Auros: Restless City

False Alibi

Noah and Mika stood outside Gloria's club. False Alibi. The Miagami region of Auros was controlled by her. Most crime went through, or was caused by her. If Noah was to take her down, someone more unstable would rise up and take her place. They had tried said approach before in other regions, to have that be the result.

"Looks... like we're underdressed," Mika frowned, gazing at the club. "Won't people know that we're... you know? Not customers? Definitely part of the police?"

"Relax," Noah told him, "I'm sort of a regular here. I get a discount - uh, don't tell anyone. I'll get into more trouble than I'm already in. Trying to stay out of trouble is already hard enough for me."

Mike nodded slowly and followed Noah inside. The place wasn't officially open yet - it was barely midday, after all. The staff inside were still cleaning up from the night before. They all ignored Noah as he headed straight for the centre table.

Sitting at the centre table was a woman - Mika assumed that this was Gloria. She had dark hair and silver highlights, something that Mika would not have expected of someone of such high importance. Then again, he was a detective wearing an outfit more suited to someone in the medicinal industry.

Noah smiled and sat down opposite her. "Hey," he greeted, "This is Mika. He's on the same case as me. Don't worry - he's with the program. I promise he won't tattle on you."

Gloria eyed up Mika and grinned. "I know," she said simply, "There's not a single cop in this city that I don't know about, remember? Plus... I believe my chef is family. Your cousin, Adrian?"

"Oh!" Mika gasped. "This is the place he works at? He never told me-! I never would've expected him to work at a place like this... Ah, Noah, I know this is important, but-"

"Sure, sure," Noah shrugged. He could do this on his own, anyway. "Go talk to your... cousin, or whatever. I don't care. I can do the talking on my own."

Now that Mika was out of sight, Gloria focused her attention back to Noah. "Do I get to have a favour?" She chuckled. "Tell me. What information do you require this time?"

"This morning. A murder occurred in your area," Noah told her, "The victim was Paris Edwards... know anything about it? The victim, even?"

Gloria thought for a moment before opening a book in front of her. The APD would kill for that book. "Edwards, Edwards, Edwards," she repeated, "Hm. Nothing in here. The name doesn't ring a bell. Oh, I do hate it when they don't run things by me..."

"So, this wasn't your doing... intentionally," he huffed, "Nice to know. Is it possible that any of the other gang leaders could've left the body on your territory?"

"Not if they want to start a war," Gloria replied, "They know better than to do that, dear. For all I know, it could've been a random citizen... this doesn't look like it was caused by us."

Noah's phone beeped. He had received a message from Gabriella. Attached was a mock-up of the blade used to stab the victim. Out of questions, he showed the image to Gloria. "Recognise this?" He asked her, "It might've been smuggled in or something. Looks unique."

"It looks... familiar," Gloria pondered, peering at the knife. "I've definitely seen it before. I'm afraid I can't say how I know it, though..."

"Ah, well. Worth a try," Noah shrugged. "Thanks for all of your help... I'll, uh, collect my partner from your kitchen now."

——

Mika peeked his head around the door to the kitchen. He recognised Adrian instantly - he always wore the same custom-made apron, dotted with hearts.