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The silence. The dark night. She waits patiently in her room, her cushion between her arms. A drawing of 'Liv', a fictional character from a popular work, can be seen on one side, as well as on the other, but different. The girl is silent, recalling what she has just experienced, what she thought, what she said. Her room is not lit, and her window is slightly open. Her computer screen is off, but the tower is still spinning. The lights inside are the only source of light in the room, since the window is too dirty to let the moon's rays illuminate the room. What's more, the other two small windows are hidden behind drapes. The girl is dressed in her other fox sweater, the blue one that reads 'I DON'T GIVE A' with the drawing of a fox at the end, a pun that only works in English.
It's 10:11pm. Deshya says nothing and her fox tail is clutched by Korone, who is already asleep. The reason why Deshya doesn't sleep is not simply because of lack of sleep, but because she waits for someone to knock on her room so they can talk together. It was her father who forced her to meet this woman she doesn't know, because of her behavior with 'Mishra Joyti', the woman who kidnapped Byron Elrick. It happened about two hours ago, but she sees the scene before her eyes as if it had been seconds. When Deshya noticed that the woman had pushed the police and fled upstairs, Deshya went out into the garden and acrobatically jumped over the fence in case Mishra had tried to escape on the other side. Noticing that this wasn't her plan and that she simply stayed in the garden, threatening to kill the baby if anyone approached, Deshya decided to retrace her steps and waited for the right moment to save Byron Elrick from the woman's hands. Hearing her bullshit excuses for kidnapping the baby enraged her more and more, but she'd had to wait for the right moment. When she was able to leap into action and rescue Byron, she couldn't hold back her rage and finally pounced on Mishra, hitting her. She knew it had been irresponsible and foolish of her, but her heart couldn't take it. Deshya really wanted this woman…
- Ah…
Deshya sighed as she held 'Liv's' cushion firmly in her arms, the large fox plush she'd won at the start of this school year behind her back. Korone tried her best to reassure Deshya, but unfortunately it wasn't enough. She continues to feel this anger inside her, as well as an urge to howl with rage. In contrast, she feels bad for what she's done and doesn't like feeling such an intense, burning emotion... One that crackles inside her, but hurts. She's never felt like this before... She's never wished anyone dead. She finds herself... pitiful. She feels ashamed.
Deshya refuses to believe that she can think of killing anyone, and yet that's what she had wanted when she jumped on the woman.
That's why her father, Gatito, asked her to wait in his room and that she would have a little chat with a psychologist who also works for the police, although Deshya doesn't really know her. Today's session is going to be quite short, as far as she knows. She has school the next day and doesn't want to stay up too late, especially as it's already dark. One of Deshya's two fox ears twitches and she looks up: she hears someone coming up the stairs from the first to the second floor, where her bedroom is. Deshya drops her pillow and gently pushes Korone aside before heading for her bedroom door. She pulls down the handle and opens it before the woman knocks and the two face each other.
- Ah.
- Good evening," Deshya whispers to her.
She points to the girl sleeping in the bed behind her and explains that she doesn't want to wake her up.
- Let's go downstairs to the living room, if you don't mind," Deshya suggested.
- No problem with me.
She accepts in a soft tone and descends the noisy staircase again, trying to make her steps as quiet as possible. Deshya closes her bedroom door behind her and follows the psychologist closely. They both descend to the first floor and Deshya opens the door to the left of the staircase, in the entrance hall of the house. She turns on the light and the woman looks around the room attentively.
- It's more like an office that doubles as a living room, isn't it?" she asks.
Deshya moves a chair from the back of the room and places it in front of the table, just opposite another one. She nods at the psychologist's question and offers her a seat. She closes the door behind her and gladly accepts. The woman places the papers she has brought with her on the table and sits down at the same time as the girl.
- Your father is a good acquaintance, so I couldn't refuse to come and see you," said the psychologist.
- You're very kind.
She takes out a sheet of paper and twists the bic between her fingers before tapping it against the sheet on the desk.
- First of all, I should introduce myself! You don't know me, do you?
Deshya apologizes, shaking her head. The woman chuckles, reassuring him that it's no problem. She gives her a gentle, friendly smile. With calm eyes, she admires the girl in front of her.
- My name is 'Bibi Derumi'. I'm a psychologist who works for the Tetazo police, but I obviously have my work on the side. I'm a good friend of your father's," she introduces herself.
- Nice to meet you.
