Chapter 11

"Into this parking lot, huh?" Jafia thought as she trailed her target. Rocke and his Ottomon friend had given her quite the runaround, but she'd kept up with them. More than once, they'd almost caught onto her, but she'd been nimble enough to avoid notice.

The lot housed an old electronics store. It had a sign boasting it could fix any device, no matter its age. Through a window, she saw devices she'd only seen in her grandfather's house. One included an old-style TV from thirty years ago. Inexplicably, the display also included a washing machine, likely to enhance its advertisement's boast. 

Outside stood a young Ottomon woman with sharp features. Her temperament revealed by a fiery countenance, but it softened when she spotted Rocke. Despite herself, a pang of jealousy struck Jafia, an idiotic, petty emotion. She'd purposely broken off with him because of the nature of her work. Heck, their short dalliance had been more of a whim on her part. Still, she supposed it didn't mean she appreciated seeing Rocke with another woman.

"Find anything interesting?" Rocke asked as they approached the store.

"You took your time," the young Ottomon said, somewhat annoyed.

"Hello, Maple!" an elderly man said, exiting the shop. Though hidden by wrinkles, his Ottomon tattoos were visible for all to see.

"Hello, Carkus," the older Ottomon, Maple, replied. "I trust Kallane didn't cause too much trouble."

"Come on, Mom," Kallane said, rolling her eyes. "Be serious."

This earned a chuckle from her mother. "I remember when you kicked a man for calling Carkus's store nothing but a heap of junk."

"Mom, I was eight!" Kallane said, flustered.

"She was a dear, as always," Carkus said, his eyes crinkling with laughter. "But we did find something rather interesting."

"Oh?" Rocke asked, intrigued.

"Get this—Tiertex just received a ginormous order on AI bots." Kallane said." I'm talking hundreds. An unknown backer purchased them anonymously. The dummy company that bought the robots is owned by City Commissioner Roth Rogan, Vladus' strategic planner."

"Why?" Rocke asked, curious. It piqued Jafia's interest as well, smelling a useful clue.

"I got thinking." Kallane said. "While people often claim to the contrary, most of us Ottomon have jobs and work hard. If Sunbearer kicks our people from the city, someone must fill these now-vacant jobs. AI bots seem the best, cheapest way to fill those positions."

"I suppose," Rocke said, unnerved. "But I can't imagine it'll be an easy transition."

"No doubt," Kallane replied. "But it just goes to show you, Rocke. The Uppies will do anything to maintain their power, damn the consequences."

"It's starting to add up," Maple said, her countenance stern. "The Mayor is planning something terrible."

"Perhaps Counselor Rogan wants the AI bots for some construction project? We can't dismiss the idea that they might have a more benign purpose," Rocke argued back. "Still, it is curious."

As usual, her ex was looking for the best, most generous answer, refusing to take the cynical view. While naïve, Jafia found it endearing. For her part, this unusual production of AI bots provided further evidence something was happening in the Mayor's Office. While it seemed radical and reckless to expel the Ottomon from the city, still she wouldn't put it past Sunbearer. He'd done something similar during the Califran occupation. 

"Still, it's a tip worth looking into. With Carkus's help, we should get some definitive answers," Maple said. "Let's move out and return to base."

"Yeah, out here I feel exposed," Rocke said with a shiver.

"I'll keep looking at my end," Carkus nodded. "I'll keep in touch."

"It was nice seeing you again, old friend," Maple replied. "I hope we'll see each other again. Stay safe—these are dangerous times."

As they said their goodbyes, Jafia considered her next move. It'd be tricky, but she might "accidentally" bump into Rocke if she timed it right. Then it'd be elementary to integrate into their group. While Kallane seemed a tough prospect to win over, she'd convince them soon enough. Before she could slip away, a cold sweat traveled down Jafia's spine as a knife slipped over her throat. A trickle of blood slid down her neck as it pricked her skin.

"Hold still," a cold, accented voice said.

What? Where did this person come from? Why hadn't she sensed his presence? From his accent, Jafia guessed her attacker was Konquellian. Still, who was this guy?

Much to her dismay, the altercation attracted the attention of Rocke and his friends. Inwardly, she sighed and got ready to smooth the situation over.

