw his face.

 

“I swear that I just saw a phone taking a picture of me”

 

The demon glanced at the same way as Branzy, he even looked around with a calm smile.

 

“Maybe is some weirdo but whatever, I even have to deal with those suckers”

Clown replied in a gentle tone.

 

Branzy closed his eyes and pinched his nose.

 

“Whatever... Let's just go”

 

The duo walked to where the cashier was sitting while watching tv.

 

She turned to them, taking a quick look at the objects they were carrying.

 

“Three bucks”

 

Clown smiled while paying the girl, and she put the money in the register.

 

“Have a nice day...”

 

“You too ma'am”

Clown answered while having the same gentle smile as from before.

 

It creeped out Branzy, so calm, nice, it reminded him of a mix of Vitalasy and… her.

 

Branzy quickly smiled at the woman as he and Clown left the store.

 

They arrived at Clown's car, the demon opened the near door to let Branzy sit down while he leaned next to him.

 

Branzy opened the bag.

 

“Give me the bottle, I'm gonna try something”

Branzy said while putting the sack on his lap.

 

At the same time Clown gave the bottle to him as he instantly opened it.

 

“This is going to be fun”

Branzy mutters under his breath, grabbing the bag with his spare arm.

 

He stretches his arm with the many carrot sticks and pours some water on the bottle inside the bag, even though it leaks it is a good way to rinse it.

 

“Shoot, Clown grab the bag”

He says while washing his hands and closing up the bottle.

 

Clown was holding the wet bag with both of his hands while Branzy was rubbing the carrots.

 

“Whoo! Do you have any container to leave the carrots?”

 

“I think there is in the trunk, let me check I'll back”

 

He stopped grabbing the bag to open the trunk in which he found a box filled with needles in which he opened and emptied it.

 

“I got it, wait a second”

Clown says while closing the trunk and heading to where Branzy was grabbing the soaked bag that had wetted his fingers.

 

The demon smiles while giving the box to him.

 

“Did you do this with your sister in the past if I can ask?”

 

Branzy looked at him as he placed the carrots and placed the filled box on his lap.

 

“Yeah, my mom… She used to plant various vegetables and when they were ready to harvest me and my sister would help her with washing and cutting them”

 

“Interesting...”

 

Clown saw the carrots and turned his head to the side and pointed at them.

 

“May I?”

 

Branzy was already eating one of them as his eyes expanded a bit.

 

“Hm? Oh yeah”

 

He grabbed the bag to let him grab some.

 

Clown picked one and bit it, it was tasty but it was just a simple carrot stick really but if Branzy, his future Branzy was happy, then he was happy too.

 

“Maybe I can take these for my colleagues at the station too...”

He interrupted himself as he remembered that he needed to get there now.

 

“How about we throw the bag and we start heading there, ok?

 

Branzy got up from his seat as he left the box on the seat and closed the door. He smiled at Clown as they started to go to the nearby trash can to throw the bag that was already deforming in Branzy's fingers.

 

As they head back to the car, Branzy gets a call on his phone, it was Jaron.

He couldn't pass his call so he responded.

 

   -“Hey uh.. Branzy? Where are you? Rek is starting to get anxious...”

 

Branzy groaned, his eyebrows frown with annoyance.

 

“I’ll get there now and tell Rek that I'll be okay”

He quit the phone off his ear and hung up the call.

 

“Gods...”

Branzy ruffles his hair, Clown notices his behavior and puts a hand on his back in which the other man blushes.

 

“For now don't think about it, come on, let's get going!”

 

The agent exhales, a nervous smile appears on his face as both of them keep walking.

 

They go to their seats and close the car's doors as Clown starts up the car, heading to the station.

 

They arrive, Branzy gets out of the car but the demon grabs his arm, giving him a card.

 

“Take my number, I think we could be great friends”

 

The agent quickly looks around to not be seen by any other person that he knows.

 

“Are you sure?”

 

“Yeah yeah! Here!”

Clown lowers down to grab his wrist, leaving the card in Branzy's hand.

 

“I-Thank you... Um, have a nice day” 

Branzy holds the card, gently letting go of Clown's grip.

 

He finally gets out of the car with the box and standing foot on the concrete floor of the street, going inside the doors of the station not before saving goodbye to the demon.

 

Clown waves back as he sees that Branzy is already inside, driving away.

 

As always the station is filled with officers doing their work, people talking to them and in a summary, an agitated environment.

 

Branzy heads to reception showing his ID to the receptionist to let him last through and as he heads deeper a nervous Rekrap was talking to Jaron and Zam.

 

'Oh fuck me’

Branzy thinks, walking to where the group was.

 

“Morni-”

 

“A long last you arrived, took you enough huh? Where the fuck were you at?!”

 

“Rek-”

Zam tried to calm the situation but it didn't work.

 

“Do not dare ask about my whereabouts, you don't care about that Rek, it's none of your business.”

 

“OH?! You're telling me that I don't care about your well-being? Even after I helped you quit smoking after what happened to you at that mission?!”

 

“Fuck Rek, why are you even involving that?!”

 

“Examples Branzy, examples, I have tried to help you but you always back off when I ask by saying ‘oH, I aM FiNe’ when you clearly are not”

 

“Because I like solving my problems alone, for god's sake why are we even fighting about this?”

 

Jaron, who was watching the news on the small tv that was sitting on Rek's desk turned the volume up, loud enough that the three of them could hear it.

 

“Why are we fighting about this?! Because you-”

 

     —“..Another murder was recently found at the garbage section of the ‘To the funhouse!’ casino; the body was found by a staff member who was taking the trash and found the corpse of a man recognized as ‘Minute Tech’ known to be a popular figure to direct the time machine named as the ‘Timejump’ with his partner named ‘Jumper Who’, going back to the murder the worker called the police and Captain MC and his team headed immediately, let's have a word with the captain, shall we?”

 

“Oh come on, my brother is involved in the case too?”

Zam asked, clearly annoyed.

 

“I mean he's the main head of the station and many influential people died so of course someone of higher rank must be investigating this, like you, Branzy.”

Jaron explained, glancing at the agent and then back at the tv”

 

“I mean, yeah the bureau called me to help you guys on the case but I'm in another sector of the police and therefore it's a different approach to say so.”

Branzy replied, going back to the screen.

 

     —“Captain, what do you think about the fact that this murder could be involved with the other ones involving influential figures being killed?”

 

On the screen Wemmbu was crossing his arms, looking at the reporter.

 

     —“It could be implied yes but we still need to find more evidence implying that theory”

 

The woman who was questioning Wemmbu looked away and then went back to ask him.

 

     —“Speaking of evidence it's said that you have found a dagger near the crime scene but as from other crime scenes there wasn't any found object of anything pointing at the murderer, what is your opinion about that?”

 

     —“For now we need to wait for CSI to check anything important and about the dagger there are two implied options, one. 

-The murderer is trying to be found but that would mean needing to find fingerprints on the weapon 

Or two. 

-It could be a copycat trying to interpret the performance of the actual killings but it is highly unlikely that theory could be possible since that stretch is impossible to testify.”

 

     —“That is really interesting, Captain”

 

She eyes the screen with a determined smile.

 

     —“As you have heard it could be either the actual murderer or a copycat but for that stay tuned for more information” 

 

As Jaron was going to turn down the volume the reporter looked to the side, surprise on her face.

 

     —“Oh wait a second! The owner of the casino has arrived”

 

The camera moves to Clown whose eyes were open looking at the crime scene.

 

Branzy leaned a bit, passing through Rek leaving the box on his desk while he put his arms on his chest and head turned down.

 

 Zam and Jaron noticed but brushed it off except Rek who instead of watching the TV stared at Branzy to see his behavior.

 

     —“Mr.Pierce! What a coincidence to meet here! Why do you think that the murderer killed someone near your casino?”

 

Clown scratched the back of his neck while still being absorbed by this cannon that had the now information about this recent murder.

 

     —“Oh I shouldn't think that but I think that I could be the killer's next victim but again, I am not sure if that could be the situation but-”

 

     —“Mister Pierce, please follow me”

 

Someone, surely an officer, asked Clown to follow him, possibly to the station for questioning.

 

He rushed to where the voice was heard and the woman stepped in the centre of the screen.

 

     —“Well it seems that today we have some pretty interesting information but stay tuned for more coming in the future”

 

A man was now on screen telling another type of news and Jaron turned off the volume of the tv.

 

“So now we know that Mr.Pierce might come here to be interrogated”

Branzy said, backing off and going back.

 

“Yeah but can we talk about what Wemmbu said?!”

Zam asked, anger in his voice.

 

An exhale came out of his mouth as he pinched his nose bridge.

 

“The fact that he just said it could be a copycat while clearly saying that it is unlikely… Then he shouldn't have said that if he thinks that it is not a copycat... God… My brother sometimes doesn't know what he says…”

 

Jaron placed a hand on Zam's shoulder trying to comfort him.

 

“Zam, we all know that you and the captain have problems but it was either a theory or just an excuse to say for the press”

 

Zam moved his head, eyes sharp looking down to the floor and jaw clenched.

 

“No… Wemmbu wouldn't lie, he may have a sharp tongue but he wouldn't lie in public, he has a reputation…”

 

The detective let out a sigh.

 

“Then until the captain and his team don't come back to let us know the details we need to wait, right guys?”

 

He glanced at Rek and Branzy in which they nodded at the same time.

 

“Also, Branzy um.. when Mr.Pierce was mentioned you leaned forward, why?”

 

“Hm? I actually didn't know him so I wanted to have a look”

His hand is scratching the back of his neck while looking away.

 

“Liar, I know you do that when you're lying”

Rek looked at him, still annoyed from their previous fight.

 

Branzy tsked.

 

“And if I am what? It's not like I fucked with him which I obviously didn't”

 

“Wait, you met him?”

Jaron asked with a surprised expression all over his face.

 

“Yeah, this morning, paid for my coffee when I didn't have cash, nice man thought”

 

“Oh Really?”

 

“Yeah”

 

Branzy leaned on Rek's desk while opening the box and taking a carrot stick to eat.

 

“Can I get some?”

Zam pointed at the box while glancing at Branzy.

 

“Yeah here”

He grabs it to let Zam get some to eat.

 

The door of the station opens, reporters are outside being stopped by officers.

