Chapter 12: Hidden Secrets
Phoenix, Apollo, Klavier, Trucy, and Ema entered the bullpen of the police station. Phoenix looked around at the grimy green floor and the detectives walking around aimlessly. "So, why is this called 'the bullpen' again? I don't see any red cloths or bulls anywhere," Phoenix joked.
Ema suppressed the urge to roll her eyes. "Please Mr. Wright, now is not the time for jokes," she said.
"So, where are we going again, exactly?" Apollo asked.
"The lab." Ema answered, her voice terse. Phoenix suddenly stopped with his ancient cell phone in his hand.
"Mr. Wright...? What's wrong?" Apollo asked.
Phoenix shook his head; "Oh, it's nothing. It's just that I need to call somebody. So I'm going to nee-"
"You can go sit over there while we all go to the lab," Ema said, pointing to a chair on the other side of the room.
Klavier looked almost longingly at the row of chairs that Phoenix was now walking to. "Ja, I think I'm going to go sit over there too," Klavier said.
"Why don't you want to come with us?" Trucy asked.
"Ah, well Fräulein Talia, who works in the lab, is a bit too fond of me," Klavier told Trucy.
"Whatever. Come on Apollo and Trucy, let's go," Ema said as she began to walk down a flight of stairs. Apollo and Trucy followed her until they entered the lab.
The lab was quite spacious and had rows of long tables with computers and one row dedicated to various test-tubes and multi-color liquids. Despite the large space and all the equipment, only two people were in the room.
"What's all this?" Apollo asked and his eyes squinted at the glare the white light made off of the test-tubes.
"This," Ema's eyes sparkled; "is my lab."
"Your lab?"
Ema ignored Apollo and walked over to the girl with the tips of her black hair dyed ice blue.
"Hey Talia," Ema said.
Talia looked up. "Oh, hi Detective Skye! Uh, who are they?" Talia gestured to Apollo and Trucy nervously.
"Relax. These are some... friends of mine. Apollo Justice and Trucy Wright. Guys, this is our data analyst Talia Hayes," Ema said, but instead she looked at the man on the other side of the room dressed in a lab coat.
"Hi, nice to meet you!" Talia chirped and gave a cheery wave.
Ema snapped her attention back to Talia. "Can you show us what you found in the phone? Like text messages and phone call history?"
"Sure!" Talia pushed her glasses farther up her nose. "But, unfortunately we didn't find anything of the sort. It looks like he permanently deleted all that stuff, and I don't have the code for this model phone to retrieve it. However, we did find something very interesting." Talia turned toward the computer and her fingers flew across the keyboard. "Just give me a few minutes!"
Talia was typing away furiously when the man in the lab coat came over to them.
"Aloha, Ema! Who are your mortal friends?"
Ema rolled her eyes. "Shut up, Dan. I'm busy."
"You're busy? You're just standing there," he coughed and looked pointedly at Apollo and Trucy. "You're not going to introduce me? I guess I'll just have to do it myself." He stuck his hand out toward Apollo, "I'm Daniel Harrow."
Apollo stared at Daniel's hand hovering in the air like a pale fish until he gave it one firm shake. "Apollo Justice," he said and shifted his hand to Trucy's shoulder. "This is Trucy."
Daniel smiled, "Tracy, huh? Cute."
"Um, my name is Trucy," Trucy corrected.
"'Trucy' isn't a name. Spell-check will tell you that it's spelt 'Tracy.'"
"Ignore him; he's very, very weird," Ema whispered. "He won't shut up until you admit that he's right."
"So, Ema. You know those super-poisonous spiders from the Elridge case? Well, I've been working on an anti-venom for a while now, and I think I did it! Though I'm only about 63% sure that it will work..."
"Really? If it works then you'll...! Let me see what you did, I need to see!" Ema followed Daniel to one of the tables on the other side of the room, the task at hand completely forgotten.
Trucy nudged Apollo, "See, isn't th-"
"There! I found what I was looking for!" Talia looked up with a bright smile on her face. "Wait..." She then started to look around the room. "Where's Detective Sk- oh."
"Do you want me to get her?" Apollo asked.
"No, there'd be no point in that. The only way to get her over here is to, like, drag her. She's always staring at all the science-y stuff." Talia clapped her hands together, "Well! I suppose I can just tell you guys and you can tell her later; you seem trustworthy enough! OK, so as I said before, there's no text messages or call history. Now before you ask, of course I can hack; but I already found something important that I don't need to do that! Like I-"
"Uh, Talia. I don't want to be rude, but can you get to the point?" Apollo said.