"Huh?" Rocke said, gapping at his ex in utter amazement.

"Who the heck are you?" Kallane said, her eyes full of distrust. She clenched her fist, and peered around, anticipating an attack at any moment.

"She was following us," The Konquellian said in his broken version of their language.

"Really? Why are you here, Jafia?" While not suspicious, Rocke seemed more guarded.

"Hello, Rocke," Jafia said, her tone innocent. She eyed the Konquellian standing over her with open fear, trying to win their sympathy. Her lip trembled. "I wanted to say hello. Who are these people, Rocke?"

"Huh? You know this person, Rocke?" Kallane asked.

"Yes, she's my ex-girlfriend," Rocke replied, and the others stared at him in utter befuddlement. Of the replies he could have given, that was the one they'd least expected.

"That's right," Jafia said, putting some indignation in her voice. "And who are you?"

"Ex-girlfriend?" Kallane said, shaking her head as if to clear it. But her confusion quickly returned to suspicion. "Why did you follow us instead of just talking to Rocke earlier? How long was she following us, Nitao?"

"Since the café," he replied.

"Thought so," Kallane said, pleased with her deduction.

"Rocke's a wanted man. Obviously, I wanted to meet him somewhere a little more secure and private. I wanted to avoid drawing attention!" Jafia said, adding outrage to her voice.

"Is that right?" Maple said, her tone neutral. She eyed their captive with interest, giving nothing away. Unlike her daughter, the Ottomon woman was a tough customer. Behind her motherly, warm exterior, her eyes were hard, guarded. She'd be the harder to convince of the two.

"Gee, Jafia. You shouldn't scare us like that!" Rocke said. "Please put the knife away, Nitao. She's alright."

After a moment's hesitation, the Konquellian lowered his knife. In one slick motion, he returned it to its hiding spot. Whoever this guy was, Jafia was certain he'd had training. But that mystery could wait until later.

"Thank you," Jafia said with a shaky voice.

"Wait, if you're exes, why are you so happy to see Rocke again?" Kallane blurted. Was this girl incapable of restraining her tongue?

"What? I can't be concerned for a friend?" Jafia said, adding steel to her voice. "And what about you? Do you nearly kill everyone that gets close to you?"

"Sorry about that, Jafia," Rocke said. Much to Jafia's satisfaction, he sounded embarrassed. "Things have been stressful lately."

"Yeah, I overheard. You suspect Mayor Sunbearer is up to something?" Jafia asked, crossing her arms.

"Might be," Rocke replied. "That's what we're trying to figure out."

"What does it matter to you?" Kallane asked.

Before Jafia could reply, Rocke jumped to her defense. "Hey! Jafia is a good person. She's always advocated that the Ottomon should be treated better!"

That wasn't strictly true. She'd carefully kept her opinions to herself to avoid drawing attention. But she had vented to Rocke once or twice about her frustrations with his country. Much to her pleasure, it seemed they'd sunk in and caused him to rethink some of his worldviews.

"Wait, was it partly my fault Rocke killed Joven to defend the prophet Matthias?" Jafia thought. She questioned whether to feel guilty about that.

"And she can help!" Rocke said, a light flashing behind his eyes. "Jafia works for the Defense Department. She can uncover some clues about what's happening."

"Really?" Maple said, impressed.

"Actually..." It was Jafia's turn to be embarrassed. "I don't work for them anymore. I didn't like the job, so I quit." So much for her easy in. In retrospect, she shouldn't have quit her job so quickly. But an idea struck her for how she might still prove useful to them. "I was considering working for the mayor's office instead, but right now, that's impossible."

"Why?" Kallane asked.

"Sunbearer's gone strange. He's fired almost his entire staff, only keeping the people he considers most loyal. It doesn't matter how long you've worked for him." This caught their attention, and Jafia hid a smile.

"It's a strange coincidence," Rocke replied. " Do you think he might be fearing reprisals for this plan?"

"Paranoia always runs deep in the UOP's upper echelons. He probably fears Demon infiltrators or whatever," Kallane replied.

"Another hint," Maple said, rubbed her chin.

"Anything else, Jafia?" Rocke asked, hopeful.

