chapter word count: 713 (yikes)

noir heart: forty-five

"Um...Detective?"

Jack silently groans as he passes the halfway point of the stairs - Anna's at it again. Had he not already been convinced of her innocence in her brother-in-law's murder - the idea of Mr. Black being related to Mrs. Vibrant Colour still bewilders him - her line of questioning would have put her top of of his suspect list, but there's a sinking feeling at the prospect of another silly question.

However, her voice is less bright and confident that before, and it's the change in her demeanour in addition to the newly arrived presence of glorious sunshine streaming through the windows, bathing the warm, colourful kitchen with a healthy, vibrant glow that stops the snarky jab before it even leaves his mind...but that's not the only thing that momentarily stills his thoughts - Elsa herself effortlessly does so.

The sunshine seems to do well for her. Standing with her back to him and chopping something judging by the clack-clack sound of a knife on a wooden board, her hair gives off an otherworldly, ethereal shimmer that reminds him far more of sunshine than Rapunzel's ever did, and her skin seems to glow under such warmth - or freedom. Having heard his descent, she looks over her shoulder and flashes him a smile coupled with a look that he can't quite fathom, before returning to her work.

"Yeah?" he answers without turning, struck by how that was one hell of a smile.

"Elsa said that the cops think the Ashley Madison Ripper did it...do you...do you think we're in danger? I mean...Elsa's a witness…" Anna finishes, and there's a hint of worry in her voice that arouses a little guilt at his prior irritability - she's not just thinking of Elsa, but her unborn children too.

Turning to face her as she finishes her descent, he summons his most reassuring smile and calmly answers, "No, Mrs. Bjorgman. No danger of that."

"How do you know?" Elsa asks, still attending to her task.

There's an a mischievous streak that tears its way through his heart and mind upon hearing her question; this could be the perfect opportunity to get revenge for her mind games.

"I've seen murders that were works of art, Mrs. Black. The Ripper is one such artist…"

Elsa's knife strokes slow to a crawl - she's listening intently.

Perfect.

"...Mr. Black's murder was a kindergarten hand painting by a hyperactive toddler in comparison." he finishes, watching for her reaction.

There's a loud clunk that shatters the still air, the sound of a knife practically splitting the board in two. Half-smirking, he watches as Elsa turns to fix him with an incensed glare, her eyes burning an indignant fire while she grips the knife blade-up in her right hand - bullseye.

"Elsa, are you o-" Anna gasps, but quickly changes tack as soon as she sees the splatter of red blossoming on the waist of her Bardot dress, "-oh my God! Let me get you a cloth!"

How about that, she was chopping tomatoes.

"I'll see myself out," he says with quiet amusement as he bows his head. "Thanks for the coffee."

Just as he turns and practically saunters to the front door, Elsa's voice rings out over the sound of her sister furiously wiping at the stain on her dress, "Wait, Detective…" she begins, and he doesn't miss the veiled petulance in her tone, "...should I have your number?"

He rounds his head just as he rests his left hand upon the door handle, regarding her silently yet a little victoriously. "...in case I...remember something?" she finishes a little too coyly.

He loudly scoffs - yeah, right. "I don't think that's necessary, Mrs. Black. I'm not the investigating detective…"

Twisting the handle to unlock the door, he moves to pass through the doorway, but not before adding with an air of indifference, "I was just the guy who took your statement. Have a nice day, Mrs. Black, Mrs. Bjorgman."

Without allowing for further conversation, he sweeps out into the cold winter air and clicks the door closed behind him.

No way in hell is she getting his contact details.

way to antagonise, Jack. Also - the answer to the reference comes next update.

special thanks to: oninoko, whimsical acumen, jpbake, trapid, edgar allan snow, heartonfire, stefalove, lunasnoir and hornedgoddess for the reviews, and a wave to oddsockson!