 

“I was right, Mr.Pierce would come here, Zam got a question”

 

Clown steps in with two officers, one escorting him to the interrogation room and the other one trying to find someone until he makes eye contact with Branzy and goes to where he is standing.

 

The agent quickly looks away to glance at Zam.

 

“Yeah?”

 

“Why don't we interrogate the relatives of the victims later when I finish the interrogation?”

 

Zam looked down and to them.

 

“Rek, Jaron, Branzy, when we finish this we go to my office okay?”

 

The three of them nod as the officer arrives to where they were.

 

“Mr.Craft?”

 

“Wemmbu told you to interrogate Mr.Pierce right? After what he said on tv?”

 

“Yes and no… I mean, captain told me to get him interrogated for possible witness protection but about Mr.Pierce he wanted you to interrogate him”

 

Zam, Rek and Jaron look at the officer, then at Branzy who is shocked.

 

“Me?”

 

“As you have heard, the four of you please follow me”

 

They get moving, the officer who escorted Clown was in the door of the recording room, the other one nods at them as they open the door, letting them enter.

 

In there Wemmbu was sitting in a chair already, how? (By magic don't you fucking think)

 

Branzy saw Clown sitting on a chair in the interrogation room, he was calm, extremely calm staring at the door waiting to be opened.

 

“Wemmbu what the fuck?!”

 

Zam grabbed the purple haired’s collar shirt.

 

“Calm down Zam-”

 

“My ass is going to calm down, copycat killer?! Seriously?! I expected more from you brother.”

 

“Stepbrother, Zam”

 

Wemmbu removed Zam's grip from his collar, sitting down on his chair, sitting like a king.

 

Branzy turned to face the man who had a tick on his eye already.

 

“Captain, why am I the one to interrogate Mr.Pierce and not anyone? Did he force you too?”

 

He glanced at Branzy who was also looking at him.

 

“Mr.Craft, we both know when someone is influential we should do what they say or else they would sue us”

 

The agent stared back at Clown who still had that same expression from before.

 

“Very well then, I'll go but with a condition”

 

Wemmbu smiled, crossed legs and elbows on the arm rest, he looked like a villain from movies but Branzy brushed it off.

 

“I’m all ears Mr.Craft”

 

He turned to meet Wemmbu's view again, crossed arms and lowered his gaze on the cocky man.

 

“Inspector Parker will go with me as an observant in the interrogation”

 

Rek side eyed Branzy like he had committed a crime.

 

“Excuse me?”

Rek said, he was clearly confused and frustrated.

 

Wemmbu clapped his hands with another, a grin on his lips.

 

“It's settled! Inspector Parker, please go with Mr.Craft to the interrogation room”

 

Rek exhaled, trying to cause a scene, especially with the captain in the view.

 

“Of course, sir”

Rek let out a forced smile, turning around to walk to the other room with the agent.

 

 

In the hallway before entering, Rek grabbed Branzy's shoulder.

 

“Dude, why would you get me here?”

 

Branzy moved his head to look at Rek.

 

“Because you're my best friend and I trust you more than anyone in this station”

 

He gets off Rek's touch as he turns back and opens the door of the interrogation room.

 

Branzy is greeted with a happy Clown, his smile showing his pearly (not that pearly) whites.

 

“We meet again Branzy Craft, how did your fight with your friend go?”

 

“Why do you want me to interrogate you myself?”

 

Branzy walks to the other chair in which he sits, his right arm resting on the chair's back rest.

 

“Huh? I said that? Oh…”

 

“Answer my question”

 

Rek leans on the wall, he crosses his arms while staring at Clown.

 

“Oh you must have misheard it from what they said, they actually suggested it and I went with what they said, after all they're the police and you need to trust their judgement, they're the carrier of justice”

 

“If they actually said that then why didn't they tell me?”

Branzy pointed out while glancing at the one way window, clearly wanting to let know that he was targeting Wemmbu with his sharp eyes.

 

‘Why is it hot already?’

The agent sighs while he unbuttoned a button of his shirt and went back to Clown who was looking away from his gaze.

 

“Oh well…”

The demon grabbed his arms, crossing them while trying not to look at something (Ooh he tryna look at the beauty of a beautiful man)

 

“Then I do not know that personally”

He put a hand on his forehead trying to quit some sweat from there.

 

“You seem nervous, why?”

 

Clown looked at him and chuckled.

 

“Nothing, nothing, it's just hot here isn't it?”

 

Clown was already fanning himself with his hand while trying not to look down.

 

“Yeah… Anyways the reason I told that in live is cause truthfully, I think that the fact that Minute and yes I know him was found in my casino and I think it means like a warning of sorts”

 

Branzy put his elbows on the table while resting his chin with his twined fingers pairing in each space from his sockets.

 

“How much do you know about Mr.Tech?”

 

“We were friends, really”

 

He sighs as he keeps going.

 

“Such a shame he died, he was a good man I give him that, gods I think he wasn't doing anything bad”

 

“Interesting… So that is why you think you should be in protection?”

 

“Correct, why would they target me? Because I'm involved with money? Because they want fame? I don't know you tell me”

 

Meanwhile Rek got a vibration from his phone and looking at the screen he looked shocked.

 

On the other hand Clown pointed to himself with a nervous smile that quickly changed to a dull one, one emotionless yet filled with frustation.

 

“Mr.Pierce do you have any enemies or rivals that might want to kill you?”

 

“Not that I know of”

 

Rek, who was now next to Branzy placed one of his hands on the table, staring at Clown while the other one was under it, his phone clear for the agent to see.

 

Branzy leaned back to the rest and moved the view to the screen in which there was a chatlog between Rek and Bacon saying that ‘The victim's (Being Parrot's) ex-boyfriend is waiting to see his corpse’ and that ‘You three and L.T should come here now, I can't distract him for too long’

 

Rek checked Branzy to see if he read the chat and saved his phone in his pocket.

 

“Mr.Pierce if you think you're really in danger then get yourself a bodyguard of sorts, if you excuse us we will now go”

 

He stood up grabbing Rek's shoulder to rise up as he took a quick look at Clown who had a faint red blush on his face.

 

Branzy ignored it as he turned back with the brunette, heading out to the door leaving the demon alone on his seat.

 

As they walked to the recording room Jaron, Zam and Wemmbu were standing outside.

 

“Relative from the victim, Jaron, L.T follow us”

 

As soon as Jaron's was mentioned he was instantly sprinting.

 

“Wait up!”

 

The detective followed them as the duo kept walking, Wemmbu meanwhile went to the interrogation room while Zam ruffled his hair and followed the trio.

 

On the walk to the morgue Jaron downed his view to Branzy, he was clearly worried. 

 

“Branzy what happened there? He seemed like he was really interested in you”

 

“Yeah! He was trying to flirt with you and all that stuff”

 

The agent side eyed Jaron that was behind them then looked away, pacing front.

 

“What I needed now, another man trying to be with me, tch”

 

“You were in a relationship?”

 

Branzy sighs.

 

“Yeah, lasted like four months”

 

“Oh… I'm sorry then”

 

“Don't be, after all love makes you blind, that's why staying single is better, I tell you”

 

After some minutes they arrive downstairs to the lobby area of the morgue where the three of them see Bacon arguing with a man similar to the one from the polaroid, they head closer to know more.

 

“Oh come on dude why can't I see the body of my lover?”

 

“Didn't you say that he was your ex?”

 

“Oh well… that doesn't matter, please let me see him I-I can even pay you, how much do you want sir?”

 

Branzy steps forward, looking at the two of them while with his hand trying to let Rek and Jaron closer.

 

“You’re the guy huh?”

 

“What?”

 

Branzy turned to face Bacon.

 

“What's his name?”

 

“Wi-

 

“I hear you clearly! And yeah, you were near, it's Wifies”

 

“Okay Wifies let's make a deal, you answer my questions and you see your lover's body”

 

Wifies smiled like he had won the lottery and nodded along.

 

“See dude! You could have done that instead of having this fight”

 

“Wifies…”

 

“Yes, sir?”

 

He turned to Branzy with such an intriguing look on his face trying to be smart.

 

“What do you know about Parrot?”

 

“Oh well I think you know the basics like I'm his ex, I may have tried to constantly text him and talk to him about getting back together and that he's dead and I'm worried for him”

 

“So you're technically obsessed with him?”

Rek spoke up.

 

“You could say so but it was for love”

 

“Did he have, well, had any enemies or rivals?”

 

“Parrot? You could say no but he worked for someone and a company. 

The thing is that I personally don't know who they are and I say it as that he mentioned them as ‘Clovn’ or something like that so I don't know anything about them nor about the company that he worked as an accountant”

 

“Do you know where he went to work as an accountant?”

 

“Yes! At the building next to the M.O.B”

 

“Let me guess it's a building bought by that same company?”

Rek intervened once again, muttering it so that Branzy and Jaron who were near him could hear.

 

“I think so”

Jaron whispered back.

 

“Wait… Wasn't that company founded by Mr.Pierce and two of his friends? The Wook guy and the other one?”

 

Rek and Jaron's whispering caught Branzy's attention but kept focusing on getting more information from Wifies.

 

“Wifies do you think that ‘Clovn’ could have killed Parrot?”

 

“I mean I could think that everyone that talked with him might have done that yeah but…”

 

He looked away as his eyebrows frowned together, like he was thinking.

 

“Tch, you already have what you need and I can give to you my number for anything now please can I see him”

 

Branzy exhaled, his eyes closed for a few seconds, he was already tired of this.

 

“We will keep an eye on you but yes you can, Bacon, please escort him to where his lover is”

 

Bacon nodded as he let Wifies follow him inside the morgue.

 

Branzy turned to where the duo were standing.

 

“So, a guy called ‘Clovn’ may have killed Parrot, interesting but we don't know who that may be”

 

“Indeed… I mean, what even is that? ‘Clovn’?”

 

The way that word is somehow soothing to say that it makes Branzy more attentive to that smooth name.

 

“Hey guys!”

Zam appeared behind Jaron making him almost scream in front of the many people that stood all over the lobby.

 

“Damn it! This is already the second time I got scared all week long”

 

“Sorry… Got anything from that guy?”

 

Branzy smiled.

