Emory and Bash traced the blood to the Pub; a regular spot for everyone in the kingdom. Citizens of Vendaven loitered around with mugs in their hands, drunk The pub's roof had been slightly caved in from the strong winds and sleet plaguing the kingdom for centuries. It was small, with double doors leading into a filthy room; constantly cramped and unappealing to the eye.
"The trail's gone cold. Whoever we're looking for is in here." Sebastian stated, stuffing the towel back into the bag.
"I think we should split up, we can cover more ground that way. I'll head to the bar." Emory started marching forward, but Bash fiercely grabbed her arm.
"I don't think that's a smart idea, Wilson. People here don't take kindly to law enforcement, and our badges are dead giveaways. We can't draw attention to ourselves." Emory yanked her arm out of his grasp.
"They can deal with it, we're already wasting precious time. The queen could be dead by now!" Noticing the hesitation on his face, Emory put on the bravest face she could muster. "I got this! Stay here and watch the door, I'll find this guy." She turned to walk away when she heard his voice.
"Emory!" She turned around, curious. "Be careful." She nodded and continued in the direction of the bar. Every step she took radiated with confidence until finally, she reached the bar. The bartender approached her, washing a glass out. His white eyepatch and his matching apron complimenting his coal black skin.
"I'm looking for information. Anything related to the Queen's kidnapping would be helpful." He leaned into the table, showing Emory golden teeth.
"Kid, I got nothing to say to you or your buddies at that shack you call a police station. For god's sake what more do you want? Your friends already took my eye!" He took a swig of his drink, "If I were you, I'd get out while you still can, or else I'll do it for you."
Defiantly lifting her head, she questioned: "Is that a threat?" lowering her hand to her pistol.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you." Someone behind her holding a rifle to Emory's back. She stared down the bartender, fear lacing her stomach.
"So you're the guy who placed the gun? I'm not impressed." The gun dug into her back, she gritted her teeth.
"I'd hold that tongue of yours girl." The man behind her chuckled.
"What did they offer you? A bride? Wealth? A makeover?" Seething now, the bartender angrily set his glass down.
"Listen here, little girl! I was paid good money to place that gun! Perhaps I'll even get a bonus for marking a police officer." He unsheathed a knife and traipsed towards her. As soon as he was close enough, Emory kicked him in the groin, sending him sprawling to the ground. Catching the man behind her off guard, she elbowed him in the gut and flipped him over her head. The man with the eyepatch got back up, but Emory simple pulled out her weapon and held him at gunpoint. The music in the pub stopped, heads turning to watch what was happening.
Emory signaled for him to start walking, the crowd parted for her as she made her way to the doors. Emory thought Sebastian would be mad at her, but he said absolutely nothing. He kicked open the doors and she threw the bartender to the ground, mud sticking to his clothes as fresh rain pelted them.
Bash cocked his gun and aimed it at the man, "Who do you work for?"
The man sneered, "Why in all of Vendaven would I ever tell you that?" Mud now covering her boots, Emory sloshed towards him. She grabbed onto his hand.
"You are going to tell us what we want to know right now or I will break every finger on your hand." He widened his eyes while shaking his head violently. She broke his thumb, and he wailed in agony.
"I won't tell you a thing!" She broke his index finger, and he caved: "OK! I WAS TIPPED BY AN ANONYMOUS SOURCE! I SWEAR I DON'T KNOW WHO-OR WHY-THESE PEOPLE WANT THE QUEEN!"
"That's not good enough! I NEED A NAME!" She yelled, breaking his middle finger. He screamed in pain; his fingers now bent at odd angles.
"PINELLA PASS! THEY SAID SOMETHING ABOUT GOING THROUGH PINELLA PASS TO COLDSPIRE! PLEASE LET ME GO!" She dropped his hand, rolling her eyes.
"Go." He scrambled back into the pub, clutching his hand.
Bash frowned, rubbing his chin. "Pinella Pass? We could take the train, it runs through the Pass all the way to Coldspire. Oh and by the way! What was that!? What happened to keeping a low profile?" Bash narrowed his eyes at her, reholstering his gun.
"I got the lead, didn't I? Pinella Pass is at least 4 hours away from Vendaven, if we catch the next train we should get there by daybreak." Her brown hair stuck to her face, the black shirt and jeans she wore today soaked from the rain. Sebastian's concerned face made Emory curious.
"Fine, but just know this game you're playing, it's a dangerous one, and I'm just praying you win it."
