Chapter 2: What's in the Case?

"Then, what did you find?” Nate asked through the phone.

Stephen was still puzzled by the incident and is hesitant to answer

“Well... The switch seems quite odd...”

"It was on, wasn’t it?" Nate briskly said his theory and obviously, turned out to be right.

“It was clearly a homicide, a set-up. The chandelier's light should've turned on, but instead fell... Stephen, you know you’re prohibited to investigate this case, right? Look, I know you love trouble bu– “

“No, I don’t,” Stephen answered abruptly, quickly denying the statement in a serious tone.

“...Yes, you do." Nate sighed through the line, "Look, I’m not really into these kinds of stuff, but if you get into trouble again and need a backup, I’m in - oh and please try not to get caught, I have much problem as it is.”

"Thanks, pal-" The call abruptly ended as Nate was somewhat irritated and hanged up the phone.

...

When the sun disappeared and shadows turned to blackness, Stephen's mind wondered sleeplessly thinking about the case. "Was it really an accident? Was it really homicide? if it was...then what was the reason for Stella’s death?" Stephen said mumbling to himself as the night gloom washes over his eyes and thoughts.

...

When Stephen woke up it was still nighttime, he then thought about the same thoughts that flooded his restless mind. "What is the reason for Stella's death?" They say curiosity killed the cat, but Stephen was determined to find the truth that he became tasseled by his own curiosity and went to Stella Appleton’s home despite it being very late. “Dark Rose Town, fifth street, mansion…” He mumbled repeatedly to himself as if he would forget if he stops altering the word repeatedly.

Minutes have passed as Stephen navigated through the night and although it was dark, he had no need to squint his eyes as he easily spotted Stella's House - the obvious two-story mansion at the end of the pavement with its glimmering strong metal gates that stands straight; surrounding the mansion's property. The gates glowers at Stephen's silhouette as he began to climb the bars - quickly trespassing without a trace. Once inside, he wore his black gloves and started to investigate. He roamed around the mansion observing every detail and predicting possible events to might have taken place. Moments have passed, and with no luck he found nothing. The mansion appeared clear and unsuspecting – maybe for the police but not for Stephen.

Stephen walked inside the room of Stella’s deceased husband. It was a dusty bedroom; his awards are displayed all over the walls and shelves. Books are everywhere. “#1 Bestseller Novelist, Booklist 1942 Editor’s Choice. Winner of the 1942 National Book Award. 1942 Best Book of the Year. ‘The Dreadful Sins of the Mysterious Illusionist’– Heinz Appleton.” Stephen read the trophy awards one by one as he walked around the room. Everybody knew Heinz Appleton and his amazing fantasy books, but it was a waste of talent since he died five years ago of illness.

After reading, Stephen observed the room suspiciously. He found nothing at the moment. He stood there with his arms crossed – clearly wasn’t ready to leave because he felt that something was hidden, a secret. He then noticed the typewriter. It was quite dusty... But strangely, some letters have less dust than the others, as if the letters were recently used. “A code... Just great.” He muttered.

The typewriter was placed on the table next to the bathroom door, and the fireplace was in between the bookshelves. Stephen continued to be preoccupied with searching for some clues. Later, he noticed an article on the table and a bulletin board that was hanging above the typewriter. The article was entitled “A Writer’s Dream” and there’s nothing more about it. He then noticed another motto written in one of the notes “A writer’s dream, is a dream that all writers have. A miracle inside their imaginations.” Stephen was perplexed after reading these obvious mottos and thought that these are the biggest hints that he had. He was standing in front of the bulletin board while tapping his feet.

He thinks for a second, then recalled a book that he once read – he remembered the phrase “Every writer's dream is to write without having to worry about the hassle of marketing and self–promotion. It’s to focus on the craft. All writers dream of one day, being their own gatekeeper.” He mumbled the phrase carefully as if rearranging a puzzle piece, then Stephen's eyes widened - he impulsively reached the typewriter and typed down the code “gatekeeper”.

