Sleuth Home - Message Boards - Role Playing Stage

Jan-20-2007 21:03

The New York Times
All the news that's fit to print

by Breit Katherine Pfeiffer Adams

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Police investigators believe they have discovered the whereabouts of missing detective, Barry Grant. Grant was reported missing three days about by a friend of his, Rebecca Franks. "I was supposed to meet him at Big Lucy's that night but he never showed."

Grant, Global Sleuth Syndicate Ambassador from Shanghai, had been working at the Blue Pagoda Agency on a Good Will mission at the time of his disappearance. "He was becoming a much relied upon detective." Lady jasNmushu, a Director at Blue Pagoda Agency, said of the missing detective.

Police have reason to believe that Grant was abducted by operatives from HYDRA while on his way to Big Lucy's. "I was meeting him at the corner of Eleventh Avenue and 42nd Street that night." recounted a teary-eyed divorcee Mrs. Franks. "He never showed."

Chief Inspector James Mulligan was able to determine the last place Grant was seen. "Cyrus Tibby recalls serving Mr. Grant a Tom Collins around 7 pm that night. After that, Mr. Grant left the premises and that was the last anyone had seen of him."

This reporter secured an interview with the elusive Larry the Toe. "I don't know anything about that." was his response to all my questions.

There was a break in the investigation when a shady character finally stepped forward to reveal he saw a tall man with a hat being forced into a car. This shady character, who prefers to remain anonymous, was unable to make out the license plate number but he recognized the car and the man doing the abducting. "I've seen that happen before. Same guy. Same car."

Policed will not disclose any more details for fear it could put Mr. Grant's life in jeopardy. Chief Inspector Mulligan's final word: "We don't want to lose any more detectives to that fiendish group."

Jan-30-2007 17:38

Breit turned back to Andrea as she and Max came up, while Leo the bodyguard scurried off. "Now, Andrea, what happened? The guards said there was another breach?"

Andrea nodded, "Yeah, in here. Lemme show you." They went back in Barry's room, where Andrea pointed to the wine bottle and button on the bedside table. "I found these when I came in this morning. They weren't here when I left last night. Someone's been in this room, and no one seems to give a DAMN!" Andrea exclaimed angrily.

Breit laid a hand on her shoulder comfortingly, "It's okay, Andrea. We do give a damn. There's fifty men searching the building right now as we speak. We're doing everything we can to keep Barry and his family and you safe."

She swore lowly as she turned to look around at the room. "Whoever was in here didn't come through the door, or the guards outside would've shot 'im first and raised cain after." She crossed to the window, examining the thick bulletproof glass closely. "They didn't come in this way either. The window's undamaged." She looked around the room, looking for any possible way someone could have gotten in. Finally, she looked up, and noticed the ceiling vent. "Sonofa..." she muttered, then headed for the door again.

Breit ran to the phone at the Nurses' Station and frantically dialed a number. "Lou, it's Breit. I'm at the Hospital. Someone's been in the ductwork. We need Harvey and his crew over here pronto. Thanks." She hung up, and laid her head in her hands on the counter for a minute. Seemed like everyone and their Aunt Mabel was coming out of the woodwork to see Barry. Eventually, she headed back to have a closer look at the things the intruder had left behind.

Jan-30-2007 18:40

Confused as she is, Non went over to Terra, told her, "I didn't get a chance to talk with Andrea." Terra nodded. Then, non noticed that she was in the presence of the man and woman, she didn't recgonize either of them.

"Terra, do you know one of these two?" Non asked.

While waiting for an answer, non looked around and noticed something strange about the location, and the quietness of the area. Even more confused, she had questions, which wouldn't be answered any time soon, nor is she going to ask, yet.

Jan-30-2007 19:32

He looked at the woman, "you are Amanda right? that was a bit of a chase at the racetrack where I was trying to startle the horses to create confusion to stop the person from getting away. It did not work quite the way I thought it would."

"Barry is recovering nicely now, I think he will be out and around shortly."

"How are you doing and have you seen that man I was chasing? He often goes by the name of Jake. "

Jan-30-2007 19:54

Breit came back into Barry's room, pulling out a pair of gloves from her skirt pocket as she came in. Andrea turned around from Barry's bedside as she entered, giving her a searching look. Breit smiled gently at her, "I just called in the exterminators. They'll be here shortly to take care of our pest control problem in the air vents. Now, let's have a look at your presents here."

