{*_*^*_*^*_*^*_*^*]*~Multiverse Mysteries~*[*_*^*_*^*_*^*_*^*_*}
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-PsychicSpectrumVerse*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-
*~6~*
Chapter 8:
Psychic Spinning, Sneaky Seduction & Surprising Suspects…
{*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^} *-Simon-*-Simon-*-Simon-*-Simon-*-Simon-* {*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^}Hmm…okay so if that's the case then that would mean that the oh…well…but wait…wait. No, that doesn't really fit- I mean it might but I don't think it does. Then again if it does that would b-
"Oh my god Simon, will you knock it off!"
Simon startles, jumping faintly in his seat, head whipping around, turning towards Kevin.
"Wha-I-I wasn't doing anyth-"
Kevin scoffed, shaking his head, animatedly waving.
"Evie? You are buzzing like a short circuiting electrical socket."
Simon blinked, head tilting in confusion.
"I-I'm what?"
Kevin huffed out a faint laugh.
"You're spinning like a freaking top."
"I-I am not I'm j-"
Kevin snorted, brow quirking expectantly.
"Dude?"
Simon begin to shake his head again before sighing, giving a slightly sheepish shrug, reaching up, scratching at the back of his neck.
"Sorry…is it the buzzy thing?"
Kevin huffed, nodding animatedly.
"Oh yeah…big time."
He huffed, helplessly shrugging.
"Sorry, you know I can't help it."
"I know but dude-"
"Yeah, I know okay! Sorry. Just we've been setting here doing nothing but twiddling our thumbs and staring blankly at monitors for over four hours! I'm going stir crazy."
Kevin snorted, brow quirking sarcastically, giving a theatrical wave.
"Well that's basically what a stakeout is."
"I know that! I've been on stake outs before. It's just been a while and I kinda forgot just how much they irritate me…well…okay so I didn't but I kinda figured as this one's in a cool, flashy club it'd be less mind-numbingly boring but it's not. It might actually be worse like this. Setting in a dark room dressed to the nines, watching people having the time of their lives just down stairs. It's like I'm the ticket taker at the school dance. Like I'm just stuck on the sidelines watching everyone else have fun. I'm just not good with the sit and wait thing. And then the set and wait thing on top of the weird forced wallflower thing is just cranking it up to eleven. I'm just getting really antsy and spinny…"
Kevin snorted, nodding.
"Yeah no kidding- I can feel it from here."
Simon sighed, shrugging.
"I know- you've said before b-"
"Yeah, no. I know but this is just on a whole other level. I can literally feel your energy buzzing and thrumming. It's like some kind of super low subsonic frequency but it's like mixed with one of those obnoxious hand buzzer things you'd get from a joke shop when you were a kid- only it doesn't stop, and it's getting louder and stronger.
It's like standing out in an electric storm where you feel the energy buzzing on your skin and it cuts straight through you and sets your teeth on edge and makes you twitchy and jumpy and almost paranoid.
I don't know if it's your mental shields acting up or just from us being cooped up in here for so long or some kind of interference with the surveillance equipment in here or maybe something to do with the proximity of so many other powerful psychics or what but it's just really weird and really intense and really a lot- like a LOT a lot-it's really setting me on edge.
I feel like I'm gonna jump out of my skin."
Simon winced, guiltily scratching at the back of his neck.
"It is? You do?"
Kevin shrugged apologetically.
"Well, yeah. Yeah it really, really is…and I do…oh my god I do…sorry."
Simon started, looking around, shifting in his seat.
"I-wha-sorry? Why are you apologizing to me? You're not the one making ME feel like I'm gonna jump out of my skin. I wish you would have said something sooner. Has it been this whole time?"
Kevin again shrugged, reaching up, tucking a few chocolate brown curls behind his ear.
"No…not the whole time. I really just started noticing it like two hours in but it just kept getting stronger and stronger and worse and worse."
Simon blinked, setting up, kind of pushing his chair away from him.
"Sorry, why didn't you say anything?"
Kevin shrugged, flashing a faintly apologetic look.
"Because I know how these things are and I knew you couldn't really control it anyways so I tried to just ignore it. Usually I can. It's not generally that bad. I mean it's irritating and kinda makes me grind my teeth but it's not THAT bad and it usually passes and it's not like it's your fault or anything. I know it's nothing you're doing on purpose. You're not TRYING to push me away or drive me up the wall or anything like that.
I didn't say anything cause I didn't want to blame you for something you have no control over and I didn't want you to feel weird or self-conscious or whatever. "
Simon huffed, brow quirking, giving a faint shrug.
"Well I do now…"
Kevin huffed, shrugging helplessly.
"I know! I know. Sorry. Really. It's totally not your fault and I'm really not blaming you or anything like that. I just-dude I don't know but it's really getting to me right now.
I-look sorry. It's really not your fault and I don't want you to feel self-conscious or whatever but it's just really strong right now and I kinda need a break from it…" He sighed, pushing his chair back, standing up, holding his hands up placatingly, flashing another faintly apologetic look, gesturing towards the door.
"I'm gonna go do a walk through, see what all I can see, figure out if we have any clue on an ETA on our suspect."
Simon begins to stand up.
"I could do th-"
Kevin started, quickly shaking his head, holding his hand up.
"Uh yeah no. I don't think that's a good idea."
Simon blinked, head tilting in confusion, slowly settling back in his seat.
"Wha-why? I mean if it's like this cause I'm antsy or whatever than getting up and moving would probably h-"
Kevin gave a faint nod, shrugging.
"Yeah, but I'm not 100% sure that's all it is and I know I'm not the only psychic who can feel it…and right now there's kinda a LOT of psychics around and I kinda get the feeling the others might not be as nice about it…"
Simon started.
"What? What do y-"
Kevin sighed, shrugging.
"I'm pretty sure that's why that Akira and Layla ducked out about an hour ago."
Simon froze.
"Eli's security? They- I thought they said they had to help with something downstairs?"
Kevin winced, shrugging faintly.
"Yeah they did…but they kinda really rushed out of here…and they'd been tensing up since about ten minutes after we got here. At first I thought maybe they just didn't like us in their space or were just the type that kinda have an issue with cops in general but then it started to get stronger and I could see them tensing every time it intensified.
I actually think I sense it a fair bit LESS than some of the other psychics. I know Akira started to tense within like five minutes after we got here. Layla wasn't too much longer after him. I didn't even begin to notice it at the normal level till like an hour in so I'm thinking some psychics might be far more sensitive to it than others."
Simon swallowed, eyes wide.
"I-so I ran them out of their office with my weird psychic shield buzzing?"
Kevin shrugged apologetically, scratching nervously at the back of his neck, giving a hesitant little half nod.
"Uh…basically? Yeah."
Simon flailed.
"Dude! Why didn't you tell me? I could h-"
"Evie? You couldn't have done anything- it's not really something you can control and odds are knowing about it would just have stressed you out more and that would have probably just made it worse. I mean yeah you're getting to where you can lower your shield if you really try but I don't even know if that's a good idea here."
Simon blinked brow quirking.
"Why wouldn't it be a good idea? If anything it'd give me something to concentrate on which would likely help."
Kevin gave a faint half shrug, and a bit of a wave.
"Eh…it might…but the thing of it is you don't even know why your shields are reacting like this. Yeah it could just be you getting tense and spinning and spiraling and an excess of energy but it could also be something else that's just not registering to you yet.
I mean they're shields; they're your protection. If they're acting up odds are it's because something is telling you on some level that you need more protection. Of course it could just be instincts or nerves or chipmunk on a sugar high energy or whatever but it is also possible there's a legit reason your shields are going into overdrive and seeing as we're currently in a building with over a dozen OTHER unknown psychics with unknown abilities it might not just be an overreaction. I'd really rather air on the side of caution rather than just assume it's nothing."
Simon blinked, head tilting.
"You think I'm picking up on some kind of threat?"
Kevin sighed, shrugging.
"I don't know. I don't know any of these people, I don't know their abilities or their backgrounds or-well anything else about them. About all I do know is they're all psychically gifted, they're all working in a night club for a psy-vamp and their boss likes to give people chances who haven't had a lot of chances in life and who've had a really hard go of it.
