The Grinding of the Gears Ch. 2
Author's note: Here it is everyone, the highly anticipated chapter two of The Grinding of the Gears. I've got some complaints that you found the ending of the first chapter to be a bit brutal. Sorry about that, should have placed a warning. So here's the heads up for this chapter: it's also pretty brutal. In fact, most of the chapters will show a short scene of the murder to help you, the readers piece more of the evidence together as you go along. Being my first mystery, I want to really keep you on the edge of your seats so I hope you enjoy. As you may have noticed, I've been updating rather briskly today, hopefully I'll be able to stay on this path for a bit. Of course, if I find a job soon I won't have as much time for writing unfortunately. But, if you're wishing to help contribute to my work, my tumblr can be found on my profile where there is a button for a donation. Or, if you're feeling quid pro quo, there is also a link to buy my original book from Amazon. Just remember, a review is worth a lot to me so I'm always eager to hear your thoughts. Best of luck in life and literature. -Kiba
The next morning came earlier than I had anticipated. Having pulled many all-nighters from my previous story, a short sleep was still better than no sleep by a long shot. I'd promised Orianna that I'd visit her today, but that would come later. Wrapping a scarf around my neck and tugging my thick jacket on, I prepared to meet the blistering cold wind of the day. The murder, according to what was released to the public, occurred about a week ago making the victim's steps a bit harder to trace than I'd like, but I had to start somewhere.
My first stop on the way to the police station was at Ziggs' Coffee. A big red sign announced that their coffee had the most "explosive" flavor to it, and it actually sickened me to think that champions got paid money to slap their faces on this crap. I couldn't deny, however, that Ziggs' was indeed the best place to buy coffee in Piltover. As I waited in line for the rest of the early risers, I felt my cellphone buzz impatiently in my pocket. Flipping it open, the notification for a new message glared at me from the screen, and before I even read it I could feel it was bad news.
Sure enough, the sender was Saul. The message read simply: "Couldn't get files, speak to sheriff lol". I sent him a return message thanking him and after a moment I paused to write 'lol?'. A short moment later I got another reply. "Lots of luck. Someone's behind the fads." I didn't think to inform him that it was rather he who was behind the times, instead folding the phone and placing it back in my pocket. It seemed I'd be getting the coffee to go.
Arriving at the counter, a hyperactive Yordle stood on a stepping stool, shuffling back and forth in anticipation. Despite the way his name tag bounced along with him, I recognized him almost immediately. "Ziggs? I didn't realize you actually worked here." He turned his head scratching it as if to figure out how I knew his name before his eyes widened and he pointed.
"OH! It's you Kiba! Good to see you! Good to see you!" He chattered excitedly, reaching for a note pad to write my order. "Yeah, I got the job recently! I needed more money, hexplosives and nitroglycerine aren't cheap you know?" He let out a high pitched chuckle that sounded almost like a super villain. "So what can I get for you today?"
"Three large cups of Joe, and a large Earl Grey."
"Excellent choice! Excellent choice!" He blathered on, placing a pen on the notepad, only for it to make a squiggly line and fly from the paper. Ripping it he placed it on the wire and sent it to the barista to make. I honestly doubted anyone would have been able to read that, I'd have to inform her of what I wanted when I got there. I often wondered if Ziggs said everything twice out of force of habit, or if his brain hadn't registered the first one, so it always wanted to double check.
"Hey Ziggs, mind if I ask you a question?"
Ziggs looked to the large line forming behind me, the evil glares of the people warning him that his next word could very well spell out his doom, and turning back to me he gave a large grin. "Yes! Yes! Anything you like."
"What can you tell me about the Champion Orianna?"
"Orianna? Ah yes, crazy ball girl. She's a tough one, lots of sharp things. Gotta watch out for that ball, it hurts."
"Ball?" I asked.
"Yeah, large metal beach ball thing. It's got all sorts of gear inside that can hurt badly when it smashes into you. It's her pet…sort of. It follows her everywhere. Why do you ask?"
"She's in trouble, and as her friend I'm helping her out. One last question, do you know if she has any enemies?" Ziggs tapped his chin for a moment, trying to think about it as the people in the line started to grow even more impatient.