In response, Jafia flinched. "No, that's about it. But I'm still willing to help however I can. I refused to allow the UOP to hurt people."

Kallane still seemed unconvinced, but Maple nodded. "Dear, I appreciate your help. You seem like a bright young lady."

"I suppose it's fine," Kallane said, though she didn't sound that enthusiastic. Was it because she didn't want Rocke's ex around? 

Still, she wasn't confident if she'd actually won over Maple. Belying her overt friendliness, the older Ottomon woman remained wary. Jafia wasn't sure if she'd convinced Nitao, either. He didn't seem keen about her presence, either, but he wouldn't complain.

"I'll have to be very careful," Jafia thought. Out loud, she said, "Tell me everything you can. Let's talk in your vehicle, somewhere less open."

Minutes later, the trio explained everything she'd already overheard as they drove through the city's backstreets. She was careful to remain both inquisitive and skeptical about their story, especially since their suspicions only came from a dream. The entire time, Jafia pondered ways she might help their cause. Halfway through their story, she settled on one.

"I quit my job, but I might still have some access to the network." She'd had a decent position before she quit. "My password might still be good. I don't think they've removed me from the system yet." If not, she'd hack her way inside. Not that they needed to know that.

"It's a long shot, but it's worth a try," Maple replied. "Perhaps an old office colleague can help?"

"I'll see what I can do," Jafia replied with a nod, already forming some ideas.

"Removing every Ottomon from the city won't be easy. The military must be involved somehow," Rocke said. "But just be careful, okay? These people are ruthless."

Despite herself, this earned a flush from Jafia. "I will." This earned an annoyed huff from Kallane, who glared daggers at her.

"Whatever," Jafia thought. The Ottomon girl's petty jealousy didn't concern her. Jafia smiled inwardly, pleased she'd infiltrated Rocke's group. Still, she needed to determine the validity of their claims. If not, she'd still spread rumors about Mayor Sunbearer's plan. Everything was coming together.

---

"Tell me about the Minister's last days," Rolf said, peering forward. His massive bulk immediately made the small man recoil in trepidation. The intimidation was intentional. He'd stand no lies from his witness.

"There isn't much to tell," the butler shifted uncomfortably in his chair. His name was Parce Brani, a recent hire in Minister Loffie's household. "The days before the Minister's accident seemed normal enough."

The wiry man jumped as Rolf slammed a fist on the table between them. "Accident? Except that isn't true. I have evidence Loffie's death was intentional murder."

"Surely not!"

"I'd be careful what you tell me, Brani. For all I know, you were involved. Someone tampered with the railing of the staircase. That's why it broke under the Minister's weight, and he plummeted to his death," Rolf replied.

A silence passed as the wormy man gathered his thoughts. Rolf's reputation preceded him. It would be beyond stupid to lie to him.

"Hmm. The day leading up to his death, we were planning for Minister Loffie's birthday party. We were working hard to set up the ball he had planned. Shame. He died a day before his birthday. With everyone coming and going, it would be difficult to pinpoint the staff's exact whereabouts."

Yes, exactly as the killer wanted. Unfortunately, the household had dozens of new hires, particularly to help with the party. It'd take time to investigate each one. Still, Rolf was a patient hunter.

"Anything else?" Rolf gave the man sitting across from him a skeptical eyebrow. "You were in charge of the household, Mr. Brani. You might say you're partially responsible for your master's death."

"Well, I…" The butler was lost for words. 

"And Mayor Sunbearer wants this case solved. What I see is a convenient suspect to pin the crime on."

"No!" The man trembled with terror, knowing Rolf wasn't joking. "I mean, I can help! There is one thing!"

"Oh?"

"I remember something I thought was odd. While new to the staff, I have an excellent memory for faces. And the day before the Minister's death, one of the new secretaries, Jafia Kelvas, was dissatisfied with the third hall's cleanliness. She ordered it to be scrubbed to a shine."

"So?"

"It seemed clean enough to me, but I shrugged it off. She worked them to the bone, making the staff work deep into the night. Maybe it offered an opportunity to tamper with the railing?"

"Hmm." It did offer a perfect opportunity to sneak away and do some mischief. "Anything else?"

"Kelvas was at the estate the day the Minister died," the butler replied, brow furrowed. "Though it wasn't her responsibility, she insisted on helping with the final preparations."