That doesn't make them bad people but it also generally doesn't instill a whole lot of trust in the authorities.
I've told you before people who grow up psychic don't always end up on the right side of the law. Again; it doesn't in any way automatically make them bad people or anything, it just means they got thrown one hell of a curve ball and it sent them spinning in the wrong direction. A lot of times that 'wrong direction' puts them at odds with the various powers that be.
I don't think anyone here would be an out and out threat to you just for the hell of it- I don't think Eli would condone that but odds are more than a few of them aren't too happy having an officer hanging around. Maybe one of them's trying to give you a psychic push to get you to leave and your shields just responding. Hell maybe they don't even realize they're actually doing it.
You're not the only psychic who's powers rebel or get the better of them from time to time." He sighed, giving a somewhat helpless, half-hearted wave.
"Look Evie, I really don't know what this is. It could be nothing. It could just be the usual buzzing energy amped up or whatever. But it could also NOT be as simple as that.
I just- you've been antsy around me before and it's irritating and grating and all of that but it's never been anything quite to this level. It doesn't just feel like it's there, it almost feels like it's purposefully pushing me away. I'm kinda leaning towards it being something to do with you being this close to this many psychics- especially this many stronger, more powerful, possibly more dangerous psychics.
I mean Eli didn't really go through the roster on his employees or their abilities but I get the feeling the ones he hires are the ones kinda like him; the ones who's abilities have been more of a hindrance than a help. The ones that even other psychics tend to side eye, automatically pegging them as dangerous or some kind of threat."
Simon nodded, reaching up, tucking a few wayward Caramel brown curls behind his ear, head tilting concedingly.
"Yeah, he'd mentioned that the other night. Said he knew where they were coming from and he liked giving a chance to people who haven't gotten a hell of a lot of chances in life…I thought that was really sweet."
Kevin smiled, nodding in agreement.
"I do too. It's really wonderful. There really aren't a lot of people who'd go out of their way for these people. I know I lucked out on my abilities. We both did honestly, Mags too. There are a lot of psychics out there who caught a really bad break with what they're saddled with. I'm not saying I think they're a real, legitimate threat to you; intentionally or otherwise. I just think your shield is instinctually reacting to having a lot of psychically charged possible threats so close by."
Simon sighed, slumping in his seat.
"So…my shield is being a judgmental jackass? And likely most of the psychics out there can sense it…and probably think it's intentional? Hence why I probably shouldn't go wandering around with them downstairs."
"I-no! No, no, no…well…o-okay, yeah…kinda…sorry…" Kevin shrugged, head tilting concedingly.
"Look, I really am sorry and I'm sure once your shields calm down we can explain it'll all be fine but just right now th-."
"No…you're right. The last thing I want to do is make them uncomfortable or make them feel like I see them as some kind of evil villains or monsters or whatever. God knows they've had plenty of that."
Kevin hesitated, beginning to move closer, shaking his head.
"Evie it's not your fault. It's really no-"
"Kev? It's alright. I know that-I do. It still sucks but there's not much I can do about it. Thank you for telling me. If I'm making people uncomfortable I'd rather at least know so I can try to fix it. Or at the very least stay out of their way so I don't make it ever worse."
He sighed, shaking his head.
"Evie you're n-"
Simon sighed right back, shrugging helplessly, flashing a faint smile, waving him off.
"Yeah I am. It's not intentional but it's also not something I can really help. Most I can do is just try to calm down as best I can and stay out of their personal space so I don't make it any worse for them. They're going out of their way to help us on this case; last thing I want to do is insult them or make them uncomfortable.
Go do your rounds- I'll stay here and man the cameras. I'm sure once the actual case gets going and I have something to concentrate on besides sitting around spinning my wheels it'll be fine.
Until then I'll just stay up here."
Kevin shifted hesitantly.
"Are you sh-"
He nodded, flashing a slight, reassuring smile.
"Positive. It'll be fine. You said it yourself it passes. As soon as I have something real to focus on it'll pass. Until then I got this. It might even be for the best. We need someone to watch the cameras but having someone out on the floor with eyes on the crowd would probably help a lot to.
There's tons of people here and Mr. Levine isn't exactly the most distinctive looking dude. Dark hair, dark eyes, average height and build- he is kinda known for his ability to blend into a crowd and go unnoticed when he wants to. Having someone actually in the crowd officially on the case is probably the best idea anyways.
Go ahead. Keep an eye out and let me know if you spot him, I'll stay up here and keep scanning the cameras. If I think I get a bead on him I can tell you where he is and you can go see if you can get a clear view on him to make sure it's actually our guy and not just some other generically average looking dude.
Divide and conquer. Best way to go."
Kevin again hesitated, shifting from foot to foot, clearly feeling guilty.
"A-are you shu-"
Simon huffed out an affectionately aggravated laugh, rolling his eyes, again waving him towards the door, flashing an impish little smile, brow quirking in playful challenge.
"Yes I am. And I'm your training officer- which means it's MY call. I'm on point manning the cameras, you're the shlub stuck with the leg work. I'll set up here in the nice cool security booth and relax, got my walkie right here- you go do the grunt work. Keep your walkie on and radio in if you get an eye on the suspect.
Get to it rookie." He smirked, giving a dismissive wave towards the door and a challenging little eyebrow quirk.
Kevin snorted, relaxing faintly, snapping to standing up straight.
"On it boss." He nodded, making a show of standing at attention, giving an overly exaggerated salute before turning on heel, walking out, pulling the door closed behind him (not quick enough to cut off the little snicker that slipped out).
Simon huffs out a faint laugh, unable to stop a faint smile at that before turning his attention back to the cameras. He settles back down, kind of slumping in his seat, the little jovial mood boost slipping back as he feels that itchy, twitchy, chipmunk on a sugar high energy starting to pick right back up.
Great…so now it's just him alone with his thoughts, staring numbly at the screens, watching the time tick by and trying his hardest to keep himself from spinning-
Cause you know, if there's anything that helps clear your mind and relax you it's forced isolation, guilt and mind numbing boredom.
He groaned faintly, trying to take a couple deep breaths, trying to calm his mind and stop the spinning.
Ugh…geez…he thinks at this point even HE can feel the buzzing. It's dizzying and distracting and makes him feel like he has pins and needles like when his foot falls asleep but it's in his head. He feels like a squirmy kindergartener stuck in time out.
He huffed, shifting in his seat, taking his pen out of his pocket, twirling it between his fingers, tapping it on the control panel, clicking it. He shifted again, idly tapping his foot, glancing at the timestamp on the security feeds…
ten minutes…it's been ten minutes since Kevin left and already he feels like HE'S gonna jump out of his skin.
Oh my stars- please let this dude show up soon.
Okay…okay…it's fine. He just needs to stop spinning. He needs something to focus on. Something that will keep his mind from spiraling. It's not his fault though- it's too damn quiet in here. The club downstairs is loud with music thumping and talking and laughter and that excited, buzzing club energy but up here in the security booth it's just dead.
The place is nearly completely sound proof – only the faintest whispers of the chaos and frivolity from downstairs slipping through- and honestly even that he's not really sure it's actually making it through or if it's just so quiet his brain is making him think he's hearing it.
Cause you know; audio hallucinations are always a great sign.
He didn't think it was this quiet the other night when Eli had brought him up here and showed him around. But then again he had something to focus on that was a hell of a lot more interesting than silent security footage. He'd asked about the quietness after they'd settled in and Akira had said it was to allow them to be able to hear a security call or something specific they need to listen into.
He got that- he did…and it did make sense. And devil's advocate whenever the dude actually showed up and they got the go ahead over the walkie talkie and the case starts for real it'll probably be a huge benefit. He knew all of this. He understood all of this.
None of that made the current situation suck any less and he swears the insufferable silence seems to be making his buzzing and the twitchiness ten times worse. He's currently stuck in a slightly too cold, dark room, completely alone, watching totally silent video feeds left with nothing but his spinning thoughts (and the knowledge that said spinning thoughts are irritating the hell out of any psychic that comes near him…while he is in a club staffed exclusively with psychics…which is doing nothing but making him spiral more…which…ugh).
