The brunet let out a frustrated sigh as he adjusted himself in his seat. "We've been sittin' here for over three hours," the detective crossed his arms over his chest, "We should've seen him come in by now."
RK900's focused gaze drifted from the main entrance to his partner's agitated expression, "Perhaps he's running late."
Gavin scoffed, "Yeah," he nodded, "That's it," he stated with obvious sarcasm.
The machine pushed off of the steering wheel, "I say we go in," he gestured with a hand, "It would be wise to scope out the inside of the mansion regardless of where the sergeant is at the moment, wouldn't you agree?"
"I guess," the brunet shrugged before reaching for his neck; he winced as he pressed down on the muscle. "Actually," he began, "Yeah," he stretched his arms, "I need to get outta here. My joints are startin' to ache."
"Alright," Richard turned back to stare at the entrance, "Remember, Cassiki is who we're looking for. From what Julia told us, she should be at the front of the mansion signing guests
i—" the machine flinched as he felt the detective's hand wrap around his.
The shorter of the two glanced at the android with eyes mirroring all kinds of emotions—fear, desperation, anxiousness.
Richard lowered his lids as he felt the detective's grip tighten. "Gavin," he stated in a hushed tone, "It will be okay," he smiled, "Trust me."
"I…" the brunet knit his brows, "I do trust you," he let go of his counterpart's hand, "It's just I can't help but feel a little uneasy, you know?" he looked to the ground.
"We had a similar conversation just a few hours ago," the android pointed out, "I assure you, there is no need to feel uneasy," RK900 traced fingers over the detective's thigh, "I will be right beside you the entire time. Nothing will happen," he expressed with a sincere cadence.
Gavin took a moment to observe his colleague before letting out a defeated breath. "Alright."
The men exited the car swiftly as they adjusted their apparel, patting down their pants and fixing their bow ties. The detective locked the vehicle doors while RK900 checked to make sure he had the tickets to the event in his coat pocket.
"Heh," the brunet chuckled, "With the amount of crying I've done today, I'm surprised I haven't stained my tux," he peered at his sleeves, "Thought I'd for sure end up gettin' snot all over myself."
Richard giggled, "Well, hopefully there will be minimal weeping for the remainder of the evening," he smiled as he escorted the detective to the sidewalk.
"Hey," Gavin glanced at his partner, "Are you sure we can trust this Cassiki chick?" he asked before beginning to fiddle with his cufflinks.
"Julia said that she is trustworthy," Richard explained, "Have faith, detective."
The brunet drew his brows together while unintentionally frowning at his colleague. He then looked away, contemplating if attending the ball alone was the best way to apprehend their suspect.
A few minutes went by where only the pair's footsteps were heard as they made their way to the main entrance. Gavin slipped on the winter jacket he'd brought along with him—the snowy streets and chilly air served as reminders of the harsh winters in Detroit. Consequently, the detective abruptly sneezed, interrupting his counterpart's train of thought in the process.
RK900 glanced at his partner who was sporting a crimson nose. "Are you cold?" he asked with gentle eyes.
"I'm fine," the brunet sniffled, "Let's just hurry up and get inside," he said while adjusting his coat, "Fuckin' cold's blowin' right through me."
Richard sighed before stopping in place, "Come here," he motioned to the detective with a hand.
Gavin raised a brow but obeyed his partner as he stepped closer.
"I knew I should have brought a scarf for you," the android stated, shaking his head while he buttoned up the top half of Gavin's jacket.
The detective stared at his colleague's worried expression before lowering his lids, humbled by the android's concern. "I'm okay, tin can," the officer mumbled, "Thanks," he whispered with pink cheeks.
Richard looked at his partner before relaxing his features, "We'll get inside soon enough. I'll be here to keep you warm in the meantime," he winked.
After RK900 finished teasing his flustered counterpart, the two continued their journey to the main entrance of the mansion once more.
Again, Gavin was left alone with his thoughts. His eyes darted to different parts of the ground while fighting—and ultimately losing—an internal war against his demons. "W-what if John doesn't show up?" he stared up at his colleague, voice glazed in terror.
The android's eyes rounded before he turned to meet the brunet's gaze.
"What if we completely fucked up?" Gavin questioned in a more pressing manner. "What if we s—"
"Detective," Richard interjected, "Please, you must stop your worrying," he implored. "We've gone over the layout of the mansion," he pointed to his index finger, "We have all our gear and an insider to assist us with bringing weapons into the ball," he raised his middle finger, "We know who we're looking for and his modus operandi," he lifted his ring finger. "I can say with certainty that all will go smoothly," he expressed with confidence.
"Then why do I have such a bad fucking feeling about all this?"
Richard shot a sympathetic look at his counterpart, "Please," he insisted, "Try to relax, Gavin," he expressed as he stretched out his arm for his partner.
The brunet eyed the machine for a few seconds before glancing down at RK900's extended arm. He slowly slid his hand over the android's bicep, his cheeks flushing in the process.