- I've only come to see you for a few minutes today to chat a little, I don't intend to steal too much of your sleep.
- No worries.
Bibi removes the cap from her pen and then sets it aside before pulling the white sheet towards her.
- Good, Deshya. First of all, how do you feel?" begins Bibi.
- I'm fine, but a little tired…
- Both physically and mentally?
Deshya locks both hands between her thighs and nods.
- Your father told me what happened on the phone, but would it be possible to get your side of the story? Even if you don't go into detail," Bibi asks him.
Deshya tells her what happened, starting with Michael's request, her acceptance, her search for clues and her visit to the victims' homes, as well as the moment when she saved Byron Elrick and started raging at Mishra. Bibi listened attentively without writing anything on her paper, her eyes riveted on the face of the girl in front of her. When she had finished speaking, Bibi wrote a few words on the paper and put the pen down.
- I see. I see. I've heard that you solved a murder that involved the family of one of your friends, that you helped catch a murderer who planted bombs on a train, as well as discovering the identity of a criminal who killed the parents of the girl you're babysitting, Korone?
- She even knows that..." thinks Deshya.
The girl doesn't want to lie to him, so she asserts that everything she's just said is true. The woman in front of her rubs her long white hair and smiles.
- Isn't it complicated?
- What do you mean?" asks Deshya.
- Seeing murders everywhere. Having to look at dead bodies, killed people. Traveling on a train that could explode at any moment if you made a mistake. I've even heard that a sniper shot into the train and killed the culprit and almost hit you. Isn't that a complicated thing to live with?
- ...I…
Bibi waits patiently for an answer from the girl, not wishing to rush her. Deshya remembers everything she's been through in the last few days. It's not even been a week since she went back to school and she's had to go through all this. With the exception of Sunday, she hasn't really had time to rest. She also has to worry about her fox attributes. She was psychologically troubled during the poker game against Tessa too, because she thought she was going to lose and should have confessed about her fox attributes. Although she doesn't feel that uncomfortable around bodies, she can't deny it:
- It's... hard. Yes.
Bibi watches her with a restful gaze. She crosses her arms gently.
- You know, even policemen need a rest sometimes. They need psychologists too, or people to check on them," explains Bibi.
- I don't doubt it... But…
- But what? Don't forget, Deshya, you're still a child. A 16-year-old who goes to school. I don't doubt for a second that you're not psychologically weak and that you're very intelligent, but we're talking about real murders here.
- I know, but…
- If you want to be a private detective or like solving murders, I'm not going to stop you. Nevertheless, you have to understand that this is reality. Seeing corpses, enduring the presence of murderers by your side and listening to them talk isn't as easy as you might think. It's not easy for anyone.
This time, Deshya says nothing. She's aware of everything the woman is telling her, but hearing it from someone else feels strangely good. Perhaps it's because of her soft, reassuring voice? Bibi continues to rub a few strands of her white hair and admires the girl in front of her with her red eyes, special lenses on her irises.
- Your dad's worried about you, but I'm sure Sammy is too.
- It's true that I created a scene over there, ahah..." Deshya doesn't deny it.
Deshya can't even imagine what he must have thought when he saw her. Seeing him get so angry. She who often laughs, jokes and teases him... She showed a side of herself she didn't really know.
- Can I ask you a question that's a little... indiscreet?" asked Bibi.
- Yes...?
- Did you ever think about or even want to kill that woman?
- Hey!
Deshya recoils in her chair, surprised that Bibi has discovered this so quickly. Nevertheless, she remembers what she shouted to Mishra:
- Die... die... That's what I was telling her..." the girl in the fox sweater thinks aloud.
- Your father told me. I want to check something with you today.
- Yes...?
- Don't lie to me, okay?
- I promise.
- Could you have killed her? Would you have dared to kill her if the police weren't around?
A question that grabs Deshya by the gut. She freezes in her chair, unable to answer Bibi's question. She thinks about it, but her mind is a mess. Which answer is the real one? Would Deshya have dared to kill this woman...? She had really wanted her to die, at the time, but now that she's rested and calmed, it's a thought that disgusts her. She can't believe she dared to feel such an emotion. One that burned her from the inside out. Deshya opens her mouth, but she's still unsure of her answer. Bibi reassures her that she needn't rush to answer.
- I don't think so..." Deshya finally admits.
- So you wouldn't have killed her?
- I'm... not a murderer, I just... My emotions exploded and…
- I want to be clear with you, Deshya.