Oh man…please let this dude show up soon. He really can't do this for too much longer. He's gonna be climbing the walls. Usually when he's bored or twitchy or whatever he'd be going over the info for the case or messing with his phone or listening to music or something but you can't really do that during a stakeout as the entire point of a stake out is to, you know; keep an eye out and watch for something.
He had to watch the cameras. And he had to focus. And he had to not spin cause his spinning wasn't just effecting him- it was affecting every psychic who comes close to him…and every single employee IN this club was also a psychic. So his spinning wasn't just annoying him. It was annoying any employee who came near him.
And likely insulting them, making them think he was mentally pushing them away or whatever and that's the last thing he wanted to do. They were helping them, going out of their way to assist with the case. He didn't want to insult them. He needed to stop spinning. He just needed to calm down, needed to focus.
Okay- okay just…just get a hold of yourself.
Alright; first off, maybe stand up. Move around a bit. You're antsy, moving helps.
He pushed the chair back, standing up, stretching, moving around the small security booth, pacing a bit, trying to get his blood flowing and his brain to stop flowing so much.
A-alright…that's a bit better. Moving helps. Standing helps. Now maybe just think of something to relax you. A list…lists help. It lets him focus on something without distracting him. It usually helps when he starts spinning around Kevin. What kind of list?
Movies? The periodic table? Doctor Who episodes?
Oh…Eh…that usually works.
He shifts again, rolling his neck, stretching once more. He settles closer to the control center, resting his hands on the surface, eyes still scanning the cameras, beginning to mentally list all his favorite Cryptids:
Jersey Devil... Bigfoot... Ogopogo... Nessie... Mothman... Bunyip... Champ... Chupacabra... Almas... Beast Of Bray Road... Ozark Howler... Yeti... Thunderbird... Kraken... Mngwa... Lizard Man... Lemis-
He starts faintly at the sound of the door opening, glancing over.
"Hey Kev I'm trying b-oh…um…h-hey Eli." He swallowed, shifting nervously, quickly shifting his focus from the new arrival back to the screens, reaching up, tucking a few wayward curls behind his ear.
"Uh – hey- so- sorry. I know I'm like buzzing or whatever. Kevin told me, I really am trying to get it under control but it happens when I spin and I spin when I'm bored and this stakeout is like painfully boring and I'm trying not to spin but now I know my spinning is effecting others which is kinda making me spin more and now I think I'm spinning about spinning and I j-uh…um…wha…um…."he swallowed, trailing off when he feels Elijah's firm, warm, strong hands come to rest on his shoulder.
He squeezes gently, settling closer to Simon, nearly pressed flush against his back.
"Think I might be able to help with that…"he murmurs, settling with his mouth right against Simon's ear, lips brushing his ear with every word, every breath.
Simon gulps, breath catching, feeling an excited shiver slip down his spine. As close as he is Elijah feels it as well…and apparently he likes it. He leans in closer, giving a soft, low little approving growl type noise. Simon shivers again, the reverberations from the sound sending an electric thrill through his clear down to his toes.
Elijah gave a soft, dizzyingly sexy little chuckle right against Simon's skin. He squeezes his shoulders again, the firm, slow ministrations relaxing Simon. He feels his tension melt away, feels himself relax back against the other man, the mental buzzing and spinning quieting and slowing. Elijah hums approvingly, squeezing his shoulders once more before slowly trailing his hands down his arms, sliding to his waist, squeezing lightly before slipping his arms around him, pulling him closer.
He nuzzles lightly against Simon's neck. Simon sighs, shivering again, tilting his head, subconsciously giving him better access, all but melting against him, whimpering softly, totally losing himself in the moment. Eli growls softly in approval, brushing a soft kiss to his neck. Simon whimpers again, shakily nodding, reaching up, fingers tangling in Eli's hair, pulling lightly, tugging him in, urging him to keep going.
Eli chuckled, arms tightening around Simon, nipping lightly, nuzzling along his neck, finding a sweet little spot just behind his ear that makes Simon shiver and gasp.
"O-oh…Mmm Eli…yes!"
Eli VERY much likes this. He makes that soft, sexy, low growl sound again, tugging Simon around to face him, leaning him up against the security console, catching his lips in a hot, eager kiss. Simon shivered, feeling a dizzying electric thrill, head spinning in a totally different way, eagerly responding, hands slipping up, catching in his hair, pulling him in, taking the kiss deeper.
Mmm…oh wow…damn he feels amazing.
He feels hot and firm and utterly perfect. He groans softly, sinking into that deliciously addicting heat, feeling reckless and crazy and like he's had way too much to drink even though he hasn't had so much as a drop.
Oh my god, he's never felt anything like this. This heat, the pull, the dizzying electric sparks that seems to light up every last nerve he has, shooting clear down to his toes, sets his on edge in the best, most spectacular way. He groans, totally losing himself in this kiss, in the moment, in this gorgeous man, head swimming, heart racing.
Damn, he had no clue a freaking kiss could do this to him.
They finally break for air when it becomes necessary, Simon gasping for breath, weak kneed and shaky, clutching desperately at him for balance. Elijah hums softly, kissing along his jaw, once again slipping over to that sweet little spot he'd found just below his ear, the one that can so easily reduce Simon to a whimpering, breathless, desperate mess.
O-oh geez…0-okay wow…w-Woah…was this like some kind of psychic thing? It had to be…no way just a freaking kiss could get him going like this…
Good lord…
Oh man this is j-
"-e's here! Gotta line on him- parking lot, by the South entrance. On his way in now. We're a go people." They both startle apart at a burst of static from the walkie setting on the control panel and Kevin's excited chatter.
Simon blinks, trying to get his head to stop spinning, feeling fuzzy headed and punch drunk, glancing over at the other man. Elijah catches the look, starting faintly, freezing like a deer in the headlights. He shifts back, swallowing nervously, dark gaze shifting over Simon, kind of awkwardly stumbling back.
"I-uh-um…s-so uh, yeah um…so uh yeah…s-so that was the call, you got stuff to do don't want to be underfoot so I'm just gonna, uh-like go and um…I gotta-uh books and paperwork and uh club stuff…so uh…kay bye…" he stammered, giving a kind of jerky wave, blinking, turning quickly, all but scrambling out the door, pulling it behind him.
Simon stands there frozen, blinking in confusion at the closed door, wondering if that actually just happened or if he'd just totally lost it/hallucinated it/fell asleep and dreamt it. He didn't think he had THAT active of an imagination but then agai-
"Simon do you copy?"
Simon starts out of his spiraling thoughts, shaking his head, trying to wave that off, quickly picking up the walkie, hitting the button.
"I-yeah Kev. I'm here…I-I think-"
"Huh?"
"Uh n-nothing- think I was losing it. or dozing off…something…" he blinked again, shaking his head, feeling a buzzy little shiver slip down his spine before quickly shaking the thoughts away, taking a deep breath in attempt to center himself.
"Y-yeah…I'm here. I'm good." He swallowed, taking one more deep breath, pulling the chair back into place, settling in, sharp bright golden brown eyes shifting over the security feeds.
"So, where's our mark?"
{*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^} *-Alec-*-Alec-*-Alec-*-Alec-*-Alec-* {*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^}Oookay…so…
That's the sword. Right there. In the case clearly designed for it…so…umm…what?
Okay…they were called for a heist. One of the main things taken IN the heist was the sword. That sword that is right there…which…
Huh…
Alec started out of his confusion, shaking his head faintly, glancing over at Magnus standing next to him, curious if he had any idea what was going on. He leaned over, nudging his shoulder, brow quirking, gesturing towards the sword in the case not two feet in front of them.
"Okay…that IS the sword, right?"
Magnus nodded.
"Yup, no doubt about it. Same one from in the pictures in the report and the half a dozen different advertisements for the museum we passed on our way up here."
Alec blinked, head tilting.
"Advertisements?"
He shrugged dismissively, giving a kind of distracted wave, absently ticking them off.
"Two billboards along the highway on the drive, one on the bus stop when we turned onto Museum drive, one by the stairs up to the walk way, one on the back of the Map station over by the fountain and one on the giant banner above the main entrance.
It is definitely the sword, no mistaking."
Alec hummed in agreement, glancing around the room, giving a bit of a shrug.
"Aright. That definitely looks like it. But is it the real one? Maybe it's a replica or something? Like for when it's out for cleaning?"
