It was well into night when the harse litter dropped them off at the stable grounds of the Cannon Fodder 4Hire complex. And there was a lot of activity and crowds the team weren't expecting.

They came upon Emelia having a civil, but solid argument with Captain Lucas. Peacock, in his human form of formal bottle-green suit and slicked back hair like a butler's, was next to her having a field day arguing his points with some of the senior Royal Guards who accompanied the captain. 669 counted at least seven in their yard.

“This is crazy Captain! They had no idea the man would be this sneaky and connected to the Miller murder.”

Captain Lucas had long gone deaf to his junior’s reason. “Regardless, this company is to no longer assist with the case.”

“And on whose upper authority? We had specific orders to from the Demon Domination Secretarial department to aid the Royal Guard officers in whatever they needed,” Shiyan crankily stated as he walked into view in his human form.

“Aah the overreaching rabbit. Why don’t you stick to being the Spirit Beast that you are.” Captain Lucas faced Shiyan and pulled out an official paper from his hat. Of course, no one was in the mood to laugh at that irony.

The official paper hovered in midair for all to read.

Shiyan frowned so deeply as he read the paper that his face was like a pouty child’s. “I didn’t know about this.”

“Know about what?” 789 calmly asked as he stepped before the paper. He began to read the notice.

By order of Superintendent Calson for the Bowerman Hill District, the Cannon Fodder 4Hire company are to cease all assistance and interests in the Poirot Murder investigations. This directive is passed by agreement with the Shiya House Secretary Office. This order is in effect immediately. Should further henchmen involvement in the case continue, those henchmen will be punished according to Salem Kingdom’s law. Long live our Grand Demon Overlord. Long live High King Draconia.

Detective Morse sighed. “Fine. We’ll retrieve Simon Miller and Miki Finch.”

“Where will you take Miki?” 669 asked with genuine concern for her safety and well-being.

“Saint Mara House in Border City. It’s a home for orphans, which the Royal Guard co-manage with the sisters. Although, I was hoping we could give the young girl more time to be more stable but looks like that isn’t happening now.”

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This fact only made 669 frown as the girl had just opened up to them and clung to Reddy like he was her big brother.

At that moment, Reddy morosely came into the stable grounds holding Miki’s hand, who was clearly and rightfully scared to see the adults in suits. She hid behind Reddy’s leg, clinging to it like it was her last lifeline.

“Are you sure she has to go? She’s been recovering well here. We’re taking good care of her.” Reddy worryingly asked, doing his best to reason with the authority for Miki’s welfare.

Miki had a thought and bravely stepped out to defend Reddy’s words.

“Please. I would like to stay.” She bowed earnestly before the authority. Then hurried back to the safety of Reddy’s leg when Captain Lucas stared down at her with austerity. Not showing an ounce of emotion to their pleas.

“She is involved in an ongoing investigation. The district demands her care within an approved care facility. By law.” He waved over his men, who coaxed the girl away from Reddy’s side. It was inevitable that she would be trembling with fear and sobbing.

“Please wait!” Reddy called out and pulled out a soft doll from his magic belt pouch. The doll looked like his pheasant bird self with a happy-go-lucky smile and carefree expression to make a child feel like there were no worries in their world.

He knelt down to hand the toy to her and carefully whispered, “If you ever need me, whisper my name in the toy’s ear. I’ll fly over in my bird form.”

Her sobbing stopped when she held the toy tight to her chest. She nodded with understanding and turned to comply with the guards’ lead out of the stable courtyard, and into one of the Royal Guard’s litter. Reddy looked worried the whole time, like a mother seeing a child go off to school for the first time.

“I’ll do my best to see she is well cared for.” Detective Morse patted his shoulder with his sympathy.

“Please don’t forget that she’s just a child. She has no business being involved in adult problems.”

“Our leads indicate that she is a witness. With her only registered parent missing, the district will be required to care for her and take her statement.” Captain Lucas bluntly stated.

“But…” 669 was about to counter this statement with a reason, but was quickly muted by the captain’s warning of his civil liberties as a free roaming civilian.

“If you want to keep being a civilian, you will stick to your majestic will and let us do our job.” Captain Lucas raised his hand with a signal that triggered his guards into motion.

The Cannon Fodder 4Hire team watched the captain’s royal guards leave the stable grounds with Miki’s face pressed to the litter window. She braved a smile and timid wave to them.

“Where’s Simon Miller?” 789 asked when she realized he wasn’t in the group that was escorted out of the yard.

Emelia sighed. “Let’s go inside, and I’ll explain.”