Nutsy Nefarious Nights: First Case
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Suddenly realizing that the home has lots of shiny and sparkly objects...
Oh crap! Hey keep an eye that our dear doesn't grab anything to keep. To be super safe you keep an eye on her too. If all three of us watch her, she can't grab anything.
WITCHY put that diamond down!!! It does not belong to you. We are looking for evidence...not things for you to take.
This is gonna be harder then I thought.
Being asked to remain seated on the flight afforded Cin the opportunity to catch up on some much needed sleep. To his credit he made sure to fully photograph all the suspect dossiers and the coroner’s report before he nodded off. Sleeping helped suppress the urge to smoke or worse, to try and touch one of Francine’s antlers. Now that he knew he was in good company the dream world came easy. Waking up, not so much.
Sure he might have missed some of the sassy conversation between Bacina and Sibrica, but it would take a real idiot to miss their body language. Cin got the gist and made a mental note. Rubbing his eyes practically raw, he groggily followed his companions inside the Marmota mansion. Not bothering to try and stifle a yawn he received more than a few mildly offended glances. Again he couldn’t be bothered to care. His job was to investigate a murder, not impress the local fancy folk. How fancy of a ‘burrow’ could they honestly live in anyway?
Slowly, the more he woke up, the more he realized just how extravagant the mansion really was. So much so he started to get chills, expecting to see one of his brothers hurry out of one of the rooms, or hear his father yelling at a business partner over the phone in another. Shaking off the feeling that he was floating away from his body Cin clenched his fists, nails pressing into palms, and reminded himself that this was a burrow, and that he had a job to do. Besides, mother never liked huge chandeliers, her taste was more minimalist modern.
((yay it fit))
The Fellowship searches for clues
Pressing thumb and forefinger to his forehead Cinderrin managed to refocus on the investigation at hand. Inside the victims bedroom, the absolute first thing he wanted to investigate was the window, where the grounds 'keeper… maintenance stalker, said he was able to see the deceased in her final resting place.
Wolf instantly took a grave dislike to Bacina, and distrusted her. She didn't like how the marmot treated Sibrica at all. The house itself was elaborately furnished and decorated, and was quite lovely. What secrets could it hold? Making their way into Caudata's room, Wolf instantly picked scents up. What they could be, however, was another story. She was no detective, but she did see a few things that could help them out. If only they got a chance to examine them further! She made a mental note and rejoined the group.
Carefully Cin made his way around the room, taking photographs where he thought necessary until finally reaching the windowsill. After photographing and closely inspecting the ledge he leaned out and snapped a shot of the distance between the house and the tree. Squinting suspiciously he turned back into the room. “Anyone mind if I go and climb that?†He gave a jab over his shoulder with a thumb indicating the offending tree. Once he climbed it, would he be able to see the area just above the chalk outline on the floor? Keeping Tamias's height in mind of course, there was only one real way to tell. “Oh and I’ll need something about Caudata’s size to lay on the floor. Tipper maybe?†Cin lifted a brow at Quercus’s fox companion curiously.
Quercus gazed at the burrow with interest. It looked grand from the outside and the inside scarcely any the less. Well, she thought to herself as she gazed around. I think we can agree money may be the motive. Quercus focused on remaining still, places like this always made her feel big and clumsy. Maybe it was the attitude. Folks who worked in these places tended to view her as some kind of bumpkin or wild animal from the forest. Star didn't seem too pleased with things. There had been too much sitting around and lack of action for her taste. Tipper stuck close to Quercus, the strange surroundings made her nervous but the rest of the Fellowship gave her some comfort.
Once they entered the room Quercus found a space and gazed around, making metal notes. Her experience of hunting was proving very helpful. So big. There's plenty of spots for anyone to hide and wait for the prey, she thought. She studied the tree, could Tamias have seen the body from that angle? If he's as obsessed as he seems, I think he could see every inch of this place. Not much time, she scanned the room again. There was one of those shiny metal things everyone seemed to have by the bed. I can't think of anyone I've seen here who doesn't have one of those. Phones? Is that it? That might help. Everyone seemed to tell everything to them and if this Caudata had been as much of a social butterfly as everyone said, she might have a lot more on that. Quercus' eyes spotted the diary. Why leave a book in a place with water? Wouldn't that damage it? Very odd.