"Once Viktor and she got into an argument…well, I say they did, but in reality Viktor was bullying her for her flawed emotions. I think it really hurt her feelings." I pulled out my journal, making a quick note of the name before nodding in gratitude.
"Thanks Ziggs, you've been a large help." I placed the money on the counter for him before slipping a Five Valor bill inside of the tip jar.
"Three large coffees and a large Earl Grey." The barista's voice called out as I moved down. I could scarcely believe that she'd managed to read Ziggs' handwriting, but shrugging it off I grabbed the carrier and headed out the door into the cold. If I was going to the Sheriff's office, I've often found it was best to bring gifts. If I could loosen Caitlyn's iron will even just an inch, the information she provided would be worth it.
Stopping at the bakery on the way, I managed to pick up a dozen donuts to complete my honorable sacrifice. Soon, I stood before the large imposing building that read "Piltover Sheriff's Department." Taking a deep, but nervous breath I pushed open one of the doors to be greeted by the welcomed warmth of the station's heater. No sooner had I stepped in, a pink haired woman peered around the corner of the main room to see who had come to visit.
"Good morning Vi." I called, waving politely before plucking one of the coffees to hand to her. She gratefully took it, before doing a quick count of the one's I had left.
"I assume you'll be wanting me to deliver the extra to my partner?" She asked. "He's a bit late coming in today, but I'll be happy to give it to him."
"Sure Vi, thanks." I handed her the other coffee before looking back nervously at the glass door to the Sheriff's personal office. "She in a good mood today?" I asked.
Vi chuckled and shook her head. "Sorry Kiba, but if you manage to pry anything from her I'll be colored impressed. Nice job on the tea though, it'll help a little bit…maybe." I sighed, turning to look at the office again.
"Well…no time like the present."
Approaching the door, I knocked politely before a posh voice called from inside. "Enter." I turned the knob, slipping inside and shutting the door behind me, the only visible part of Caitlyn in her large chair being her hat that stood a few inches above the back. "Sit." From Caitlyn's use of one word commands, I could feel her impatience seeping from her. On the corner of her desk was a stack of files that read "Eranth Alkazar, Victim Case # 10748" with a large red stamp over it that marked it as classified.
"Good morning Sheriff." I stated in a friendly greeting. "I trust you're well?" I plucked out the Earl Grey tea, placing it on her desk. Turning around, Piltover's beautiful sheriff looked down at the cup, as if pondering whether or not she wanted to take a sip in front of me. "I've also got donuts." I offered, gesturing towards the box.
"I'm watching my figure." She replied coldly.
"Uh-huh…" I replied, setting the box on the ground out of the way. Every time I met with the Sheriff, the two of us seemed to be locked in a battle of will. Trying to get any information from her was almost a game the two of us played, to see who could surprise the other most with the information they received. I'd give something I'd found, and she'd give me information of equal value. This time, however, I had a trump card. I'd been saving it for a rainy day, and unfortunately, today was that day. The only problem is, the sheriff is a sore loser. I'd have to find a way to subtly slip her the info, unless I wanted a round of lead in my body.
"You know…I really hate criminals." She sighed, leaning forward before lifting the tea to her lips.
"Understandable. I'm sure most feel the same way."
Her eyes narrowed towards me. "Don't sass me Mr. Elunal, I'm not in the mood for smart asses today."
"Why does everyone keep calling me that?" I muttered under my breath.
"As I was saying, I hate criminals. With every fiber of my being, in fact. There is only one other group that comes close to the amount of disdain I have for criminals. Would you like to take a guess as to who that group is?"
"Lawyers?" I asked.
"Reporters." She stated. "Reporters like you Mr. Elunal, who go poking around in my work when you have no business being there. Now, I hear you've been speaking to a certain suspect that was incarcerated for murder. And you've requested access to files that are not meant for the eyes of the public. Is that so?"
I took my cup from the desk, sipping the coffee calmly. I could feel Caitlyn's angry stare piercing me through the Styrofoam, but I intended to show her that I was not some thug that could be easily rattled. Setting down the cup, I nodded. "I suppose that's accurate. But of course, I'd never expect an esteemed law-enforcement official such as yourself to just hand over the case files to me. Quid pro quo, am I right?"