"Oh, sorry! It's a habit of mine to go off topic. Here, how about I don't talk and just show you, alright?"
Talia enlarged a picture on the screen and pushed her chair away so Apollo and Trucy could see. They both stared at the screen.
"So... what exactly are we looking at?" Apollo asked.
"You mean to tell me that you don't know? It's the app where you can write notes and lists and things! Clearly, this was Gilbert's schedule for the week, see?"
October 27- October 31
Monday-
*) Go to bookstore
*) Wonder Bar with Zak's daughter
Tuesday-
*)Visit The Big K
*) Magic FP
*) Friendly visit/chat with Lassa
Wednesday-
*) Visit The Big K
*) Buy extra food for Lassa
Thursday-
*) Magic FP
Friday, Halloween-
*) Free day
"...This doesn't tell us much," Apollo said.
"What do you mean it 'doesn't tell us much?' Don't you want to know who 'The Big K' is and what 'Magic FP is?" Talia pointed out.
"Yes, it is very interesting; but this doesn't give us any clues as to where to find her!"
"Polly, we can still find her. We just need to think like... l-like Gilbert..."
Apollo nodded. "I guess that might work; we can give it a shot if we get Ema on board." Apollo folded his arms and leaned against the table. "But Trucy, you know him the best. You're the only one who can give us a possible location as to where he's taken her."
"But I don't think he took her! Uncle Valant wound never do that!"
"It's on his phone!"
"So? Anybody could have access to his phone. He could've been framed!" Trucy argued.
Apollo sighed and rested his elbows on the table. "Look, whether or not you believe he took her, think of it like this: this is a lead. It's a lead and it's our only one. If we want to find her then we have to take this lead; especially if it's the right one, which we won't know until we tried it. If it's not, then we move on."
"...OK." Trucy finally agreed.
"Good, now we're getting somewhere. Sorry I'm putting this all on you, Trucy, but you're really the only one who can help us. So, do you have any idea as to where he can be?" Apollo asked.
"Well, he always said that the place where he always felt at home was where Troupe Gramarye used to practice. But I don't really know where that is."
"Ooh, I do!" Talia exclaimed. "When I was young, me and my friends were huge fans!"
"Talia, the place where they performed was not the place where they practiced," Trucy told her.
"I know that. Y'know how some Steel Samurai fans try to get into Global Studios to see the actors rehearse and stuff? Well me and my friends used to try that with Troupe Gramarye! We never saw them actually rehearse but I do know where the place is."
"Great!" Apollo grinned. "Now, what's the address?" He questioned.
"Uh... I don't know exactly. But I'll be able to find it. Give me a sec!" Talia turned back to the computer and began to type furiously. After a few seconds, the computer gave a cheerful "ding!" "There! See, that was fast, wasn't it? Alright, so you're going to go to 97 Park avenue. Ema and I will keep in touch in case you need back up or nobody's at that location and we can find the correct one with Trucy's help." Talia smiled and patted Trucy's shoulder. "OK, so make sure you tell Detective Skye everything and I'll see you later!"
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"You sure this is the right place?" Phoenix asked as he stepped out of the car and stared up at the building in shock.
"It must be, this is the address Talia gave me," Ema told him.
"This place is looking really bad for only being abandoned for seven years."
Indeed it was. Vines were creeping up to the roof and winding its way around the building. Whatever parts of the building that was showing through the vines had peeling paint and the color had faded from years of being in the sun. One of the window's had a large gaping hole in the glass and someone strung two pieces of tape over the window, forming an X.
"It looks kinda spooky..." Trucy frowned, "Not at all magical."
"I can't believe I've never noticed this place before," Klavier said.
"Well, we're not going to get anything accomplished if we just stand here and stare at the building!" Ema exclaimed and motioned for everyone to follow her.
When they reached the entrance, Klavier pointed at the door. "Look, someone's been here recently." The vines that had once covered the door had been cut away; now in a tangled heap on the ground.
"Good, that means we're on the right track," Apollo said.
Klavier pushed the door open and the hinges squeaked in protest. Everyone filed in and Klavier left the door ajar to let in some sunlight.
