Outfit Not Found

Arianwen already had a hotel room--she'd had one the previous evening as well, as she'd had no intention of walking into Miri's party looking like someone who'd just taken the shuttle from Ziara to Centropolis and from there the train to Veta. She thanked Detective Fields for the offer, but politely declined.

The first thing she did upon arriving back at the inn was order room service. Rather a lot of it, actually. She hadn't had a chance to eat before the murder, and she hadn't wanted to eat right after it--she hadn't got hungry till hours later, and by then all the food that hadn't been sitting out in the open for hours basically amounted to sugar roses and overbrewed coffee, which hadn't done much to alleviate her hunger.

After gorging herself on Vetan food and downing an unladylike amount of beer, she didn't even bother to check her social media accounts. She loaded up Tor on her laptop, poked around the darker side of the web for a while and found nothing whatsoever about Wolfram Banks.

She also poked around into Richard and Roland. Neither Belladonna nor Nicolette were the sort to do their own dirty work (and she doubted Nico was capable of it), and she knew it could not be Miranda. The most "suspicious" thing she learned about Roland was that he was a member of several groups devoted to illegal gardening, but that was no surprise and also irrelevant.

Richard, however, was almost as suspiciously undocumented online as Wolf had been. Arianwen would've expected someone Miranda's family had hired at the very least to have a history with the restaurant industry, or perhaps to have won some culinary awards.

Richard hadn't even been on a decent reality TV elimination contest.

That was weird.

Frustrated, Arianwen changed into nightwear and tried to sleep. She was unsuccessful for several hours, but when she was tired enough of staring at the ceiling she took a sedative that was mild enough not to interact badly with the beer she had drunk.

Her sleep was rather fitful even so.

In the morning, she put on the blackest dress she had brought with her (it had pink roses on it, but what could you do? she hadn't packed for a funeral) and went down to breakfast, then called Miranda, who didn't answer and was (apparently) still in custody.

Fuck.

Arianwen called the detective hoping for answers about Miranda (which wasn't very successful). Finally, though, the nagging feeling in the back of her brain got the better of her. "Look, I don't even really know where this is coming from, but the chef is suspicious. It sounds stupid even to me, because why would a chef stab someone when there are so many other ways for a chef to kill people..."

[box=#ffdbe9]

You get home super tired. It was surely a long day. In an attempt to relax, you decide to prepare a nice bath. While you're waiting for the tub to fill, your thoughts are rushing and you realize something that might help Detective FIelds. You reach for your phone and call her.

"Detective Fields. Hi, I'm Fernanda, one of the guests of Miranda and Wolf's... party." You just pause for a bit when mentioning his name, remembering the scene you saw earlier. "I was thinking... You could try asking the cook if he knows Miranda's favorite flower and mention you're suspecting that the gardener is one of the main suspects, just as a curveball to see if he answers 'pink rose' in an attempt to incriminate Roland."

Detective Fields thanks you briefly, saying it might be worth the shot and hangs off the phone, saying a lot of people are calling her and she needs to have the police line available.

You decide to call it a day and enter the tub. It's definitelly hard to forget about the events of the day, but your mind is so tired that you clear your head and enjoy the warmth of the water. [/box]

Chapter 5 Check In (I’ll try to edit this before you post Chapter 6!) [edit] [img align=left]https://sapi.subeta.net/shared/1003815.png[/img]Hanna was relieved to find that the inn was cozy and charming. After a quiet dinner and a hot shower she drifted off to sleep, completely worn out by the events of the day. In the middle of the night she woke with a start. She groped around for the drawer of the nightstand and rummaged for a pen and a pad of stationery. After frantically scribbling some notes, she let out a deep breath and burrowed back under the covers.

Chapter 5 check in for now!

Lypsyl spent a long time thinking over the events of the day, before finally going to bed. That night her dreams were dark and foreboding.

The following morning she woke with a question in her mind and decided to call Detective Fields. She hoped she wasn't wasting the Detective's time, but her suspicions were roused. When she called the detective, she mentioned she had thought of something.

"Maybe you could ask Roland, the gardener, how long he's been in love with Miranda," Lypsyl suggested. "Or maybe something a little more subtle, you probably have a far better way to get at the answers you need."

Chapter 5 check-in

just a quick heads up! Chapter 6 was scheduled to go up today but I think I'll need a little more time. Basically I'm integrating all the chapter 5 responses into a grand finale!

It should be up tomorrow evening ♥ Thank you for your patience!

yaay, thanks for the heads up ^^ since the forums close on June 2nd, I think it's a nice schedule, but you can also create a thread with the compilation of all the chapters in your personal CW group so people can read it through later ^^

chapter 5 check in

Ahh chapter 5 check in!! I lost track of what day it was ha

Chapter 5 check in, I'm so bad at mysteries I have no idea what to write ><

chapter 5 check in

Chapter 5 check-in!

