ViLeonce

Chapter 5: Duty Calls

It had been a day or so since Vi had last seen Leona at her gym. The week had rounded out, and now it was finally time to go back to work. She woke up early, something she was doing more it seemed, and ironed out her uniform before putting it on and heading downstairs for breakfast.

As she ate, her mind was buzzing with excitement for the day. She wasn't nervous, she just loved her job and was excited to get back to it. Vi's coffee was drained so she practically skipped out the door and headed downtown to the office. On her way she saw plenty of the morning Piltover fare moving into their shops and preparing for the day. Some even waved at her.

When she reached the office Sherriff Caitlyn was waiting outside the door for her. Caitlyn smiled at her partner as she approached and offered a hand as she approached. Vi took her right gauntlet off with her left and held it as she shook her partners hand for the first time in a week.

"Morning partner," Caitlyn said first, "You're looking energetic this morning."

"I got up a little earlier than usual Cait," Vi said, extending the small talk before putting her gauntlet back on, "It's good to be back."

"Good to have you," Caitlyn said, motioning Vi to follow her, "We have had a few developments since you've been gone and I could use the help."

They began walking up the stairs to the board room where Caitlyn held her meetings at the beginning of every week. She would hand out new cases and hear reports on current ones to the detectives and after that she would post the patrol sheet on the wall. It was the hub of police activity.

"There have been some strange robberies in the past few days, escalating the rate of occurrence in the last month by almost double," Caitlyn said as they both trudged up the stairs, "I believe that someone or some group is planning something big. I don't know how big yet, but I know it can't be good."

"What kinds of things were stolen?" Vi asked, suddenly not remembering the cases they were investigating. Oops.

"Munitions, namely a lot of small arms ammunition and parts for military grade weaponry. It's like someone is planning an army. Three trains have been hit in as many weeks," Caitlyn confirmed, annoyed but used to Vi's flightiness.

When they got to the board room Vi and Caitlyn greeted all the cops communally. They all hooped and hollered when they saw Vi, as she was a bit of a superstar on the force. Caitlyn just rolled her eyes. After the initial greetings were out of the way Caitlyn began the briefing.

"Alright everyone, this week is going to be simple. Patrols six through eight will be rerouted to follow this string of munitions robberies in the industrial district," she said.

"That's half of the downtown rotation!" an officer called out, "Who's gonna help them out?"

"I have that covered," Caitlyn said pulling a poster out and placing it at the front of the room in plain view, "You'll be receiving some volunteer help."

"Is Jayce going to be helping us?" Vi asked.

"Yes, and a few others. I received a very nice letter from the Institute of War saying they were going to be sending some League champions over to help us out with the investigation," she said half excitedly.

Murmurs of approval and mixed grumbles could be heard throughout the room. Vi just crossed her arms over her chest.

"Why is the League helping?" another officer asked.

"Suspicions about an outbreak of violence have become big enough that the peacekeepers of the League have become involved. These munitions are enough to stage a small scale war, and that's enough to turn heads," she said plainly.

"Now then, the other patrols..." Caitlyn began.

Vi listened to most of the chatter but was busy digesting this turn of events. It looked like this was the reason Leona was even in Piltover. It didn't sit right with her. She hated herself a little for not being here and having cost them a sting. She shuttered to think what she had caused by botching the investigation Jayce was on.

After a few more minutes of talking, the Sheriff finally put the patrol schedule on the board and the officers shuffled over to read it. Vi went straight over to Caitlyn while she was fussing with some paperwork.

"Hey partner, I think I should mention something," Vi began.

"You went out on patrol a few nights ago against orders and botched a sting that Jayce was on," Caitlyn said shutting a folder, "I know."

"Did Jayce tell you? That bastard! I'm gonna..." Vi said, her temper rising.

"No. The thug you chased went back on the streets and I picked him up the next night. I squeezed the information out of him. Simple," she said, matter-of-factly.

"Well, that's great then. Get anything else out of him?" Vi asked, crossing her arms again.

"Yes, he agreed to rat on his friends," Caitlyn looked over Vi's shoulder, "This is between us until I get more information."

Vi nodded and Caitlyn leaned in to whisper into her ear.

"We may be dealing with Zaunite tech pirates," she whispered.

Vi stifled a whistle. Sometimes goons from Zaun came over to Piltover to mess with supplies and steal and sell technology. It was nasty business, and never spelled good news for the people.

"So what do we do?" Vi asked.

"First things first, we are going to be splitting this case up partner," Caitlyn said, with a slight frown.

"You mean like we split up? No way! We work too well together," she argued.

"Exactly," Caitlyn said, "We work too well together. We are both celebrities now. It's hard to even go into the field undercover anymore. I figure we both split up and I stay hidden while out investigating, we have a better shot at nabbing these crooks."

Caitlyn shifted on her heels before continuing,

"Look, people still have to do a double take on you at the worst, with me I get spotted in seconds. These guys are tricky, and if we run them to ground too fast we'll never stop the next robbery. I have a list here of the names of League champions that volunteered the investigation. Pick one to be your partner and I'll get you a profile."

Caitlyn produced a file sheet with the list on it. Vi's throat caught when she read the list. She took her gauntlet off and put a check next to one of the names. She then smiled and set out the door to go on patrol.