A sly grin spread across her lips. As much as she'd deny it, I think the sheriff enjoyed having something of a challenge. Now it was her turn to pause while she took a drink before speaking. "I so detest that saying. But yes, that sums it up well. Something for something. So let's see what you have to offer, then we'll see what I have to give you."
I exhaled a small puff of air. "Alright Sheriff…as it turns out Jinx has returned to Piltover."
"Old news." She yawned. "Your victim was tortured before he was killed. Your move."
That information was worthless. I knew that already from the information the department had made public about the case. I drummed my fingers on the desk, seeking a new answer. "Alright, well how about this: Ziggs has himself a new job at the coffee shop."
Caitlyn stifle a laugh. "Ha, what do I care about that?"
"Because he's using the money to purchase high amounts of hexplosives and nitroglycerin." Caitlyn's face became serious as she folded her hands on the desk, retaining her prim and proper posture that only served to add to her beauty.
"Not bad. There was actually another victim, her body (or what was left of it) was found in a bathtub full of corrosive liquid. Unlike your victim she was killed swiftly before being dumped in the acid."
"Helpful. I have some more information, but let's turn this around a bit. I have some information, I'm fully aware you know. But that you wouldn't want released to the public."
Her eyes focused on me harshly. "I hope for your safety that you're not intending to blackmail me Mr. Elunal. I think we are both aware how good of a shot I am."
"True, true. And no, not blackmail…well kind of, but blackmail is such a nasty term. I happen to know on good authority that Vi out there is dating her partner, something you are surely aware of yes?"
Caitlyn bit her lip. "Yes…what of it? It's not against protocol or anything. As Sheriff, I have a right to deputize anyone I like, and he is a deputy as well."
"Ah then you know where I'm going with this. Look Sheriff, I respect you a lot. The last thing I'd want is to see you lose your job. I've come to enjoy our little quips and rebuttals. That's why I didn't run with the information the instant I've had it. I'm sure that the public would be very interested to find out that one of your deputies is in fact a master thief."
Caitlyn froze for a moment before whispering under her breath. "How did you find out?"
"I was sent to investigate the warehouse that crumbled when your deputy punched a hole in the wall. I'm afraid your friend Thane didn't notice the exterior camera when he took off his mask." I reached into my pocket, pulling out a small tape and placing it on the desk. "The only copy of the footage. I wiped the rest." I explained.
I could sense her hesitation as her eyes flowed from me to the tape, then back to me. "Well…I suppose you've got me in a bit of a checkmate." She breathed at last, reaching up to remove her hat. She shook her hair out, keeping her eyes on mine as she pursed her lips tightly. Reaching forward, I stared into her smoldering eyes as her fingers walked slowly across the desk to my arm. "I have an idea…why don't you give me the tape. I'll be so very thankful." Her words were a soft purr as she leaned closer to me, her nose just a hair's width from mine.
I let out an impatient snort. "Oh please. Caitlyn, I know you don't think highly of me, but honestly? Attempting to seduce me for the information? Don't sink to that low, you're far above it." She pouted, pulling back and crossing her arms across her chest.
"Damn." She muttered. "Fine…what is it that you want?"
"You already know. I want to look at the victim's case file."
The detective sighed, glancing down at the manila folder and offering it to me. "Fair enough, but I have conditions."
"Listening."
"One: You give me that tape, and never mention it to anyone outside of this station."
"But of course."
"Two: That file does not leave this room, the last thing I want is a leak of information to the press. Seeing as how you are the press, this is already bad enough as it is. Call it damage control."
I nodded in agreement. "That's fair. Anything else?"
Caitlyn seemed to hesitate as she pondered her third condition. "Yes." She finally answered. I waited for a moment before gesturing for her to continue. "Give me one of those donuts." She sighed, causing me to grin.
"Help yourself Sheriff. It's been a pleasure doing business with you." I opened the box as she set her donut on a napkin while I perused the notes. Our game seemingly over, the sheriff sighed taking a bite of the sweet pastry. "If it's any consolation Sheriff, your figure is as stunning as ever."
