Redrum: Origins

Part 1: Prelude

Disclaimer: I do not own Redrum. Redrum is a game that was developed by Anarchy Enterprises. I only own the OC characters.

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A young girl pushed open the double doors to the precinct. The clouded windows flickered in the midday light, momentarily blinding anyone who was walking past. A short hallway with marble floors led to a receptionist desk, the said receptionist quickly returning to her computer as she approached, not wanting to be caught filing her nails or looking at herself in her compact mirror. Her strict supervisor had caught her slacking off twice. If it happened again, she was told her salary would be cut, and she really needed to afford rent this month.

"Hello, how may I help you today?" she greeted in a pleasant voice, plastering on a huge smile.

The girl took a moment to scrutinize the receptionist before answering. "Yes, I actually have an appointment with someone," she answered, not returning the smile. "I believe a certain Detective Ravenwood called, asked me to meet him."

"Okay, then, let me just look you up here," the receptionist responded cheerfully, scrolling through her computer's logged entries. "Ah, there you are, Miss Madeleine Pilgrim," she said, once she had found it. "The detective's in his office right now. Why don't you go on in? He's expecting you."

Maddie muttered a quick thanks before making her way further into the building, moving towards the second largest office in the building. She shoved her hands into the pockets of her pink Aeropostale hoodie, contemplating the events that had brought her to the Haunted Springs Police Department in the first place. There actually weren't that many events to begin with. She cursed herself again for not keeping a low profile. Someone was going to find out about her eventually the longer she stayed in one place. However, she never expected for someone to ask her for help specifically. She didn't even know this person. In the end, her own curiosity was to blame for all of this. She sighed as she walked. Well, she mused, there's no turning back now.

Maddie reached a single door with the words "Detective Ravenwood" printed in gold on the clouded window. Steeling herself, she rapped three times on the wood. "Come in," a deep voice rumbled from within. Following the command, Maddie opened the door, stepping into the detective's office.

At first glance, Detective Ravenwood appeared to be like any cliché detective you see in one of those old 90's cop shows. Long black overcoat, dark turtleneck sweater underneath. His bald head was covered up by a black, wide-brimmed hat. His face was hard, as if it was cut straight from stone. It made him look much older. His small black eyes challenged anyone who dared to contradict him. The metal dog tag around his neck suggested he was ex-military. Great, Maddie thought, I just hope this guy doesn't go into telling me old war stories.

"Detective Ravenwood, I presume?" she asked tentatively.

The detective raised his eyebrows at her. "That's what the door says."

Maddie held back an exasperated sigh. He needed her help for a reason after all. "You called me? I assume it's about something important."

Maddie self-consciously ran her fingers through her long brown hair as the detective rose from behind his desk. His fingers nearly brushed past an ash-tray filled with a smoldering cigarette. He spoke again as he circled around his desk to lean against it, revealing the black pants and boots he was wearing. "You wouldn't be here if it wasn't important, Madeleine," he said, crossing his arms over his chest. Cold black eyes stared steadily back at wavering blue ones.

"You can call me Maddie." How could he have figured out her real name? Duh, Maddie chastised herself, he's a detective. He's not a dumbass, like most people. She shifted on her feet nervously, jostling her tan-colored hiking boots and creasing her blue jeans. If only she could have chosen a look that was less conspicuous.