Richard curled his mouth into an elated smile as he felt the detective's hand squeeze around his arm. He then continued towards the main entrance with tickets in one hand and a blushing brunet in the other.
As the men approached the main entrance and the large crowd of elegantly dressed people gathered around the front gate became more apparent, Gavin narrowed his eyes in search of a VM700 model with black hair and eyes.
The androids who were checking in guests were wearing light blue gowns and suits as they politely greeted the men and women showing tickets to enter.
"Do you see her?" the detective muttered while actively continuing to scan the androids near the front gate.
RK900 remained silent momentarily before his face lit up. "There she is," he motioned with his head to a beautiful android draped in blue who was speaking to a group of high-class men with designer coats and canes. "She's the VM700 we're looking for. She matches Julia's description to a T," Richard stated, noting Cassiki's long, straightened hair and charming facial features.
"Okay, so what do we do?" Gavin looked to RK900, "Do we just tell her who we are? How much does she know?" he lifted his shoulders.
"I'm not sure," the android said as he brought a hand to his chin. "Let's just try to approach her and see what happens," he suggested before walking the detective over to the young lady.
Cassiki's gaze drifted from the group of men surrounding her to the two officers making their way to her. Her eyes gleamed with joy as she turned to the posh men wooing her, "Excuse me, gentlemen, but I really must tend to other guests," she smiled while shooing the young suitors, "Inside the mansion you all go." She then peered at the officers with piqued interest.
"Good evening, Cassiki," RK900 courteously bowed, "My name is Richard and this is Detective Gavin Ree—"
"Richard and Detective Reed," the young lady curtsied, "It's an absolute pleasure."
The pair exchanged glances, taken aback by the android's warmth, before returning to stare at Cassiki.
The young lady surveyed her surroundings to make sure none of the other android servants were looking her way. She then leaned closer to the officers, "I've been expecting the two of you," she whispered. Again, she checked to see if anyone was getting suspicious before turning back to Gavin and Richard. "Listen," she began, "The both of you must follow me to the mansion's side entrance where security is more lax," she explained as her eyes shifted from RK900 to the detective, "There are metal detectors past the main gate and they will surely sound if the both of you were to walk through with your firearms."
"Cassiki," Gavin stared at the android, "How much do you know about our mission?"
The VM700 tilted her head to the side as the detective's question caught her off guard. "All I know is what Julia told me," she explained in a hushed tone, "You two are looking for a murderer," she paused as her LED momentarily flashed yellow, "Someone who's killed many androids."
"That's correct," Richard nodded, "Which brings up the question of whether or not you remember signing in a John Miller this evening."
Cassiki knit her brows before looking to the pair, "Follow me to the side entrance," she motioned, "It'll be safer to talk there."
Just as the three were about to disappear into the crowd, another android grabbed VM700 by her arm. She turned her head to meet the glare of a GJ500 security model named Stanley.
"Where are you going, Cassiki?" Stanley asked with a grim cadence.
"Stanley," she smiled, "Don't worry," she pointed to the officers, "I was only escorting our guests of honor into the mansion."
"Guests of honor?" GJ500 raised a brow, "I was not aware that we had guests of honor."
Sweat started beading on Gavin's forehead as he felt a growing sense of uneasiness brewing in the pit of his stomach.
Richard noticed the detective's hand slowly inching towards his holster. The machine quickly grabbed his partner's wrist and squeezed down.
The brunet flinched before leering at his counterpart who utilized eye-contact to warn against using the weapon as it may lead to cataclysmic consequences.
The young lady cleared her throat and patted down her gown, "I'm under strict orders from Mr. Kamski himself, you know," she shot GJ500 an offended look. "Frankly, I'm hurt that you don't trust me, Stanley," she let out a disappointed sigh, "I guess I'll just have to tell Mr. Kamski that you gave me trouble and because of you, I couldn't complete what I was assigned to do." She turned her head towards the officers, "I'm sorry, gentlemen," she shrugged, "Looks like I'm going to have to go have a word with Elijah about Stanley's behavior before I assist you."
Stanley's eyes snapped open, his LED spinning yellow. "W-wait," he let out a nervous chuckle, "I would never go against Mr. Kamski's orders," he tried to explain, "I apologize, Cassiki. This was all just one big misunderstanding," he rubbed the back of his neck, "I didn't mean to interrupt your evening with these fine men. Please, go on," he insisted, "I'll handle the main gate until you return." The GJ500 quickly scuttled back to the main entrance to avoid further conflict.
Richard let out a breath he didn't know he was holding in as he relaxed his grip on the detective's hand. He gazed at his counterpart with apologetic eyes, "I'm sorry if I hurt you," he rubbed the brunet's wrist, "You frightened me when you reached for your firearm."