"You've already got the files Kiba, flattery will get you no further."
"Yeah, yeah." I muttered, turning the page to arrive at the autopsy report. "Gods…"
"Brutal isn't it?" She asked.
"I'll say so. Whoever did this must have had a lot of rage. This goes far beyond the scope of a random murder. Over a dozen lacerations with a hot kitchen knife, found on the scene, no prints on the weapon. Pliars were used to remove the finger and toenails of the victim. He was…hobbled?"
Caitlyn nodded, taking another sip of her tea before finishing the donut and grabbing another. "Noxus technique to prevent slaves in the mines from escaping after they tried to run. They'd place a sturdy board between their ankles, take a large mallet and…" she pantomimed swinging a hammer, her soft lips mouthing a 'whack'.
"Any other evidence found at the scene?" I asked, flipping through.
Caitlyn looked at me silently before leaning forward again. "May I ask you a question Kiba?"
"Shoot."
"With pleasure. Why, pray tell, are you so interested in this case?"
I paused for a moment, it was the second time someone had asked me that question, and in honesty, I still didn't have much of an answer. "Call it intuition."
"That's my line. But seriously, I've never seen you get this hands-on for a case. I mean, to the point of blackmail? I'd have thought that beneath you if you hadn't just thrown it in my face. To sink that low, this must be something really important to you."
I looked up at Caitlyn, unsure of what to say. "I don't know…I just…when I saw the look in her eyes when she found out she could have her Champion status revoked…this girl doesn't have a friend in the world. No one believes her, not even herself. She's been backed into a corner and she reached out to me for help. As far as I'm concerned…I don't have a choice."
"We always have a choice. What are you going to do if you find out she is indeed guilty?"
"I won't."
"That's not an answer."
"It's the best one I have. Now for my question, what other evidence was found?"
Caitlyn sighed, going through the files before pulling out two small bags. "Here. These were found at the scene. The first is the clockwork used to finally kill the victim. Stabbed right into his heart. I'd say it was a quick death, but considering what he endured before that point…" Caitlyn shrugged, unwilling to finish the sentence.
"And the second?" I asked, inspecting the small black cassette.
"The video of the murder. It's about ten minutes long."
"How was it filmed?" I inquired.
She huffed, blowing a strand of hair from her face. "That's just it. There was no camera on the scene. All we found was the tape, lying on the ground in the same room as the victim. The quality is incredibly clear."
"Can I watch it?"
Caitlyn pondered the request for a moment before tugging on some latex gloves. Pulling the evidence from the bag, she slipped it into a video player that was in her room before handing me a remote. "Knock yourself out. We sent it to the lab, but they haven't been able to get anything regarding the recording device or audio."
The screen flickered for a moment before the image of the victim came into view. As Caitlyn said, the definition was incredibly clear as he tried desperately to inch away from an unseen attacker. He was pleading for his life as the mechanical beauty slipped into view, a gleaming object in her hand. The man's face was beaten and bloody, his hands rose as he begged for mercy. I had to control myself when the Orianna look-alike leapt on to him, burying the sharp metal into his chest. The man fell still as the mechanical girl stood moving slowly towards the camera. Despite the inorganic nature of it, a sinister gleam was captured in her eyes as she blew a kiss to the lens before vanishing off screen. I hit the pause button for a moment, my heart racing as I tried to fathom what I just saw.
"It's pretty shaking, isn't it?" Caitlyn asked.
"Yeah, but something about it is still off."
"What do you mean?"
"I'm not entirely sure yet." I pressed the rewind button, causing the images to race backwards before I slowed the footage. "There." I zoomed in on the killer's attempt at a seductive gaze, only to see a strange reflection in it.
"What is that?" Caitlyn asked as we both inched closer to the screen. The camera looked like an eyestalk connected to the top half of a dome. I shook my head.
"I have no idea, but you can bet I'm going to find out."
"Where are you heading next?" Caitlyn questioned as I opened my journal, making a quick sketch of the reflection. Satisfied, I closed the notebook before taking one last glance at the victim's file.