Cin's question broke her thoughts. She glanced at Tipper who gazed back, looking puzzled. She glanced at the rug. Now there's a possibility. The rug might have fur fibers. Mammals tended to shed when stressed. It was possible that whoever had murdered Caudata had left fur on the rug while they were doing the deed. Three to five minutes to be certain the prey is dead, Quercus thought. Plenty of time for fur to fall and if there's none, we're dealing with a cool headed hunter who knows how to hide their tracks. If she and Tipper were to examine it closer, that might give them a clue.
"I might need to stay next to Tipper but I think Tipper might be okay to act the part." Quercus replied. That was true. Tipper was looking very unhappy and so was Star. This whole thing seemed a little out of their comfort zone and Quercus doubted Tipper would stay still if she moved away.
Jean looked through the set of rooms with interest, taking notes as she went. She'd already written a few things down, such as Bacina's antagonism towards Sibrica, and the bit about the door's password. "Very interesting," she murmured, taking in the general layout before looking at the outline. "It seems our victim was trying to reach her phone. However, if she was drugged and then strangled, and judging by the drug used, she might not realize she was drugged. If the attacker waited until after she was unconscious, there'd be no signs of a struggle, and the attacker could put her wherever s/he wanted. If the attacker didn't wait, and she didn't realize she was drugged, she'd have no reason to go for her phone...." She turned to look at Cin, then Tipper and Quercus. "If you're going to do any acting, I'd like to examine the rug first. No need to muss it up before we get what information we can from it."
Quercus nodded, glad the Jean wanted to examine the same thing. "That would be the best idea. Tipper can track most things." Quercus paused and breathed in. "Though the amount of perfume in here might post a problem. I've done enough hunting to spot different fur fibers." She turned her gaze to the phone. Jean's statement made good sense but the thought of it still nagged her. "Do you think she might have put a phone number or address in that thing? One that might help us work out who she was connected to? Or would the killer have cleaned it?" She shook her head. There wasn't enough time for them to be indecisive. "What do we want to do?" She asked the Fellowship in general.
Wolf spoke up. "I distrust Bacina even more, everyone. She seems like she may have thoroughly hated Caudata. The way she is so cruel to Sibrica like she doesn't want her to be involved in Caudata's case at all. Sibrica seems to really care about her. How else would've she known how to open that lock? "Okay, after sniffing around some, I found three items that I feel could really give us a good glimpse into Caudata's life and lifestyle:
"The laptop. It could provide us with a wealth of information. There could be everything from emails, to contacts, to appointments, events, social engagements, school and anything else you could think of on there. The laptop is one of the most vital portals to the outside world from inside your home. I, personally, don't use one, but I know about them.
"The diary. It could hold a lot of personal secrets of Caudata's life that may not be found anywhere else. Good, bad or ugly, there could be a lot of important nuggets in there.
"The window as well, I do feel it should be checked out. Maybe there's a clue there.
"I don't think the handbags may tell us much. There may be a few bits and pieces in there but I don't know if it'd be more than the norm in there. There could be more information on the lappy. The rug? I doubt there could be anything there, either. If it's outlined in police chalk that shows that it's a very closely cropped rug and I can't see there being anything hiding in it. The phone may list contacts only. It could also be a plant."
She noticed Flame near her, a little unsure about what all was going on. "She doesn't seem to like the smells and the energy. I brought her with me as I thought it'd be a good learning experience for her." Wolf reached down, nuzzling her. "It's okay, baby. You're safe with Mommy."
Jean nodded at Wolf comment about the cell. "At the very least, I don't think there will be much to be gained from the phone that isn't available from the laptop. Certainly the diary as well...but between the rug and the window, I think I have to go with the window. We know that's how the murderer escaped, as the door was locked from the inside. It would be nice to see if they caught fur or clothing on something and left some behind."
((Our choices are the window and tree, the diary, and the laptop. Additionally, we do wish to share a clue with another team. Do we need to pick which team?))