The girl looks up at the woman with the long, beautiful white hair.
- I don't think you're a murderer. Or a madwoman. We all have a darker side to us, it's just the truth of being human and of all things.
Bibi puts down his pen again and smiles.
- Like a gun that can be used to protect or kill, our emotions can hurt or heal. It depends on how you use them, how you control them and whether you accept them," she continues.
- If I accept them..." repeats Deshya.
- Exactly.
Bibi smiles and waves her finger.
- ‘But feelings can't be ignored, no matter how unjust or ungrateful they seem’.
The woman speaks with a good, if not excellent, english accent* and increases the intensity of her smile. Deshya understands the phrase and confirms to Bibi that she knows what it means.
* (In the story, she says it in english even though they all speak french.)
- If you really thought you could kill her, that doesn't make you a murderer. You haven't killed anyone yet, you just need to find a way to control them a little more and also accept them. You can't ignore what you feel. Nobody's perfect, after all.
It's a truth Deshya will never deny. She never thought she was above the rest, let alone perfect. Sure, she can get a bit carried away and think she's smarter than some, but she doesn't brag about it all that much. She knows herself well, but when she thinks back to what she thought and yelled at Mishra, Deshya wonders if, deep down, she doesn't know much about herself. She admires Bibi before asking her a question she's been thinking about for years in her head.
- Should I be afraid of myself...?
The sudden question seemed to surprise the psychologist, but her look of surprise quickly disappeared, giving way to a much softer expression.
- That's a question only you can answer, but if I can give you my opinion, I don't think you should. I only know you from your father, but he speaks very highly of you. You're not violent, you're fun and you radiate joie de vivre, but you're not good at controlling your own emotions. What's more, you may be holding on a little too tightly, so things can spill over, but since you've never been in such a stressful situation, it's normal for things to be complicated and new for you," Bibi calmly explains.
- What do you mean?
- Whether you understand it or not, seeing so many dead people, in real life, in such a short space of time, plays on your mind. You know yourself a lot better than I do, but as strong as you are psychologically, your stress level must have been very high. You couldn't hold it in any longer, so you exploded. You let it all out, screaming, flailing and redirecting everything you felt towards that woman. I learned about the situation from your father, and why this woman had taken the child. She wasn't an innocent woman, so I can understand why you felt a lot of rage towards her, especially as she wanted to kill the baby in the end.
- That's what made me angry..." admits Deshya.
- I can understand that. I can't stay too long, but I can give you some advice.
Bibi tucks her bic into her jacket pocket and lays both hands bound on the table in front of her.
- Even people like your father, some of your friends and even me have felt very intense emotions. Some are more sensitive than others, but I don't know any human being who has never wanted to hurt another. You can find the nicest person in the world, but I'm convinced that there's at least one time, even several times, when they've wanted to hurt someone. That she was jealous, that she felt anger towards someone. Even if it takes time, we all end up feeling hatred towards someone, something, or even a certain group.
Bibi folds the sheet of paper on which she has written a few words while continuing her sentences.
- We all have our reasons. Some feel hatred towards people who are generally nice, but who are not compatible with them. Some wish death on people they don't really know simply because they belong to a certain group. Some hope their friend, or even partner, will suffer. Even people who love each other can think horrible things. But does that mean they really mean it? Will they go so far as to hurt or even kill each other?
Bibi passes the folded sheet to Deshya as she closes her eyes, her smile as calm as ever on her face.
- I think humans are full of bad vibes, negative feelings, forbidden emotions, but we have to accept ourselves that way. You may have wanted the woman in front of you to suffer, you may even have wanted to hit her, maybe even kill her, but would you have done it? Only you can know the answer. If you think you're capable of killing another human being without feeling pain, then talk about it: it can be cured, or you can be followed. If you think you could kill, but it would make you sick, then know that it doesn't make you strange or different.
Bibi slowly rises from his chair and places her hand on Deshya's hood.
- You're a normal human like the rest of us.
The psychologist's words act like an arrow piercing Deshya's heart, but without hurting her: no, it's the opposite. Deshya swallows a sob and trembles, to which Bibi replies with:
- If we think that all humans can kill under anger or emotion, then I think it's the end of the world in a few hours. I'm willing to follow you once a week, or once every two weeks, but I haven't felt any malice on your part.