"I'm going to go talk to Orianna first. I promised her I'd visit this morning. After that, however, I'm going to follow up on a lead."
"A lead? A lead where?"
I pointed to the folder. "A few years back, the guy was fired from the Institute of War for drinking on the job. I want to see if I can find any more information on why someone may have wanted our victim to suffer." I pulled my jacket back over my shoulders before going to leave. "Oh, and feel free to keep the donuts. Consider it my apology for wielding your dirty little secret that way."
Caitlyn looked at the box and rolled her eyes before crumpling up a blank piece of paper and throwing it at me. The two of us chuckled as I tossed it in the waste bin and took a deep breath. This was the worst part. I opened the door, my face stern and frustrated as Caitlyn shouted from behind me. "And don't you ever come snooping around here again!" The door slammed shut behind me as Vi looked up from her coffee and donut.
"Nothing, huh?"
I shrugged. "Ah well, maybe I'll have better luck next time." I chided, turning to leave with a soft smile on my face. The session had given me a lot more to work with than I could have possibly hoped for, and now it was time to make good on my promise to Orianna.
Eranth could hear the soft humming of the mechanical monster inside of his kitchen as he looked down at his bloody fingers and toes. He was lucky that she wasn't too observant. He'd pretended to pass out from the pain, causing her to decide to wait until he woke back up. He wasn't sure what she was doing in the kitchen, but he knew he had to escape.
His eyes set upon the door that stood a few meters away from him, and he knew that if he could bear the pain, he'd be able to make it outside and make a run for it. His wife…she'd died and it was all his fault. She died because of how he felt about her, and he knew he had to find a way to stop this machine before it went any further.
He slowly stood on to his feet, keeping his mouth clamped shut in silence before making a dash for the door, every step he made causing mind-blowing agony to spread through his beaten and hurt body. Just a few more feet! His hand went to the doorknob, just as painful electricity arced through him causing him to collapse back on to the ground. Above him in the shadows was a floating shape he hadn't seen before in the darkness. A small light flowed around its middle as a gleam revealed an eye that turned on to him. Suddenly it made a high pitched whir that caused Eranth to quickly shuffle away from it.
"Thank you Ball." The mechanical killer's voice called out from the kitchen as she returned. "Shame on you, trying to leave before our game is done. We can't have that can we?" He watched in shock as she crouched down beside him, tying his hands together roughly in a swift motion before attaching them to the doorknob of the bathroom.
"W-wait…what are you doing?" He asked as she placed a thick log from the fireplace between his ankles. She grinned at him as she held up a large mallet that she'd retrieved from the kitchen. "No! You don't have to…I'm tied up. You've got a guard at the door. Please you don't…AGGGGGH!" He screamed in agony as she struck his foot hard, causing it to rotate with an audible crack as his ankle snapped in two. "Gods!" He gasped , his eyes staring up at her. "Why are you doing this to me?! Why?!" He demanded, but instead of an answer, the girl brought the hammer fiercely down on his other foot causing him to collapse in his bonds.
"Now then…" she whirred, "if you were to describe your current state in one word, what would that be?" She asked, tugging his hair to make sure he looked her in the eyes when he spoke.
Shaking, Eranth struggled before answering. "Misery." He whispered, before she released him, allowing his body to slouch back against the door.
"Now we're getting somewhere." She giggled.
The alarm buzzed as I walked through the prison for the second time this week. More insults were spat at me by the inmates, but this time I didn't pay it any mind. Now, I had something solid to go on. There were holes in this case that I intended to blow wide open. As Saul opened the door for me to let me in to the visiting room, Orianna looked up from the table, eyes bright and excited that I'd arrived.
"You came." She stated, as if to notify me of my deed.
"I did." I replied, sitting down on the table across from her. "And I've got good news. As it turns out, there are a few rabbit holes in the case that I intend to follow. One of them is bound to take me to Wonderland."
"I don't understand."
"Sorry, it's an expression from a children's book. I mean that I've got some things to check that could make sure you stay a champion."
"Truly?" She asked.
"Truly." I assured her, pulling out my journal. "But I have a few questions for you first, if you don't mind."
