[33: hardboiled parental monologue]

[paper_knight]

I should've known something was fishy when I came home to a dark apartment. Cindy waits up for me some nights--don't have the heart to scold her--and there's usually a light on.
But I wasn't thinking. If there were any prints on the doorknob I wiped them clean off coming in. Took my sweet time putting my piece away, too--by the time I thought to

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action;

[turn4bout]

Like a bat outta the Hoosegow cells, I'm on the streets lookin' for a jam. The old haunts are clear; peddlers know to be in the clear when Pyrope stalks along.

But a cat's on the prowl, searching for his little girlie dame. He's the Law like you, hankerin' to enforce what's right in this world.

You can lend him an elbow.

What's cookin', elephant ears? Hearing anything on the streets?

[paper_knight]

Pyrope's a good cop. A little loopy, but who isn't, 'round these parts? Effective, too, with more successful cases than birthdays behind her and a bright career ahead.
I should let her be. No need to drag her down with me.
Instead, I produce my wallet and slant her a snapshot. Within sniffing distance only. It's the only one I've got.

"It's like this, Pyrope. My kid's gone missing. I've got a nasty note, but no prints, no return address. You hear anything, you give me a ring."

[turn4bout]

Hair like banana starshine, and the face of a human angel. You can smell why he's worried. Trouble's like a magnet to those innocent sorts.

I'm on the case.

Aaw Terezi. Aaw.

[paper_knight]

"Thanks. I owe you one."

I really do--this one is off the books. No glory there, probably nothing but grief. I'm trying not to think about it.

[timisnotme]

*Markus here isn't even breaking any laws. Hell, if he's not getting paid to then why even bother. But the officer in front of him looks angrier than most, like he's just itchin to start something.

Best give him a wide berth. Markus can't afford any complications. *

[paper_knight]

Tonight, everyone's a suspect, and the shady figure in the Halloween getup is more suspect than most. I've seen him down at the station more than once--little offenses, let off with warning after warning, and while nothing big ever seems to stick to him, it doesn't stop the rumors. He's worth shaking down.

"Hey you. In the mask."

[timisnotme]

*Markus heaves a sigh and turns to face Mark. Better play along for a while at least, just in case he's got something on him. Markus can always dispose of him later.

He gives a cursory glance at his own clothes just to make sure he got all the bloodstains out. Looks good.*

[paper_knight]

"What brings you down this hall?"

Yeah, I know he's not a talker, but sometimes there are other clues.

[helena_campbell]

It's late. Night is dangerous at this time. There are criminals out, dealers and gangsters, all mixing together with the cops in a dangerous game that could blow up any second. But I have to walk. I have to think about the things I've seen.

There's a man out. He has the air of a policeman, but he looks angry. I keep my distance, hands in the pockets of my coat, head down. Trying to be invisible.

[paper_knight]

Keeping your head down doesn't help. Anyone's a potential suspect, a potential witness. I fall into step with the girl.

"Evening, miss."

actionnnn

[echo_of_utopia]

Daddy always said I wasn't cut out for the job. Private Eye? Girlie's got the brains, but how's she gonna pull off an inner monologue in that kinda voice? Fellas, where's the gruff chain-smoker baritone?

Well. Daddy's gone now and I've got both my feet set in the business like paper on glue. And my inner monologue is just fine and dandy. Said that any number who disagrees is gonna have to take that up with the rest of me.

Got no complaints about it so far.

Got a visitor though. Odd time for clientele, something in the air that felt like a fox paying a visit to the empty chicken coop.

"Door's open."

The cigar shifted between my lips. The iron in my holster stayed right where it was.

[paper_knight]

I step into the smoky office and cut straight to the chase. Lamb and I both know it's only trouble that brings us together--pleasantries are a waste of time.

"I need information, Sofia."

[echo_of_utopia]

They say life passes you by faster than an underground train during rush hour. And if you don't want to end up on the tracks you have to stop and make time for a few things.

A good cigar was one. Pleasantries were another. If Mark hadn't learned that lesson yet he needed a private tutor, not a private eye.

"Don't we all?"

[paper_knight]

Too bad for Lamb that the tracks are right where I want to be. The one track leading to Cindy, to be exact.
I wonder if she made time for cigars and manners when it was her kid in the hotseat.

"Specific information."