BEGIN MYSTERY

BEGIN MYSTERY

BEGIN MYSTERY

ACTION: The holodeck powers up and you find yourself in the lobby of a detective agency, circa the film noir era complete with a black-and-white filter. There's a receptionist chewing gum, and she looks at you with an attitude.

:: blinks with a curious glance around, noting the black-and-white appearance and lobby, then down at herself in confusion, noting the skirt and blouse paired with heels ::

:: dressed like a film noir femme fatale with a cigarette on a holder, looking bored ::

:: is all dressed to the ninety-nines: chunky necklace, chunky belt, sunglasses to hide eye expressions... and of course, the trench coat. she glances around, hands on waist ::

Receptionist> All: So you're the new recruits? :: she looks at a piece of paper judgingly :: Thought there'd only be one'a yas.

:: is really in-character as she draws on her cigarette ::

Receptionist: Fine by me. The others can go. I prefer to work alone.

:: stands near the back of the office, having chosen a large trench coat in an effort to fit in with the scene, but towers over everyone needing to stand on two legs ::

:: scrunches up her nose at the cigarette, flicking the air with a careful hand, but remaining silent to let the others speak ::

Receptionist> :: rolls her eyes :: All: Well I'm sure Paulie will wanna be the one ta decide that. :: she waves a hand at the door behind her emblazoned with the text: 'Paulie Ross, Private Investigator' ::

:: glances at Wright :: Go? Pft... I am not leaving. Receptionist: Despite... her, I wish to be counted in.

:: nonchalantly happens to flick ashes at Grey's feet ::

:: she's dressed in a slightly worn but clean pinstripe suit with a black tie, trenchcoat, and her hair in an updo under a slanted fedora, and smoking a cigarette ::

:: looks over at the name on the door, then again around the office undecidedly ::

:: smirks :: Receptionist: Paulie's gonna have a field day with this lot.

:: sighs in boredom ::

:: glares at Wright, side-stepping with a grumble :: Wright: Watch it.

Receptionist> :: sighs, still waving her hand. She speaks as if this should be painfully obvious :: All: Go in?

:: ignores Grey ::

:: tries to suppress a grin at Wright's nonchalant character, going to the door and opening it for everyone else ::

:: she puts her coat and hat up on the rack and ushers the group into Paulie's office, rolling her eyes ::

:: follows, looking behind the receptionist's desk curiously as she passes ::

:: follows, brushing past Wright and quite incidently stepping on the other's foot with a heel delicately, and entering the office ::

:: checks to make sure that her shoe isn't smudged and saunters regally into the office ::

:: stands in the corner of his office staring out the window and smoking a cigarette. He's a tall, heavy-set man wearing an unassuming suit-and-trenchcoat combo. He looks up as the group enters. He addresses Harper :: CO: Newbies?

Paulie: Yeah, boss. This is all them that showed up to answer your ad. So hard to get good help these days, huh? :: takes a drag from her smoke ::

:: narrows her eyes, suppressing a growl at the offensive statement ::

:: slowly saunters to his desk and picks up a file, tossing it to the opposite side of the desk for someone to pick up :: All: Well, just your luck. We got a murder, just this morning.

:: looks around, politely stepping around the others and taking the file from the desk, flipping it open. she holds it to her side so others can glance at it ::

:: gives Kuari a sly wink ::

:: leans against the wall, eyeing the group appraisingly ::

:: exposits as they read :: All: Man named 'Ethan Jasper'. You ask me, it was the wife. A woman named 'Ryleigh Grey'. Wouldn't take a man's last name, but would take his life. After all, it's always the spouse. :: the file contains pictures, relatively tame, of Ethan laying on the floor 'dead', as well as pictures of an old-fashioned house where it supposedly happened ::

:: catches the wink while leaning over a shoulder, then peers closely at the file ::

Paulie: Interesting. Maybe he was getting a little action on the side and she found out and had to off him.

