Three

He is a remarkable couturier, I must say. Even if it is a replicated garment.

Julian admired himself in the mirror, his fingers fiddling with completing the bowtie around his collar. The delicate fibres of the black cotton suit Garak had provided him seemed to perfectly complement his features. The jacket had multiple pockets, each lined with intricate silk that felt glossy beneath his fingertips. The trousers, albeit a tad smaller than what he would usually wear, were comfortable and allowed for a free range of movement.

What made Julian intrigued were the additions of a top hat and cane. He'd looked at Garak, confused. "I thought you said it was early twentieth century?"

"This is early twentieth century, my dear doctor. And I mean very early," Garak had smirked. "I thought it be best if we covered all possibilities, and we can easily abandon the accessories if required."

Shrugging off his puzzlement, Julian adjusted his hat so it tilted ever so slightly. He swiftly grasped his cane and left the dressing room to find Garak dressed in an identical suit.

"Ah, marvellous! I'm glad the attire fits you!" Garak straightened his bowtie, obviously pleased with his handiwork.

Julian fiddled with one of his cufflinks. "It is impressive, Garak, but how did you know what measurements would fit me?"

"You aren't the tallest person on the station, nor the skinniest," Garak commented. "I simply made the conclusion that the average measurement for humans of your stature would suit you best."

"Well, I must say, you've done a wonderful job. Thank you, Garak."

"My pleasure, doctor. Now, we must be on our way! Mister Quark will be expecting us."

"Madam, I insist you make your way to security immediately!"

Julian supposed he shouldn't have been surprised to see Odo escorting patrons from Quark's back to his office. What did surprise him was how deserted the establishment was. Rom and a few other Ferengi seemed to be the only patrons, sharing drinks at one of the smaller tables.

"I assume you are thinking the same as I, doctor," Garak muttered. "Where is our illustrious host?"

"Odo!" Julian managed to catch the changeling's arm as he walked past. "What's going on? The place seems deserted."

Odo gave him a grim expression. "Take a look behind the counter. We found Quark lying in a pool of blood earlier this morning."

Julian was instantly horrified. "Is he alive?"

"Barely. I've already spoken to Rom, who seems to be the only other person present at the time," Odo folded his arms. "He claims the attacker had an accomplice who restrained him, while the former pulled out a dagger of some description and assaulted Quark."

"W-what? Why wasn't I notified?"

"We tried calling you. Several times, as a matter of fact," Odo inclined his head towards Julian. "But it seems you must've been in a very deep sleep."

Julian instantly felt his cheeks burn. Dammit, of course he knows. Some sort of role model I am.

Garak seemed to notice the doctor's discomfort and leant his voice to the conversation. "Constable, are there any leads so far in your investigation? Surely the perpetrators left something behind."

"Actually, we do have a clue of some sorts. I'd been meaning to talk to you about it, doctor," Odo pulled out a padd, passing it to Julian. "It was found next to Quark's body. Your name is mentioned in a message from the assailant."

"Me?" Julian took the padd, hands slightly trembling. "But I wouldn't participate in acts like this!"

"I know you wouldn't, doctor, but I do ask you read it. Hopefully you can provide some insight." Odo replied.

Nodding hesitantly, Julian began scanning through the message:

Greetings, Bashir. I hope you are in a better state of mind than yesterday evening.

I am aware of your fondness for heroics. I remember you expressing desires for adventure and excitement years ago. It does not surprise me you still retain that boyish desire for greatness.

It has always irritated me, however, how you always thought of yourself as being 'holier than thou'. How you were always top of the class, displaying your vast intelligence. How you put your own needs before others, pursuing your wishes first.

You may have graduated as salutatorian, but you are not a supreme being. It is time you underwent a lesson of the school of reality, and learn that you aren't as resilient as you believe.

I offered this program to Quark in the expectation of maintaining its secrecy. His reveal of its origins forced me to alter my plans. His disposal should indicate to you I am capable and willing to harm those near to you. I strongly suggest you comply with my requests.

Proceed to holosuite three. Your 'adventure' awaits.

- P.

Had Odo not stretched his arm out, Julian would've let the padd crash to the floor of the promenade. He instantly felt nauseous. This criminal obviously knew him somehow, but from where?

"Can you give me anything to go on, doctor?" Odo's voice prompted the doctor to step out of his panicked thoughts.

Julian was lost for words. "I…I don't know. I must've agreed to some sort of holosuite program while I was-"

"Drinking heavily with Quark, I am aware of that much," Odo allowed his frustration to slip. "But what motive would they possess to attack him?"

"…Surely they wouldn't inflict harm on him to cause me pain? I mean, I don't utterly despise the man, but I certainly don't care that much for Quark. He's not 'near' to me."

"Perhaps this person did not mean it in that sense. They may be referring to those in general proximity as an intimidation tactic," Odo began to pace. "It seems to me that this person has some sort of vendetta against you. "Did you have any enemies, any previous dealings with suspicious-"

"No! Odo, I'm telling you, I don't know who the hell this person is!" Julian shouted. He ignored the startled looks from those nearby as frantically ran his fingers through his hair, as if daring himself to pull each individual follicle out. "…I just don't understand why I'm the target of this. Yes, I-I can be, um, irritating, but I-"

"May I suggest we proceed to the holosuite as planned'?" Garak interrupted, placing a comforting hand on Julian's shoulder. "I have reason to believe we may find some further answers there."

Before Julian could agree, Odo had already begun walking. "I'll have security posted outside the holosuite while you two are inside. If anything, and I mean anything happens, you are to exit the program immediately. Is that clear?"

"Of course, constable." Garak smiled. He glanced over his shoulder. "Doctor?"

"Um…yes, yes, of course." Julian stammered. He nervously fiddled with his bowtie. "I'm just very confused, that's all."

"That makes two of us," Odo muttered.