Legendary Detective in the City of Kings: Legendary Detective, #2

Legendary Detective in the City of Kings

By

Kaye Wagner

Text copyright © December 2013, Kaye Wagner

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All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without express written permission from the author.

Contents

Story 4: Game of Love

Story 5: The Big Bad Wolf

Story 6: Man of Science and Chaos

Story 7: Shadows

Author Notes

Story 4: Game of Love

It’s been two days already, Jake. an elderly woman complained in her thick eastern accent as she chopped down the slab of pigs meat in her small vendor kart in the bustling Market Square. I already paid you service fee, the woman continued in her broken accent. But I still receive no service. What type of scam agency are you running here where customers pay you for nothing? the woman chastised a restless Jake. Well, she tilted her head. I’m not stupid, I don’t play those games. I want my money back, now, or I’ll cut a little dangling piece off you from below the belt line... And I’m not talking about a toe. She pointed the end of her butcher’s knife towards Jake while he held a notepad in his hands scribbling notes down.

I’m sorry Mrs. Yaro, but you don’t need to go that far. Jake said with an exhausted, yet charming smile on his face. But you have to understand how backed up with cases we are these past few days—with so many murders, robberies and break-ins, we haven’t had time to dedicate our full resources to the search of your lost chickens.

So what? Mrs. Yaro waved her butcher’s knife around, splashing a spot of blood onto Jake’s coat and grey V-neck shirt. I pay with the same coin, I want same service. Or should I not be speaking to you about this, hmm? Maybe I should head over to the City Patrol and tell them about my new case, that I was robbed by a fake detective and his invisible partner.

Jake let out a sigh before pocketing his notebook. Fine. He nodded his head. Get the City Patrol here, they’ll arrest me, but they won’t find your chickens, after all, they’re probably being paid off by the same people that stole them.

Mrs. Yaro scowled at Jake in frustration before slamming her butcher’s knife into the belly meat of a pig.

Jake was surprised she was keeping her mouth shut. Feeling that he hit a nerve with his latest comments, he pushed forward with that same line of thought. You know, he continued. You need our help because there are no services like us. No one in the Market Sector will willingly take all offers, even if they do go against Union or Patrol matters... Jake said eyeing the frustrated expression on Mrs. Yaro’s face. You’ve heard the rumors about us, right?

Mrs. Yaro lifted her head from her meat cutting and stared Jake down. So it’s true then? You went up against the Patrol and got illegal immigrants safely out of the city. Hmph... she scoffed. Should have let them die, they have no place in this city.

And what if the Ministers in the High-End Sector decided your chickens didn’t belong in your coop? Would you be fine with that because the ministry says so? Jake smirked. I think not, so that’s why you need us. We’re brave enough to find your chickens at any cost—can you say the same thing about the City Patrol?

Mrs. Yaro shook her head as she continued chopping her meat. "Damn patrol, they’ve been raiding vendors lately, confiscating goods for the ‘Purity of Shipment’ regulations. If any package has trace radiation or chemicals, they confiscate materials. But that’s just a cover for them to steal property for resale in the Grey Market... Mrs. Yaro looked down with a forlorn expression on her face. They raided my friend Mai a few weeks ago. They took everything in her warehouse, left her with nothing but big debts. Now she works in the Red-light Sector. Mrs. Yaro shook her head in anger. She was a very smart girl, now she’s..."

Don’t worry. Jake nodded his head. We’ll find your goods.

You better. She replied with a hard chop at the neck of a pig. If not, I’ll turn you in to the Patrol myself.

Mrs. Yaro. An old man said walking up to her stall. I need three pig’s heads for the fight later today.

No problem, Hank. Mrs. Yaro smiled brightly, removing the grimace that seemed permanent on her face with a feigned smile for appearances sake.

Jake exhaled in relief before walking away from the vendor stall, passing by the lines of customers waiting to purchase some fresh meat from Mrs. Yaro in the Market Sector. Walking away from the crowds and lines that made up the Meat Sub-Sector of the Market area, Jake sighed uncontrollably as the frustration he kept hidden during his conversation with Mrs. Yaro began bleeding through his steady demeanor. Just as he lowered his head in frustration, he felt an arm wrap around his neck and shoulders as a friendly voice leapt from his side.

