Kings Gambit

Chapter 28 - Connection

Splat Splat Splat, The sound of wet footsteps mixed with the heavy rain echoed through the alleyway. A person in a black hood leaned against the wall to my left.

"You're late," I spoke in a monotone voice.

"Sorry, had to convince my husband to let me out this late. He was afraid for my safety." The lady spoke in an agitated tone.

"I understand, so you know what you have to do, correct?" I inhaled the wet air. There was a moment of silence.

"But why? Why did you want me to look into this? You're a detective. Couldn't you have figured it out yourself?" She asked more questions than I wanted to answer.

"You have connections that I don't have. Besides, do you really have the right to question my motives? You know what's at risk for you don't you?" I scoffed.

"George..." Her voice became more disheartened.

"It would only take me one minute to have him arrested for his crimes, and by association, you as well for keeping his crimes a secret. Even if you don't go to jail, your career would be over when the news becomes public."

"You're an asshole." She scoffed.

"I'm only doing what is right. It's not like it was my fault that your husband is a criminal. I would have thrown his ass in jail if it wasn't for you. Consider yourself lucky." I snickered.

"Lucky? I sure as hell don't feel like it." Another moment passed

"You never answered my question. Do you understand what you have to do?" I repeated in a more menacing matter.

"Yes, you want me to look into The Machina. Some kind of terrorist group that I have somehow never heard about in my life." She bit back.

"More specifically, I want you to release information about them to the public. People trust you, so make them believe in this organization. Then maybe another clue might unveil itself...."

"But how am I supposed to find information about such an organization when I don't even know if it truly exists or not." She argued.

"Find a way. You know everything I know, so you're one of the few. Due to my position in the police force, I can't do this myself. I hope you understand." I sighed.

"I understand. This might be overstepping my boundaries, but how do you know about them in the first place?"

"You're nosy, aren't you?"

"It's part of the job. If you told it to me, it might help me find out more about them."

"Fine, If you want a hint on where to begin. Daniel Cooper would be a good place to start. Besides that, I've got nothing more to talk about. As long as you get the job done soon, understand?" I flicked the tip of my fedora.

"Yes, I understand." Her voice whimpered.

"Good, no more questions," I stated before walking away in the cold rain...............

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"Hey Hank, I could sorta understand why you brought me along to Colorado, you know, because of the murder and all. But why are we looking into a fraud case in Nebraska?" Jessy asked calmly while we were driving down to Mayor Dobber's mansion.

"Trust me, Jessy, it will all make sense in the end. I'm thankful for your obliging in my ridiculous request." I chuckled.

"I sure hope it will. What a waste of my vacation days." He sighed as he looked out the window.