:: squints :: Paulie: Hm. Any idea where the wife is now?

All: Let's go to the house. :: said simply ::

:: smokes as she appraises each of them in turn, but her appraisal lingers on Lexy dressed as a film noir femme fatale as a slight smile grows on her face - she'll have to revisit this later, in private ::

Kuari: Let's find out how much this job pays, first, hmm? :: takes a long drag ::

:: laughs a big belly-laugh, gesturing at Wright :: All: I already like this one. Don't worry, the pay is better than your current job. But yes, as she :: he nods at Kuari :: said, let's go see this house.

:: breaks her eyeing of Lexy to chime in after a slight cough :: All: There is a bonus of ongoing employment for the the one-a-ya that solves the case.

:: shrugs, an interesting motion in the coat, thinking about the differences of this fantasy will be than working an investigation as a security officer, where this is no pay anyway ::

CO: Mmm, encouraging backstabbing already?

:: shrugs :: CSO: I calls it incentive.

Paulie: Ain't that right, boss?

CO: Ooo, such a big word for someone like you.

:: hopes she said that right ::

:: splutters, coughing suddenly :: Paulie: Did you say... Ethan?

:: smirks, grabbing his hat off the coat rack by the wall and putting it on :: All: As she says, there is only one job opening at the moment. So get motivated.

:: crushes out her cigarette and gives Lexy a wry smirk ::

:: is barely able to mentally register this, a full-body shiver running down her spine ::

:: closes the file, and turns to walk out the door, but not before pauses to glance at the others if they are following ::

:: glances at Grey as he's crossing to the door :: CTO: Why, you know the guy?

CTO: What's he to you?

:: holds up a hand with a wedding ring on it, glittering in the light :: Paulie: He's my husband. I'm Ryleigh Grey-Jasper.

:: looks at her appraisingly :: CTO: Well we don't have to go all the way to some smelly old house if the prime suspect is right here.

:: laughs :: Paulie: I ain't never seen the wife come right to us like this when she ain't hiring us.

:: looks her up and down :: CTO: Well, you got a lot'a gall applyin' here the day your husband died.

:: turns around, glaring at Grey, waiting for some kind of... excuse ::

CSO: I can assure you I had no part to play in my husband's death. :: snaps right back, brushing past the others :: Paulie: And yet, here I am. :: barely pauses in the doorway to glance back over her shoulder at the others :: All: Well, you coming? :: then focuses on Paulie :: Paulie: If I really wanted to kill him, I would've done so years ago.

:: eyes Grey, wondering at the programming of this story ::

:: chuckles, shrugs, and heads for the door :: CTO: Well, we'll see, won't we? :: he leads the party to a wagon large enough for the group with a strap for Kuari to pull it ::

:: retrieves her hat and coat from the rack and puts them on, eyeing the widow ::

:: steps up to Grey, deciding it is more entertaining if she puts on her thick German accent for this... character. :: CTO: I personally don't think that you should be at the crime scene.... Not until we can rule out you.

:: approaches the wagon and eyes the strap, then looks at Paulie ::

:: nods :: SCI: I'll keep an eye on 'er. :: then looks at Kuari :: XO: What do you think, wanna drive, or shall I? :: he points to a street-parked old fashioned car ::

:: turns back around, clutching the file close ::

:: again wonders at the writing, but thinks a moment and tosses her trench coat into the wagon and takes to the strap :: Paulie: Sure, I can do it.

