To be of Two Worlds

Chapter the First

It was almost 11:30 as I checked my phone for the fifth time in the past two minutes. God, Hank was an insufferable old coot who apparently can't be bothered to at least text me. It doesn't even have to be case related by this point, just a "hello I'm not drunk off my ass" or even an update on his damn dog. Hell, I can almost believe that I care more for his dog than the man himself. But I know that'd be a lie, Hank has been there for me for a long time an old family friend doesn't even come close to how close we were before the accident. I did all I could think of to help him but nothing I tried seemed to do much good. Guess I was too closely tied to the before to help him deal with everything.

"LaChance, he still ain't here yet?" One of the other officers at the scene had tapped me on the shoulder.

"No, not even a text back. He'll show up on his own time however inconvenient it is for us." I sighed and pulled my phone out again. Shooting off another text.

"God dammit Hank, I'm tired of waiting for you to show up or even respond. I know you've seen these and yet no response. If you and your scruffy beard aren't here in five min I'm going in without you."

Shortly after hitting send the familiar dancing orbs that meant they were typing showed up. Just as soon as the orbs had appeared they were gone and I was left with this: 'Sorry for taking so long Lieutenant LaChance. It took me a while to find Lieutenant Anderson. I am replying for him as he is driving we will meet soon.'

"Shit, Fowler wasn't pulling my leg when he said that earlier." Staring at my screen in disbelief this was going to be a trip.

Hanks car pulled up on the other side of street with a honking of its horn. His park job was a tiny bit off, he must've been at a bar. My suspicions were confirmed when he stepped out, his stride lacking the usual I'm-too-good-to-be-here vibe. Another figure got out the passenger side of the vehicle. Hank grunted a greeting at me.

"I take it this interrupted a fabulous night of booze and comatose napping?" This received a slight glare.

"Damn straight kid, if plastic here hadn't found me I would not be here. Let's just get this over with."

"As you say all mighty Hank Anderson your word is god." With a mock bow I gestured for him to lead the way. "I take it you're the one who sent that text earlier:" I stated matter of factly.

"That is correct Lieutenant LaChance. My name is Connor, I am the android sent by Cyberlife." He was tall, probably had a full foot on me, seeing as I've never been very tall. Those brown eyes of his held something in them. Something I wasn't used to seeing in androids but there would be more time to puzzle him out later. After all, there was a homicide to solve.

The air inside the house hung heavy. It reminded me of roadkill left on the side of a road in the oppressive hot and sticky feeling of an overly humid summers day. Laid over that was a certain sourness almost like that of spoiled milk, curdling the air growing stronger the closer you got to the body slumped against the wall. The room itself was a nightmare furniture either toppled or destroyed, blood pools and even a pretty picture painted on the wall above our not so endearing cadaver. I am alive, it said a smile tugged at the corners of my mouth while a giggle clawed at my throat. And I, like the giddy fool I am gave in. This earned a few uneasy looks from the few officers around, Hank however was less than pleased with this outburst.

"Ember you blasted idiot get over here!" He hissed at me, Connor didn't seem to care he was simply taking in everything there was to see I guess.

I walked away from hank toward some red substance spread out on a table. "Naw Hank, there's drugs over here, I like drugs," I waved to Connor. "Connor darling be a dear come look at the drugs, I'm pretty sure it's Red Ice but I'll consult the walking database before confirming."