She picked up the bottle, looking closely for fingerprints, and spotted several smudges, and a couple of complete prints, on the neck of the bottle. The label was Italian, and appeared to be limited-vintage and a good year. Not something one would pick up at the corner shop.

Next, she examined the button. It appeared to be made of jet, with the fleur de lys, eagle, and X all detailed in gold. Breit studied the insignia carefully, then looked up at Andrea and Barry. "This is the emblem of L.H.I.," she exclaimed, "How the hell did one of their people get in here?"

L.H.I.?" Andrea asked, confused, "Who's that?" She came over to study the button too.

"It stands for LIONS Head International. It's a cover for an international law-enforcement information clearinghouse known as the LIONS. They're based just outside of Paris, and the name means the aLliance International pOur la Neutralisation des Saboteurs et criminals. Basically, they assist governments around the world with distributing information about known illegal activity, and work to coordinate efforts to stop it and apprehend felons between the various countries. Apparently, our burglar is one of their guys."

Breit stuck her head out the door again, and spoke to another guard, "Get word to the Admiral that I need to see him. I'll be over in fifteen minutes. Thank you." She stepped back inside the room again.

She had a quick look at the violets, then picked up the bottle and pocketed the button. "Sorry, Barry, but I'm gonna need to borrow these for a bit. I need to go talk to some people about your visitors."

Jan-30-2007 20:01

She smiled at Andrea, "I'll be back in a bit. Feel free to stick around if you like. Dave or Pete will be up in a while to check on your progress, Barry. You two be good now." She winked at the two of them as she closed the door quietly behind her.

Jan-30-2007 20:25

Amanda replied, "How do you know my name? Whats yours? And I'm sorry, but I havn't seen someone named Jake... Wait, was he at the paddock in Shanghai?"

Jan-30-2007 20:42

Grins, "Yes that is the person I was talking about. Very nice, knew you were a good detective. Most of the people around town call me Ran. You can find me over in the Closers most times but I do move a bit. If you find anything about him please let myself or one of my associates know. "

He shook her hand and stepped into his waiting car, Yang looking around for anyone attempting to follow them.

As he closed the door he looked at her, "as to how I knew your name? I like to think I am an decent detective my self" he said with a wink.

"Home Yang"

Jan-30-2007 22:05

Terra gasped in horror as Non dropped on the sidewalk. She knelt down and checked for a pulse. That's when she saw the blood. Someone had "retired" Non.

Maybe she was asking too many questions or maybe she knew something about this Barry Grant business. After all, she *had* just left the hospital where he was.

Terra hurried away from the body, pushing the baby buggy in front of her, She did not want to be around when the police showed up. They tended to be a little "cuff happy" when it came to murder. Usually anyone at the scene was taken in. And she had the baby with her. No need for Angie to be put through that stress.

Terra made a mental note to visit Barry when she got the chance. Or at least send him flowers. He was always such a gentleman to her and the kids. It's the least she could do.

Jan-31-2007 04:59

Meanwhile, back in Barry's room...

Barry was glad he was finally alone with Andrea even if she was mad at him. "Andrea, security will handle it. Come. Sit by me." he said tapping the side of his bed.

Andrea was just stood there glaring at him. A mix of anger, fear, and something else was on her face. Barry couldn't put his finger on it. He stopped tapping. "I know you feel Amber should have been more careful, but she was young and in love. I'm sure you know what that feels like." He stared straight into her eyes. "Please come here and tell me how YOU have been. Enough about me. How are your new hunting duties? Are you enjoying it?"

Jan-31-2007 13:09

Amanda turned and started down the side walk. She stopped. A few feet away was someone. or someone's body, laying there. She hurried forward, and tried to wake the person up. Fresh blood drenched her hand. The wound apeared to have been caused by a dart. Silent and deadly. Whoever fired the dart might still be around. Amanda quickaly moved behind one of the street lamps and surveyed the surounding area.

Across the street was the hospital. From one of the windows there would be a clear shot to where the body was, and where Amanda was standing. Amanda hurried towards the hospital.