Thread: Strange Town, Strange Folks (Chichi Cheetah & Sheena-Tiger)

Ty tilted his head as he listened to Emilia speak, raising an eyebrow as she came to her conclusion so quickly. ..... hm. He rubbed his thumb against the side of his nose as though scratching a slight itch, pushing off the door to let Ari in when she arrived. Don't worry about it, isn't your fault, Kris waved her concern away as he poured the hot water from the small kettle into his cup, taking a deep sip and sighing happily as he relaxed in his chair. Ahhh, feel better already. Ari smiled sweetly at Emilia, chuckling, That's my sister's name. I'll have to introduce you two, see how she handles that, she teased gently. As for her last name, she repeated it easily - in fact, flawlessly. Kaloyanchev, like the actor? She didn't push for details though, just giggling at the mild analysis of her last name. It's my mother's maiden name, she didn't take my father's name when they married. She took the business card and blinked, pursing her lips as she nodded, impressed. Very nice. You'll have to tell me where you get these printed, mine don't look half so lovely. Hmm? Kris opened his eyes from his brief meditation, eyes looking at her but not turning his head as he held his mug in his hands. ... wait. Wait a second-?! Kris shot out of his seat, putting his drink down and pointing at Ty, You said she didn't know anything! No, I said I hadn't asked her , Ty said flatly. It wasn't a lie - he'd never thought to ask Cathy of all people, as she kept to herself. But why had the motels lied? Were they afraid after the last attack...? Kris took another sip of his tea, letting out a sigh and hanging his head as he took off his glasses and pinched the bridge of his nose. And this is why I do my own investigating, he grumbled, putting his glasses back on and turning back to Ari and Emilia. He picked up a clipboard that had the victim's information on it - what little they had - and looked up at Emilia. Any info you can give me on his wife is appreciated, so that with your permission I can contact her with my own questions later as well as set up sending his body home once it's... back in as much order as possible. Well, my own little birdie tells me, Ari rested a hand on Emilia's shoulder in a friendly, almost familiar fashion, that it wasn't a business trip, which is plain as day to all of us in this room. Was it a romantic diversion? she mused to herself, her other hand rubbing her chin. Kris shook his head. Doubtful. He was still wearing his wedding ring most men who are being unfaithful don't continue to wear it while committing their infidelity. He also had several pictures of her in his wallet. His phone, unfortunately, was smashed to pieces. Probably tried to call for help. Ari winced. Oh, that's unfortunate. She thought for a moment, then asked delicately, Is this, in your professional opinion, related to the other attacks in town? Kris gently held the top of the clipboard against his mouth, tapping a finger against it as he regarded the pair of private detectives. While the town nonhumans had reason to want to exclude outsiders from this information, he was desperate for answers - desperate for anyone to solve this case. Perhaps a fresh set of eyes might fix things, someone with a unique and new perspective... And goodness knew that Emilia here was catching onto threads even Ty, the town guardian, had missed. Knowing he'd catch hell for it later, he slowly nodded. Without a doubt. He... He's also missing fingers. Like a few other victims. Same ones? Ari asked, surprised and stunned. He nodded, still slowly. Three on the left, one on the right. He looked a little pale and adjusted his own fingers - he himself was missing two on the right, one and a half on the left. It-It reminds me of the case that made me leave New York, he said quietly. But so, so much worse, so much more violent. With the Entrapper, that was mechanical. Methodical. Planned. This is... this is organic, messy, spontaneous. ----- Ty's phone rang in his pocket and he excused himself, stepping out to answer it. Yeah, kid? he said. Toni's voice was shaking on the other line, I had a nightmare. What happened to Mom? Ty paused, choosing his words carefully more because of the human in the other room, and said softly, She died saving us, Toni. You know that. But it's the same nightmare I've been having for years, Toni pushed, You can't keep telling me to not think about it. I can't talk about it now. Later, when I'm home. Go to my place, I'll be there around six. Okay. Toni audibly sniffed, muffling a sob. Ty? Yeah? Ty turned to head back into the room. ... are you my dad or my brother? To be honest, I don't remember that either. But you're still my responsibility, my family. Nothing amnesia could ever change. ... okay. Good. Toni took a deep breath, quietly and gratefully relieved. I love you. I don't tell you that a lot, because it's weird, but I love you. I love you too, kiddo. Go back to sleep. A sleepy 'mmhm' ended the call and he couldn't stop a smile, though it faded as he put the phone away and rubbed his eyes.