The way some people spell makes me wonder about their pronunciation. My CW shop, and my ping group
(OOC please see above at Shy's post for current RP!)
Durn it ! Don't yell at me like that. I'm Just Looking! It's pretty. Sparkly. Ok OK! I'm putting it down! witchy puts it down on the table, but doesn't let go. Slides it into her pocket
heh. without here, to pick my pocket, I'm going to keep this little pretty
prenteds not to see what has done and makes mental note to remember to get that and put it back when the case is over
Willow sits quietly in a chair, watching the hubbub as teams of investigators mill about examining, exchanging, buying and selling clues. She'd caught the attention of one sleuth and redeemed a clue credit voucher, then reported the details of the newly obtained clue to her team leader, . She knew time was running short, and was getting a little more than nervous about finding someone else to get a clue from. She sighed, and thought to herself, "May as well get in there and mingle."
As she stood up, she noticed a couple of other sleuths talking near the bed. She wound her way over and gently cleared her throat. "Excuse me," she said, "but would one of you happen to be ? I overheard someone saying that she was selling the information related to this teddy bear. My team and I are quite interested in that clue."
This being the longest speech she'd made since arriving at Nutsy's shack, she took a deep breath and crossed her fingers in the pocket of her coat that she would be successful in her clue search...and that her face wouldn't turn red because of her self-consciousness.
MsBehavin smiles sheepishly at JessV. "Yes m'am. I am MsBehavin (A.K.A Ms. Babette Bradley) I am in possession of the teddy bear clue you seek, although I am unsure how many clues we are able to sell or how many times we are able to sell the same clue as this one has been promised to Webby Watson's. Perhaps or can help with my confusion."
👻[tot=msbehavin] 👻
"Oh! I guess I'm not sure how that's supposed to work either, Ms. Bradley. It's nice to meet you, though!" extends her right hand in the universal handshake gesture
Warmed by the friendly gesture, Babette shakes JessV hand and replies, "I am working on getting answers to my dilemma as we speak dear lady, and will be more than happy to share the resolution to my inquires as soon as I acquire them."
👻[tot=msbehavin] 👻
The membera of Raider's Folly gather up what they hope are the most important items in the room: a cellphone, laptop, and stuffed bear. They also snatch up a paper handed to them from the Nightowls, the report about the rug, and exchange it for a paper they quickly wrote up about the teddy bear. Cooperation is the key to good detective work after all.
Jean of the Fellowship looked at Ms. "We'd be willing to give you either clue you are searching for, in exchange for your information about the handbags." She had her notebook out and her pencil read to write down the information.
The way some people spell makes me wonder about their pronunciation. My CW shop, and my ping group
Do you have a free clue still or are you looking to purchase?
👻[tot=msbehavin] 👻
At a curious standoff she, CB stands silently against the wall listening to the on going conversation of clue sharing or hoarding going on around her. She glanced over the remaining items on the list she and her team had yet to acquire and put in her own request: Would any team here care to share freely of the diary that was laying by the jacuzzi?
"Ahhhh there you are again Ms. Willow, sorry I did not get back to you sooner.... No, I still do not have those answers we previously discussed. I would however like to ask you kindly for a favor my love; would your group of Night Owls be willing to help a gal out and perhaps give us a free clue?" Babs appears to be thinking but has it already worked out in her mind. "Ohhhhh say maybe the "diary" would do us well. That is if you can find it in your heart to share?" Babs then falls silent and waits patiently for a reply.
👻[tot=msbehavin] 👻
(( Free clue? Ah, I believe I used that already -- the one we don't have to pay for, right?))
The way some people spell makes me wonder about their pronunciation. My CW shop, and my ping group
Laurie paused her incessant note taking to look up and notice that some of the faces around her had changed. Hearing the request for a free trade from she sighed. Her team had used their free clue exchange the very day they were allowed to explore the rooms of the deceased marmot. Looking back into the bedroom where most of the others were milling about in an act that was perhaps a bit of an apology for being unable to help she thought she saw a familiar face.