What’s with all the sighs, Mr. Big time business man? Lee said placing an annoyed Jake in a headlock.

Get off me! Jake said grabbing Lee’s arm and throwing it off his neck. What’s wrong with you? Can’t you ever grow up?

Whoa, Lee said raising his hands in surrender. Calm down grumpy old man. No need to act all uppity now that you’re pulling in some coin.

What? Jake said fixing the collar of his coat. You mean all the money we’ve been making in this grand old Detective Agency?

Well, yeah... You guys must be swimming in coin. Though that would be uncomfortable, swimming in coin, I mean. You’ll end up sore all over with a quick dip into a tub full of that rough stuff, not to mention the edges. Eeek

What are you talking about? Jake said walking forward through the growing crowds of the afternoon bustle in the Market Square. There is no coin. Jake continued as he rushed forward.

What do you mean there’s no money? Lee said chasing Jake through the crowds. Wait, didn’t you guys get a bunch of people asking for your help after that thing with the immigrant chick and the Patrol?

Yeah, we did. Jake nodded as he held his head in frustration. But just like I thought, it just can’t work.

What do you mean?

What? Can’t you tell? Jake said in disbelief of Lee’s lack of unawareness.

Tell what?

Fine, Jake said titling his head in disappointment. Where’s Jade now?

Jade?

Yeah, where is she?

Oh, I left her at your office with Kirin as usual. You know, I didn’t like him at first, but Jade just loves being around him, and well, having a second person to look after her is real nice, gives me time to go out and look for gam—, Lee’s eyes widened as a sudden realization hit him mid-sentence.

Now do you see my problem? Jake asked. Kirin doesn’t work, no, not that, he refuses to do any of the cases we get turned into us or even any of the cases I’ve picked up on my own. He calls them ‘child’s play’ before throwing away my notes and telling me to comeback with something more difficult for him to solve.

So that’s why he was in the office so often. I just thought he was so good he didn’t have to work that much.

Kind of like you, right?

Yeah, Lee nodded his head in agreement. That’s how us geniuses work—we don’t need to break a sweat. We simply snap our fingers and things happen. Lee said with a pompous look on his face.

Shut up Lee. Jake said pushing him lightly in laughter. You’re no genius—you’re what we hard working folk call a lazy freeloader.

How rude, I’m a talented one as well.

Jake smiled. You do have some good carpentry skills... Fine, you’re a talented and lazy freeloader.

Hey, some of us like to work at our own pace, so excuse me for not enjoying the wonders of being every kind of assistant and messenger in the City, just like you.

But that’s not the point of those jobs, Jake shook his head. The goal behind every crummy job I picked up was to save up enough coin so that I could make a job my own and work it to my leisure and benefit. That’s what I’m doing now with this agency, and I’m only here because I earned it, I just didn’t sit around and proclaim it to be, like some genius.

Man... Stop throwing shade on my game. Lee smiled. You have your way, we geniuses have ours. And we chose to live well without earning it.

Unfortunately for you, that’s a right only afforded to Nobles, and last time I checked, you don’t have a last name.

Well, you don’t either. Lee snipped back

Then let’s call it a draw. Jake smiled as he wrapped his arm around Lee’s shoulder. And how about you help me convince our new found friend and genius to do some work.

Lee pulled away. I don’t know what I could do to convince that crazy detective. Whenever I talk to him, either he gives me a blank stare or he teases me about my hobbies.

Poker and blackjack are not your hobbies, they’re your sickness.

Anyways, Lee said ignoring his words. Why don’t you just use your magical charisma spell?

What?

I mean, how did you convince him in the first place, you know, to become a partner with you?

I don’t know... Jake shrugged his shoulders in thought. He just convinced himself, I guess.

Then just do the same thing here, try to remember what you said before, what brought him here to the business.

I’m sure he’ll listen, a feminine voice said to the side of Jake and Lee as they headed out of the Market Sector and its traffic. They both turned to their side to see the smiling face of a beautiful young woman with shimmering blond hair and blue eyes staring back at them from the front of a Dress Shop.