Deshya doesn't dare answer for fear of starting to cry: she doesn't like to be seen shedding tears. She even hates it. Bibi notices the girl's silence and decides not to insist. She picks up her things, except for the unimportant leaf she leaves Deshya, and stands up completely.
- Just be careful not to let your emotions get the better of you, and don't hesitate to let go of everything, whether you're meditating or discussing what you're feeling with a friend, even anonymously on the internet.
- A-All right…
Deshya rises in turn and bows politely and in thanks. Bibi simply smiles at her and explains that she will speak to her father about seeing her again, but first asks Deshya's opinion.
- Do you think you need a few sessions with me or do you want to believe blindly in yourself?
Without a moment's hesitation, Deshya replies that she is happy to talk to Bibi about her emotions and to be followed. Bibi is happy to hear this and promises to meet up again and quickly. Deshya thanks her again and opens the door.
- Good night, Deshya," Bibi said gently.
- To you too, Bibi!" replies Deshya, a big smile on her face.
She then closes the door behind the psychologist, after waving her hand in the air several times, and turns around. There she sees her father in the stairwell, hands in his pockets.
- So you'll see each other again..." he says.
- She seems very nice, very friendly and seems to use her words well. I like her.
Gatito descends the few steps and places both feet on the stone of the entrance hall.
- Bibi is a very good person, still young, who understands people very well. Honestly, she impresses me sometimes," he admits.
- Even though it was short, it felt good to talk about it…
Deshya sighs with relief and removes her fox sweater before letting it hang on the coat rack. Unlike most of the time, Deshya is dressed in a pajama that looks like a t-shirt, as well as comfortable shorts that reach her mid thighs. Gatito takes her hands out of her pockets and crosses her arms, one foot against the other wall behind him.
- I haven't listened to your conversation, but I'd still like to say something to you as a father and a policeman.
- What's that?" his daughter asks, rubbing her red hair.
- As a policeman, I just want to warn you that murder in real life doesn't have the same effect as in fiction. Seeing a real corpse in front of you, who moreover is someone killed, is not a game. Police investigations aren't there to amuse people by finding out who the murderer is. It's not a game of Cluedo.
- I know, but…
- You may know this, but I hope I don't have to remind you of your behavior during the investigations?
Gatito offers his daughter a rather cold look, but the latter is aware that her father's words are full of truth and good intentions. Deshya replies that she doesn't need a reminder from him: she remembers perfectly. The way she was almost amused when she revealed that Koinu was the murderer, her newfound love for offering her deductions to others in front of her, as well as her hot bloodedness that led her to jump on a culprit, as well as hit him and wish him dead. Deshya blames herself for her behavior, but she knows herself: it's her way to be. Mystery intrigues her, even if it involves real life. From enigma to murder. From code to crime. Gatito approaches his daughter and looks down on her, which worries the half-fox, especially as he raises a hand…
But he simply strokes the part of his skull between his ears.
- As your father, I just want to say that I'm proud of you and that you'd make a great detective.
Deshya opens her eyes wide and admires her father.
- You still have a lot of work to do, especially on your way of doing things, your emotions and your own mind, but I'm impressed with you. On the other hand, please take care of yourself.
- Dad…
- I mean it: take care of yourself. Both physically and psychologically.
He stops stroking his daughter's head and stretches before scratching his right ear. Deshya flashes him a big, beautiful smile before putting her arms around him.
- I swear. Sorry again about tonight.
- Don't yell at someone to go die anymore, it hurts me to hear it from you.
- Hihi, sorry.
- Well, she kind of deserved it…
Gatito gives a wry smile and her daughter starts to laugh. Just when she thought the night was going to go badly for her, she happily returns to her room and promptly falls asleep, Korone having caught the big fox plushie in her own sleep. Recalling the words of Bibi Derumi and her father, Deshya plunges into the world of dreams without nightmares of the investigation she has solved today.
CHAPTER 31
⎾Bibi Derumi ; Raiji Harmony⏌
- How are you Deshya?
- Hi, Deshya!
- Hello, our little foxy!
Like almost every school morning, Deshya is greeted at school with many greetings. She answers everyone with a smile, Amora right by her side. Some students wish Deshya a good day as well as the girl with the long pink hair too, giving her even more energy for what's to come. However, she saw almost no one on her way to school, given that today, like all future Tuesdays, she starts 2 hours later than normal. Anyway, the students who say hello to her are in the playground, after she's arrived alongside her best friend, Amora Takt. Deshya arrived just as recess was about to begin, to have time to chat with some friends before classes started. A girl comes running up to her and Amora, waving high. Deshya turns to the long-haired girl and returns her smile. However, it's Amora who pronounces her name first.
Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
- Laaaam!! How are you?
The two friends hold hands and Deshya approaches them in turn.
- Yo, Lam. Are you okay?" she asks.
- Yes, everything's fine! And you two?" replies Lam.
- I'm doing great!
- A little mentally tired, but all's well.
- Mentally tired? What's going on?
Lam takes an interest in the case of his friend with the fox sweater, and Deshya explains what happened yesterday without telling her the end of the story with her screams of rage. Even Amora doesn't know the truth: it's just between her father, Sammy and Bibi.
- Also Korone... It's true she knows," Deshya thinks.
She couldn't hide the truth from her, as she had started crying in her bed, where Korone had heard her. The little girl had chatted with her for a few moments before falling asleep, which had managed to calm Deshya down. She forgot to thank her for this: she won't forget to do so today.
- It's great that you managed to stop the woman! Kidnapping an 8-month-old kid, that's not a good idea..." says Lam.
The girl sighs, shaking her head, unable to understand the mind of such a person. Amora agrees with her bleached-haired friend and crosses her arms.
- I'm glad Michaël was able to find his brother, but still! That woman, grr…
- We didn't think she'd dare take Byron away from us, but we've changed where the key was and won't tell anyone else.
A boy comes up behind Deshya and her friends, startling the girl with the long fox tail. He gently shakes his hand and greets the group of friends.
- Sorry to surprise you, I just saw you arrive and wanted to say hello, Deshya," Michaël told her.
Unlike yesterday, his expression is livelier and happier. He's no longer as pale, and the tears he couldn't hold back yesterday have left no mark on his cheeks. Deshya smiles at him and asks how he's doing. He answers honestly and explains that they'll be more careful with their home security, which reassures Deshya. Lam greets Michaël when he has finished his sentences.
- Do you know each other?" asks Deshya.
- Not a lot, but yes!" replies Michaël.
- Just goes to show…
Michaël tells them he has to talk to some friends, but before leaving, he hugs Deshya and thanks her again before running off, his cheeks all red. Amora stands next to her best friend and flashes a radiant smile, even brighter than the sun over their heads.
- You're going to be a living legend, if this keeps up!" she says.
- I think you're exaggerating..." admits Deshya. Besides, the police didn't need my help.
Sammy had also understood that 'Mishra Joyti' was the one who had kidnapped Byron Elrick at the same time as Deshya. Admittedly, they hadn't understood each other in the same way, but that didn't really matter: they could have solved the case without her. She was pleased that Michael had come to thank her, but felt that she hadn't been as much help as she had been with the murder of Korone's adoptive parents or Kyria Blushark's father.
- I still saved Byron from death, but would my father really have let him?
Deshya had been enraged, so she hadn't paid much attention to her surroundings, but she clearly remembered seeing her father point the gun at the woman. He would most likely have shot her in the arm or leg to stop her, and one of the other policemen would have jumped in to save Byron in any case. Deshya sighed, not wanting to think about it any more, and then another boy approached the group. This time too, it was someone Deshya didn't know well, but unlike Michael, whom she'd never met, this one was a boy she recognized and had already spoken to this year: it was the second day of school, the day she went to confess the truth to the Blushark family about the murder committed. What's more, he's a friend of Amora's. With a wireless headset around his neck and messy black hair, this boy is called—
- Raiji!
Amora jumps on the boy, who takes her in his arms, giggling. The two of them start chatting while Lam stands by Deshya.
- They always get on so well," she remarks with amusement.
- I don't know him well, personally..." Deshya admits sadly.
- Oh, I thought you'd know Raiji well, given his personality!
- His personality?" asks Deshya, interested.
Lam smiles and pats her friend with her elbow.
- Well, get to know him and you'll see what I mean!
- Ah…
Deshya is disappointed that she can't find out directly, but she understands Lam: it's more fun to get to know someone than to know everything at once. Amora stops hugging Raiji, who makes sure his helmet is securely fastened around his neck before facing Deshya.
- Deshya, I wanted to ask you something!
- What is it?
- Would you like to get to know each other a little more, both of us??" he suggests. I like to go to the park near here on Wednesdays, so I was wondering if you'd like to come.