 

“Possibly, Parrot worked for someone called ‘Clovn’ which maybe is the guy we are looking for and that he also worked as an accountant at a building next to M.O.B”

 

“Then we should go there now, we have all the time no? Then let's get this fucker” 

 

The trio smiles as they and Zam walk out of the morgue.

 

 

When they arrived at the parking lot, there were a lot of cars by officers and other people that Branzy surely didn't talk to or met so, that was good, I guess.

 

“My car?”

Zam suggested while getting his keys as they kept walking.

 

“Why do you ask us if we know that you're gonna force us to be in your car?”

 

Zam glanced at Rek, his eyes were open and a smile with teeth shown was seen.

 

“Oh come on! Just a little spice up, we haven't reunited like this before”

 

“If you say so…”

 

“Ahhh! You're a killjoy, you know that right?”

 

Zam giggled while Rek just let out a groan.

 

Zam turned back to see his yellow car nearby as he sprinted to let everyone in like a gentleman he is.

 

“Is he always like this?”

Branzy whsipered while having a smile on his face.

 

“When he wants to but he's the nicest person from the station so it's grateful to have someone like him”

Jaron replied as they went to the car.

 

As Zam let everyone seat in where they wanted he finally went up to his seat and started to power up the car.

 

“Ooh guys, what if we later go and eat somewhere after our shifts?”

Zam proposed as he started driving away from the station.

 

“Good idea, I have been craving for something good, do you know how much ramen and noodles I have eaten in the last two weeks?”

 

They kept talking about the possible hang out tonight but Branzy who was at the right side of the back seat was instead scrolling on his phone. (How didn't he get nauseous?)

 

A text message appeared on top of his screen as he opened the display that showed a number that he clearly didn't know.

 

>Private Chat<

 

???: Hey Branzy!

 

B: Who are you supposed to be now?

 

C: Oh sorry (⁠~⁠_⁠~⁠) it's Clown

     The captain lend me your number if 

     There were problems while I would

     be in protection.

 

B: Okay I guess…

Wait, you are in protection?

 

C: Idk but my lawyer should have that 

     clear in a day or two… ¯⁠\⁠_⁠(⁠ツ⁠)⁠_⁠/⁠¯

     Also why did you leave?

    

B: The ex boyfriend of the other victim

 came to see his body

I needed him to answer some questions 

 

C: Cool! 

    Watcha doing now?

 

B: Why do you care about what I'm doing?

like we were friends already

 

C: Aww but I already took you 

     as a good friend (⁠╥⁠﹏⁠╥⁠)

 

B: Why do you keep texting those faces?

 

C: Oh I took that from my sister

 

B: You have a sister?

 

C: Yeah! 

     My little sis

     Sweet kid you would love to

     meet her. 

 

B: That's good to know..

 

Branzy looked up to the window, seeing that they were already in the heart of the city, the radio was playing as Zam, Rek and Jaron kept yapping about their lives and situations.

 

He let a faint sigh go out from his mouth as he looked back at the screen.

 

>Private Chat<

 

B: Where are you now?

 

C: Why?? Want to meet up?

     Anyways I'm at my car

 

B: Driving?!

 

C: I was to until I decided to chat 

    with you (⁠ ⁠◜⁠‿⁠◝⁠ ⁠)

 

B: Almost worried but that is better.

 

C: Aww you got worried? 

     For my safety?

 

B: You're a tease even when we don't 

meet in person

 

C: Thanks for the compliment (⁠^⁠‿⁠^⁠)

 

B: You're welcome

 

“Everyone we have arrived at M.O.B and it's other building”

Zam said, while looking at everyone sitting in the car.

 

The agent turned off his phone and saved it in his pocket.

 

“So, who goes where?”

 

Zam took a quick look at the two buildings and then back to Rek.

 

“What if we do split ups? Groups of two, one goes to M.O.B and the other one to the other building”

 

“That's good!”

Jaron said while grabbing Zam's seat and staring at the big window.

 

“Yeah but who will go where?”

Branzy spoke as he had his arms on his chest.

 

“Ooh that's picky, Branzy but in my opinion I think M.O.B will be more strict so an undercover FBI agent should go there, like you”

 

“So then you need to go too, you're the lieutenant and you have more reputation as also being Wemmbu's step-brother”

 

“Tch… What if Rek goes with you then? You two are a good duo” 

 

“But you cooperated once with the M.O.B years ago didn't you? Also as an undercover founder?”

 

Zam smiled as he looked at Branzy.

 

“You know what? I'll go you're right but you're going to pay the main part of tonight”

 

Branzy stroked his hand for Zam to shake it.

 

“Deal”

 

Zam shook his hand like they were businessmen doing an agreement.

 

They let out with smiles on both of their faces.

 

“So! Me and Branzy go to M.O.B while you and Jaron go get more about our victim, is that clear?”

 

The three of them nod their heads.

 

“Okay then, let's do this”

 

They get out of the car, walking to the crossing as they part in different ways.

 

Seeing the M.O.B from a close view Branzy couldn't say anything, it was massive but it was common sense, it was like a skyscraper.

 

“You impressed huh?”

Zam nudged his shoulder as he kept looking up.

 

“Y-Wow, I mean I have seen and been in many skyscrapers but this one…”

 

“I know, the largest one in the city, c'mon we should head in”

 

He grabbed Branzy's wrist as he dragged him inside the area.

 

The lobby was white with wooden pilates, on the sides there were ecosystems covered by windows, the duo headed to the reception where there was a man in a suit.

 

“Hi, welcome to M.O.B how can I help you?”

From his tone he seemed like a nice man but that forced smile failed Branzy's first impressions of him.

 

The two of them pulled out their badges to let them see.

 

“L.P.D, we need to meet with Mr.Wook”

 

That smile faded the moment Zam spoke up, he reached for the landline and dialed a number.

 

He waited for a while until his eyes turned to see the screen of the line.

 

“Yes, Mr.Wook? Um… Lieutenant Prince and his friend want to meet you personally”

He tapped the table with his fingers nervously as he held the handle that was on his ear

 

“Y-Yes sir…”

 

“Of course sir…”

 

He put the handle on its holder and put his hands on the back.

 

“Please follow me”

 

The man got out from the desk and started walking, Zam and Branzy followed him.

 

They got onto an elevator, Branzy leaned on the wall while Zam stood with hands on his pockets and tilting his feet up and down.

 

Once the elevator dinged the doors were opened and both the man and them kept walking to a pair of doors that he knocked.

 

“Come in”

A voice was heard from the inside as the receptionist opened one of the doors with shaky hands as he stood on the side.

 

A man with medium long white hair with a mask (which looked like paper) covering his left eye while wearing a suit with a yellow tie was sitting in a chair, his legs were on top of the table that was filled with papers and files.

 

“Take a seat”

He smiled.

 

Branzy looked to his side but the receptionist was already gone, he and Zam stepped in and sat on the seats, the previous opened door was now closed.

 

‘Is this magic or what’

Branzy thought while putting his leg on top of the other.

 

“So, Lieutenant, what do you need from me?”

 

“First of all, do you mind if I record this?”

 

“Of course! Love to help the police”

 

Zam grabbed his phone and tapped a recording application on the screen, the recording now started.

 

“Do you know anyone known as Parrot X-Two, Mr.Wook?”

 

“No, Lieutenant, I would know them immediately if they were in my database, also please call me Leo”

 

“Database? The ones that store the information about your employees, correct?”

 

Leo nodded his head.

 

“Indeed”

 

Branzy straightened his back as he put his arms onto the handle.

 

“And about some guy called ‘Clovn’?”

The agent asked with a straight face.

 

Leo stared him dead in the eye like he just said a name he shouldn't have said.

 

“How do you know that name?”

 

“The ex boyfriend of the victim heard him mention that name, what do you know about this person?”

 

He chuckled as he lowered his view from Branzy.

 

“Can’t tell, I'm so sorry…”

 

“Why can't you? Risk of being murdered by them like how that killer did to their victims or is there something deeper that we don't know?”

 

Leo nodded his head again with a concerned look on his face.

 

“I don't want the same death as Minute's”

He whispered to himself as tears started to form in his eye.

 

Branzy looked at Zam, letting him know that he should comfort him.

 

“Leo we can help you, I can take off the recording if you want but-”

 

Leo put his legs down off the table and with his right hand he smashed the table but it didn't break. (Luckily)

“Just… Don't, Lieutenant, I thank you for the help but please don't”

 

Branzy was worried but he needed this information.

 

“You know Minute Tech don't you?”

 

Zam slapped Branzy's arm, he had a angr- no, an irritated face with a faint red all over his forehead that headed for his entire face.

 

“Of course… He was a good man…”

 

“Do you know anyone that might have killed him?”

 

Leo looked away, possibly trying to think until he looked at Branzy's eyes.

 

“Him… Motherfucker?!”

 

He grabbed his phone and called someone, the agent glanced at Zam and then to the recorder, he tried to say to Zam ‘Hide the damn phone now’

 

The blonde did save his phone while having the app on.

 

“You two can go now, please”

 

The duo eyed each other as they stood up and quietly left the office.

 

Zam was almost going to step out but Branzy grabbed his arm.

 

“Get your ear on the door”

Branzy whispered while tilting his head to the door, Zam doing the same.

 

     ~“You killed Minute didn't you?”

Leo was sobbing while his voice was shaky.

 

     ~“You know what I'm talking about! You killed him because of what happened?! Why did you have to I-We know that Wemm gave us the money to betray him!

Things were thrown inside, Branzy took a quick look at Zam and then back to the floor.

 

     ~“So what? Damn it Clown I betrayed him too, I'm also part of this shit?!”

 

That name, Branzy knew that name, he knew who that was.

 

He stopped leaning and froze, he couldn't think about Clown, the Clown that he knew this morning, he knew that smile was off from that man, that nice behavior was bait to lure him on trusting that damned man.

 

     ~“Tch… I will just…I need to think I'll call you later”

 

They could hear more sobs from Leo and a thud that could mean many things.

 

Zam moved back, he saw that Branzy was standing but he was pale as a ghost.

 

“Branzy!”

He hissed, making him come back to reality.

 

“I’m sorry”

 

“C'mon let's get back outside, you look like you need some air”

 

The agent nodded as Zam put a hand on his back while they headed back to the elevator.

 

The ding was heard again and the doors were opened, this time to the reception area, they walked to the exit.