Magnus hummed softly, head tilting the other way, dark eyes shifting over the room before giving a faint shake of his head.
"Nope, it's the real deal."
Alec again blinked, brow quirking.
"You're sure?"
Magnus nodded.
"Positive. The imperfections are too perfect."
"The-what?"
He huffed out a faint laugh, shrugging, gesturing towards the sword.
"Every knick in the blade is exactly where they're supposed to be, colors match exactly, even in the areas that are discolored, the carvings in the handle are exact- even the parts that have been worn down are worn exactly as they are in the poster.
Also it's a temporary exhibit. Why would you have a replica commissioned for something you're only gonna have for a few months?"
Alec blinked, impressed, nodding thoughtfully.
"Wow…you're good."
Magnus shrugged, smirking.
"I know."
Alec huffed out a faint laugh before something occurred to him. He paused, glancing over, gaze flickering over the other detective.
"You knew it was here, didn't you?"
"Yup."
Alec blinked, chuckling in surprise at the quick, totally unapologetic answer, brow furrowing.
"How?"
Magnus shrugged.
"I have my ways."
"And those ways are…?"
Magnus smirked, brow quirking right back.
"Like I said, I'm psychic…"
Alec's brow rose higher, waiting him out.
Magnus shrugged.
"What, I saw it…"
"Psychically?"
"Yes…" Magnus smirked, brow quirking to match, holding his gaze for a few moments before finally relaxing, giving a faint huff of a laugh and a conceding shrug.
"Well Psychically…or I happened to catch a glimpse of it through the window as we came up."
Alec laughed, smirking, brow quirking up a bit more.
"And you bet me th-"
"Yup."
"Knowing that i-"
"Again yup."
Alec gave a disbelieving scoff of a laugh, nudging his shoulder.
"You cheated!"
Magnus scoffed, shaking his head.
"I did not!"
Alec snorted, rolling his eyes, nodding adamantly.
"Oh yes you did! You had inside information and you used it to trick me into making a bet you knew damn good and well there was no way I could possibly win. That's called cheating."
Magnus chuckled, shaking his head just as adamantly, flashing a teasingly impish little smirk, holding up a finger.
"No I didn't- I had eyes and attention to detail. That's not called cheating, that's called being observant. It comes in handy when you're going the organized chaos route on a case. You have to be aware of everything in order to be able to figure out your next move. It's kinda a staple of it really-only way to navigate the chaos is by paying attention to the details, especially the small, blink-and-you-miss-it ones. Those tend to be the ones that can either turn a case in your favor or knock you clean on your ass.
I kinda have a bit of a knack for picking up on those…" Magnus smirked, glancing over, reaching up, lightly poking his in the shoulder.
"Don't worry detective, it's kinda an acquired skill but I'm sure you'll get the hang of it…eventually."
"Hang of it! Wh-"
"Hey it's easy to miss. You get so focused on the big picture that you miss the details. Happens with everyone…well almost everyone. The important thing is one of us caught it." He chuckled, reaching up, patting Alec's cheek, flashing a playfully mischievous little wink.
"Like I said, I got ya. I'll teach you everything I know." He hummed softly, leaning in ever so slightly, smirking flirtatiously, looking up at him through his lashes.
"I'm sure there's all kinds of things I can teach you."
Alec scoffed out a disbelieving laugh, shaking his head faintly, rolling his eyes.
"Yeah well I'm sure there's plenty of things I can teach you to-uh..." he trailed off, realizing how that came out.
Magnus's smirk grew, brow raising, settling closer.
"Mmm…can't wait detective."
Alec swallowed, giving a kind of nervous little laugh, trying to ignore the heat rising in his cheeks.
"Uh t-that…um…w-uh wha-"
"Hello Detectives, sorry to keep you waiting-oh…"
The two startle apart, collective attention turning from each other to the newcomer. It's a woman in a chic burgundy pantsuit. She really is quite striking, with glossy, raven black hair pulled up in a sleek, clean updo, sharp, arresting features and a rich bronze complexion. She's standing directly beside them, not even five feet away.
It's pretty clear neither of them even noticed her arrival. This fact does not seem to go unnoticed by her. She blinked curiously, sharp, dark gaze shifting between the two of them, brow quirking questioningly, taking in Magnus's impish smirk and Alec's flushed cheeks, deep chocolate brown eyes sparking in amusement.
"Sorry. Am I interrupting something?"
Alec felt his cheeks warm even more, giving a faintly nervous laugh, scratching at his neck, shaking his head.
"Oh uh t-"
"No, not at all. We were just discussing the case." Magnus smoothly cut off his stammering, stepping forward, flashing a warm, charming smile, extending his hand, catching the woman's hand in a strong, confident shake.
"Hi, you must be the curator of the museum Maiara Diamond. I'm Magnus Bane, the lead detective on this case." He smirked, squeezing his hand once more before releasing it, giving a flutteringly theatrical little wave, tilting his head towards Alec.
"And this is my lovely assistant Alexander Lightwood."
"Yes that's me…"Maiara chuckled, pausing faintly, brow raising a bit more in clear amusement, shifting over to Alec.
"Assistant?"
Alec huffed, glancing over at the other detective, flashing a heatless glare, shaking his head faintly before shifting his focus back once more over to the curator, giving a slightly apologetic shrug, reaching forward to shake the woman's hand as well.
"His Partner. Uh-D-detective Partner…Hello Ms. Diamond, I'm Head detective Lightwood. Alec's fine…" he huffed rolling his eyes again, gesturing towards Magnus.
"Don't mind him he's just-"
"The lead detective on this case." Magnus chimed in.
Alec scoffed, shaking his head.
"No you're n-"
"You said-"
"You cheated."
"I did no-"
"Yes y-"
"Ahem…?"
The two start once again, focus turning back to the Curator now staring pointedly, expression somewhere between amused and annoyed. Alec faltered, gave a sheepish little chuckle, shrugging, reaching up, scratching at his neck.
"Uh…Sorry, that was pretty unprofessional, bit of a misstep. Just a small disagreement. This is a new partnership, kinda a new dynamic for both of us- I'm used to being the training officer and he's used to going it alone. We're still kinda working out the kinks.
Despite our little slip up just now I can assure you we're both extremely competent professionals and fully accredited and accomplished detectives in our own rights. Either of us would be totally capable of handling the case completely on our own, we're just working out the logistics of working it together.
Regardless of a little bickering or missteps or what have you I promise your case really is in good hands. We're actually two of the most accomplished detectives in the entire country. That sounds like a brag or a boast but it's nothing of the sort, it's what our records and closure rates say. We'll both do everything we can to get this cleared up, get the case solved and get your property back."
Maiara glanced between them once more, seemingly checking for any deception before relaxing, giving a soft chuckle, shrugging it off, flashing a faint smile at both of them, nodding.
"No problem, I get it. It's hard finding the rhythm in a new relationship, takes a while to adjust. Stumbles, awkwardness and missteps are just par for the course- I'm sure you'll find you footing quickly enough and get it all worked out.
Besides there's a definite benefit to having multiple methods and viewpoints to come at a problem. Usually the more options you have the better the chances of it working out." She glanced between the two of them, flashing a more genuine smile, relaxing faintly.
"And thank you guys for getting here so quickly, I really do appreciate it. We want to make sure we get the artifacts located and returned as quickly as possible."
Alec nodded, flashing a faint, curious little smile, head tilting, holding up a finger.
""Yes…that was actually what led to our little misstep. We were of the impression the sword was one of the artifacts stolen…specifically the main one…" He shifted, gesturing towards the sword case.
"And yet there it is- plain as day- in its case."
Maiara blinked, brow raising, shifting back a bit, smile taking on a sharp tilt, head tilting right back, gesturing towards the case.
"And…something as small as an unexpected turn was enough to cause a misstep right out of the gate? Huh…"
Alec blinked in surprise.
"What, that's n-" Alec began but was cut off by a soft, seemingly approving chuckle from Magnus.
"Oh- distract and deflect. Clever girl…I approve."
Maiara's brow rose faintly.
"Umm…thanks…but that's n-" Magnus chuckled, smirking, shaking his head near playfully, holding up a finger.
"And neither is that…though filing a false police report would be a bit closer to on target-"
Maiara started, shaking her head, holding her hands up placatingly.