Hello boys. The young woman smiled to the wide grin of Lee and the stunned face of Jake who stared at her anxiously.

K-Kate. Jake said fumbling over her name as his heart raced while staring at her in her flower-patterned sundress.

Kate! Lee said rushing over to her with open arms, giving her a hug while Jake still stared at her helplessly.

Where’ve you been? Lee continued. We hadn’t seen you around for weeks. Man... I got some stories to tell you.

I’m sure you do. Kate said with a smile and glance at Jake.

Hahaha... Lee laughed. These past few weeks have been crazy—I got to tell you about this new friend Jake got, he’s absolutely insane.

I’ve heard. Kate said with a wistful smile as her gaze fell upon Jake again while Lee spoke into her ear about the action and adventure that ensued the days she missed spending with them. As she looked at Jake, he looked back, soon sharing the warm smile she wore on her face with his own. He then slowly walked up to her, calmly standing to the side of a babbling Lee to get a clear look at her.

Hello Kate. Jake said.

Kate smiled and looked at him with upturned eyes, shying away from his gaze before looking back. Hello Jake.

Well, Lee said backing away. The two love birds have finally met after a long intermission, so I’ll just take my leave, and let you do your things. Lee said with a big grin on his face as he walked away. I’ll meet you back at the shop. He said taking his leave a few blocks down to the Detective Agency.

Jake looked on at Lee’s departure for a moment before looking back at Kate. So... he smiled at her. You leave in the dead of night without telling anyone a word, now you come back out of nowhere. What is going on with you Kate? I almost went crazy searching for you until your Aunt told me you went on a trip to one of the Better Cities.

Yeah... Kate said giving a meek bow. I’m sorry about that. My Aunt needed someone to travel with her goods along with my Uncle.

But that’s dangerous, I mean crossing the Outskirts. I’ve heard there are so many thieves and beasts from the Grey Forest between each city, that unless you’re under Noble Guards or Merchant Security, you won’t make it alive.

Don’t worry—we had Merchant Security when we traveled.

Whoa... Jake said taking aback by Kate’s words. When did your Aunt earn enough money from the Cloth Shop to afford something that expensive?

A relative in the Greater City Caron paid for it. Kate said strolling down the sidewalk. Jake followed her light steps, walking beside her gentle glide.

That’s a rather nice relative to have to fit the bill for protection.

More like an investment in the goods my Aunt is selling.

This buyer wants to invest in clothing? That’s weird. I don’t see people choosing a new shirt over food and rent anytime soon, besides, you can just buy locally.

That’s only good for lazy dressers like you. She chuckled.

Hey, I’m not a lazy dresser—I’m just economical with my clothes.

That’s good too, but sometimes you just have to splurge and express yourself with the seams of your threads.

Jake smiled at her words. I’m guessing a fashion freak like you was in heaven there, with people praising that sort of thing in the Better Cities.

It was fun. She smiled as she lowered her head to cover her excitement. I know it’s weird, but you had to see it. There were so many people in some of the Greater and Better Cities, just experimenting with so many different fabrics and designs, presenting them in shows and discussing investment opportunities. Over there, they say it’s the wave of the future, now with everyone getting gaudier with their clothes as money comes in to spend. She said with a little bit of her excitement showing.

Talk about Gaudy, Jake said looking at the city around him with its growing ornamental design and more detailed patterns. This City has changed so quickly since the Zoo’s in the High-End Sector were established. We’re having more and more crazy tourist and immigrants here ever since.

Have you been to them yet?

Jake laughed off her words. C’mon, you know you have to be some Noble or wealthy merchant to ever even enter the High-End Sector, let alone to see the zoo’s. Those are just for the tourist from the Golden Cities.

Kate smiled as Jake spoke about the Golden Cities. Hey, Jake. I’ve heard you’ve started some Detective store or something.

It’s an Agency. Jake turned and smiled at Kate. Yeah... I’ve started something up. Something I think can work.

Is it the big idea, the big dream you’ve been talking about?

Jake rubbed his upper lip as he grinned. I’m not a kid anymore. I’m just doing business.