 

“Take a seat while I call Rek okay?”

Zam said while grabbing his phone and putting his phone on his ear.

 

Branzy sat on a nearby bank, a headache was already nagging his head.

 

“Branzy you're ok there? Did you drank any water or ate anything”

The blonde was next to him.

 

“I had coffee only I think this morning, and some carrots hours ago”

 

“Branzy you need to eat better, I know that we don't know eachother much but please, try to not have malnutrition, please…”

Branzy exhaled while rubbing his eyes.

 

“I know lieutenant but the early shifts, the all nighters that I sometimes pull… gods…”

 

“Well, at least remember that this night will be a funny one with all of us eating some decent food”

He chuckled as he looked to the left and saw Rek and Jaron going to where they were sitting.

 

Zam rose up from the bank as he waved his hand to be known where he was.

 

“You two brunettes get over here!”

 

The bystanders were side-eyeing him but he didn't care, they were his friends.

Branzy giggled as he put a hand to cover his laugh.

 

“Oh shut up Zam!”

Jaron sprinted first, Rek was trying to keep the same speed as him but got exhausted a second after.

 

“Got anything from there?”

 

“Useless information, just that he wasn't around and was fired and no one knows where he went at that point, some think he went on selling drugs and some other harsh stuff about him, you guys?”

 

“First we should go to my car, I don't like saying this type of stuff out in the air”

 

Zam placed his hands on his pockets while physically suggesting to start walking, Branzy noticed as he stood up and walked with Zam, the other two going along.

 

“You really brag about your car, you know that right?”

Jaron said.

 

Zam glanced at the detective while gasping, a hand on his chest, god he was dramatic. (When he wanted to as Jaron said)

 

“Oh c'mon, god forbid a man can yap about his miracles”

 

“Theater kid”

Rek muttered under his breath.

 

“Ay! That was my dream job until my bitchy step-father said that I needed to be a cop to help my brother, fucking asshole”

 

“That's bad… I would've loved to meet the all time actor Prince Zam”

Jaron replied with an overdramatic tragic like tone. 

 

Zam couldn't help but smile while biting his lip trying to not cry, Branzy took notice of that and patted his shoulder.

 

They arrived at the car as they all sat inside, it smelt like lemon in there but at least it had a good scent.

 

“So what happened in the M.O.B?”

 

Zam cleared his throat.

 

“Okay, so, let me recap, we go to Mr.Wook’s office and he's sitting like a mastermind, we sit in, record it which I have it saved so you can hear later, we ask about the victim which he doesn't know and then my boy Branzy asks about our suspect which he seems to know-- oh God wait a second I'm getting tired of talking wait a sec--”

He coughs a bit as he gains some air.

 

“As I was saying… he knows about our suspect and he crashes out telling us to leave but again my boy Branzy strikes again with the best idea of eavesdropping a call that was going to happen and we go, all ears clear and we hear… A mention of someone… Someone, surely going to be our guy known as ‘Clown’”

 

Zam now has a cocky smile on his lips.

 

“And an argument between him and Wook and then as expected THUD! A crash out is heard and that is it because we head out and meet up with you guys”

 

Jaron was hearing all of this with intrigue in his eyes.

 

“You could be a good storyteller too, Lt”

 

“Thanks!”

 

“So, we now think that this Clown guy is the one being the killer of both X-Two's and Tech's deaths”

Rek spoke up, confusement on his voice.

 

“Yeah…”

 

Silence filled the car but noise outside was heard.

 

“I have an idea”

 

They looked at Rek.

 

“Go on you genius brunette”

Zam said as he ruffled the deer's hair.

 

“Okay okay, remember when we watched the news the reporter talked about Mr.Tech's success with the timejump?”

Rek gulped as he kept going.

 

“His partner was mentioned… Jumper, now what if we find her address to get something related about him?”

 

Everyone thought of what Rek just said and then Zam grabbed his arm and pulled him close.

 

“Now that's a great idea, c'mon let's head to the station!”

 

The blonde lets off and starts driving as the radio keeps playing some mediocre songs and chattering fills the inside, at least this time Branzy wasn't on his phone, he was also talking with his fellow colleagues and nothing was disturbing the environment.

 

A long time later they arrive as they leave the car and head inside to Zam's office as he sits on his chair like a throne while starting up the computer.

 

The other three were standing to clearly watch the screen as it loaded.

 

“Okay! Let's do this”

Zam muttered as the cursor went onto the navigator as he typed the database's name in the search bar, clicked the link of the official state database and put his information on the log in.

 

Once accessing he put Ms.Who's full name and only a single result appeared and when clicked text was on one side when in the other a woman with medium light brown hair, light pink eyes and also a pink shirt reaching her neck stands with a straight face while looking forward.

 

“There she is”

Jaron leans a bit to see the written information.

 

A line of words caught his attention.

 

“Wait, she's a kindergarten teacher?”

He says out loud as they get close to see her occupation clearly.

 

“Oh she is…”

Jaron replied with curiosity in his eyes.

 

Branzy looked at the address below her occupation that quoted a school's address.

 

“We should go to that school if she isn't in her home”

 

“Smart move to make then…”

Rek spoke as he moved back.

 

Zam grinned as he turned off the computer, got off his chair and headed to the door, the others following him.

 

As they go to the car a buzz is heard from Branzy's phone, twice but he ignores it. (I mean who wouldn't if they are currently busy)

 

In the drive away to Ms.Who's house Branzy decided to grab his phone and see who messaged him.

 

Branzy started typing.

 

“Arent you gonna get nauseous?”

Jaron pointed out while Branzy looked up from his phone.

 

“What?”

 

Rek glanced to see.

 

“Oh yeah… Last time I did that I almost threw up in the car, don't do that”

 

“I-Ok, I guess”

He turned off his phone as he kept staring at the window facing the driveway of where they were.

 

They arrived at the outskirts of the city into a decent big town (which was almost a city) that had a lot (and I mean a LOT) dedicated to their gods and their stories.

 

After some time they found Ms.Who's house that was near the market district of the whole town. 

 

They got out of the car and walked into the busy street and arrived at her door.

 

Zam lightly knocked it with his right hand, Ms.Who opened the door with tired eyes that seemed to have cried and a cup on her other hand.

 

“How can I help you?”

Her voice came hoarse.

 

“LPD, we need you to answer some questions regarding Mr.Tech's death”

Zam held up his badge as she didn't hesitate to let them enter.

 

“Please come in”

The four of them stopped in as Ms.Who cautiously peeped outside not before closing the wooden door.

 

 

 

 

Notes:

Hey! (To anyone that ended this chapter)

Thanks for reading this, as from the other chapter suggestions/opinions are welcome :D

Also I think I may not be that quick to upload since school is coming around the corner in a few weeks but possibly (if my motivation is motivating) I could keep going so... Yeah... Anyways I'm not gonna annoy you anymore reading this A/N.

Stay safe and Edith out.

Chapter 3: .-Don't say you love me-.

Notes:

After all of this procrastination and motivation you are thanked with another chapter ‚:D

She escorted them to her living room, inside there the walls were some part of a pink but black was mostly covering it all, from decoration to even the walls.

 

“Take a seat”

She heads to her kitchen, her curved posture was hurting to see, grief can take you in many ways.

 

Zam follows her to the kitchen, trying to stop her.

 

“Ms.Who, we need to ask you some questions, you don't need to make us anything”

A hand on her shoulder makes her flinch.

 

She stares at the blonde with sharp eyes.

 

“I was just making some for myself, not for all of you”

Her tone is cold and arrogant.

 

Zam goes back to where the trio sat while waiting for Ms.Who.

 

She pours the remaining coffee on her cup as she goes to where the trio was sitting.

 

Ms.Who sat on her dedicated arm chair, looking at the four of them sitting next to each other.

 

“What do you want?”

She takes a drink from her cup.

 

“Ms.Who-”

 

“Jumper”

She interrupts Rek, rubbing one of her eyes.

 

“...Jumper”

Rek muttered her name.

 

“How much do you know about Mr.Tech?”

 

Jumper sat back on the backrest, looking up at the ceiling.

 

“He was my best friend if you could say it like that… Shared house here in Bliss, helped him with that machine, some errands… God… How could he have died?”

She takes another sip while tears fall from her eyes.

 

“Do you know if Mr.Tech worked with anyone apart from you?”

 

“I… I don't think so… Why?”

Her eyes moved to Rek.

 

The deer glances at his colleagues as he lets out a sigh.

 

“Our theory is that your friend was betrayed for money and then got… got murdered”

 

Jumper's jaw clenched, the hand that rested on the seat was turned into a fist.

 

She took another sip.

 

“What are you trying to say? I know he was killed but betrayed?”

 

Rek crossed his arms.

 

“He was indeed betrayed by his friends Mr.Wook and our prime suspect nicknamed as ‘Clown’, do you know both of them? Or at least one of them ma'am?”

 

Jumper was covering her mouth, the hand with the cup was trembling, now her eyes moved to the floor.

 

“I-I know Leo”

Her voice was hoarse and aching to hear.

 

“He was a good friend of Min-Mr.Tech”

 

She now had her hand on her forehead as she took a long drink from the cup.

 

“But I don't know much about the other guy, I'm sorry”

 

Rek let a soft smile take his lips.

 

“Don't be, do you know at least another person that he met with?”

 

A short silence, her lips trembled, she surely was feeling a knot on her throat and the look of doubt on Jumper's eyes was all over her.

 

“Mr.Pierce”

 

The look of the four of them was surprising to see but it shocked Branzy more than anyone.

 

“Be-”

 

“But it was only for a business meeting back when we were building the machine”

Jumper spoke immediately to not misunderstand any opinions about him.

 

Branzy who still was agitated leaned from his seat and looked at her eyes.

 

“Listen to me, before his death, do you know where he went?”

 

She moved her view away from them while trying to take another sip but her coffee was finished.

 

“I don't remember that much… I was on our bed and the police was outside my door and they gave me the news, that's what I know”

 

“Our?”

Jaron spoke up.

 

“Yes, our”

 

“I'm sorry if I misunderstand it but you two were best friends and shared a bed?”

 

“Yeah, is there a problem with it?”

 

“I-”

 

Zam clapped once, signalling that they were all finished.