:: pauses to stare at Herschel, raising an eyebrow :: SCI: I know the policies, and I won't step foot into the house. Besides, you'll need me to manage our dog. :: climbs into the wagon, settling on the edge of the seat with a sigh ::

:: pulls on her fur coat and gets into the wagon ::

:: climbs on the cart and pulls out a folding map, turning it upside down, then right side up, then appraising it with a squint ::

:: chuckles to herself as she takes a front seat in the wagon, the laugh partially both in- and out-of-character ::

:: dusts off the seat before sitting down and crossing her legs ::

:: leans over to look at the map, pointing at an address :: Paulie: Right there, boss. :: taps a location ::

:: fits the harness neatly around herself and waits for directions, looking about and sniffing the air ::

:: steps into the wagon with a slight struggle. it has been too dang long since she has worn heels ::

:: nods :: CO: Yeah, right. XO: Uhh, take this street to the stopsign, then turn left.

:: nods and begins to pull once everyone's seated, slowly at first then picks up pace ::

:: leans back and pulls out a cigarette case and some matches ::

:: also lights a cigarette, continuing to give directions and interpret the map ::

:: shakes head :: And I thought my cousin smoked a lot...

:: strikes the match and lights up her cig, then looks back at the assorted lot on the cart ::

:: remains quiet, knowing talking would bring attention to herself... attention she did not want ::

:: continues to pull the wagon towards what she assumes is the scene of the crime, looking for the house in the picture as they go ::

:: takes another drag, looking bored as she watches the scenery go by ::

:: finally points at the house :: XO: There, on the right. The blue one. :: it looks grey in the filter, they all do ::

:: notes the indicated house and pulls up to it, coming to an easy stop ::

:: hops down from the cart and eyes the place ::

:: lowers herself out of the cart, and takes another glance at the file ::

:: hops out of the wagon easily, knowing this house like the back of her hand, and starts making her way up the front walkway, withdrawing a key from her pocket ::

:: steps gracefully out of the cart, tucking away a wisp of hair pulled out of place by the wind ::

:: gets out of the cart and keeps close behind Grey, eyeing her. ::

:: tips her fedora to Lexy as she descends:: Milady.

:: squirms out of the harness and dons her trench coat, resisting the urge to just walk in and start sniffing around and follows the group ::

:: glares at Grey through her sunglasses, watching her carefully ::

:: gives the tiniest haughty scoff as she passes ::

:: suppresses a snicker ::

:: she slides the key into the lock and twisting the handle, opening the door and stepping to the side to let the others enter, remaining outside ::

:: gets back into character and carefully watches the widow's behavior ::

:: walks past Grey after she opens the door, then walks inside, sniffing ::

:: enters the house and takes a drag of his cigarette, looking down at the tape outline of a body in the living room ::

:: saunters in, looking around disdainfully ::

:: walks in to post up next to Paulie, taking in all the details of the room ::

:: takes a seat on the edge of the garden outside, barely able to watch the others do their thing from her position ::

:: closes the file and walks into the house, immediately looking at any furniture, trinkets, thingiemabobs... hmm. what was the murder weapon... :::

Paulie: So how did this.... Ethan fellow meet his end?

:: wanders the house taking notes. The living room is clean except for a dark stain under the body outline. The kitchen is a mess with dishes everywhere. The bedroom is pristine, and the bathroom is middling in terms of cleanliness. The basement is dark and full of wine and potatoes. There is a spare room used as an office, and it seems well loved. ::

CSO: Blow to the back'a the head. :: puffs his cigarette, then swings an arm in front of him :: Downward, like that.

Paulie: Mmm. :: takes a long drag :: And how tall was this man?

:: looks at Grey appraisingly again ::

:: looks through his notes :: CSO: Probably between 5'9" and 5'11".

:: unfamiliar with these units of measurement, she just nods along ::

:: blunt force trauma... she glances around the living room for objects that could be easily swung at a head ::

:: looks from Wright to Grey, following the explanation ::

:: looks incredulously at Paulie and deadpans :: Paulie: What, the cops forgot their tape measure?

:: shrugs :: CSO: You think I don't wish they was more useful?

:: crouches down, which causes her tail to poke out behind her trench coat, and sniffs at the stain on the floor, careful not to step on the chalk ::

ACTION> Herschel finds a lamp with a tiny speck of blood on the base. Kuari smells blood.

