Chapter 9 - Love
After a long quest to retrieve the papers that wouldn't be out of place in a mediocre adventure game, Clarissa gained permission to enter ward 7. Instantly, she blended into the society of detectives, clad in the protective suit worn by all.
Not sure what she should be looking for, Clarissa searched around the room for anything that might help her case. It struck her to first look by Drake's bed for anything that might give her a lead to work on. His corpse lay in the bed, his glazed blue eyes staring at the dusty ceiling tiles. Dying crimson flowers were in a spherical vase by his bed, matching the current colour of the once white sheets. A large label covered in ornate writing was tied around the sphere:
"Cherished Drake, my loyal apprentice.
Treasured is the time that we have on this world,
Never waste a moment -
Few are the achievements and memories of those that do.
Eternally following the righteous path,
In death, may you find peace."
Clarissa turned the label over.
"6 3 4 5 1 2"
Not managing to understand the message on the note, Clarissa requested to see Drake's clothing that had been kept and a record of his injuries. As the detective left, Clarissa distanced herself from her investigation for a moment and looked at the scene. Five innocent people here had lost their lives for no reason other than they shared a ward with someone linked to this case. Flowers, cards and other gifts from their families who believed they would be home soon lay beside them, in their beds, on their bedside tables.
A small tear ran down the visor of Clarissa's helmet.
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Miles ran towards a tall building made of weathered stones, the sun setting as he got closer. He looked behind his shoulder. Finally, he had lost Nick - he couldn't have him ruining his date, constantly talking and generally trying to persuade Amber to date him instead. No, he wouldn't have his heart broken, not again.
As he ran up the tall, winding staircase, he retrieved the present for Amber from his bag. He took a small model dragon from the ripped side pocket. Its ruby eyes glinted in the low light of the hall, sharp silver talons covered in small shreds of black canvas. Miles sighed. That would be yet another present that had ruined his long-suffering messenger bag.
Gingerly, he knocked on the door. They had been going out for three months now, but Miles was nervous all the same. What if she rejected him? What if he went too far past her comfort zone? What if she really liked Nick better th-
"Hey there, Miles!" Amber had opened the door while Miles was drowning in his fears. She looked beautiful as always - dressed in black, her brown hair draped over her left eye like always. Again, Miles found himself lost for words.
"H-h... Hi... A-Amber..." He was shaking, again. Amber smiled back at him. She ran towards him, gripping him tightly in her arms.
"Are you nervous again? I'm not that bad, surely...?" Miles tried to find words to suit how he felt.
"No... You're better than I deserve..."
"You're always so gentle. I couldn't have anyone better," Amber whispered. She sounded as if she really meant it.
End of chapter 9