 

“Thank you for your cooperation in this case and please be aware that we will catch the person that killed him”

He spoke up while getting up from his seat, eyeing the three of his partners to let them know his next move.

 

They all got up, Jumper rushing first to open the door for them.

 

“Have a nice day”

She closes the door as she leaves them on the market.

 

Out of Jumper's house Rek side eyed Zam with a nasty look.

 

“Why did we leave now, Lieutenant?”

 

“She doesn't know that much due to her grief, we should leave her be until we have something”

 

Rek tched as he headed out of the district, passing through people who were enjoying their day.

 

“Wait up Rek?!”

Jaron followed him to not let him out of sight.

 

Zam and Branzy followed them until they were all out of the busy district.

 

In a near corner the two of them were arguing, Jaron was facing him but Rek had his back turned.

 

“Rek, I know this is already a bad day for you but you can't go away like that!”

 

They approached to calm them but Rek had some other plans to do.

 

“God forbid a man who is already having a shitty day and can't act as themselves?!”

Rek shouted to let him have some sense but it resulted in the current situation getting worse.

 

His gritted teeth changed to parted lips instantly and walked away to Zam's car.

 

“Rek…”

Jaron muttered, fixing his collar shirt.

 

“I'll talk some sense on him, why don't you two go and buy something, surely the market has some good things if it is that busy”

 

Branzy smiled as Zam sprinted to catch up with the other man.

 

“Let’s go, shall we?”

He put a hand on the detective's back, walking deep onto the busy market.

 

In there a lot of stands were holding cool stuff for sale, jewelry, clothes and any other thing that would make the list going.

 

A hat struck Jaron's attention, he approached the stand in which an old man stood up watching the people pass away.

 

“Hi there!”

 

The man noticed his presence and looked up to meet his eyes.

 

“Good morning young man, what do you need?”

 

“The fedora over there”

He pointed at the brown hat standing at a mannequin's head.

 

The man turned to see, a big smile on his weak face.

 

“How much is it?”

A big smile formed on Jaron's lips, he was jumping up and down.

 

“That is fifteen bucks, son”

 

He took his wallet and lent the required money to the old man who grabbed the hat and let it in his hands.

 

“Here, it was a relique for my grandfather, he was a spy for the country back in the old days”

 

“Oh really!”

 

“Yes son, could you test it out? To see if it is good for you?”

 

Jaron tightly held the hat and put it on his head, it suited him well.

 

He turned to look at Branzy who looked like a father with big hopes and tired eyes.

 

“Is it good?”

He fixed it a bit before letting his smile creep out on his sides.

 

“Yes it is”

 

Jaron jumped from excitement.

 

“Come on, I wanna see more things”

He grabbed Branzy's wrist as he sprinted to see more stuff, the agent couldn't keep up and he was getting already exhausted.

 

“Jaron, you're going too fast!”

 

He heard because he stopped from sprinting to quick walking.

 

“Sorry, it's just that I'm too hyped up to see more things, I'm so gonna get lucky, right Branzy?”

 

“Heh… Yeah…”

 

And Jaron's luck was sticking like a hammer because he had already bought a tie and charmed another stranger with his charm.

 

But even though Branzy has been calm he felt a gut feeling, how come Rek or Zam hadn't called either of them as of now? An argument shouldn't take that long should it?

 

As the detective was gonna make another buy Branzy turned his head and saw someone pointing a camera at him in the distance, he couldn't see their face but their hair seemed familiar.

 

He got rid of Jaron's grip as he sprinted to where he had last seen the person, Jaron noticed and didn't hesitate to follow him, passing through the multitude of people swarming the streets.

 

Branzy was already near the way out of the district and he still didn't find the person he was hunting for.

 

He stopped, looking back and forth but he couldn't find them.

 

Someone bust him while he was passing through but brushed it off as he finally arrived at where he began.

 

 

Jaron found him panting in a wall and approached him.

 

“Are you okay? What happened?”

 

“Some fucker took a photo of me, I had to know who they were”

 

Jaron exhaled as he took his new fedora and ruffled his hair.

 

“Jesus Branzy you scared me”

 

“Sorry”

He said as his phone started to ring, he picked it up, it was Zam.

 

     -“Hey Branzy!”

 

“Hey…”

 

     -“So, I got Rek now calmed, you two know where I left my car right? Or should I pick you up?”

 

The agent quit some stands from his view as he looked at the floor.

 

“No I know… We'll see you there okay… Whew!”

 

     -“I hear you exhaled, is everything okay?”

 

“Huh? No I'm fine, see ya!”

He hung up the call as he leaned on the wall with his knees on the floor.

 

“Didn't you work at the FBI, golly, Branzy you look like you're about to pass out!”

 

“Tired, that's all”

 

He let out a breath, facing Jaron who had his jacket already on his arm.

 

“You know where Zam's car is right?”

The agent hushed.

 

“Yeah! Let's go, let me pick you up”

 

He grabbed the agent's arm and lifted him up, he almost fell out again onto the floor but he was balanced already.

 

 

After some walking (and talking to not make it awkward) they arrived at Zam's car where he and Rek were already sitting inside.

 

Rek's window fell as Zam got close to him to see Jaron and Branzy.

 

“The doors open, get in!”

 

They stepped inside while the blonde ascended the window and the door was closed.

 

They now sat on opposite sides of the back row.

 

“Where are we going now Lt?”

 

Zam kept his smile from many times.

 

“We should go to the station to do a recap on what we have, understood?”

 

They nodded their heads.

 

“Very well then, let's get going”

 

A powered car on and off they go to the city.

 

While driving on the outskirts of the city a buzz rang on Branzy's phone, he thought it was Clown.

 

That reminded him of what he needed to ask.

 

He picks it and goes to the app.

 

>Private Chat<

 

C: I know you're working but please

     let me know if you can or not

 

B: I can't, need to hang out with some 

friends, tomorrow surely I can, I need

to ask you something.

 

C: What is it? (⁠・⁠o⁠・⁠) You know you 

     can text me whatever you need to

     ask.

 

B: I rather ask you in person

 

C: Okay tomorrow then!

 

He turned off his phone and stared at the stunning view, the sunset was starting to form and the sun was down for the day as the night seemed to form.

 

Gosh is it that late, it already has felt like a few hours have passed.

 

He looked at his phone again but this time to check the time.

 

.-18:21 p.m-.

 

It was late now, well it isn't a problem but it made him ask something.

 

 Was he good at time management as of now?

 

Meh, at least he does for now.

 

After an hour or so they arrive at the station.

 

Zam stops the car on his lot leaving their seats to welcome the atmosphere of donuts and carbon monoxide, the usual.

 

“Home sweet home, come on we need to do this!”

 

Zam kept his happy behavior even after a fight between his friends had struck up but that was the least of his concerns. (At least that's what Branzy thought)

 

They went in and headed to the blonde's office that was left the same way from last time Branzy was in.

 

Jaron moved the board back at its place while Rek leaned his back and foot on the wall, at least he was comfortable.

 

“So!”

Zam slammed the whiteboard, making the images that were hanged tremble.

 

“What do we know about this influential killer?”

He circled around the room as Branzy was looking at him.

 

“He has a pattern”

Jaron spoke up as he stopped walking around.

 

“And?”

 

“That he targets famous and influential people”

 

No one talked for a short time until Jaron opened his wide eyes.

 

“Wait a second”

He said.

 

“Why would he kill Parrot? He wasn't by any means famous and was a known accountant working for a company”

 

Branzy tapped his fingers on the table almost in a rhythmical pattern.

 

“He worked undercover for our suspect, remember that Jaron”

He cleared out.

 

“Sorry…”

 

He snapped his fingers.

 

“Even though he was one of our suspect's undercover members, why would our guy kill those people? Perhaps for their money? A revenge bought by death? Or to get a ticket to be the next famous killer?”

 

“Its varied”

Rek intervened as he put his hands on his pockets.

 

“Speak up! Say it out loud for the class”

 

He closed his eyes, hence everyone staring at him.

 

“It's possible that he may have various reasons to kill his victims, like in Minute's”

 

He walked up to the board and pointed to the photo of the demon.

 

“He had some business with him but didn't interact much and both you and Branzy knew that our guy and his colleague Leo betrayed him for money”

He explained as he took a black marker and wrote a word which was ‘Clown’.

 

He also drew an arrow pointing at him and on top of it saying ‘friends/colleagues’

 

“If we knew more about our guy then we could get more information…”

 

Branzy let out a sigh.

 

‘I hope this case doesn’t become cold, I wanna keep working with them’

He thought, staring at the board.

 

A photo of a teenager with black short hair and blue eyes stared at him, it had called Branzy's attention.

 

“Who is he?”

He pointed to the teen.

 

“Hm? Oh, Poafa, young genius but was quickly incorporated in the gambling industry, he won a lot at that casino that some people even said that he was cheating… But he was murdered in his own house, same way as the others”

 

“What casino?”

 

“The one that your boyfriend has”

Rek mocked while looking away.

 

“Tch, shut up”

 

Zam cleared his throat.

 

“Going on. There's still the murder of a hitman in which she tried to go after someone but even us we can't see who was hunted since we couldn't hack her computer”

 

"But couldn't you get another hacker?”

 

“We tried, a lot but they all failed, fucker must have a lot of experience”

 

They didn't say anything for a while until Jaron thought of something.

 

“What if Vitalasy and Subz's deaths weren't because ‘Clown’ needed something from them?”

 

They looked at Jaron with some rising their eyebrows.

 

“What do you mean?”

Branzy put his hands on the table to stabilize himself.

 

“They died together in the same crime scene right? Holding hands?”

 

He stopped, their looks were like he had planned a crime.

 

“What I'm trying to say is that maybe he tried to replicate a relationship, maybe their relationship or maybe implying that the killer must have an affection for someone”

Regret was in Jaron's eyes that looked down to his shoes, thinking that he may have just set a whole new stretch of a theory that was too good to be true.

 

“That's a really interesting theory, they surely didn't die holding hands, that's good bud”

Rek said as he patted his shoulder.

 

“Okay!”

Zam clapped once his hands together.

 

“New mindset, what if the four murders being Poafa's, the hitman's, Parrot’s and Minute's were because of a personal gain he failed to get from them since their personal meetings with him failed but Vitalasy's and Subz's deaths were because of love?”

 

He let out a sigh as he kept explaining.