A small thud can be heard to his right, he looked and noticed that the left bookshelf next to the bathroom door began to move - opening an archway that appears to be a hidden passage. Stephen was astounded by his discovery as his eyes wandered wide open; as if he saw a dead body on the scene. He reluctantly entered the passageway, for there might be something in there that he wouldn't expect. He descended the stairs and began to manage through the dark hallway, and in the end, a room full of dust-filled artifacts protected by its clear cases with each being held by a pedestal with its corresponding names.

"This might be Stella's private artifact room" He mumbled as he touched the first artifact that he saw. Stephen wandered around the room and observed quietly. When Stephen came further into the room, he noticed an empty pedestal in the middle of the room with its case being clean.

"One artifact is missing"

...

The next day, Stephen woke up with his heavy eyes and sluggish movements. “Same town… Fourth street… Second lot.” He recalled the conversation he overheard about the address of Maria Eve so that he can locate the place and once he gets there, he will ask Maria about the empty artifact case.

Stephen once again went to Dark Rose Town and found himself in front of Maria’s office, he knocked on the door.

“Hello? Who’s there?” Maria asked without opening the door. “Good morning Ms. Eve. I am Stephen Weissman, a detective from the B.I.C.F police. I came to ask you some questions if you don’t mind?” Stephen greeted and showed his license through the glass peephole. Maria was satisfied enough with the detective’s license that she invites Stephen inside her office.

She offered Stephen a seat and asked if he would like some coffee. “Thank you, Ms. Eve – “

“I’ll be fine with just Maria, Sir.” She smiled and sat on her office chair. “And I’m Stephen, nice to meet you.” Stephen extends his hand to shake Maria's, which she promptly ignored. Stephen just stood and smiled awkwardly to himself. “So, what are the questions that you want to ask me, Detective?”

“I came here to ask you about the information of Ms. Stella’s collections.” Maria’s face became solemn. “I’m afraid that’s a vital topic, Sir.” Maria repudiated the question. With her response, Stephen decided to tell her what he found in Stella's Manor. “I investigated Stella’s home.” Maria glanced at him – rejecting to look at him attentively.

“I went to her husband’s room and discovered a hidden passage. The password was ‘gatekeeper’.”

“How? How did you – “

“Long story. I saw many artifacts there and they seemed to be important... and rare.”

“Yes... they are.” Maria agreed.

“Worry not, I closed the passage when I went out so the artifacts are safe," Stephen said to reassure Maria, but Stephen's gaze turned cold and serious. "One was missing.”

“One was missing?!!” She exclaimed, shocked by what she heard. Stephen observed Maria's reactions.

“The Item was at the end of the room - in the middle. This missing artifact might be connected to Stella’s death.” Stephen stated in a stern frigid manner.

"The Item was at the end of the room - in the middle," Maria muttered to herself while immediately opening her drawers to search for the files. She opened each cabinet and pulled out a basket filled with labeled documents.

Later, she found the file of the missing artifact and gave it to Stephen - a picture was attached to it. It was a disturbing black Mask with big eyes. The Mask seemed to be very old. Stephen raised his eyebrows and gave a questionable look at Maria. “Yes, Sir. That’s the item.” Maria nodded, reassuring Stephen.

Stephen observed the picture intently. As his eyes gaze through every detailed line and texture of the picture he was holding, he saw a logo written on the mask. “S.E.U” He muttered as he reached for Maria and asked her about the logo. She then searched her desks but found nothing. If Maria doesn't a complete file about this artifact, then it seems like Stella didn't want the artifact to be disclosed to anyone, not even her assistant...

Stephen asked Maria if he could have a copy of the Photograph, which Maria agreed to. As Stephen exists Maria's office, He was left with the feeling distraught while thinking about the logo on the Mask. Stephen was certain that it was stolen, and that this case... was bigger than he expected.

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