:: she's a little bit shorter than Ethan, even with heels, squarely meeting their eyes ::

CSO: In a rush to get to the donut shop, no doubt.

:: looks at the lamp :: All: Eugh. Tacky.

:: nods airily at Kate ::

:: to nobody in particular :: If the blow was downwards then the girl would be too short for that... it would have to be a tall individual... or someone standing on something. :: bends over to look closely at a lamp, spotting the blood. she opens to file to see if there is a picture of the head trauma ::

:: shakes his head, looking around :: All: What if she stood on the couch? :: the picture shows a (poorly photoshopped) wound the shape of the lamp base ::

:: pulls gloves out of her pocket, puts them on, and then lifts up the lamp base, comparing it to the photo. satisfied at a match, she silently moves, crouched over, looking to see if there is anything that could be stood on, or if any furniture upholstery as foot marks ::

:: walks into the office first, which seems to be the most smelly ::

:: looking at photos on the wall ::

:: the office smells like Ethan was in there all the time. Also, there's no footprints on any furniture, but the couch is in the right spot if it were to be used as a stool for the murder ::

:: squats in front of the couch, then stands up, going to grab the lamp, then stands on the couch :: All: Can someone stand right there? :: points to where the feet would be on the body chalk ::

:: watches quietly, appraising his applicants ::

:: looks at the indicated location and then at Herschel, obviously waiting for someone else to volunteer ::

:: looks over the desk to see if there's anything important lying on it ::

:: points at Harper :: CO: Oi, you! Stand!

ACTION> Kuari finds tons of documents, including work documents, bills, and letters between Ethan and his "sister"... Emilaina? ::

:: smirks :: SCI: Last I checked, lady, you're the one trying to get a job from us, so don't tell me what to do.

:: decides to punch out even more gruff German Accent :: CO: You're the only one tall enough here!

:: peers down at the letter on top of the stack on the desk to read it more closely ::

:: smirks ::

:: looks around and decides to humor her :: SCI: So I am. How about that?

:: shrugs and steps into the chalk ::

:: steps over to appraise Herschel's swing ::

:: The letter reads: 'My dear brother, it is with regret that I inform you of our mother's passing. I will be visiting this thursday to see you and bring you treats. Stay strong. - Emilaina ::

:: holds lamp, and swings it aggressively, thankfully stopping it just before knocking the living shit out of Harper ::

:: golfclaps ::

:: eyes Rike a little ::

:: watches Rike, and seems... disappointed? ::

SCI: Interesting experiment. Too bad you just ruined all the fingerprint evidence.

Paulie: What's the matter boss? Sad she pulled the punch?

:: looks to see if there is a date on the letter she's just read ::

:: she then wonders to herself what day this story actually starts on ::

:: shrugs :: CO: Maybe a little. :: Kuari finds a calendar, and it seems that 'thursday' refers to the day of the murder! ::

:: leaves the chalk outline to go lean against the wall and smoke ::

:: squints and steps down :: Couch is too tall. Must be another tall individual. CSO: At least I am wearing gloves.

SCI: Put that thing down. :: pulls a fingerprint kit out of her purse ::

Paulie: Hey, get a load of this, boss! She's got her own fingerprint kit! :: gestures to Wright ::

:: internally laughs as she decides to put on an attitude. :: CSO: Aye aye madam! :: sets it down on a table ::

:: grins :: CO: Someone came prepared.

:: squints at the information, then looks over at the bills and other papers, briefly to see if anything catches her eye ::

:: absently hands her cigarette holder to Rike and begins to dust for prints ::

:: Kuari notices that some of the bills are being paid by Ethan's (and apparently Emily's) mom ::

:: glances at Wright, takes the cigarette holder, and quickly drops it onto another table. ew. ::

:: thinks on this information, pondering the implications, then walks out into the main room to see what the others are doing ::

:: dashes and retrieves the cigarette holder ::

SCI: Hey whaddya tryin' to do, start a fire?