 

“Vitalasy and Subz deaths were after Poafa's and the woman's deaths therefore that could mean that if Jaron's theory is correct our suspect could have a love interest as he said while Vitalasy and Subz's assassin was planning out! Or am I just making another theory?”

 

“That's… Also another good theory”

Rek muttered.

 

“What was her name?”

 

“Evelyn but Wemmbu’s team confirmed that it was a decoy name so her actual name isn't known” 

 

An uncomfortable silence was inside the office.

 

“Zam where are the archives of all the cases?”

Branzy spoke up.

 

“Woogie has them stored in the archive room… I'll ask for them tomorrow morning”

 

The agent nodded his head as no one spoke up.

 

“You can go to your desks for now, if you have anything to let know tell right away”

Zam said as he dismissed Rek and Jaron who they already had left his office.

 

“Should I leave too, Lt?”

Branzy asked as he started to walk away but the blonde stopped him before he could leave.

 

“You know something about Mr.Pierce don't you?”

 

He turned to meet his eyes and let out a chuckle.

 

“Are you interrogating me now, seriously?”

 

Zam didn't laugh, this was actually serious, but why did his colleague be like this about a man he just met hours ago.

 

“Branzy… Me and Rek know that you are hiding something, if you could tell us we can help you”

He tried to be calm but was anxious, him holding the agent's arm and getting close.

 

Branzy stepped back and opened the door.

 

“Zam, I know you're trying to help but I don't know what you're talking about”

 

“Branz-”

 

The door was slammed shut from the side where Branzy was standing, looking at Zam after walking away.

 

The last thing he could see from the blonde was disappointment on his whole face as he headed to the bathroom, he needed a clear mind.

 

Luckily, it wasn't that far from where he was at.

 

He opened the door with a male sign drawn in it and saw no one inside, possibly on the stalls but it was odd because when he went in sometimes many officers were talking (or smoking) to each other but this, this was now a wasteland.

 

He walked to the sinks and got onto the nearest one from the door that wasn't out of service, he pushed the button that let water stream through letting it wet his hands while he put them on his face.

 

He looked at his own reflection in the mirror and saw a teenager was standing next to him, she looked like the grown-up version of that child he saw in that memory.

 

Her eye that wasn't covered by her long hair was staring at him in the mirror.

 

“How are you doing Branzy?”

She asked in a soft voice.

 

“Shit it's how I'm doing”

He exhaled, placing his hands on the edge.

 

“Why are you talking to me anyways, Ivory? You're just a hallucination that's all”

 

She smiled.

 

“Why won't you call me sister? We are siblings”

 

A strand of Branzy's hair fell onto his face.

 

“Why are you questioning me when I should ask you my questions?!”

 

Her smile turned into a sad one, her eyebrows twitched while she looked away.

 

“I'm sorry”

She spoke, still with that calmness.

 

He looked at her, why did he do that?

 

Branzy walks up to a stall, expecting her sis- Ivory to follow him in which she does.

 

Once they (Or Branzy) are in he locks the door and sits on the closed toilet.

 

He ruffles his hair, his breathing shakes as he taps the fingers from his spare hand on his thigh.

 

“Why are you here? Why am I hallucinating you?

He hisses, he's losing his mind.

 

Ivory, who had her hands hidden behind her back, approached his shaky body and embraced the vulnerable man.

 

She's hugging him, why can't he feel her warm body?

 

‘You don't deserve her affection, you put her on many problems already’

A thought appeared in his brain.

 

‘Why did your si- brother run away? Because she hated you and your family’

Another one.

 

'You didn't find her after all this years, what a disappointment’

And another.

 

His eyes were already swollen from the many tears that fell from his eyes.

 

Branzy closed his eyes, hoping for this nightmare (?) to finish.

 

He opened his eyes and was at the last place he didn't want to be.

 

His home.

 

He was in his room, sitting on his bed while an unopened letter remained on his lap.

 

He blinked and fell, sitting now on the floor of another room, resting his head on the hard wall.

 

It was Ivory's room.

 

He looked down at his body, he was grabbing his knees.

 

Once he looked up he saw a version of when Rek was a teenager.

 

“You sure you're gonna do that?”

He asked, he was worried.

 

Do what?

 

His throat was sore, he couldn't speak.

 

It hurts talking.

 

“Branzy, darling”

A woman talked, her voice was pitched up.

 

He heard something slamming on a table.

 

“Me and your mother thought that you must drop out of college to help me… You're gonna be put at the FBI training course as of today”

It sounded distorted.

 

He just sat, staring at his parents.

 

Drop out? 

 

Why won't you let me fulfill my dreams?

 

Why didn't you say her name?

 

Because you didn't like her change?

 

Because you didn't want her to be a woman?

 

You only wanted two strong sons but she wanted to be a woman, but you tried to kick her, you tried to send her to camps to ‘Change her sexuality’ but even that failed.

You couldn't look at her new face, you couldn't stand her long hair, to see her changing to something you didn't want to have.

 

That's why she ran away, because she didn't want to deal with a fuckface like him.

 

Heh… It would have been better if mom and dad divorced (But he manipulated your mom didn't he?)

 

He was now laying in the dark, how did he arrive here?

 

He could only see blurry, but why? 

 

There isn't anything to look at.

 

God he felt dizzy all of a sudden.

 

A light emanated from his right, a far light spawned out of nowhere.

 

But he was already safe here, why did he need to come back out there?

 

He could just stay in the deep dark like this, laying in nothing.

 

Ivory would want him to move, move to the light, he needed to know what was in there but his numb body was stopping him.

 

If someone could grab his hand to make him stand he would gladly accept it, no matter from who it was he would at least love them for their courage.

 

Love?

 

When was the last time that he last experienced true love from someone?

 

The mysterious light started to creep to where he was laying.

 

He felt fear, why was it going towards him?

 

Adrenaline shot him like a bullet on his heart as he sat and dragged himself with his hands and legs. 

 

He kept going away for a short time until he hit a wall, he looked to his side and then to the light.

 

In a blink Ivory was in front of him.

 

Her arms expanded, she was trying to protect him as it kept going for them, it was going slow but it felt scary.

 

“If I don't save you from this, then remember me as the sister who tried to save her little brother”

Her voice came distorted as she turned her head to the side, trying to look at Branzy for the last time.

 

As the light arrived in front of them…

 

Ivory Cello was a distorted body in front of his eyes.

 

He tried to hug her leg but she was too far.

 

He put his hands on the dark floor and looked up to see her sister.

 

For the last time.

 

He blinked for his blurriness to stop, he was standing with two hands on the floor and his head was up, damp messy hair scattered all over his head was covering most of his eye sight but he could see the face of a worried Rekrap with his eyes.

 

“Branzy…”

He said surprised, eyes open, he didn't expect to see his friend like this.

 

“Rek…”

He kneeled first to balance his dizziness then stood up.

 

“How did you-”

 

“Are you okay?”

He replied, that same worried look on his face was the same one he saw back in that hallucination.

 

Branzy blinked once to clear his view.

 

“No, what… happened?”

 

Rek exhaled as he grabbed the other's arm, walking away from the bathroom to the many office desks that were scattered around the station.

 

“Where are we going?”

 

“Outside, you need some air”

 

They turned to the right, where reception was.

 

The deer turned his head to look at his still glossy eyes.

 

“Just like I do”

He moved his head while opening the door leading to the exterior of the station.

 

They sat in a wooden bank near the building, people were passing through the streets minding their own businesses.

 

The breeze of the cold air hitted their bodies, goosebumps on both of their skins.

 

“Didn't know it was that cold now”

 

Rek glanced at him and chuckled.

 

“It's gonna be night so it's justifiable”

 

Branzy hugged himself while looking at the deer.

 

“I mean I know but… God it is cold cold you know?”

 

“Heh”

Rek let out a snort as he leaned back on the bank.

 

“Until winter comes”

He looked up at the sky as he let out a soft sigh.

 

“This reminds me of when we would hang out at the rooftop of the school”

He continued.

 

The agent smiled as he also leaned back, his eyes looking down at the concrete floor.

 

“Like old times eh?”

 

“Yeah…”

 

Rek looked at Branzy with a weak smile on his lips.

 

“What were you hallucinating?”

 

"What-?"

 

They stayed there for some minutes until the sun was starting to go really down and the moon was rising.

 

Inside they decided to join up with Jaron and do some remaining work together until their shifts finished.

 

.-22:45 p.m-.

 

That was the current time shown in Branzy's clock, the majority of the people in the station were starting to leave for the day and with that group the three of them went to Zam's office to reunite with him.

 

They knocked on the Lieutenant's door.

 

“Come in!”

He shouted from the inside.

 

They set foot as they saw Zam typing something on his computer, piles of papers in his desk.

 

“Damn Lt, you got a lot of work to do”

Jaron spoke up with open eyes and a hand on his hip.

 

“Speaking of work”

 

He aggressively pressed a button on his keyboard as he leaned back in his chair with hands on his neck.

 

“I have finished my work for today”

A cocky smile was seen in the in-between of the mess of stacked files.

 

He leaned down to seemingly turn off his computer, he rose up from his chair.

 

“My fucking brother decided to get a ‘long break’ and let me do all the dirty work for him”

 

'Egotistical step-brother and Captain of the force, he is an asshole’

Branzy thought as he well kept his nervous smile.

 

“But let's get going, we're gonna have a great dinner tonight”

He moved to where they were as he expanded his arms that arrived at both Branzy and Rek. (It sucked for Jaron but at least he included the poor man by doing the same as Zam did)

 

They were once again outside, it's dark but the streetlights did their work better.

 

Branzy rummaged through his bag and saw that his car keys were inside but realized that he got in Clown's car this morning.

 

“Shit”

He cursed under his breath.

 

Zam noticed his cursing and looked at him.

 

“Something wrong?”

 

Rek and Jaron notice what was happening but didn't step in.

 

“Can I ask you for a favor?”

 

The blonde hummed as his eyes were open.

 

“Sure, what is it?”

 

The other man scratched the nape of his neck as a faint blush was on his cheeks as his eyes looked away from Zam.

 

“Well… I kinda left my car where I reside so… Um… Could you later take me to my hotel if it isn't any burden?”

 

As he heard his offer a big smile formed on the corner of his lips, his body was going up and down as he kept hearing and came to a decision.