Liar. Kate said grabbing Jake’s hand. You always rub your upper lip when you’re lying. This is the thing you were always talking about when you were little, the big idea you used to shout out on the beach after I beat you in a sword fight, the thing that will change the world, right?

Hey, I let you win those sword fights, you know.

Yeah, right... Kate grinned. Didn’t the last one to lose have to climb up to the top of those broken ships on the beaches? Tell me, how many times did I send you up there?

A lot. Jake said holding onto Kate’s hand.

I know... Kate smiled at his touch. And every time you’d climbed up there, you would stand at its top and yell out to the sea. Kate cleared her throat before making a booming voice. "The big dream, the big idea is out there, and I’m gonna change the world with it." Kate laughed after her poor imitation of him. Hahaha...

Lofty words for a kid. Jake nodded. I was just talking big after running away from another beating from the old man back at home.

Not to me. Kate said staring at Jake with her big blue eyes. I believed you... And I wait every day to see you keep that promise. After seeing you take all those small jobs, it’s good to see you find something you can call your own. I know it’s what you always wanted.

I don’t know about that. Jake said blushing as he patted the back of his head embarrassed and sort of guilty for letting her think this was anything beyond a profit venture.

Jake. Kate said stopping their forward movement as she held his hand and looked up to him. I need a favor from you.

What is it?

It’s my Auntie, she... She’s getting remarried, to some big shot merchant in the Greater City of Caron.

Wow, congratulations, I would have never thought someone so grouchy and nagging could ever convince a man into marrying her.

She’s only like that around you and me, when she finds a man she really likes, she can be quite the two faced beauty. Besides, she’s pretty if you stop listening to her and just look—which most men do when they’re around her.

Right... Jake smiled. "Well, she is your family, if her sister could produce such a beautiful girl like you, then I can understand how a man could fall for a relative of hers.

Sweet words as always. Kate blushed before looking away with concern.

What’s wrong? Jake noticed the serious look in her eyes.

It’s about this guy, the man my Auntie is marrying. He’s a suspicious person, I mean, the way he does business with the people around him. I-I don’t know. Kate said letting out a big sigh. I just don’t feel comfortable with the situation... For my Auntie.

So you have some suspicions about this guy... And I’m guessing you want to use my services. Jake said with a smile. Kate looked back with an earnest look in her eyes.

Can you do that for me? she asked.

Sure... Come on back to the office. I’ll introduce you to my partner. If I can get him to work, by the end of the day, we’ll find everything you need to know about this guy.

Really?

Sure. C’mon, let’s go. Jake said turning around.

Wait, I can’t go. Kate said pulling away. I’m sorry, I have to prepare a fashion show with my Aunt, we’re taking part in the Caron City Fashion show in the High-End Sector later on tonight.

Whoa. Moving up in the world, aren’t we?

Haha... Kate chuckled. You better hurry up then. She said looking at Jake with anticipation in her eyes.

I am. Jake smiled before shaking his head, refocusing his mind. You have any information you want to give me on this guy.

Yeah. He’s a metals merchant for the Noble house Vanguard in Caron City. His name is Sydney. Beyond that, I don’t know anything about him.

By the end of the day, you will know everything about this guy, just leave it to me.

Thank you. Kate nodded her head before walking away.

Jake watched Kate as she stride across the sidewalk with graceful steps that swung the light cloth of her sundress while she walked towards her shop. Looking at her, Jake felt his heart skip a beat as she glanced back at him while she stepped inside the store. As the door slammed shut behind her, Jake turned around with a grin from ear to ear on his face as he walked down the street, giddy with a spring in each step he took closer to his office. He brushed by people who looked at him in surprise of his wide steps and open smile.

Had a good day? Jack, owner of the Medicine Shop asked as Jake passed by.

A fantastic day. Jake smiled as he walked on ahead.

What’s got you skipping Jake? Ping of the Herbal Store said as she gossiped with the girls outside her shop. Don’t tell me it’s Kate?

Then I’d have to lie. Jake smiled as he passed the giggling women.

What’s happening Jake? A truck driver shouted out of his window.

The world is happening, Craig, the world is spinning. Jake said turning around before heading back down the street towards the front door of the old den turned office. Letting his refreshed atmosphere carry him to the door, Jake felt a surge