Smoke And Mirrors

The message

Vi never imagined herself returning in the Fitzwilliam mansion all alone. For some odd reason, Caitlyn's absence made her feel a lot more uncomfortable than she had initially anticipated. She wasn't sure of how her mother was going to react to her sudden appearance, especially if she found out her daughter wasn't with her. But there was no going back now; she had already parked her motorcycle opposite the massive mansion and was still debating with herself if she should just go for it or return home.

Finally, she dismounted her bike and crossed the road. There was no point in worrying about Elizabeth Fitzwilliam now. The job she had to do was far more important than a high-society lady's criticism. The security guard was quite hesitant to let her in, but after some negotiation, Vi convinced him that she didn't pose any threat. She wasn't sure if he had been intimidated of her metallic gauntlets or was convinced by her police ID. Either way, Vi had achieved her goal and was now walking through the main yard of the mansion.

Unlike the security guard, Rick the butler didn't question her authority, and lead her inside the house without a word. Nothing had really changed since her last visit, well nothing except the main resident herself. Mrs Fitzwilliam didn't seem too happy to see Vi again and the enforcer shared the same feelings.

"I hope you got a good reason to come here" she said coldly to Vi "Did my daughter send you? I wonder why, since she was here just a couple of hours ago"

Vi didn't feel like explaining herself to her. Why should she, anyways? She had no obligation towards her and she wasn't even the reason why she bothered. But she didn't have to know that, right?

"I'm aware of that" Vi responded "Though, I doubt she had the time to ask you a couple of questions, did she?"

Elizabeth seemed to be taken aback. She probably had expected to get Vi into a difficult position, but upon seeing the enforcer's cool response, she narrowed her eyes suspiciously at her "Indeed, she didn't stay long here. But if you were to come, why didn't she inform me first?"

"She left me responsible for your husband's case while she's busy with the sudden transformation of Jayce the other day" Vi deadpanned, letting the lie slip with ease. She was an expert to that.

Mrs Fitzwilliam eyed her carefully, suspicion still decorating her expression. Vi knew it wouldn't be easy to persuade her to give whatever information she needed, but she wasn't giving up because she had to find out.

"Fine then. But, I warn you, I can find out if you're lying or not. I'm not sure why you even care in the first place, though"

If only you knew

"I'm not going to bother you much" Vi began, avoiding to give a response "But I need to know two things and I want your honest reply"

"Just do what you have to do, officer" said Elizabeth, emphasizing the last word with sarcasm.

"Where was your husband supposed to be and where did he leave?" Vi asked straight away, ignoring her comment.

"He was supposed to be in a meeting, here in Piltover" Elizabeth said, tapping her chin with her finger "I think it was on Saturday, if I do remember well"

"Alright..." Vi said sceptically. As she had expected, lies lies lies. She couldn't expect anything better from a cryptophan like Harrold Fitzwilliam "What about his chauffeur, then?" she asked.

"You mean Jacob? He was the one to pick him up after the meeting but as he told me, Harrold never showed up. No one had seen him"

"Where can I find Jacob?"

"He lives nearby, on number 3 Kingsley Street. I'm not of his surname, I think it's Marino?"

"I'll keep it in mind" Vi nodded "Well, that's all I needed to know. Thanks for your time, ma'am"