I wish I could write something, I'm just so busy >.>

chapter 6 - a deadly flower

"-Yes, thank you. You've been an invaluable part of this investigation," Detective Fields replies to the person on the other end of the line, "There are still a lot of questions left unanswered, but if it wasn't for civilians like you calling in tips I imagine there'd be even more mysteries. Thank you again."

She hangs up her phone with a sigh. She's been up all night, but this is nothing new to her. When someone's been murdered the quicker you get all the pieces in place, the better. The longer you take the harder it is to make an arrest.

"You've got a lot of good friends," she speaks to the young blonde sitting in front of her desk, "They all really want to get justice for you and your fiance."

"I love them all. I'm so glad they're my friends," Miranda responds. Her eyes are red and puffy, like she's been crying a long time. They're dry now though, she's cried herself to the point of exhaustion since yesterday, she has no tears left.

"I'll be releasing you shortly I just wanted to go over a few things with you. I know yesterday things were a little cloudy for you," she opens a folder with a few documents in it, "We got back the toxicology report on the blood test. As we suspected, it looked like you'd been given some mild sedatives. We suspect these were administered to you to keep you from interfering later on. Do you remember feeling funny that day? Eat anything strange?"

"I felt drowsy the entire entire morning, but I thought I was just tired from planning the party and starting to plan for the wedding," she shakes her head, eyes beginning to sting again. A wedding she'll never have now, "I didn't eat much, that day. Just a light breakfast with my sister and aunt."

"Was this prepared by your private chef, Richard his name was?" The detective prodded.

"Of course! He prepares all my meals."

"Were you aware he was harboring feelings for you?"

"Well I knew he had a bit of a crush but..." she trails off, frowning, "You don't think he-"

"-We don't know yet," Fields holds up a hand pacifying her, "We're simply investigating all angles. I think we're done here for the moment. You should get out of here, get some rest. I've already asked for Officer Snow to escort you home, or to wherever you feel comfortable.

"Thank you... I.., I think I need that," she stands, sighs, and then looks up, a fierce glint in her eyes, "Please Detective. Find who killed my Wolf."

The poor girl, Lisa shook her head, flipping through her file. This whole things was a convoluted mess but she things were slowly becoming clearer. She had some lose ends to wrap up first before speaking to the prime suspect.

The lab was finished with their analysis of what remained in the woodstove. It was unclear what exactly they had been, but there were items made of both cotton, and plastic. Towels and a garbage bag or poncho if the detective had to guess. Covering up in plastic would certainly explain the lack of blood on any of the suspects.

She spoke to the gardener first. He was under no real suspicion anymore, and he was about as helpful as... well about as much as she suspected, which wasn't very. Friendly, eager to help, but he really didn't know much. He did confirm that the chef was acting oddly that day. Obsessed even. He apparently had been all day, all week, but especially that day.

He also confirmed another tidbit of information that the Detective suspected but hadn't yet gotten the chance to completely confirm yet. It seems the chef and the fiance were related. Brothers. The twists this case was taking...

The aunt was next. She wasn't high on the suspect list but the suspected murder weapon was found in her room.

"I really don't think I have anything to say to you."

Lisa sighed, the infuriating woman sitting across from her just examining her nails without a care in the world, a high priced lawyer in a suit that probably cost more then a year's salary for her sitting smugly next to her.

"It's just a few simple questions. The murder weapon was found in your room."

"Stuffed under my pillow like a child hiding contraband, yes I'm aware. Do you think anyone's stupid enough to hide something like that?"

"We you certainly were quick to lawyer up."

"You don't have-" the lawyer began but stopped when Belladonna waved an elegant hand in front of him.

"Of course I got a lawyer. Anyone with an ounce of intelligence would. You police can be savage beasts trying to pin whoever you can to the wall. Now then. Unless you have anything concrete to keep me here, it's about time I left."

She rose and smiled unkindly.

"Unfeeling harpy," the detective muttered under her breath as soon as the woman was out of site. She really despised that personality type.

Well nothing left but to get to the main event. She opened the door to interrogation room 1. There, sat at the table, cuffed, was the prime suspect. Richard Banks. Alone. He looked nervous.

"Mr. Banks. I've been told you declined a lawyer?" the detective took a seat in the chair across from him.

"I don't NEED a lawyer because I haven't done anything," he bit back, sounding stressed.

"Of course. It's usually the fiance, right?"

"Miri would NEVER-"

"-So," Fields leaned closer, "If it wasn't her, Why did you kill your brother?"

The young man stiffened, and didn't say anything. The accusation shocked him, "I would never kill Wolfie."

"But, you were in love with Miranda, weren't you?" the detective shook a finger at him, "Must have been hard seeing your brother just sweep her off her feet in, what a week? And how long have you known her? Employee records say you worked there for two whole years."

"He's always like that though! People just take a look at his face and fall in love. He's never even had a legitimate job."

"No legitimate job until you helped him apply for a position at the estate right? That's how he and Miranda met, right? That must have really eaten you up."

Richard's hands clenched, "I'm telling you I didn't kill my brother! I was annoyed at how quickly he took her away from me but I would have never murdered him."

