The Heart Collector (Under Editing)

Chapter Three: Pin-Point (Edited 2/26/22)

Fare stood in front of the Thirteenth Division. She was not sure what she thought the building would look like, but it was not what she expected. The building was bigger than any other Truthfall precinct she had been in. She could not tell for certain because it was tall and curved with the street. It easily took up several blocks. For being just a block outside the city center, one would have never guessed that it was not a part of downtown Meridia. As her gaze gravitated upwards, Fare realized that the size was not the only thing that was different from other Truthfall buildings. She noticed that gargoyles were spread out over the entire rooftop, next to several windows and even the front doors. As Fare walked through the doors, she noticed that the gargoyles had runes engraved at the base. In her experience, when that many gargoyles were on a building with protective runes, which meant that a runic barrier could be put into effect at a moment's notice. While Meridia was deemed 'The City of Chaos,' it seemed a little bizarre for a building to be this protected. Fare would not be surprised if all the exits had a gargoyle guarding them. Fare was so lost in thought that she did not realize that she made her way to the receptionist's desk.

"How may I help you?"

Fare would be lying if she said that she had not jump a little. The receptionist was a squirrely looking Fae with a brown bob that was as transparent with her thoughts as she was with her skin. Fare had taken too long with her response because the receptionist rolled her eyes.

"How may I help you?" She asked again.

"I'm sorry," Fare looked at the badge hanging from her shirt, "Vivian. I'm looking for Captain Snow's office to discuss reparations."

Fare was unsure what she had said to receive another eye roll, but before she could dwell on it too much Vivian swung to the right with a pen in her hand.

"Down that hall and to the left. Second pair of glass doors."

"Thank-."

"Next!"

Fare restrained herself enough to mumble under her breath. As she ventured down the hall Fare quickly realized that all the offices were made of glass and that none of the evidence storage rooms were anywhere near them. She would not be surprised if they were cloaked or underground. Whomever the architect was, they certainly put security at the top of the list. When Fare had located the set of doors, she saw the next receptionist before she had even walked through them.

"Welcome to Captain Snow's office. How can I help you?"

Fare instantly felt the fuse the first receptionist sparked sizzle out. While she was not as squirrely as the last one, the glasses on her face gave her more of a classic librarian vibe and the long red braid that draped over her shoulder gave her an almost innocent aura.

"You're a Halcyon Fae," Fare blurted out suddenly and quickly covered her mouth.

Halcyon Fae was Fae that emit an overwhelming tranquil presence. Unlike other Fae, they did not have any extra abilities or abilities tied to the elements. Many Halcyon Fae pursued careers in massage therapy or the medical field. Their calming personalities were well sought after, so it was possible to find them in places like this. Their presence was so strong that many who have met them did not realize that they were Fae until the encounter was over. So, the fact that Fare realized so fast was surprising to the receptionist and that was partly due to her pin-point ability. An ability that was considered almost extinct over the last century.

"How did-? Do you-?"

The door opened from behind Fare and a voice interrupted her, "Sheila do you have the approval for next quarter's new budget? Oh, hello again. Sorry to interrupt."