"That should do. I will be in contact if I have further questions." Without another word, Rolf vacated the interrogation room.

"Jafia Kelvas?" He recalled seeing the name on the staff roster. While the butler hadn't given him anything substantial—Kelvas might have just been an overeager worker—still it was a lead worth investigating.

He checked his phone for any messages. Rolf sighed in annoyance when he saw the mayor had left him dozens of messages, no doubt to threaten him if Loffie's case wasn't solved by tonight. With deft fingers, he deleted Sunbearer's messages. But it reminded him of a more important case, and his phone rang as he called up his subordinate.

"Chief?" Halkken asked as he answered.

"Any updates on your progress?" Unlike Sunbearer, Rolf kept his tone civil. He knew rushing a case helped no one. Halkken would locate the culprit in his own time.

"One lead, it's taking time. But I suspect we'll find the right trail in the end."

"No, we won't!" Phú said, interrupting her partner. Her cartoon avatar appeared on his phone's screen, filled with indignation. The lights of the twin sirens in her hair were blaring. "He's got us on a wild goose chase. We've wasted the entire day wandering around the city!"

"We're getting there," Halkken said defensively. "Just be a little more patient."

"Chief, did you know Halkken likes resorting to cranks?" Phú said, her tone vicious.

Immediately, Rolf knew who the AI was speaking about. "He's talked to Babaka again."

"Yes." Phú's tone turned frigid. "And now he's following the utter nonsense she sprouted at him!"

Rolf rubbed his temple, but he smiled. "Just go with it. Halkken's methods are unorthodox, but he gets his man."

While he didn't buy the old hag's fake mystical mumbo jumbo, it seemed to work for Halkken. Why argue with success? 

"This way, Phú! This might be the hill the fortune-teller mentioned!" Halkken said with bubbling excitement.

"You owe me for this, Chief!" The line went dead as Phú terminated the call.

"What a pair," Rolf chuckled to himself, pleased they were getting along so well. He'd need to team them up again in the future.

After some searching, it soon became apparent he'd found his woman. Once he started investigating Kelvas's past, it toppled like a house of cards. While convincing, a deeper look revealed obvious holes. It was too clean, for one—not even a single parking ticket. Her internet presence was scarce for someone so young, with barely any social media posts beyond the last few years. And her hometown of Gravilan was conveniently distant from Vladus. She'd be a total stranger here.

"A three-year degree at Vladus University with high marks in business," her report said—a genius, by all accounts. And then the Defense Ministry hired her, only for her to quit soon after.

"A lovely young lady," Rolf said as he scanned her profile. But her looks belied a natural coldness, with hard eyes.

He gasped as he scrolled through her photo gallery. In one of the pictures was Rocke Ralss—Joven's killer.

His entire world took a tumble as he struggled to process this information. In one of the photos, Rocke was embracing and kissing her at a party. And didn't the Ralss boy also go to Vladus University? The sheer coincidence made his head spin.

Was it only a coincidence? It seemed fortuitous that the pair shared a connection. Was Ralss somehow involved with Loffie's death? Was Joven's death not manslaughter, but a deliberate, coldly calculated murder?

"I'm letting Sunbearer get to me." Rolf rubbed the bridge of his nose. He was overworking himself. Rocke was a stupid kid, not an assassin. And what would anyone gain from killing Joven, anyway?

Still, the connection was interesting. Much to Rolf's delight, he realized that Jafia Kelvas might lead him to Ralss. While a long shot, it was worth a try. After getting Kelvas's address, he grabbed his coat.

"I'm going out," he told his deputy, Shiisaa. "Keep me posted on the Ugly Duckling preparations."

Like Rolf, his deputy seemed haggard by their department's preparations for the mayor's insane plan. And since the police chief had other duties, the workload fell on her.

"Can do, sir." Shiisaa sipped a cup of coffee before frantically typing on her keyboard. She grumbled to himself before chomping down on another donut. The poor woman had a habit of stress-eating when pushed.

Confident the situation was in good hands, Rolf left for his vehicle. He had a good feeling about his newest lead—a hunch telling him Kelvas would lead him to his true target. He loved it when everything came together.