(A report from the desk of Lieutenant Inspector Fransisco Cruz)

Translated from Spanish

Chief Inspector, I have failed. We had them and they got away. I don't remember everything that occurred. I remember a struggle with the shorter man. The Merc is strong, stronger than his size might suggest. I had just managed to overpower him when everything went dark. When I awoke I was in a hospital bed with my new friend Roseline standing guard. She tells me after the men knocked me out they tied her up and escaped. The hit I sustained apparently gave me a mild concussion. The doctors say I'm to rest for a few days for my head to recover. I will be back on the case as soon as possible. Roseline says she will continue the hunt without me for now. Despite my best pleas she says doesn't need another partner. I have instructed her to call if she finds anything. I am resting, not dead. I want to be there when we bring those men down. So I may repay the favor by knocking them out. For now, I rest.

(A report from the desk of Police Inspector Roseline Baptiste)

Translated from Haitian Creole

I finally left the hospital where Lyetnan Cruz is resting. My body is now barely functioning. I did manage to get a small nap at the hospital after checking Lyetnan Cruz in. After he awakened I told him what happened and apologized for letting the prisoners escape. He told me there was nothing to apologize for and that he was sure I did everything I could. I was told by the doctors Lyetnan has a mild concussion and will need rest for a few days. I am going to follow up on a hunch I had about where the men may have gone. But first, I need sleep. I am only human after all. It has been a frenzy of a marathon the last 24 hours. I am still unsure what caused the trance-like state I was in at the hotel. It was only after looking at the perp. Could it be some kind of magic?...Wait, I know someone who may be able to help.

I have found myself with new found energy as I rush through the still waking city streets. The morning dew only just settled. The hustle of the city still at a slow hum. It was early, the sun barely peaked over the horizon. Adrenaline is the only thing keeping my body moving now. I know one person who may be able to advise me. I turn down an old almost untouched looking alleyway. No graffiti, the hooligans no better than to deface the walls here. On the backside of an old building there are old stone stairs that disappear under the street. At the bottom of the stairs sits a small black door decorated with a single skull on the top center and an ornate door knocker in the shape of a skeletal fist. I grab the skeleton hand and give one good knock on the old door. After a few moments a womans voice called out.

"Who could this be at such an early hour?" The woman said. "Madam, It's Roseline Baptiste. You helped my family when my father was sick."

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There was a momentary pause. The door swung open and there stood a small woman with open arms to greet me.

"Rose! Cher! How are you? Please please come in, tell me how Madam Desir can help you."

(A report from the desk of Police Inspector Roseline Baptiste)

Translated from Haitian Creole

The walls of Madam Desir's parlor were decorated with shrinking heads, straw dolls, and what looked like charms. The room itself was small, with a small adjoining room that served as a bedroom. Madam Desir is a small woman she wears a black dress with a orange shawl, a matching orange wrap sits atop her head. She has several bracelets on each wrist of varying types. Finally a pendant shaped like a skull with a large ruby set into the top sat on a chain around her neck. The Madam now that I'm looking more clearly doesn't look any older than my memory of her those years ago when she gave my father medicine.

"So Cher, what brings you to Madam Desir a such an early hour?" She motions to a big stew pot behind her "Care for some? It's fresh. Well not more than a few hours anyways. Helps it marinate better."

"Yes, please. Thank you Madam." She hands a bowl over the scent is heavenly.

"It's a secret recipe. Perfected over many generations of my family." She had light warm expression as she spoke. "I take it you're not here for free food. What do you need, cheri?"

"Well, you see. I am on a case and there is a man I needed to track down but when I came face to face with him, I froze."

"Oh Rose cher! To be young and struck by love for the first time. I-"

"No this wasn't that, it was different, I was paralyzed. Like I was stuck in a trance. Do you know any magic spell or charm that could do that?"

She stepped back and looked confused but interested.

"This man, he has been captured now?"

"No-no not exactly Madam, I…he and his colleague escaped."

"I see Cher, Madam Desir knows many things about magic."

Rolls an 18 for knowledge arcana

"Well Cher, there are many magics that can charm and immobilize. Unless I see it, it's difficult to say which he could be using. Madam does have something for you though."

She turned away and began digging through some boxes that lay on a table in the corner. After some time she turned back towards me now holding a necklace with a small gold medallion for a pendant.

"This charm will give you guidance to find that which you seek." She says handing the necklace over to me.

The medallion was the size of a large coin with some kind of idol etched into it. It glimmered with polish even though it had been taken from a dusty box.

"The cost of my services, as always, will reveal itself later. Madam Desir only wishes to help but everything must come with a cost, yes?" Her warm expression still present, now had a slightly sinister air.

"Yes," I nodded "Th-thank you Madam. I am grateful as ever for your help." I really must be going." I hurried towards the door, pendant in hand.

"Until next time Cher! Do not be a stranger" She had gone back to her bright warm tone.

Now with yet more questions and so very few answers I walked back out into the now sun lit streets.