 

“Of course I can!”

He didn't hesitate to grab Branzy to side hug him.

 

Zam looked at the duo whose smiles were a bit nervous but his eyes went open all of a sudden.

 

“There's a restaurant near my apartment if you wanna go there, it has awesome service”

 

Jaron nodded and Rek agreed to.

 

Zam kept his smile as he grabbed his phone and tapped on a message app.

 

“Okay! I'll send it to you so you better keep that phone on”

He said as he went on Rek and his private chats as he left his embrace with Branzy and typed an address that automatically led to a maps link.

 

“You have it now, see you there”

He and the agent walked away to his car, the other two doing the same.

 

Branzy was already used to the lemon air freshener that was hanging on the rear view of the car.

 

This time he sat where Rek did hours ago, it had more leg room than in the back seat and didn't need to spread out his legs on the middle seat.

 

The car started up and drove off to the roadway.

 

'Another beautiful night’

He thought, looking up at the stunning view outside the window.

 

“I can roll down the window if you want some air”

 

Branzy glanced at the agent as his head nodded while going back to the view as air slipped through the rolled window.

 

Even if it smelt like smoke and trash all that mattered for Branzy was the architecture and buildings of the city, it isn't his hometown to say the least but it was a nice city to live in if he once decided to quit the Bureau.

 

“Thanks”

 

“No problem”

 

 

The ride wasn't that long but it was decent.

 

They arrived at the lit up restaurant, parked the car and got out.

 

Rek's car parked on the same row as them as Jaron waved at the duo as he got out first.

 

“Get over here!”

Zam instructed as the tall deer got out of his car.

 

They walked to where the other two were.

 

“Don't be so hasty Lieutenant, isn't this supposed to be a calm dinner for once?”

Rek asked, one of his eyebrows rising up as his sharp look was targeted on the blonde.

 

“Killjoy, I just to be your guide, you didn't even know about this restaurant from day one like me”

 

The brunette looked away as he let out a tch.

 

Usual behavior from grumpy Rek.

 

“Go ahead, it's starting to get cold over here”

 

Zam clasped his hand one on one as he giggled like a teenage girl.

 

The four of them headed inside.

 

The aesthetically pleasing environment struck immediately to Branzy, it was comfortable to say the least.

 

A man with brown and blue eyes walked to where they were standing.

 

“Yo Zam, long time no see”

He side hugged him, he was holding a plate with his busy arm.

 

“I’ve been busy lately, the force, my brother… You know..”

 

The man looks at the three standing there.

 

“Who are you guys?”

 

Zam noticed and let out of his grip as he stepped back to the standing trio and put a hand on their shoulders.

 

“Presentations, oh presentations- Derap this three geniuses are Branzy, Rek and Jaron”

 

He quickly walks to where Derap was.

 

“Now, Branzy, Rek and Jaron meet Derap-Chu, one of my close friends, apart from all of you of course”

 

The waiter awkwardly waved at them as he looked at Zam.

 

“So… Uhm… Let me escort you to a table”

He stepped back as he turned and started to walk.

 

Zam was next to him while the trio was behind.

 

“The Derap kid is so uncomfortable, pity on him”

Rek whispered to let the other two know about his current behavior.

 

“You're so right, have you seen how he waved at us?”

Jaron replied as he looked up and down at Derap.

 

Branzy, physically being in the middle of the gossip, looked away as he saw the people resting on their seats.

 

The men in front of them stopped at an empty table.

 

“Is this table fine for you?”

Derap turned his head to look at Zam, later quickly looking back to the trio.

 

“It's perfect! Take a seat you three”

Zam instructed.

 

They did as the blonde said, he and Jaron sat on the chairs while Branzy and Rek were on the outstretched sofa.

 

The waiter grabbed two menus from his plate and put them on the table.

 

“My partner will come back to ask you what you want later”

 

Zam looked up to Derap's eyes with puppy eyes.

 

“Is this your last shift for tonight?”

 

“Yeah… but it was nice seeing you”

 

“Awww”

He stood up and hugged him, his head resting on the other's neck.

 

‘Why do they look like they belong in a forbidden romance movie?’

 

They both stepped back, Zam almost falling on his own chair.

 

 Derap walked away waving goodbye to the blonde, he safely sat on the chair with his lips quivered.

 

“You know! We should invite Bacon for another hang out of these”

Jaron spoke up trying to change themes and keep Zam focused.

 

Rek blinked too many times, noticing what was happening.

 

“Yeah we should add him in the group! Why don't you do one Lieutenant?"

 

The blonde grabbed the menu, covering his face with it.

 

“Zam, you're the star of the group… C'mon! A star shouldn't let their brightness go away”

Jaron said while lowering the paper with one of his hands.

 

Zam changed his face immediately into a face of relief.

 

“You guys are good at motivating, get over here there's a lot of meals to choose”

He braced the detective close to him to let see the menu.

 

Branzy and Rek smirked as they grabbed the other one.

 

After a minute a man arrived at their table with a small notebook on his hand and a pen on the other.

 

He seemed to be a pangolin by his scales on his chin and his obvious covered tail.

 

“Have you already chosen your meal?”

He spoke with a smile on his face, he subtly waved Zam.

 

'Another friend of his huh?’

 

“I would love to have those spicy chicken wings you do”

Zam pointed.

 

The waiter looked at Jaron.

 

“Just some fish and chips if you have”

 

His eyes glanced at Branzy.

 

“Bolognese, please”

 

And then finished with Rek.

 

“Salad”

 

He finished writing and fidgeted with the pen.

 

“Drinks?”

 

They chose different drinks, the pangolin didn't ask any questions he just nodded with his well kept smile and walked away.

 

“So! How are y'all feeling at this moment?”

Zam rubbed his hands.

 

“God you look like you're about to do something mischievous”

Branzy pointed out with a nervous smile.

 

“Because I'm excited for this dinner to go well”

 

The agent snorted as he put a leg on top of the other while his eyes looked away.

 

Some time later their food and drinks arrived, they ate it up and surprisingly it was delicious.

 

It was a good time to chit chat about life, family, struggles and all that related stuff.

 

They made it through the dessert in which all types of existing hell broke in.

 

Zam was staring at the wine standing on the ice bucket and let out a grin looking at the agent.

 

“Hey Branzy! Let's do a race of shots, whoever takes the most needs to give the other twenty bucks”

 

“You sure? I'm not an alcoholic guy but if it is for some money then why not!”

He says while holding his glass and pouring the wine in it.

 

“Bet!”

He does the same that Branzy did as the two men held their glasses.

 

“Full cup?”

 

“Hm, sure”

 

“Rek you better hold onto that bottle because we sure as fuck we're gonna be quick”

Zam stated, his eyes were focused on Branzy.

 

He and Jaron looked at each other and then to them.

 

“You sure?”

The deer asked.

 

Zam nodded his head.

 

“Why don't we start as of now?”

 

“You got balls, Crafty”

 

The agent laughed at that nickname Zam gave him.

 

“At three or rather two?”

 

The two put their glasses close to their lips.

 

“I think one is better, Rek, why don't you signal?”

 

Rek looked at the two of them who had cocky smiles on their faces, one worse than the other.

 

“Go?”

As he said that single word they didn't hesitate to chug their first shot while Rek opened the bottle.

 

In just a few seconds they asked him to pour wine in their glasses, something that the deer got overwhelmed because of their rush.

 

This was going until Branzy couldn't take his fifth shot which concluded a win for Zam who took seven shots and twenty dollars given to him.

 

“You win you win…”

The agent shrugged, arms crossed as he looked away to not look at Zam's pride.

 

“I-”

 

A hic escaped his mouth.

 

“I know”

 

“Let's go, I already paid with Zam's card”

Jaron said, the blonde side eyed him.

 

“YOU DID WHAT?!”

 

The whole restaurant heard his shout because of everyone eyeing their table.

 

“Yeah maybe this is the time we should go now”

 

The four of them got out of there, fortunately the remaining people that were inside kept doing their things.

 

The streetlights blinded Zam who groaned in the instant.

 

“You okay?”

Branzy checked him.

 

“Ooh… Why is te fucking sunn blindin..g me”

 

“Oh you are so drunk”

 

“I can drivv you to you..r hotel”

 

Rek stepped in with possibly a vein popping out of his neck.

 

“Oh no you can't, we are leaving you at your home now”

 

Zam started to get dizzy from the alcohol as he almost fell to the floor but got a hold of himself.

 

“Yeah no, where do you live, Lt?”

 

The blonde looked to his right where a line of four buildings stood near to where they were.

 

“In thee third buildinng”

 

They started walking to where they were told to go, Rek keeping an eye on Zam if he falls unconscious.

 

They quickly arrived at the building.

 

“Which floor?”

 

“Second, God why am I dizzy?”

 

“Okay, Jaron I need a hand, Branz why don't you stay here… You look like you need some air after those shots”

 

The agent nodded his head while sitting on the floor, his back on the wall.

 

Rek and Jaron grabbed both of Zam's shoulders as they opened the door and headed in.

 

He was alone, the streetlights curved his shadow.

 

He lifted his head up.

 

But tonight the moon couldn't be seen by the burden known as clouds.

 

Branzy moved his eyes to the dark trees, it was either this or the floor, he noticed a shadow of someone hiding in the trunk.

 

‘Who is that?’

He thought, fear made him stand up, his eyes staring at the mysterious person still trying to hide.

 

He took a step and the person seemed to run away. (or hide)

 

His breathing was shaken and raggedy, his eyes looked at both sides to check there wasn't anyone else on his view.

 

'The bureau surely isn't making other agents watch for me don't they?’

 

Someone was holding his shoulder, he instinctively turned his body to see who did that.

 

It was Rek who did that, Jaron was next to him.

 

“You okay?”

The deer asked.

 

Branzy's breath was a relief of calm, he looked to the trees where he was that person and then to Rek.

 

“There was someone watching me… In the trees”

 

Jaron glanced at that way as a chuckle escaped from his lips.

 

“Calm down, possibly the alcohol is making you hallucinate or something”

 

“Ye-Yeah, surely is that…”

 

The three of them go to Rek's car, they notice Zam's parked car but since it wasn't in any possibilities of being taken away they brushed it off and the car was started up.

