The 100 Year Old Debt #Wattys2023

Chapter IV: Setting the Stage

3rd Moon

26th Phase

2018

10:49 am

As we drove towards our destination, I took the liberty of reviewing a few of the notes I had taken during my classes, briskly glancing at the fundamentals of criminal investigation. As I contemplated the information, however, I did notice my companion nonchalantly playing with a butterfly knife in his own mindful manner. As frank as I may be, I am not one to be particularly fond of creating small talk with strangers, even less when they present themselves to be somewhat of a loner. However, I will admit that he was a case that had piqued my curiosity, so I could not help but feel strangely attracted to him.

"You're staring awfully hard there," he perceived.

//Ah!//

"M-my apologies! It is just... I am quite fascinated by how someone like yourself is described as the Ace of the Agency, despite looking younger than me."

"Is that so?"

Retracting his knife, he directed his complete attention towards me.

"Hm! As the nature of the work we do, looks can be deceiving. I was brought to be familiar with this line of work since I was young. Director Aether -the one in charge of the Agency- took notice of my abilities once upon a time and decided to enlist me, honing my skills in the process."

//But surely there is more to it than that, right?//

"However, titles mean nothing to me. I welcome the praise, but more than anything I just enjoy solving a good problem, especially the ones that are presented with limited information. But I enough about me, I rather I spend my time giving you a preface to the case, for we're soon arriving at the crime scene."

Picking up his pocketbook, he skimmed through the contents until he found the notes he wished to share.

"Case #167," he began his exposition, "the murder took place on the 24th phase of the 3rd moon at 9:04 pm. The victim's name is Victor Primo, headmaster of the House of Primos, located in the Monchester Villas. He was single, had no next of kin, and was nearing his seventies. According to some of his employees, he had an upcoming meeting with our accused that was scheduled to be around 10:00 pm. Considering he had some time to kill, he decided to watch the evening news while he drank a herbal tea he had been prepared. Having a look at the time. He hurriedly went towards his office, preparing for their arrival. This was the last time anyone saw him alive. The maid went to the kitchen and began preparing a medicine for the headmaster, for he had a terrible stomachache during the day, and she was to make it for him before he went to sleep. The butler, on the other hand, was making sure that everything was fastened up, readily secured in case any intruders decided to storm the estate. Fifteen minutes pass and the maid finishes the medicine, to which she then decided to go upstairs and give it o him. Knocking to announce her arrival, she entered the office and was met with the ghastly view: The body of Victor Primo, dead, taken aback on the floor, slashed from the neck up and stabbed 3 times."

"From the neck up?" I asked.

"Yes, the alleged murder weapon was a chef's knife of around thirty-two. Prints have been dusted off and they seem to belong to Primo's personal lawyer and sous-chef Mr. Jeffrey Hoper. He had been working for the headmaster for the last seven years and had been on good terms with the headmaster."