"Wha- A false- I didn't-"
Alec shifted closer, brow raising, folding his arms.
"You're the one who called in the theft, right?"
She shifted, hesitating.
"Yes…"
Magnus settled in next to Alec, nodding.
"And in that call you mentioned the sword missing- did you not?"
"I-well…I mentioned it-"
"And the possible international fallout-"
She tilted her head concedingly, pointing.
"And the possible international fallout if it were to disappear. B-"
"But…what?"
She shifted, giving a faint huff, again holding her hands up placatingly.
"But that really was just a what if kind of deal. Like the worst case scenario running through my mind. When I get stressed I tend to babble and whatever is going through my head tends to come out my mouth. It just popped in my head that if someone could get one of the artifacts they could get any of the artifacts. If one artifact isn't safe here none of them are. A theft of anything from one of the exhibits at the museum could cause an international incident regardless of what the item is.
The museum owns some of the artifacts outright but the majority of our exhibits are temporary instillations on loan from other museums or pieces of private collections on loan to us by the owners.
It gets out that there was a break in- that something was stolen- and owners get twitchy, they start to think their artifices aren't safe here. That happens and Exhibits pull out; things that are on loan or lease get taken back because the owners no longer feel their property is safe here, other museums aren't as quick to put us in the rotation feeling it's too big of a risk to chance.
That happens and exhibits go away, visits drop, funding dries up and before you know it our doors are shuttered for good and me and the rest of the staff are out on our asses."
"So…you had to lie?" Magnus smirked challengingly.
She huffed.
"I didn't lie- not intentionally in any case.
I-I mean okay so I may have misspoke but it was an extremely stressful situation. I was really frazzled, I might have misspoke or got my words jumbled or something and my phone's been acting up, cutting in and out, getting really fuzzy and hard to hear. I've been meaning to get a new one but I'm dragging my heels cause learning a new one is always such a hassle and I never really have the time or patience for all of that.
Like I said I really was quite frazzled and I do tend to get babbly and jumbled when I'm stressed. Even so I'm sure I didn't out and out say the sword was stolen but as quick as I was going and as jumbled as I get I guess it's totally understandable a few wires got crossed.
Really sorry for the confusion but I doubt I'm the first person to get jumbled and babbly and misspeak when trying to report a crime. It's not really a situation you're prepared for. I guess something must have just translated wrong- they heard museum, theft and sword and must have naturally assumed the sword was stolen from the museum..." she finished, flashing a sheepish, perfectly contrite smile, nodding faintly.
Alec blinked, gaze shifting over her curiously before glancing over at Magnus, brow quirking, gesturing towards her.
"You buy any of that?"
Magnus shrugged.
"I do."
Alec startled,
"You do?" Alecasked incuriously, the question echoed by a gratefully relieved Maiara.
Magnus nodded. Maiara relaxed faintly, flashing an appreciative smile, shifting closer to him, reaching up, resting her hand on Magnus's arm, squeezing lightly.
"Thank you- it's a relief that the lead detective on the case understands this mix-up a-"
"He's not the lead detect-"
"I am-" Magnus cut him off, flashing an adorably smug little smirk at Alec quickly shifting back to Maiara.
"–And I do understand perfectly- but there was no mix-up."
Maiara froze, giving the perfect impression of innocent confusion, head tilting.
"I-sorry wha-"
Magnus sighed, shrugging, leaning forward, brow quirking, lips tugging into a cute, near conspiratorial little smirk.
"I absolutely believe you never out and out said the sword was stolen but you most definitely intentionally jumbled your words enough to give that impression while still leaving you with just enough wiggle room to backpedal after the fact."
"Wha-"
"You lied without actually lying." Magnus summarized, huffing out a faint laugh, head tilting concedingly.
"That's quite a skill-I should know, I'm kinda an expert at it."
"I know…" Alec said pointedly.
Magnus playfully scoffed, waving him off.
"Again I didn't lie I jus-"
Alec huffed exasperatedly, waving him off, not really sure where this was going and feeling like they were going off in the weeds.
"No, of course you didn't lie to me. Just like she didn't lie to dispatch-"
"I didn-"
"I d-"
Alec sighed, holding his hand up to stop the two of them, rubbing his temple with the other hand.
"Okay you didn't, she didn't- no one did-"
"I d-"
Alec huffed, shaking his head, holding his hand up to stop the continued denial, flippantly waving it off.
"Look I don't even care at this point. We're not here to investigate perjury. We need to move on to the actual case…At least assuming there IS an actual case to move on to and we're not just on some wild goose chase."
Maiara started, quickly shaking her head.
"You're not, there is."
Alec took a deep breath, catching his eye, raising his brow.
"Alright so, there WAS actually a theft, correct?"
Maiara took a deep breath, standing up straighter, adamantly nodding.
"Yes."
Alec sighed, relaxing the slightest bit, nodding back, shrugging, giving a bit of a halfhearted wave.
"Okay-good. Well…not good exactly but you know what I mean. Good that there's actually a legitimate reason we're here and we're not being jerked around just for the hell of it." He took another deep breath, settling, trying to get them back on track.
"Okay so there was a theft. There is a case- a legitimate case, right?"
She nodded. Alec relaxed a bit more, nodding back.
"Okay- so why the whole sword song and dance? A Theft is a theft. Why mislead us about what was taken? All that's gonna do is waste our time, sow mistrust and complicate the case even more. Why specifically mention the sword? I mean it's in a giant lighted case, it's not like you thought it was gone and just missed it in your panic. Even if you were shook up from the theft and panicking like mad there's no way you just overlooked it.
Why purposefully toss the sword into the conversation when you were reporting the theft knowing the person taking the report was gonna read it as the sword being one of the things stolen?"
She shifted, hesitating, fidgeting a bit, giving a somewhat halfhearted shrug, reaching up, absently tucking a smooth lock of glossy raven black hair behind her ear.
"I-Well…" she sighed, helplessly faltering.
"The items stolen aren't nearly as valuable, are they?" Magnus asked, voice oddly compassionate, demeanor gentling.
Alec blinked, rather thrown by the somewhat abrupt change in his partner, casting a curious glance over at him before shifting back to Maiara.
"Is that true?"
Maiara sighed, standing up straighter, squaring her shoulders, giving a somewhat conceding half shrug.
"Depends on how you define valuable. I'd actually argue that they're worth far more than the sword but from a purely business/monetary type viewpoint I'd lose that argument…badly. The sword's worth half a million easy but the artifacts that were stolen are absolutely invaluable, irreplaceable."
Alec's head tilted, brow rising.
"Okay, so again why indicate it was the sword taken? Why not just stick to the actual stolen items? Theft is a crime regardless of the amount the items are worth- so is breaking and entering. The crime is the same regardless of the logistical details. Why muddy the waters and throw in details about something not taken into the mix?"
She huffed faintly, shrugging.
"Because those details make the case actually matter to people who could actually do something."
Alec blinked in confusion, head shaking.
"What do y-"
Maiara sighed again, exasperatedly shrugging.
"The sword is a fancy, decorative prop commissioned by some Prince von snooty so-and-so three centuries back to show off his wealth and make him look impressive in oil paintings. It's now owned by an obscenely rich trust fund brat and 'influencer' who bought it because it was a good photo op and happened to match his shoes.
The sword is purely decorative- it has never been used in an actual fight…it's never been used as anything but a prop, a brag and a fussy, flouncy status symbol.
The discoloration is from wine when the dolt used it to stir some big vat at a renaissance fair, the scuffs and scrapes are from cosplay and him having temper tantrums and throwing it during photo shoots- apparently that's part of his 'brand'", she scoffed, making air quotes, rolling not only her eyes but her entire head, giving an exasperatedly disgusted scowl, shaking her head before continuing.
"He has dozens of them and all he knows or cares about any of them is what they look like, that he looks cool posing with them for his followers, and that people online get a kick out of seeing them put through the ringer and destroyed.
It's nothing to him but a staging prop for pictures and a pompous status symbol to loiter over fawning idiots.