"I don't know about that. We found the texts you sent her on her phone. And that cheap rose pendant tossed carelessly into a corner somewhere. I'm sure you were angry about your last attempt at wooing her failing."

"I didn't send any texts! I don't even know her phone number," he slaps a hand down on the table, clearly agitated, "And that pendant was a gift from Wolfie! He wanted to give her something that he bought himself. It wasn't up to her usual standards but she loved that thing. She was complaining that morning that she couldn't find it anywhere. She wanted to wear it to the party."

Lisa frowned. This interrogation wasn't going exactly as she thought. There was a frantic sort of energy to Richard. He didn't act like someone guilty. But most of the evidence was pointing to him.

"The murder weapon was a knife from your own set."

"Even if I WANTED to kill someone you think I'd use my own knife?"

That had been bothering her.

"The morning of your brother's murder," she began slowly, "We found evidence to suggest Miranda had been drugged. You prepare her meals, right?"

"I do but... that morning," he frowned, recalling the event, "Well her aunt complained that my plating was sloppy. As if she ever went to culinary school. She practically tore it out of my arms to fix it herself. I always forget she has that crazy upper body strength. I was so paranoid I made about a thousand sugar roses to make sure the ones I put out were perfect so she wouldn't cause a scene."

"Wait," Lisa held a hand up, "what did you mean crazy upper body strength?"

"I heard a couple of decades ago she almost went to the Olympics," Richard sounded puzzled, "For pole vaulting I think? She still keeps up her exercise regimen apparently."

Lisa shook her head as she exited the room. Just when she thought she had things figured out the rug gets pulled out from under her again.

An investigator hailed her and told her the results of the dump they did on Richard's phone. Nothing. No evidence that he'd ever texted her. They used a special computer to analyse it too. Deleted texts wouldn't have mattered. She told the investigator to get a subpeona going to get records from the phone company. She already knew the answer though. The true sender of those texts probably used a throwaway.

She felt dizzy. Wolfram had been stabbed by someone he knew, or at least knew enough that he didn't suspect to be attacked from. Someone angry, or perhaps who felt justified enough to try and destroy the symbol of love he'd had inked onto his arm. Someone strong enough to kill with a couple stabs, not that easy a feat. Someone experienced enough to safely fall from a high spot, though maybe a little out of practice. Someone annoyed enough by a gift so cheap and subpar in their opinion that they'd steal and destroy it. Someone cold and unkind enough to drug a young girl to make sure she wouldn't interfere.

Lisa ran to the window. Belladonna was just leaving the precinct after having her lawyer smooth out her release paperwork. It had begun to rain and a chauffeur scurried up to meet her on the steps opening an umbrella for her. The blonde woman glanced up and for just a split second her cold eyes met those of the detective's.

It was her.

The days following were a circus with the media. The high profile case was all anyone was talking about. There was public outrage with the prime suspect Richard was released from police custody.

Police representatives said they were looking into another suspect but couldn't give any details. There were not satisfying answers. No satisfying ending.

Days later you receive a letter in the mail.

My dear friend;

I'm sorry you had to get caught up in everything. Wolf told me he didn't want to go to such a big party. I should have listened. Maybe it didn't matter though.

Keep this to yourself, the police, they know who killed him. It was my aunt. I knew she hated him but I never though she would take it so far. Unfortunately she's good. All the evidence they have is circumstantial or speculation. But I know. I know it's her. I look her in the eyes and see her for what she is.

I can't stay at the house anymore. Whatever people thought about Wolf, even though I spent so little time with him... I loved him. We talked about traveling the world, so I think I might do that a little. Clear my head. Do some soul searching. See the things that he'll never be able to now.

I've taken up enough of your time now though. Maybe we'll see each other again next Vesnali.

All the love; Miranda

And there's the ending! Hope you all had as much fun as I did. I tried to put in some fun twists throughout to keep you all on your toes! There is no chapter prompt this time but if you want to write any character reaction you are free to do so! I'll be announcing the grand prize winner tomorrow because right now... right now sea is tired.

Awesome story!!! it was fun reading along evey if I could not participate... Want to write a story for my

OH MY GOD IT WAS BELLADONNA?? AHHHH you are AMAZING and your story writing skills are super impressive, godddddamnnnnn

I loved reading the story! It was so suspenseful and I totally thought it was gonna be Richard. Thanks for taking the time and pouring so much effort into this. This was really something completely different and I was totally looking forward to each new chapter <3

That was amazing, .

And of course if Miri wants to come up and visit Atebus she's definitely got a place to stay! <3

"That was why Belladonna was so preoccupied when I met her in the garden!" Liliana exlaimed, reading the letter of her dear friend before the door straightaway. No wonder that the aunt was in a hurry and didn't want to stop to talk about her outrageous hat!

Brewing herself a camomile tea to calm down her nerves, Liliana slumped into her fav armchair, book at the ready, her cats following in anticipation. "I am looking forward to next Vesnali, Miri!" she said softly, smiling. "May your life be full of light and rainbows until we meet again!".