Despite the look on the outside, the inside wasn't too bad. There was some mold and cobwebs on the walls, but the floor was white, as if it was recently washed. A large blue circle around a black top hat was in the middle of the floor.
"I think we should've call-" Ema started to say but was cut off by a scream.
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When they reached the bottom of the stairs to the source of the scream, only Valant was there and he looked very surprised. "I-I wasn't aware that there was anyone else here," he stated after a moment's hesitation.
"Well you shouldn't be," Ema shot back. "Valant Gramarye, or Gilbert Smythe, whatever your name is; you're under arrest for th-"
"Woah, wait. Under arrest? There must be some sort of mistake! I-"
"There isn't a mistake." Apollo said, surprisingly calm. We found evidence of your presence at a crime scene. Nice try hiding it, but you failed."
Valant looked around and shook his head. "Well, what am I being arrested for?" He asked.
Ema scowled, "I was saying that you are under arrest for the kidnapping of Thalassa Gramarye!"
"Thalassa?" Valant scoffed. "There is no possible way that I could have kidnapped her. Lassa died over ten years ago in an accident." He said solemnly.
Ema shook her head, "Both you and I know that she's alive."
"Forget talking with him, Ema. Let's just see for ourselves." Apollo brushed past her and opened the door behind Valant.
"W-Wait! You don't want to go-"
Apollo ignored Valant and pushed open the door. He flipped the light switch and to his surprise, the light glowed dull and wan. He stood still for a moment and stumbled when Trucy pushed past him. Trucy gasped and Apollo just stood still, staring at the scene before him.
Thalassa was lying against the wall, an untouched plate of sandwiches sat beside her. Blood flecked her clothes and the floor. Phoenix ran to her first and gently pressed his fingers against her neck, nodding when he found a pulse.
It took a moment for Apollo to regain his voice, but when he did he uttered one simple word. "...Why?"
Valant looked at Apollo and the people around him disdainfully. Klavier's hand gripped his shoulder roughly and Apollo was blocking the entrance. Ema had ran outside to call an ambulance. He knew he couldn't escape now.
"Why?" Apollo repeated, his voice stronger and anger and sadness burned in his eyes.
"Why?" Valant laughed, mocking Apollo. "Simple, very simple." Valant didn't say anymore until Phoenix broke the silence.
"You... You wrote that letter, didn't you?"
"What letter are you talking about?"
Phoenix glared at Valant. "The letter that Apollo found on his doorstep," he clarified.
Valant scoffed. "No, why would you think it was me? I may know lots of things, but I don't know where the kid lives!"
Phoenix narrowed his eyes, "So you're denying it?"
"Yes! Why would I write him a letter? What does it even say to make you think I wrote it!?"
A hush fell over the room. Klavier, Apollo, and Phoenix all looked at each other. Trucy looked at them with a confused look on her face until she realized that everyone else in the room knew something that she didn't.
"OK, what's going on? What did the letter say!?" Trucy placed her hands on her hips and glared at everyone in the room. They all looked at her, but still no one said a word.
"...Polly?" Trucy looked at Apollo and hoped he'd say something, but he looked down at the floor and fiddled with his bracelet.
"Klavier?" She looked toward him, her glare slowly being replaced by fear.
"Fraulein, I... well..." Klavier frowned and looked away.
"...Daddy?" Trucy looked toward Phoenix, the last one in the room who clearly knew something that she didn't. "Please..."
Phoenix was the only one willing to look her in the eye. He stared at her for a moment before sighing. "The letter was threatening Apollo to... to-"
"Kill you." Apollo finished. He looked up at Trucy's passive face. "You know I would never do it, right?"
Trucy was quiet for a moment, everyone's eyes on her. She looked up, a fierce glare in her eyes, but otherwise spoke softly. "Uncle Valant would never say that."
"He kidnapped Thalassa! And don't even try to deny that, he was only one here!" Apollo exclaimed. "He had to have writte-"
"Why would I, Valant Gramarye, want her dead? She is Zak's daughter, my formidable friend. If you truly believe I wrote it, show me some proof."
"W-Well, you did kidnap Thalassa. You already know that Trucy is also her daughter, not to mention that Trucy's fingerprints were on the scene..."
"What!? My fingerprints were there? How did they get there? Why didn't anybody tell me? I-"
Suddenly, Ema barged into the room. "The ambulance should be here shortly." She looked around the room and noticed that Valant wasn't yet handcuffed. "Ugh, fop! Why didn't you arrest him yet? Do you know how to do anything right?"
