Reverie [The Distortionist x reader]

Chapter 11

(Art by lem0neye on Tumblr)

You're lost in a world of funhouse mirrors

Twisted for eternity

-----*-----

"I do have a few things about this girl," you reveal. Though you shouldn't tell Stia what Chris told you about Bella, telling information from your interrogation of her is fine. "Her name is Izabella Pierre. She works at the carnival that's stopped a few towns away from here."

"Oh, I've heard of that carnival," Stia says. Her expression subtly changes to one of reminiscence. "It's known for being timely in its travel along the US, and also... Well, never mind."

With her trailing off at the end, you suspected there was something more. To test the waters, you say "I'm planning to go there, to dig up some more stuff on her."

"Good. That's good." She doesn't seem shaken at all. She's not afraid you'll find something you shouldn't. She either thinks you don't have enough skill or there's nothing there. You'll discover which option it is.

"Anyway, you should get to your dinner," she says with a polite smile. Breaking off from the topic. It seems deliberate. She takes a card out of her pocket. "You can call me at this number to set up a time and a place to meet up, so I can tell you the exact details and we can find out more together."

You turn over the card. There's no company name, and Stia's full name is on the side with the phone number and address. It seems a little strange, but you accept the fancy-feeling piece of paper, tracing your finger on its edge whilst dropping it into the depths of your own pocket. "Thank you, Stia."

"Hey, it's no problem. I hope you have fun! I'll see you later."

"Bye. Have a good night."

She leaves the warm light of the porch, walking into the open arms of the hazy late twilight. As a formality, you look at her until she's no longer there. Gone only for a few days. Once you meet her again, you'll be truly committed to Bella's case.

-----*-----

"So!" [S/N] says during the appetizer. "How was your talk with Stia?"

"It was... enlightening," you smile. Not much else you can say. "She suspects someone of crimes, and since I'm a contact of hers, she'll give me exclusive rights to write the first article about it if we're right."

"Isn't that... a little illegal?" Henry comments. He's still reserved, but he's now looking at you, guard still up.

"Well, the police wouldn't investigate with so little evidence," you answer.

"Why are you investigating, then?"

"Hearsay."

"Ah."

[S/N] seems confused about what conversation you two are having. "What's hearsay and what's the problem with it...?"

"Hearsay is 'he said she said they said.' It doesn't hold up in court."

"Oh, I understand now."

The conversation stops. The only noise you hear is the clinking of silverware and plates. Esther is silent, like a polite little lady. She knows when to keep quiet, as [S/N] would say, but you both know she's just bored out of her mind and that she's the type of kid to be 'polite' when that happens.

"Well!" [S/N] tries again. "My talk with Henry was wonderful."

It doesn't initiate the conversation. You and Henry are too guarded.