Chapter 3: Carnage Crow

Chapter 3: Carnage Crow

"Ren, let's go." I said as I grabbed Ren's arm.

I dragged him out of the library. I need to hurry, there is no time left to waste. This case is an urgent one.

"Hey, hey, I know that Claire is in danger but you don't need to drag me like a child." He complained.

I let go of my grip and I allowed him to freely follow me.

My steps are bigger than usual, I'm in tension. This is quite a strange feeling for me. I've never felt this for years. Well, specifically the moment she left I've never felt such emotions for quite a long time now.

She is the only reason for my agitation.

I knew that Ren couldn't catch up behind my back. I can hear him gasping for air, such a wimp.

Next time, I'll train him like an athlete. I need a companion who cannot hinder my actions. Nonetheless cope up with me. But Ren never hindered me anyway.

"Where are we headed?" He asked me. We are still walking.

"To the place where chaos is a friend." I said.

What a perfect timing, we've reached our destination. We stopped in front of the "Carnage Crow Casino". Just like what the letter said.

The inverted dove, crow and carnage was just spelled backwards.

"Are you sure you wanna enter that building? Remember what happened last time?" He asked.

Of course I do. I had fun slamming chairs and breaking their properties. Not until dad came and scolded me.

"This is for our client." I said.

Strong emotion is seen through my voice. I don't want Ren to notice that, everyone knows that I'm over Claire. But actually I'm not sure if I really am.

The building is at the other side of the road. We need to cross it. The main floor is filled with security guards. I know I'm banned for entering that building.

Think Reed, think. How can you enter that building without getting caught?

Alas! I need a disguise.

I looked around and there I saw a boutique. There are different clothes that they offer.

Maybe that'll do. I looked at Ren. He raised an eyebrow on me.

"What? I know that look Reed, that's not good. I'm not gonna dress up as a lady, not again." Ren immediately reacted.

Pfft. I remembered what happened last time. That was the most unforgettable moments of our lives, fun for me but Ren treated that night as a nightmare.

"There is no saying no. You know our rules." I said.

He just rolled his eyes on me.

Is he a gay? He always does that.

"Besides this is for our client." I added.

I know that deep inside me I have a question, a confusion which needs answer.

I cannot say it directly, but the moment that I heard that Claire's life is at sake, my heart palpitated. As if I'm nervous upon hearing her name.

"For our client or for your love?" He asked while trying to hold his laughter back.

Ren is really good when it comes to teasing. Too bad for me.

***

"Are you sure about this?" Ren asked while trying to loosen the zipper from his gown.

He is wearing a fitted red gown, and a 5 inches heels. It's a good thing his body is not that buff. We'll disguise ourselves as a couple.

I'm wearing an old man disguise. A black Armani coat and a pair of eyeglasses to hide my look. Pretty much no one can recognize me.

We are ready to cross the street. Ren is having trouble with walking but the gown and his look fits him perfectly. As if he can be a woman forever.

"You owe me a hundred bucks." He said in a very serious tone of voice.

I might have pissed him off.

He clinged himself in my arm. Acting like a couple we crossed the street.

When we've reached the building's entrance the guards looked at us. Eyeing us seriously.

I'm feeling a bit nervous, but there are still chances that we'll pass through.

I smiled at the guard and he smiled back. What a nice fellow.

"Have a nice day ma'am and sir." He said as he opened the door for us.

We entered the building. And there, the biggest gambling institute was seen. Bright lights and loud noises filled the halls.

The operation haven't changed at all. There are still dirty gamblers playing with cheats and tricks.

I looked around, what could be the clue that I'm looking for. Or is it even a clue.

My eyes immediately stopped and stared at the painting of a big crow. It's black and it's eyes are painted red as blood. Something in it caught my attention. As if there is something different from it.

I moved away from Ren, I left him at the bar. He can protect himself anyway.

My instinct is telling me to take a look.

Without any hesitation I went on my way towards the painting. Something is up with it, I don't like art pretty much but I can tell that something is different from it.

My footsteps were big, no time must be wasted.

When I've reached the painting I stared at it once more. Analyzing every bit of detail present in the painting.

With my right hand placed on my chin, I scanned it carefully. I cannot miss a single detail. My eyes narrowed as I stared at it.

Alas!

In the painting there is a snake. Which means, the owner of Carnage Crow could know who Sly elapid is!

I think I'm getting closer to the mystery. I know I'm hired to solve such things but this case is different.

I immediately went back to Ren at the bar area. But when I've reached his place, two guys went around him.

I smirked. He's quite attractive when dressed like that. No one can tell that he's a man.

Ren stood up, I went near him as well.

"Do you need anything from my wife?" I asked the men around Ren.

They looked at me with an embarrassed expression.

"Nothing sir." They said as they moved out.

After they successfully left Ren I went near him. He is standing by the bar table.

"Have you found anything yet?" He said while whispering.

"I did, and this mystery is just getting started." I answered him.