 

Branzy sat on the same seat as he did in the blonde's since of Jaron's concern that he may get dizzy on the back seats and might throw up.

 

They first go to Jaron's apartment since it was closer than the hotel Branzy was residing in.

 

After what seemed like eternity they arrived at the hotel.

 

“And we have arrived”

 

“Yeah…”

The agent muttered while removing his seatbelt and walking out of Rek's car with his near forgotten bag holding on his shoulder.

 

He looked at the deer with a warming smile while the corner of his lips rose up.

 

“Night, Rek”

 

He only smiled as he drove away.

 

'Disappointing’

 

Branzy moved his way in the fancy hotel, a good one for the bureau to have chosen.

 

Waiting for the elevator he noticed that not even a ghost was here, not even that receptionist that would stay for the night shift.

 

Those thoughts rummaged through his mind until the doors opened and walked inside.

 

For a second he wanted to go to the stairs since his room was just a floor up but his mind was too lazy to do more leg work except walking.

 

As expected the doors quickly opened again as he walked onto the dimly lit hallway, sinister to be honest.

 

He reached for the keycard while walking to the door.

 

Once the panel read the card he was able to have some peace for himself.

 

He threw the bag on the table and grabbed his pajamas from the closet.

 

He was also too lazy to shower now.

 

‘Maybe tomorrow’

He thought.

 

Once he changed clothes he wanted to throw himself on the bed but Ivory was already sitting in there.

 

He felt his heart being on his throat as he stepped back, the closet stopping him.

 

“Why are you here?”

A whisper could only go out of his mouth.

 

“I want to help you”

She had the same smile, the same one from the hallucination he had.

 

“Like a guardian angel of sorts…”

 

He interrupted himself as he realized what that meant.

 

“Don't tell me you're dead, Iv”

 

“I don't know you tell me”

 

That fact bugged his mind, he started tapping his fingers on the wood while his breath was starting to get shaken.

 

“Am I talking to my sister or is this another thing from the-”

 

“Read the letter”

She said with that fucking smile on her face.

 

The agent blinked while looking away, then at her again.

 

“What letter?”

 

“The one you have kept in your bedroom for years”

 

That letter.

 

“Right… Ivory I was on dad’s watch, I didn't have the time to read it okay?!”

That almost came out like a shout but fortunately it didn't.

 

“Then if you have that time do it”

Her smile faded away and Branzy noticed.

 

He walked to where she sat, tears starting to fall from his eyes.

 

“Ivory I'm so sorry”

He hugged her while broken sobs escaped from his mouth.

 

Ivory held him, he could feel her warmth, her touch.

 

He finally could feel that a part of his sister was next to him, like years ago.

 

Ivory stopped hugging her, noticing that Branzy removed the sheets to get in the bed.

 

His staring moves to the ceiling as he slowly drifts away to sleep.

 

The last thing he reacted to was a kiss on his forehead and a mumble from Ivory that he couldn't make up for.

 

 

 

A phone started ringing but it wasn't immediately on his nightstand.

 

He lit the lamp and made his way onto his pants that he left on an old armrest that was used as a clothes hanger that Branzy has made a use of.

 

The annoying ringtone made it better to find it which was in his pockets.

 

Once he grabbed it (which typically blinded him) he saw the name and the time as of now while he rubbed one of his eyes.

 

.-3:10 a.m-.

 

He picked it up anyways, if it was important he couldn't give away a chance.

 

“Rek, why are you calling me at three in the morning?”

 

     -“Sorry for calling at this hour but I truly need to say that I am apologizing for what happened this morning, I didn't need to do all this drama because of my paranoia and jealousy so… Yeah…”

 

“I… I also wanna apologize being harsh too”

 

A silence was heard on the other line for a moment.

 

     -“Thank you… Branzy… Thank you”

 

“Nah thank you, Rek”

 

He heard a hum but also a faint sound of something crushing on a floor, that small happiness dropped out to uncertainty.

 

“Did you hear that?”

 

     -“Hear what?”

 

“Something falling on your floor”

 

Rek seemed to let out a chuckle.

 

     -“Are you still with the alcohol or what?”

 

“I'm serious, Parker, I swear to you that I heard something”

 

He heard a groan.

 

“Rek?”

 

     ~“Sweet dreams, Inspector”

A voice whispered, it was similar to the one he was talking to when they found Parrot.

 

In the small room Branzy rushed to get his pants and shirt even if he was wearing his normal clothes on top of his pj's.

 

He picked his phone, keycard and car keys and busted out to the stairs in which he almost tripped but didn't do.

 

While he was running to the parking lots he noticed his body was tense but light as a feather somehow.

 

He found his car and turned on the locks as he opened the door and went in.

 

His hands were shaking, even if they were still on the wheel he couldn't be more nervous than ever but at the same time was also theorizing of what could have happened to Rek as of now.

 

Was he kidnapped? Killed? But the one theory that he attached most was if the person on the phone was the real killer and not his Clown.

 

With one of his hands he grabbed his phone trying to call 911.

 

     -“Nine one one how may I help you?”

A woman asked in such a calm tone, son of a-

 

“I need police in Starfell Street, apartment 17D, third floor”

 

     -“I-Okay… Um… Why do you need them there, sir?”

 

He made a turn going right, he's getting closer to Rek's apartment

 

“My best friend is in danger, are you gonna call them or what?!”

 

     -“Sir please calm down, who is the one in danger”

 

“Parker Two”

 

Another sharp turn but this time he was already driving fast but not that fast for police to notice, he had this type of incident before on some past missions.

 

     -“The police will quickly arrive”

 

'They better be’

He thought.

 

He hung up the call as he had arrived at the lit street, he opened the car door but didn't leave before picking his stuff.

 

The streetlights almost blinded him but as he covered the intense light with his hand he entered the building.

 

In there he didn't hesitate to take the stairs, the possibilities of Rek being dead the moment he opens the door arise from the depths of his human mind.

 

Second floor and the hallway is terrifying god Branzy hated darkness so much but he needed to confront it didn't he?

 

A door seemed to be open but couldn't be clear but it was the same door that led to Rek's house.

 

As fear struck him he headed there, it was his best friend's life, the same deer that he became friends with all of these years.

 

He noticed something.

 

Why was it open? They must have run away after the possible killing.

 

He saw a messy hallway inside the deer's apartment, walking in the mess that went further inside the other rooms.

 

‘You were better than this’

 

A far groan made Branzy's blood cold, he didn't want to go if it was the killer but his best friend is in danger and he needs to help him.

 

That decision made him decide to go where he had heard that voice and it was actually Rek.

 

That deer was sitting on the floor, one of his feet was placed on, he was clutching his side that was bleeding as his eyes were standing the pain.

 

“Oh gods…”

 

Branzy rushed to assist his injury.

 

He unbuttoned his shirt while quitting the other one that he had underneath to seal the wound.

 

“Try to press it with the shirt”

He instructed while buttoning his purple shirt.

 

Rek hesitated for a second, he surely might be thinking how much effort his friend did to help him.

 

“Why did you-”

 

“Now?!”

He let out a shout, interrupting his questions.

 

The other man did as Branzy said and started pressing the shirt on the wound.

 

“I’ve ordered the police to arrive here, where's your medkit?”

 

“You didn't have t-”

 

“Questions later, where the hell is it!”

 

Rek seemed to try and mouth something but looked away.

 

“Cabinet”

 

Branzy dragged his knees to where he said and there it was, the white box with the red cross on.

 

He grabbed it and moved back to where Rek was.

 

He opened the box but there wasn't anything of use to this type of wound.

 

Sirens were heard outside, Branzy stood up and looked at the window.

 

There were cars finishing their drive here and an ambulance, people were running and shouts were heard from them.

 

A long last hope arrived up to where they were.

 

“They're here”

 

Rek smiled, genuinely smiled.

 

 

Two officers arrived and saw them sitting on the floor, Branzy pointed at Rek who was on the verge of falling unconscious.

 

They safely took him in a stretcher as he followed them outside where the lights were blinding him for the second time. (Always being in dark places, like a bat)

 

He saw Rek getting in the ambulance but doubts filled his mind.

 

He approaches one of the medics who was almost ready to drive away.

 

“Excuse me!”

 

She moves her head, seeing him.

 

“What do ya need?”

 

“Two things, one, where are you moving him?”

 

“To Aurora university hospital, what's the other thing you want?”

 

“Is he gonna get any type of surgery?”

 

“An urgent one surely, why?”

 

“I'm his closest friend and he has no family… Um… Should I go with him, you know… To consent for his surgery?”

 

“Listen, I don't know about medical legal shit but what I know is that unless you are his legal representative you can't, understand?”

 

Branzy nodded his head while walking away to his car.

 

'Harsh’

He thought as he opened his car with the keys and left the scene, now heading to the hospital that rat told him to go to.

 

Another phone call he made but this time to Clown, why him?

 

Well… Jaron is a heavy sleeper so as of now he's still asleep surely and Zam… Let's say he may still be on the effects of alcohol.

 

And the other person he instantly remembered was him, not even Bacon who he and Branzy are good friends. 

 

He was already waiting for that demon to respond to his call.

 

His tapping became faster and impatient.

 

But at least he accepted the call.

 

He heard a gentle yawn on the line which made his cheeks flutter red— god was he falling for this man?

 

     -“Hey, Branzy, um…what do you need at three in the morning?”

His voice came hoarse.

 

He tapped his fingers on the wheel, looking at the signs that point to the hospital.

 

“Can I ask you for a favor?”

 

     -“Sure! What do you need?”

 

“My friend… He's being hospitalized in the Aurora hospital, can you go there?… None of my other friends may not be available as of now and since you were the one I thought that might help I decided to call you, so um… Can you?”

 

There was silence on the other line, was he gonna reject his offer?

 

     -“I can go there, anything to help”

 

Branzy noticed a smile curling up on his lips.

 

“Thank you so much for this”

 

     -“You’re welcome”

 

Clown ends the call.

 

He took a turn and saw the shape of the big building outside.

 

This is going to be a looong day.

 

But at least Clown was going to be on his side.

 

God he was starting to fall for that damn demon.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes:

See you 4 months later (If shit isn't busy)

*Goes flying like a fairy"

Notes:

Thanks for reading!
Suggestions/ideas are so welcomed here

(I don't know what to put I'm so sorry about it 😔)