The artifacts that actually were stolen are from our Navajo exhibit- the large glass case over there- just off of the foyer. A drum, a ceremonial medicine stick and a bow and quiver. They're not props or decorations- they are history and you can see it on them. They're scuffed and scratched and singed and wore- and unlike that damn sword it's not from some idiot peacocking for likes and views. They're from several lifetimes worth of wear and use.
Even with the use they're in excellent condition- you can see the love and care that's gone into maintaining and preserving them over the years, over the centuries. They're not owned by the museum- we lease them from a private owner.
They're not from some snob's showy collection to splash around cash and make him look good. They're from a private owner, they're his family's artifacts. His family's personal history. Things passed down for five generations or more.
They're all he has of them and a real, tangible connection to his past. He's the only one of his family left. These artifacts are all he has left of them." She sighed, giving a faint shrug, glancing between the two detectives somewhat helplessly, gesturing towards them.
"Monetarily they're not even worth a tenth of what the sword is. It goes missing and I get the head detective. I get 'two of the most accomplished detectives in the country'. I report the Navajo artifacts stolen and all I'm likely to get is a bike cop, a meter maid and probably a form for the owner to give to his insurance." She sighed, crossing his arms, giving a bit of a halfhearted wave, glancing between the two detectives.
"Look, I'm sorry okay? I don't mean to waste your time or give you the runaround or whatever. I know it was deceptive- I know this isn't the case you thought you'd get and you probably feel like it's beneath your skillset or not up to your level or whatever but you're here now and you're on the case so may as well play through." She shrugged again, glancing between the two of them, flashing a somewhat apologetic look.
"Yes, I know I screwed up. I know I took you for a ride and kinda played fast and loose with the truth but I also knew with what was actually stolen it wouldn't be a real priority and I just wanted to do what I could to make it one."
Alec blinked, head tilting in genuine confusion.
"I-okay…what do you mean? It's still a break in at a museum. It's still theft of irreplaceable historical artifacts. The case is exactly the same, there's just one more thing added on.
What makes you think this theft in and of itself wouldn't be a priority?"
She huffed out a faint, sarcastic, clearly disbelieving laugh, pointedly quirking her brow.
"The entirety of U.S. history?"
Alec kind of faltered, shifting back awkwardly, really not knowing how to respond to that, slowly beginning to shake his head.
"I-w-well um okay b-"
Apparently it was Maiara's turn to wave him off. She scoffed dismissively, giving a flick of her wrist and a faintly sardonic eyebrow quirk.
"Save it detective- I know how it works. It's all a game of numbers, optics and status. The higher the value of the theft- the more notable the items or the owner- the more effort you'll get in response. It's a priority when you know it's gonna grab the public's attention and they're gonna keep on it- when they're gonna actually care.
The sword is a glitzy status symbol of a jabbering, filthy rich showboat influencer but it IS a legitimate piece of fairly well known, highly prized European history.
The artifacts stolen are the personal history of one indigenous family.
In the court of public opinion that's not even a blip on the radar. No public pressure means no real incentive to give it the attention it needs which likely means a vague, half-assed show of a response followed quickly by a kiss off and the suggestion to just cut our losses and let our insurance handle it." She scoffed, shaking her head agitatedly, standing up straighter, shifting from one to the other, looking them dead in the eyes, sharp dark eyes hard and full of fire and challenge.
"This deserves better than that. It deserves a real response. It deserves real focus. It deserves to be handled by 'the best detectives in the country'. That wasn't gonna happen if I just stuck to how it was. The numbers really didn't play out in my favor here so I decided to stack the deck a bit." She sighed, shrugging, giving an exasperated wave before continuing.
"Honestly I'm probably on really thin ice here. And not just because of the quasi lying on a police report. I don't even know how much effort the museum board would go through to get them back. The artifacts are beautiful and really fascinating - they do bring in a lot of guests and get a decent amount of attention but they're also likely some of the artifacts with the lowest monetary value in the entire place and our insurance would easily cover the theft, no problem.
We're probably totally in the clear but I don't want us to be. I want to do what's right. I don't want to just pay Mr. Hartley off, tell him tough luck and move on. I want to get him his family's history back. I want to get them back before they're damaged or destroyed." She sighed, shrugging, glancing between them, giving an apologetic almost smile.
"Look I'm sorry- I know I probably didn't go about it right, I may have fudged the numbers, tweaked the rules, stacked the deck whatever you want to call it but I didn't do it just for the hell of it. I did it because I was desperate and I wanted to have a real fighting chance at making this right. I don't want to just chalk it up as a loss, cut a check and call it a day. I didn't want it pushed off on some newbie or dismissed as some nothing case- as low stakes or unimportant.
I just wanted to have a real chance…that's all…" She trailed off, shrugging, glancing away, somewhat deflating.
They stood there in awkward silence for a few moments, Alec glancing from the curator over to his partner questioningly, giving a completely at a loss shrug. Magnus glanced up, catching his eye, flashing a gently reassuring smile, slightly waving him off. He shifted, slipping closer to Maiara reaching over, gently resting his hand on her shoulder, squeezing lightly. Maiara glanced up, questioningly raising her brow. Magnus's smile quirked up a bit more, shrugging.
"Well you may have stacked the deck, but it would seem that it really played out in your favor." He chuckled, head tilting towards Alec.
"My partner here doesn't see any case as small or unimportant…like literally any. I'm used to all high octane cases- for the last week this guy has been dragging me around chasing down taggers, mooners and freaking bike thieves. And he makes it sound like a higher calling!"
Alec shrugged, somewhat defensively.
"Well it kind of is. Big cases are always gonna get the biggest response. They're gonna get the most press and the most focus but they aren't the only thing that matters. Every case is important to someone- every one matters. No case is 'unimportant'…" he paused, glancing over, catching Maiara's eye, flashing a soft, genuinely reassuring smile.
"Especially the ones that involve items who's value has nothing to do with a price tag." He hesitantly shifted closer, giving a somewhat unsure smile and a bit of a wave.
"Look, I'm really sorry you thought you had to try to swindle us into actually doing our jobs properly. You shouldn't have to feel like that- no one ever should. I get why you did it and I honestly really hate that I know way too many examples of exactly why you felt you had to do it that way in order to get the effort this case really deserves but regardless of how it happened we're on the case now and you really are in good hands.
I don't know what's going on with this case.
I don't know what's going on with this case. Gotta admit it seems pretty odd someone would go through the trouble of breaking into a museum and then take some of the things with the lowest resell value but odds are that'll help us figure it out. Clearly that tells us the motivation here wasn't about money, it was about those artifacts specifically.
The good thing about that is whoever took them chose to take those over everything else in the museum. That tells me they too see those artifacts as far more than just a dollar amount as well. I'm thinking that also means whoever took them isn't gonna be overly careless with them.
I promise you whatever is going on here we will do everything within our power to solve it and get the items back to their family. You're right- they're worth far more than some glitzy prop or status symbol. You can't replace a piece of family history- you cannot replace the irreplaceable."
Maiara blinked curiously, head tilting, gaze slipping over him before shifting over to Magnus, hesitantly pointing.
"Okay, is he just taking me for a ride or is he really THAT sincere?"
Magnus snorted playfully, exasperatedly nodding.
"Oh no. It's not an act- that is all him. Man's like some unholy amalgamation of Captain America and a Boyscout trying to get his Good Samaritan badge. It shifts between being appealing as hell and irritating as hell. He really does make fighting bike theft and taggings sound like some kind of higher calling.
Even gave me a whole speech just this morning about it."
Maiara laughed softly, brow rising at Alec, clearly fighting back a smile. Alec huffed, exasperatedly waving towards Magnus, shaking his head.
"Oh it wasn't anywhere near that bad! It wasn't a speech I j-"
Magnus snorted, rolling his eyes right back.
"Oh please! All you needed was a soap box and a podium. I swear I half expected a billowing cape and swelling, thematic musical score…think I actually did hear it in my head."
Alec scoffed, rolling his eyes again before his gaze moves back once more to Maiara, holding his hand up.
"It really wasn't anywhere near that bad. And the only reason I even said it was because he was getting all prickly about us taking what he saw as low stakes cases. He kinda got the idea I was trying to punish him or drive him away or something but it's nothing like that.
It's something I do with all my partners. When someone's partnered with the head detective they have a tendency to assume they're only gonna ever work the big time cases. They can start to think that their work is more important than the rest of the departments or that their cases take precedence over all others.