"Wait." Klavier took a step toward Valant. "Gilbert Smythe, that's you real name, yes?"
"Ha! No one has called me that in a long time."
"Yes well, I remember you, you do know that yes?"
Valant didn't even try to feign curiosity. "Well I suspected you might, but since you were just so young at the time I didn't really think you would remember such a boring name as 'Gilbert Smythe.'"
"Ja, but it's kind of hard to forget the name of my brother's childhood best friend."
"...Kristoph's childhood best friend? " Phoenix asked dumbfounded.
"Ja. I was quite young when he moved, but he and Kristoph still kept in touch. Mr. Smythe, did you talk to my brother at all recently?"
Valant smirked and turned his head away from Klavier. "Why do you ask?"
Klavier crossed his arms, "This crime... it had Kristoph's touch. It had his neatness and his sloppiness in one. That's why I was so on edge during this whole case. I was afraid it had something to do with him; unfortunately I was right."
Valant turned to face Klavier with a grimace on his face. "You think I needed you brother's help in this plan? It was my plan and I'm the one who created it! It was for the good of Troupe Gramarye! Everything was for the greater good. Lassa, my letter to Apollo..."
"So you did write that letter!" Apollo exclaimed.
Valant shut his eyes and sighed. "Trucy doesn't deserve Troupe Gramarye. I waited seven long years for Zak to legally die, and I still don't get what I want?"Valant turned and glared at Trucy. "Just because you're Zak's daughter doesn't mean-"
"Yeah, you've said enough for now," Ema interjected and slapped handcuffs on Valant's wrists. "You can say all you want when we question you."
"I'm telling you though, it was all for the greater good!" Valant shouted.
"Nein," Klavier said.
"Huh?"
"Nein. It was not for the 'greater good' was you put it. The plan was all for your selfish desires, nothing more."
"Why you-!"
"Ah, be quiet. I'm not in the mood, let's go." Ema dragged him out the door.
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Phoenix, Apollo, and Trucy were waiting in the lounge of the Hickfield clinic. The ambulance came a few minutes after Valant was taken away. They've been at the clinic for about twenty-five minutes but there was still no word on Thalassa's condition.
"Daddy, do you think she's going to be OK?" Trucy asked Phoenix.
"I think she will be. She's survived worse, after all."
"I think she'll be OK too, don'tcha think, Polly?"
Apollo had been silent ever since Valant got arrested. He came to the hospital but just sat in the plastic chair and stared at the floor. He looked up when Trucy said his name and after a moment's hesitation he whispered quietly, "She'll be fine."
They sat mostly in silence until the doctor came about a half hour later.
"Mr. Wright?" The doctor said in complete monotone.
"Yes?" Phoenix asked and all three stared earnestly up at the doctor.
"Mrs. Gramarye is slightly dehydrated and has lost a lot of blood, but she is expected to be fine in-"
"Can I go see her? Please, Mr. Doctor?" Trucy asked, unable to contain her excitement.
"Well... she did mention two people, a boy and a girl... But, are you family?"
"Both of them are," Phoenix gestured to Apollo and Trucy. "I'm not."
The doctor thought about it for a moment and Trucy looked up at him in anticipation. The doctor sighed, "Alright, but only for a few minutes," he said.
Trucy smiled at the doctor and followed him. After a steps she looked back at Apollo. He was standing, but wasn't moving his feet. She bit her lip and called back to him. "Are you coming, Apollo?"
He looked up at her, his face almost unreadable. He then looked down at his bracelet and his face broke into a grin.
"Yes, of course I am."
I am so SO sorry about how late this chapter is! Honestly, to let you in on a little secret, this chapter has been about 85% done since August. I was just never satisfied with the last scene and rewrote it a bunch of times. I'm still not happy with the end result, but I really wanted to get this chapter up.
Anyway, my writing style has changed drastically, but I tried my best to revert back to my old writing style for the last two scenes or else it would sound like they were written by a totally different person!
There IS going to be an epilogue. It's going to be really short, like 500 words or so. I know I've made a lot of promises with this story, and I'm sorry I broke them all. But this is one promise that I promise I'm going to keep. I'm going to get the epilogue up by the end of next week. I'm sick of having this fic hanging over my head for two years, y'know?
Reviews would be nice, but it's totally up to you to press the little 'review' button! :)