She tilted her head curiously as she looked at the note book. "Did I not answer your questions properly yesterday afternoon?" She inquired.
"Oh, of course. You did very well Orianna. I have some different questions for you this time."
"Very well. I shall answer them to my best ability."
Opening the notebook, her eyes followed my finger as it flowed across the page before resting on a name. I tapped it, ensuring I'd found the spot I was searching for before looking back to her. "I spoke to one of your colleagues. Ziggs. Do you know him?" Her joints whirred as she moved her head up and down. "Good start. He told me that a while back you had an argument with another Champion: Viktor? Do you recall that argument?" Orianna said nothing, instead turning her eyes from mine to look at the ground between her feet. "Don't be ashamed Orianna, everyone argues."
"I'm…not proud of it." She finally confided. "Are you sure that the answer is important?" She asked.
It surprised me. Up to this point, Orianna had been more than co-operative, and she'd been incredibly open and truthful. It was hard to believe that something like this would quiet her so quickly. "I'm not sure." I admitted. "It could be important, but it could also be nothing." Orianna nervously looked at the camera in the corner of the room. "Don't worry. No one can hear us in here. If this isn't important, it won't leave the room. Deal?"
Orianna nodded again. "He was very cruel to me."
"Viktor?"
"Yes."
"What did he do?" I asked.
Again she hesitated on her answer. "He hurt my feelings." I looked at her, part of me still unable to process the thought of her having feelings that weren't some sort of emulation. "He called me a flawed machine. He said it was my emotions that made me weak. That I was just a piece of shoddy clockwork pretending to be a human." The sadness in her voice seemed to strike a chord in me. If not for the fact that I knew Viktor could rip me limb from limb, I'd be hard pressed to track him down and show him how 'weak' my emotions made me. "Do you think that Kiba?"
Her question tugged me out of my thoughts. "I'm sorry?"
"Do you think that I'm just clockwork pretending to be human?" Her voice sounded hopeful, but at the same time, I felt as if she would know if I lied to her. The last thing I wanted was to break the poor girl's heart, so I had to come up with something else.
"I think that you're something truly special." Her eyes met mine expectantly, asking me to continue. "I mean…it's true you're clock work. But I don't think you're 'pretending' to be human. There's something special about you Orianna. I'm sorry if that's not the answer you were hoping for."
"It is alright. I am aware that I am not a human." She let out a metallic sigh, an expression that showed just how eerily she was able to mimic body language.
"So what did you do after he said that?" I asked, trying to change the subject.
She shifted uncomfortably. "Fighting is against the rules of the League outside of the Fields." She answered. She was still hiding something, so I decided to press her further.
"Did you yell at him? Or…?"
"I called him something bad." She whispered, folding her hands on the table guiltily. I had to restrain myself from letting out a chuckle. It was hard for me to think of something that she could have called him that wouldn't be worse than what someone else had. "Do you want to know what I called him?" She looked at me questioningly.
"Sure."
"…I told him he was fecal matter…"
"You told him he was shit?" I asked. She looked up at me in shock, as if she couldn't believe what I'd just said.
"N-no. I'd never be so rude as to…I called him fecal matter, just like I said."
"Wow that's…that's some pretty heavy words there." I chuckled. My humor seemed to go over her head as she looked dejectedly down at the table. "I was joking Orianna. Honestly, that's pretty tame in comparison to what most people think of him."
"I see." She stated calmly, my words seeming to have comforted her a little. Taking my pen I crossed out Viktor. I doubted he'd go so far as to pin a murder on her for calling him something as childish as 'fecal matter'. That brought me to the next thing on my list. Flipping the page, I turned the notebook to her and pushed it forward.
"I saw the video of the murder." I explained. "This was in the reflection of the killer's eyes. Do you recognize it?" Her key turned as she reached forward, pulling it back to her to examine it closely.
"Yes…it is the Ball."
Ziggs' story came back to my head the instant she mentioned its name. Leaning forward I politely took the notebook from her grasp before turning to a blank page. "Alright Orianna. I need to know everything you can tell me about the Ball."
To be continued…
