Chapter 19: An Unofficial Inquiry
Nathan returned to his cell and picked up his phone. He read for a bit but eventually boredom set in.
He willed the system card to existence and examined then dispelled it a few times.
’Where does the card go?’
[The inventory: A pocket dimension which is only accessible to the host.]
’What else is in that inventory?’
[The system cannot help the host with that information at this time.]
Nathan gave the screen a side eye.
’You mentioned something about extra features?’
[Positive. The system provides extra features beyond the rebate. These can be triggered by various situations and milestones.]
’Such as?’
[The system wants the host to discover them himself.]
Nathan shook his head. The system was being too secretive.
’Is 2x always going to be the default rebate?’
[Yes but there are certain features that solve this limitation.]
’Let me guess you can’t provide me with the information’
[The Host catches on quickly.]
Nathan frowned at the screen. There were lots of questions he wanted to ask but those could wait once he was out of here.
’Since the system is linked to me. I should be able to see my stats and items right?’
[Correct. The host may use the command ’Status’ or will it.]
’Got it. Now show–’
"You have a visitor." A voice called, breaking him from his thoughts.
Nathan turned to the door where a guard was waiting.
"Another one?" he frowned. "Is it my sister?" he asked, putting his hand through the slot.
"I don’t know," the guard answered and clapped his chains. "She seems like a cop."
The visitation room door opened for a second time.
Detective Della was already waiting on the other side of the glass. She wore a dark hoodie, jeans and dark sunglasses.
She was tall, though still a few inches shorter than Nathan. They sat across from each other and picked up the phones.
The detective spoke first. "Good day, Mr Ledger."
"Hello," Nathan replied. "I’m assuming you’re the detective who spoke with my sister?"
"Yes. Della Decker." She flashed her badge just long enough for Nathan to see a woman with grey eyes and the words ’Arkis Police Department’.
Nathan noted the quick motion but kept it aside. "So what can I help you with? Triple D."
The detective kept her face straight. "I want to talk you about your case."
Nathan leaned forward. "What about my case? Did you find new evidence or a witness?"
"No. I want to know what they offered or did to make you confess?"
Nathan’s previous excitement faded from his face. "Why are you asking that?"
The woman leaned back. "I’m conducting an investigation."
"On who?" Nathan asked.
Della frowned. "I’ll be asking the questions."
"And I’ll be deciding which ones I answer," Nathan countered.
The detective went silent for a moment before bringing out a photograph. On it was a familiar man wearing a suit with slick hair.
"Raymond Specter," Nathan muttered, then looked at Della. "So you’ve found evidence he’s a fraud?"
Della returned the picture. "Not yet. I suspect he’s coercing defendants into confessing. Threats, blackmail... maybe even money. I don’t know which yet."
She tilted her head. "Which is why I want to know what he offered you."
The gears in Nathan’s mind were spinning. The detective was onto something, but she didn’t have the full picture.
"What makes you think I was offered anything?"
Della raised an eye. "Because I’ve established a pattern with some of his cases. There’s usually an offer or something." Della said. "But considering the state of your family, I don’t know what to think."
Nathan raised an eyebrow. "What do you know about my family?"
"I know you dropped out of high school. You’ve worked jobs to keep your father and sister afloat. You’ve had no priors and I know you carry a dollar bill for luck."
Nathan frowned. "Catherine must have said quite a lot."
Della smiled faintly. "She seems to be utterly convinced you didn’t do this."
"Because I didn’t."
"Then tell me why you confessed. What does Specter have on you."
It seems the detective doesn’t know I was compelled to confess.
Della watched him in silence as his mind raced on how he could use the information as leverage.
Nathan decided to test the waters. "Why are you on this case? I don’t see any upside for you."
She pursed her lips. "Let’s just say I’m an officer of the law and I can’t stand injustice."
Nathan didn’t buy the excuse, but he didn’t want to push it. "Alright, but you have very limited information."
Della frowned. "What do you mean?"
"I’m saying you’re missing a vital piece of information on the case. On Raymond Specter," Nathan watched her expression for any signs.
Behind her sunglasses. Her eyes shifted for a brief moment. Nathan noted the subtle change in tone as she spoke.
"If you’re withholding information from an officer–"
"I’m not withholding anything." Nathan interrupted, raising his free hand. "I simply know something you don’t."
Della took off her glasses. Her eyes assessed him like she was looking for a tell. "Let me guess. You want something in return for the information?"
Nathan tapped his fingers on the table. "Of course."
Della scoffed. "If it’s money you’re looking for I don’t–"
"Who said anything about money?" Nathan grinned. "I want to be part of the investigation."
Surprise flickered across Della’s face and she went silent for a minute. She hadn’t expected that answer. "You can’t be serious."
"But I am." Nathan said. "Look I may be a civilian with no experience but I can provide resources to your department."
Della chuckled. "I thought you were... financially challenged.."
"Yes but I have a sponsor and they have a grudge against Specter." Nathan replied.
That reply seemed to put Della at ease for a moment. "Be that as it may I can’t get you out of here. I don’t have that kind of reach."
"Getting out isn’t the problem. The real question is whether you’ll let me work with you"
Della leaned back. "Let’s say you leave here for some reason. What makes you think I’d want your help?"
"Because you’re here. You seem determined to nail this case and by the looks of it, I don’t think you were allowed to work on this. "
Della’s eyes sparked. "And what makes you think that?"
"You’re dressed to avoid attention," Nathan gestured to her. "You flashed your badge quickly and... " Nathan paused for effect. "You were a bit too interested the moment I said I had information on Specter so personal issues?"
"You’re seeing things," Della defended. "Why would I believe what you’re saying is true?"
Nathan gestured around. "Because I’m here and..." He raised a finger for emphasis. "...I have more to gain by clearing my name."
Della paused for a moment then chuckled. "You’ve got a lot of balls on you."
"Just two," Nathan replied casually.
Della wasn’t amused. "This is ridiculous."
"No it’s not. We have the same goals." Nathan frowned for a moment. "If you’re worried about me running. You can put a tracker on me or something."
Della scoffed. "You’ve been watching too many crime movies."
"Maybe."
Della rose up with her phone. "I’ll keep in touch."
"You’ll know where to find me."
Della furrowed her brows at the statement. Nathan let out a slow breath as the guards ushered him away.
The detective would be a good addition in helping his case when he escaped. At least now there was someone else asking the right questions.
By the time Nathan got to his cell. The sun was high in the sky and his thoughts were occupied by the detective.
He sent a message to Moe asking for information on her but he still hadn’t responded.
Theo made a joke about him being a celebrity for getting two visitors but he wasn’t in the mood to appreciate it.
The whirring of helicopter blades could be heard outside from his cell.
"Probably transporting a new prisoner," Nathan muttered.
Without warning an alarm roared, swallowing the noise of the helicopters. Red emergency lights exploded down the corridor in steady flashes.
Nathan got up and looked through the small bars on the metal door.
"Theo, what’s happening?" Nathan yelled over the alarm.
"Lockdown," Theo called back. "Something is happening. It’s most likely a riot or...."
BOOM!!