:: winces as the cigarette is dropped, then is relieved when Harper reacts ::

:: shakes hand, shuddering somewhat :: Eeeuuugh.

:: smokes her own cigarette while holding Lexy's ::

:: uses her fancy brush to lightly apply fancy dust to the ugly lamp ::

:: watches Wright, trying not to seem impressed. She's able to find a few prints! ::

:: ponders that someone might want to start a fire here, if they wanted to destroy evidence for some reason ::

:: smiles triumphantly and carefully lifts the print with cellophane tape ::

:: moves around couch, then remembers... aha! she removes her belt from the trench coat, which has inch and centimeter measurements on it, and lays it adjacent to the chalk outline to measure it ::

:: pulls a blank card out of his pocket, offering it to Wright to put the fingerprint tape on ::

:: turns and finds Paulie behind her with the blank card and accepts it graciously ::

Ross: Ethan had a sister named Emilaina. She supposedly visited the day of the murder, or at least intended to, since their mother had just died. She...may not be a suspect due to height, but perhaps she knows something.

:: keeps an eye on Wright as she works ::

:: carefully affixes the print tape to the card ::

:: drags his cigarette :: XO: Sister, eh? Find anything about... an inheritance, perhaps?

:: hands Wright's cigarette holder back to her ::

:: accepts it with a nod of gratitude ::

:: stops above what Wright is doing, watching her :: Ross: Not yet, but apparently the mother was paying bills for both of them.

CSO: Impressive bit of work there. You're one smart and classy dame. Wanna get a drink when we crack this case?

:: flicks his cigarette, thinks :: XO: Payin' their bills, eh? So she did have money. How tall is this sister?

:: appraises Kate :: CO: You sure you can afford me?

:: cracks a wry grin and nods :: CSO: I think so.

:: shrugs, which is somewhat ineffective in her trench coat :: Ross: Don't know, maybe we should find her. There's probably a return address in the office, but I didn't want to touch any papers yet.

:: pats Kate on the shoulder :: CO: I'll be the judge of that. :: turns toward the ongoing conversation ::

:: suppresses a giggle before snapping back into character ::

:: grins :: XO: Whether a witness or a suspect, you've found something important. Might be worth offering you the job on the spot, if not for the impressive performances I saw in here.

:: taps his chin :: All: This will be a tough decision...

:: eyes Wright, who is working ::

:: looks over at Herschel, who is holding her belt to the floor next to the chalk ::

All: We should compare these prints with the wife, though really, anyone who does this kind of decorating is already guilty of something.

:: laughs at Wright's remark then looks at Harper :: CO: Katie, what do you think? Could we use more than one deputy?

:: has to fold belt over for additional inches... but then stands up :: All: Hm. The victim was around 6'1. :: pulls belt back in trench coat ::

Paulie: It'd certainly make things easier on us, that's for sure. :: looks up at Kuari :: Besides, she's gotta be good in a fight.

:: nods in agreement :: CO: Eh, I could take 'er. :: he laughs, obviously joking ::

:: laughs :: Ross: Sure ya could, Paulie, sure ya could.

:: snaps his notebook shut :: All: Alright, looks like I'm flyin' or drivin' or whatever to see this sister tomorrow. Thanks for all yer help, your people will hear from my people.

Ross: I doubt they gots people, boss.

CO: You'd be surprised.

:: laughs :: CO: We'll get 'em Angela's number.

:: looks a bit lost, but doesn't feel they're being complimented ::

:: tries to take a drag from her cigarette, and is disappointed to find that it's burned out ::

:: offers Lexy a smoke from her case ::

:: graciously accepts ::

:: lights it for her too ::

:: gives it a few light puffs to get the ember going ::

:: thinks she could get into this smoking thing ::

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