The Curious Case Of Joseph Mulberry

In the Director's Lounge

A hundred thoughts flitted through Mordorph's head as Officer Dev lead him away from his grimy prison cell.
What does a Detective and the Director himself want with him? Did he do something wrong? Was he under arrest - again!?

Dev didn't seem bothered in the slightest that something far from ordinary was happening, Mordorph suspected that he didn't know why they wanted him there in the first place either.

The prison was a lot bigger than Mordorph actually realised, he only ever needed to go to his cell, the dining hall, or the showers, so he decided to spark a little friendly conversation with Dev on the way.

"So, Dev. How's life being a prison officer, hey? Bet its really fun isn't it? A lot more fun than being an actual prisoner! Haha."

Dev glowered underneath those bushy eyebrows of his, and Mordorph decided maybe it wasn't that fun after all, and maybe he should give the man a break. After all, Mordorph was a nice guy. Not the kind of guy to tease or annoy someone.

He did really want to though.

Luckily for Dev, they arrived at a plain black door on a deserted corridor before Mordorph could start anything annoying.

"Just so you know," Dev began, "I don't want no funny business, alright? The Director's in there, I expect you to be on your best behaviour."

Mordorph gave a casual nod, but inside he was actually quite nervous.

The room was large and spacious with comfy looking chairs and actual heating. This, Mordorph thought, was like in school where the teachers' lounge was far more glamorous than the rest of the classrooms. Inside there was a woman dressed in a red-striped turtle-neck and beige flared trousers with her short blonde hair tied in two pigtails hanging by her shoulders. A man he didn't recognise was chatting with a man he certainly did recognise, for it was the Director. He was dressed smartly and had little to none hair on his head. As Mordorph turned around he spotted a mysterious figure in the background. The figure wore a black overcoat and dark blue fedora hat. He stood a foot away from a cork board littered with paper and blurry images and was smoking - a pipe?

Suddenly, all eyes were on Mordorph and he stood there, heart beating in his chest like a caged bird trying to break free.

The Director turned, "Welcome Mr Manton. You are probably wondering why we have brought you to our attention," Mordorph nodded, "You see, there have been some rather.... peculiar events occur over the last week and we need your help to determine who is at fault. I hear you are something of a genius?"

Mordorph was quite stunned for a few moments, no-one had ever asked for his help before, then he nodded.

"Good. But of course, you will be working alongside our most honoured Detective Tuppence."

Mordorph's eyes flittered towards the figure in the overcoat, but the person who stepped forward to shake his hand was not him, but the woman in the turtle-neck.