That's all right! Maybe I can help her she thought as she tore off a strip of paper from her notepad. You could almost see the cogs inside her mind turning as she ticked off the list of 7 barter barons she had gotten the clues from, double checking even tho she was positive it did not hold the group Raiders Folly. Quick as lightning she scribbled a note that would give her friend a chance to buy a clue if she was in need of any.
Greetings and salutations Reaper. Our group, Webbys Watsons are privy to all of the clues found in Caudata's domain save one. We have yet to get a close look at the outfit laying on the closet floor. Please let me know if you need to buy one. ~L
"Hope take this to Reaper for me right away, would you?" and promptly returned to scribbling in her notebook, all of her attention focused on the next handbag on the shelf. Pencil scribbling every minute detail Laurie went back into an almost trance like state. Her mind so wrapped up on recording everything she could, it was as if the rest of the occupants in the room melted away.
LairBears never truly walk alone
Our Lair is proof you don't have to stand face to face to know you've got friends who stand with you when you need us.
Mni wiconi -- water is life
While the detectives bustle about the room, Francine, always the one to tidy up after Nutsy (who is downstairs "helping" Bacina), tucks into the closet to hang up the scattered outfit on the floor.
There's the usual things, and it's all well coordinated except for that shawl, which seems out of place with the rest of the airy and relaxed look, since it's very heavy material and rather large. It also appears to show an indentation on one of the outer layers.
"Hmmm," she muses. "I wonder if Caudata does what I do with jewelry and bites down on this sometimes. I have been know to nibble at my bell necklace from time to time. It's so funny how we're all so much more alike than different.
She folds the shawl with a bit of regret at a life snuffed out so cruelly. As she does, a very slender bracelet falls to the ground. She picks it up almost tenderly. it's so subtle and delicate with the rest of the outfit, and embellished only by one little charm that looks like a small pillbox. The back of the pillbox is engraved, but the amount of wear makes it hard to read. It's only initials, anyway, and only the M. is perfectly clear. The C is worn until it looks more like an L.
Shaking her head, Francine puts the entire outfit on the third shelf and goes down to see if refreshments are ready.
Aislynn had a headache. The hustle and bustle of all the other investigators in the room for the last couple of days had worn her nerves ragged. The bits and pieces of information that she and her team had gleaned all seemed to have some deeper meaning that was tantalizingly just out of reach for her poor tired brain. She pushed the heels of her hands against her closed eyelids and slowly rocked them back and forth in a massaging motion. It made colorful sparks appear in her vision, but didn't seem to be helping the thrumming headache at all. Slowly opening her eyes, letting the bright lights creep in, she flicked her lighter with her right hand and hurriedly walked out of the mansion and out to the road. She rummaged in her backpack and pulled out a water bottle, her smokes and her headphones. A small patch of grass to her left looked just about perfect for what she was wanting. Sitting down indian style, she lit her cigarette and pulled out her copy of the statements from everyone as well as her notebook where she had been scribbling her thoughts and ideas as clues had been revealed. With a nod of satisfaction that everything seemed to be organized as she liked, she popped on the headphones, cranked up the music and dove in for a good solid review.
Although the investigation had only just started, Jill felt like her head was spinning. Caudata's room was bustling about with Nutsy's sleuths investigating left and right and exchanging information with each other. Jill knew that the Nightowls weren't the only ones Nutsy employed, so it would have been silly to assume that they would be the only ones assigned to this case. Even then, she had not been prepared for an investigation with as many detectives in the one room as this.
After examining the rug, the diary and the laptop as thoroughly as she could, Jill leaned up against an empty wall space to jot down quick notes on the notepad she carried with her. As she read over the details written down, Jill frowned at her own writing. It wasn't enough. She wasn't confident that these three clues would piece the puzzle together. No, they need more. Jill tried to make her way towards the other clues in the room but they were all overwhelmingly crowded. Her fellow Nightowls investigators were having the same trouble, plus they were running out of time. There were simply too many people milling about. So Jill did the next best thing she could. She gathered information from the various teams of detectives who had examined the clues she could not get to by offering to exchange notes.
By the end, Jill's notepad was filled with information on almost everything in Caudata's room except for the cellphone, which she had yet to get her hands on.
My Style File