That mindset really grates me and I've seen way too many otherwise excellent detectives over the years fall into it. That's why I began starting my partnerships like this. It's not a punishment or hazing or anything like that despite what some of them may think.
It's just a way to make sure they keep perspective and don't lose sight of the fact that cases aren't about notoriety, politics, brownie points or accolades. You don't work cases because of what solving them is gonna do for YOU. You work them to help the victims' and stop the criminals. All the rest is irrelevant.
It's really easy to lose sight of that when all you work are the big name, big time cases that get you all the accolades, press and attention but you can't get to where you think those cases are the only ones that matter. Every case matters. Every last one. Even if it's just to one person it still matters and it still deserves just as much effort, compassion and consideration as any of the flashy, career boosting, front page, attention grabbing case." He smiled, trailing off, giving a faint shrug.
Maiara froze, blinking for a moment before shifting over to Magnus, holding up a finger, leaning in faintly.
"Think I hear that thematic musical score you were talking about."
Magnus snickered; Alec scoffed, rolling his eyes at the both of them, waving them off. Maiara smiled warmly, really relaxing for what seems like the first time since they met her.
"Well sappy as it was that was also extremely reassuring. Thank you, I can't tell you how relieved I am to have someone on this that's actually going to take it seriously and not just right it off." She paused, turning back to Magnus, giving a faintly apologetic shrug.
"And I am sorry for misleading you. Sounds like after the week you had you were likely really gunning for one of those big time, show stopper type cases. Don't think this is really what you were going for. I know this isn't the huge, flashy museum heist case you were expecting, b-"
Magnus shook his head, waving her off, reaching over, resting his hand on her arm, again squeezing, flashing a warm, bright smile.
"What do you mean? If anything it's more important. Half a million is a lot no doubt but irreplaceable is irreplaceable. These items are one of a kind links to a family's history. You don't get much more important than that…" he paused, shrugging, smile quirking up into an impish grin.
"Besides after this past week it's a VERY low bar to clear. And if anything at least this case most likely won't end up with a raccoon fight and a rabies panel- definitely a step up from the last one."
Maiara froze, blinking.
"Raccoon-Rabies panel? Wha-"
"Maiara?"
Alec and Magnus startle at the voice from the alcove behind them. Maiara seems to all at once both relax and tense up, flashing a slight, near apologetic smile at the new comer.
"Oh Caleb hey! Thank you for coming in so quickly. Sorry for the early wakeup call after your day off. I know your shift wasn't supposed to start till noon but I really do appreciate you coming in early."
"S' no problem. Gabe call out again?"
Maiara sighed exasperatedly, giving a faint shrug.
"Oh of course he did- it's Monday after payday, isn't it? But that's not why I needed you to come in early." She sighed faintly before flashing a soft smile, dark eyes shifting from the figure behind them back to the two detectives, gesturing to the person standing apparently just behind them.
"Detectives? This is our head of security; Caleb Lequoia.
Caleb? These are detectives Bane and Lightwood."
Alec and Magnus turn around to see the newcomer, joint gaze shifting up…and up…and up a little bit more…
Oookay…That is a lot of security.
That seems like a really odd thought when there's literally just one person standing there but it most definitely fits. No wonder the guy was head of security- The dude probably could count for an entire security team all by himself.
The man is built like a freaking linebacker. He has broad shoulders, a barrel chest and impressive arms obvious even through the crisp security uniform that almost seems a bit tight. He's easily got almost half foot on Alec, he just barely comes up to the behemoths shoulder. The man has strong, sharp features, nearly black eyes and glossy raven black hair that falls just a bit past his shoulders, all set off perfectly by his deep russet bronze complexion.
Uh…yeah, guessing it's not exactly coincidence whoever broke in waited for this dudes night off to go for it.
Yeesh…he's never felt short before. No wonder why Eli's so cranky, he probably gets a creek in his neck from always having to look up.
"Detectives?" The man started, blinking in surprise dark, curious gaze shifting over them questioningly before moving back over to Maiara.
"W-um…sorry hello." He paused, quickly glancing once more at them, flashing a faint, clearly distracted smile and a little flutter of a half wave that seemed very much out of character for the behemoth of a man standing before them before turning back to Maiara, shifting, head tilting.
"Why are there detectives here; is something wrong?"
She sighed, nodding.
"Yes I'm afraid so. We had a break in last night."
The giant man started, standing up straighter, folding his arms across his chest.
"A break in?"
"Yes."
"Wha-how-" he swallowed, shifting, shaking his head, dark eyes shifting around the building, clearly concerned and on high alert, scanning for damage or missing items.
"Why didn't you call me? W-well I mean you did but I mean why didn't you call earlier. Why didn't you tell me what it was about over the phone? I could have got here a lot faster…I thought it was just a callout/cover kind of thing. If I knew it was something like this I'd of moved a lot faster."
Maiara shrugged, head tilting.
"I called you right after I got off the phone with the police but I wanted to tell you in person. Some of the artifacts are missing from the Navajo exhibit. The drum, the medicine stick and the bow and quiver are all missing. I'm really sorry Caleb. I how important they are to you. I just couldn't bring myself to tell you over the phone."
He blinked, freezing.
"T-the Navajo ex-They're missing?" He shifted, blinking in confusion, head tilting curiously, folding and unfolding his arms, seemingly not really sure what to do with the large, cumbersome limbs.
"A-are you sure they're Missing? Like MISSING missing? Isn't this one of the weeks usually scheduled for cleaning and restoration? They usually pick them up during the janitor's rounds after closing and bring them back the next evening. They even have their own key. Mayb-"
She shook his head.
"No, the company called, they're shutting down for a few weeks. The owner had a family emergency and had to leave the country for a bit. I did put in a call just in case something changed and they forgot to update me but I just got the voicemail saying their closed and a link to reschedule."
He blinked, shifting nervously, giving a shaky nod.
"O-oh that…I-that…huh…I-did you tell me about that?"
She shrugged faintly.
"I honestly don't know. I just saw the email Friday afternoon and it was when that idiot knocked the suit of armor over. Between that and the new exhibit and the update and complete overhaul of the security system and the five different school trips we had that day I may have forgotten.
They were there last night when the night watchmen locked up at 2am and this morning when I got in at seven the cases were empty. I don't see anything broken or defaced thankfully but they're gone.
I tried to check the camera feeds but they're still being updated so they were offline most of the night so we're kinda at a loss there."
He shifted, nodding shakily,
"O-oh um…that…yeah we really are. Man talk about crap timing, huh?"
She huffed, nodding in agreement.
"You can say that again." She shrugged, settling next to him, flashing a faint smile, reassuringly patting his arm.
"But it's gonna be okay. We have some of the best detectives in the entire country on it. They'll figure out what's going on and get them back for us. I'm sure of it."
Caleb blinked, gaze shifting from Maiara over to Alec and Magnus, flashing another slightly too wide smile, nodding, reaching up, tucking a few long, loose strands of raven black hair behind his ear, nodding.
"Oh…that…that's a real relief. Thank you guys so much for your help. It means a lot. Those artifacts are one of a kind. Totally irreplaceable. Losing them would be unthinkable."
Alec smiled, head tilting, nodding reassuringly.
"Oh I can only imagine. But like Maiara said we're some of the best in the country. And I know how that sound's but that's not hyperbole or obnoxious bragging. That's what our records show.
Between the two of us we have hundreds of solved cases. We've went up against criminal masterminds, psychopaths and probably the closest thing the real world has to legitimate supervillains. If we can outsmart them and thwart their plans some two bit criminal swiping antiques should be a piece of cake.
We got this, no sweat." He smiled, reaching forward, extending his hand for a shake.
The man blinked a moment, hesitating for just a blink and you'll miss it second before once more flashing that too wide smile, shifting forward, taking his hand. Alec smiled, head tilting, squeezing his hand seemingly reassuringly.
"I promise you Mr. Lequoia; we'll figure out exactly what's going on here, find the culprit and solve the case. We will find out who's behind it and get the artifacts back…I give you my word."
Caleb blinked, swallowing, smiling again, nodding kind of shakily.