"I—I'm sorry," Gavin brought a hand to his face, "I panicked and I didn't know what to do," his eyes darted to his colleague, "I freaked out and I just…I—"
Richard placed a hand over the detective's left cheek, "I know how nervous you are," he rubbed his thumb over Gavin's cheekbone, "But no firearms unless absolutely necessary," the machine advised, "Think about the immediate repercussions of threatening innocent lives with a gun in a place like this."
The brunet looked to the ground, eyes filled with remorse, "You're right," he bit down on his lower lip, "You're right," he softly repeated to himself.
The young woman placed a hand on her hip, "Guns are an easy way to cause mass hysteria, especially in closed spaces like the mansion," she stated with a hint of worry, "Please, just keep in mind that there are over a thousand guests here tonight. It would be a shame if the event ended in catastrophe."
Gavin glanced up at the young woman and paused for a moment before opening his mouth, "That won't happen."
"Good," she smirked, "Now, come with me."
The three ventured to the outer ring of the mansion, following a group of guests who had already managed to get intoxicated beyond wits. They remained low and blended into the crowd so as to remain inconspicuous. After a few minutes of hearing Cassiki's heels clank against the concrete, Richard broke the silence. "Apologies for the intrusive question but I am rather curious as to how you and Julia know each other," RK900 brought a hand to his chin, "Were you perhaps both employed by Kamski at the same time?"
The young woman's LED spun yellow as she peered over her shoulder to look at the men. "Yes," she began with a saddened expression, "She's a very good friend of mine," she turned back around and continued walking at a steady pace.
"Did something happen?" Gavin scratched at his nose.
"I assume you both know Reggie," Cassiki lifted a hand.
"Of course," the detective nodded.
"Julia and I both went to him to appeal to his pathos," she explained with gestures, "And he truly wanted to help us gain our freedom. We both knew that he was in a relationship with Garrett," she glanced at the ground, "We were both miserable here so we knew he was our best chance to get out of here."
"Then why is it that Julia is free and you remain here?" Richard gazed at the young lady with empathy.
"Kamski refused to let me go," Cassiki drew her brows together, "He said I had too much personal value to be let go…I was a bodyguard model and Julia was a tailor," she clarified. "He wanted to be as protected as possible," she expressed in an angered tone. "All the security androids are to remain at his side," she scoffed, "At the expense of our freedom."
Gavin and Richard exchanged sympathetic glances before returning to listen to VM700.
"But things have gotten better," she smiled, "I've made friends here and we're all happy in each other's company." The young lady placed a hand against her cheek, "I don't want to lose anyone here tonight, officers," she eyed the pair following from behind.
"We guarantee that no one will get injured at the event," RK900 reassured, "We're putting an end to all this tonight," he expressed in a stern tone.
The young lady curled her mouth into a hopeful smirk before straightening herself out, "The side entrance is just a little further ahead."
"Alright," Cassiki slowly came to a stop as the three approached the security droids manning the side entrance. She looked to the officers, "This entrance is only used by androids working the mansion," she pointed to the two GS200 models standing guard near the door, "You don't have to worry about the GS200s," she eyed RK900, "They're on our side."
"So what should we do?" Gavin knit his brows, "Do we just walk up to them or what?" he lifted his shoulders.
"Yes," Cassiki began, "Just show them your tickets. Then, they will proceed to use their facial recognition software to properly identify the both of you," she explained calmly, "Once they confirm your identities, they will allow you to walk straight into the mansion," she motioned with a smile.
"Alright," the brunet whispered, repeating the information to himself in his head, "Sounds easy enough."
"You two will be just fine," she promised, "Just remember, as soon as you enter into that mansion, you're no longer detectives," she warned, "You're party guests so behave as such if you want to keep suspicions low."
Gavin nodded as he let out a nervous breath.
"One last thing," Richard interjected, "John Miller," he stared at VM700, "Has he arrived this evening?"
Cassiki hesitated for a moment before opening her mouth, "Technically, I'm forbidden to share information regarding other guests," she shot a sly look at the pair, "Technically," she emphasized.
"So he's here?" Gavin questioned, fear unintentionally creeping into his tone.
"Someone by that name did sign in earlier, yes," she nodded.
"How is that possible?" the brunet brought a hand to his forehead, "We would've seen him," he shook his head.
"Unless he used a different entrance," Richard glanced at his distraught counterpart.
"Regardless," the young lady crossed her arms over her chest, "I'm assuming John is the name of the suspect you're after," she raised a brow, "He somehow managed to sign in with a bodyguard model and made it inside." Her gaze shifted from RK900 to the brunet, "There's only one way to apprehend this guy and that involves the both of you hauling your asses through there," she pointed to the side entrance, "Got it?"
Both men cocked their brows in bewilderment, stunned by the young lady's authoritative cadence.
"I have to return to my post," she broke the silence, "I trust the two of you can handle it from here," she smirked, "I'm rooting for you two. Kick his ass," she bowed to the pair before turning around on her heels and gracefully making her way back to the main entrance.