"Oh w-well thank you detective. That's very reassuring. Anything I can do to help just let me know…" he started, shifting, glancing over at Maiara, gesturing towards the alcove.
"Maybe we should go over and see if anything else seems out of place. The cover for the case is pretty heavy but the locks still doing that sticking thing where it doesn't always click in, oh and we should check in the Security stand, see if all of the keys to the exhibits are there." beginning to move, Maiara falling into step beside him.
"So the artifacts are really gone huh? Can you tell anything about how or when they were taken or…" his words trail off as they slip out of earshot moving across the expansive foyer to the Native American exhibits on the far side of the building.
Alec watched them curiously a moment before glancing over at Magnus, shrugging.
"Huh…so the cameras were down last night. That can't be coincidence. First thing we should do i-"
Magnus shook his head, holding up a finger.
"Hey now. I'm lead detective on this one."
Alec chuckled, shaking his head right back.
"No you're not."
Magnus scoffed, brow raising.
"But I won the bet."
"You cheated-"
"I did n-"
"You did- but it's fine. In any case it doesn't really make sense to decide something as important as who leads the investigation on something as unscientific as a bet. That's really right up there with a coin flip."
Magnus paused, head tilting concedingly.
"True…so how should we decide?"
Alec gave a faint, deceptively casual shrug, smiling.
"Actually, I'm thinking your first idea was pretty good after all."
Magnus blinked, brow quirking in surprise.
"You do?"
Alec smiled, nodding faintly.
"I do. It really does make the most sense.
It's rational, logical and straightforward. That's me to a tee. I think I was just a bit resistant before. Think I was so quick to say no because it came on the tail end of the whole 'hitman's trunk/car theft/collapsed bridge/report as cliff notes' discussion. Kinda threw me a bit.
It was a knee jerk reaction to realizing the panic inducing insanity in your file is in fact just the very tip of the insanity iceberg."
Magnus huffed out a faint chuckle, head tilting concedingly, giving a flippant little wave.
"Understandable…that could throw anyone for a loop. Thinking with a straight laced, by the book Boyscout like you I'm just lucky you didn't have a conniption or turn the car around and head straight back to the precinct to demand a new partner."
Alec chuckled, shaking his head.
"It's not really that bad…I mean it's not much better than that but I'm a hell of a lot more stubborn than that. I'm not gonna throw in the towel at the first red flag."
Magnus smiled, nodding approvingly, relaxing.
"Good to know- but now that you've had time to think the whole match the method to the madness level of the case seems good…yes?"
Alec smiled, nodding.
"It really does. The more I think about it the more sense it makes. Match the investigative techniques to the tone of the case. Crazy, over the top, totally chaotic cases we use your 'organized chaos' method. Clear cut, by the book, straightforward cases we use my clear cut, by the book, straightforward techniques.
It really does make the most sense. Hell of a lot more than a rigged bet that's for sure."
Magnus scoffed, brows raising.
"It wasn't rigged I j-"
Alec chuckled, waving him off, flashing an amused little grin.
"The hell it wasn't. But it's fine- you caught something I didn't. That's a good thing. Really does seem we'll be a good fit. And this Match the crazy level of the method to the crazy level of the case idea really does seem like the best possible option…so we're good with that…yeah?"
Magnus blinked, head tilting, gaze flickering curiously over Alec. He hummed faintly, tapping his bottom lip before pausing, holding up his finger, brow quirking.
"You're up to something."
Alec blinked, giving a faint huff.
"What? No I'm not."
Magnus snorted.
"Sweetheart you're gorgeous and the innocent look is absolutely adorable and very appealing but it's also about as convincing as MY innocent look. Out with it, what's your play here?"
Alec blinked again shrugging.
"What? Play? I don't know what you're talking about. There's no play."
Magnus scoffed rudely, curious smirk tugging at the corner of his pretty lips.
"The hell there isn't."
Alec chuckled, shrugging, holding his hands up.
"There's no play. The plan seems solid. I'm good with it if you are…and it was YOUR plan to begin with…so?"
"So?"
"We're gonna go with your idea…right?"
Magnus faltered a moment, sharp, dark gaze slipping over the detective, clearly trying to find the play but also clearly unable to. Finally he just sighed, head tilting concedingly, giving a faint wave.
"Oh what the hell…sure. We're going with my idea."
Alec smirked, relaxing, nodding approvingly.
"Good. Now as I was saying the first thing we need to do i-"
"Now hold on just a minute. We literally just agreed. Crazy cases are mine, by the book, clear cut cases are yours, right?"
Alec's smirk picked up a tic.
"Right…that means this one falls into my type."
Magnus scoffed, eyes widening, shaking his head disbelievingly.
"What?! How do you figure? This case has everything! A misdirection, high stakes, missing priceless historical artifacts, and what is near certainly intentionally no security footage. How is that clear cut?"
Alec huffed out a faint chuckle, shrugging.
"Well seems like you really are the exact opposite of me. You're getting so lost in the details you're missing the bigger picture. This case is clear cut, plain as day. In fact it's so clear cut and by the book we're not even properly INTO the case and I already have my main suspect."
Magnus blinked, brow raising, folding his arms.
"You do, who?"
Alec nodded, smirking faintly, shifting over a bit, subtly gesturing over his shoulder, head tilting towards the two people standing near the Navajo exhibit across the room. Magnus shifted to the side, casually glancing over before freezing, blinking, shifting back over, holding up a finger.
"The curator? Huh…think you might be a bit off there. I didn't really get that vibe at all. She seemed pretty genuine."
Alec shook his head.
"Not her…"
Magnus paused, gaze flickering from Alec back over to the pair across the room…specifically the man. specifically the man. The near seven foot tall sequoia of a man who looked like he could shot-put a small car.
Magnus sighed, head shaking faintly, rubbing lightly at the bridge of his nose, exhaling sharply.
"Oh my god…Please tell me you're gesturing to someone standing behind the human tree?"
Alec snorted, shaking his head.
"Afraid not…"
Magnus sighed, gaze shifting back to them, head shaking.
"Ah damnit…we really should have taken my car today."
"Why, because your 'lead detective'?"
"No because it's a convertible - the extra headspace might be needed with this one.
Then again, least he's not a rabid raccoon."
{*_*^*_*^*_*^*_*^*_*^*_*^*_*^*_*^} *****End Of Chapter Notes***** {*_*^*_*^*_*^*_*^*_*^*_*^*_*^*_*^}Yay another chapter down! This one I had the 1st half done last week but the 2nd I kept having to push it back.
I really loved how both parts turned out (I'm super excited about the rest of this story.) I especially love Mara's running 'I'm a psychic joke in THIS verse, kinda an added layer to the fun. Okay so I know it's kinda an abrupt end but I actually really like how this went. I intended to have more here but honestly we're already pushing 13k words for this one chapter and this seemed to work pretty good for me {I know it seems like I'm wrapping up the case before we even properly get into it but I promise there's more to it than that.}
As always Here's the ever-present update list:
Picture Perfect (Verse 8) {5}
Love Bug (Verse 2)(3)
The Demon In The Mirror (Verse 4) (3)
Nosey Neighbors (Verse 9) (4)
A Study In Chaos (Verse 6) (4)
You Can Go Home Again (Verse 1) (5 )
Okay so TECHNICALLY next up is V1- that's the last one in this round of updates and then we start back at the top…I'm kinda waffling as I really love how this verse is going and I'm super tempted to run through another chapter or two for this one as I have it worked out basically scene for scene…only thing is next chapter is ch9 and then if I do another one I'm basically locking myself into running right through and finishing the story(I write chapter 10, then jump ahead and finish 12 so I have time to proof the final chapter, than jump back and write 11 and then the entire story is complete)…so it is possible this story will be the next one to be completed.
Verses 2 and 4 are also going into their last 3 chapters so those two likely end up being completed after this next update.
So pretty soon we'll only have 4 stories we're jumping between so the updates should really start to move faster
Wow we're really getting close to the end of this round of stories; I'm so excited! I can't wait to start the next round- I've been working on these ones forever but there was a lot of set up and world building going on behind the scenes (also the last year has just been flat out insane so there's also that)
In any case we're getting there.
So what do you think so far?
*~Page 50 of 50~*
{*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^6-*Psychic Spectrum Verse*-6*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^}