A proposal without hesitation, without even blushing in embarrassment or beating around the bush for fear of her answer. Seeing her confidence, Deshya accepts directly, without even thinking about it, which greatly pleases Raiji.
- But which park?" she asks.
- Linda Park, if that's okay with you!" replies Raiji.
- Perfect for me.
- Tomorrow, around 1:10 pm?
- Of course.
- Great, thanks!
Raiji shakes his hand in the air and thanks her before running over to Abdoul Ferino. The two start chatting together, leaving the three friends behind. Amora happily grabs Deshya's arm.
- I hope you get on well together!" wishes Amora.
- If he gets on well, it should be fine," Deshya replies honestly.
- He's cool, I'm not worried!
Deshya has no doubts about her friend's words and watches Raiji walk further away. Being able to chat and meet a new person would do her a world of good and would allow her to rest, not think about everything she's going through and even reduce the stress that's been building up inside her. Deshya happily accepts Raiji's offer and really hopes she'll get on well with him. Amora smiles.
- Plus, as far as I know, he's a fan of 'Waffie' too!" she tells him.
Deshya turns his face towards her in astonishment.
- Really?!
- Hm! You'll have to ask him though, but I think so, hm hm!
‘Waffie’ is the pseudonym of the vtuber Deshya actively follows and adores. This week, she announced on her Twatter that she wasn't going to be around much, which saddened Deshya who would have liked to clear her head by watching her streams. However, this is not a possibility, given that she has announced that she will only be free on Thursday. Deshya is therefore looking forward to her return. The end-of-school bell rings a few moments later, before Deshya has a chance to chat with Maruno or Tessa. She goes to class hoping to talk to them during lunchtime.
Deshya returned home around 5.00 pm after chatting for a few minutes with Amora and Lam on the way. It's been a restful day and she's learned a lot of interesting things. She is greeted by little Korone, who opens the door with a big smile. Deshya lifts her into the air and greets her, returning her beautiful smile.
- How are you?" asked Korone.
- I'm doing great, how are you?
- I'll feel better if you give me a hug!
Deshya closes the door behind with her foot, laughing as she takes the little girl in her arms, one hand on the back of her head. Korone joyfully embraces the girl, and Deshya's mother Pera comes to meet them.
- Did you have a good day at school, darling?" asks the woman with the long red hair.
Like most of the time, she's dressed in comfortable pajamas, albeit a little too big for her. Her daughter puts Korone down and nods in response to her mother.
- And how are you?" asks Deshya.
- Not up to scratch, so it's okay if I buy pizzas for tonight...?
- ...okay.
Deshya looks at her mother with a chagrined expression, but Pera smiles and reassures her that it's nothing serious and that she'll get better with sleep, given that she slept badly last night. Deshya decides to believe her and kicks off her shoes, Korone moving about beside her.
- Saaayyyyyyy, why isn't your mom doing so well? You seem worried about her…
Deshya stood up and stripped off her fox sweater before turning her attention to the little girl. She doesn't answer her directly and goes to hang her sweater on the coat rack. Not wanting to leave the little girl without an answer, she stoops in front of her and simply tells her that sometimes her mother doesn't feel at her best, but that she needn't worry any more than that. Korone finally nods and watches Deshya head for the kitchen.
- Not to worry…
Yet Korone knows something Deshya hasn't seen. Her mother's behavior... or rather, her crying. Korone squints, but when Deshya calls her, she smiles and follows her, jumping up and down with joy: she doesn't want to think about it any more, preferring to enjoy the return of the daughter she adores so much. Time passes and the pizzas arrive a little before 8pm. Gatito has returned from his police work and tells them that he may have to return to his post sooner than expected, so he talks with his daughter while eating his supper. She tells both her parents and Korone that tomorrow, after school, she's going to meet a boy called 'Raiji Harmony' who is a very good friend of Amora's and wants to meet her and learn more about her so they can become friends. Her joy can be felt in her voice, and her beaming expression proves even more that she's really looking forward to meeting him tomorrow. She explains that they're going to meet at 1.10pm, in Linda Park, the one about 10 minutes' walk from the Tetazo school where she studies. Korone asks her if she can come too, but Deshya says she'd rather go alone. The little girl accepts without grumbling, but she doesn't hide her disappointment. She takes a bite of her pizza and Pera giggles, saying she thinks Korone is super cute. Korone blushes and thanks her, which makes Deshya and Gatito laugh. The supper continues and ends with a smile.
A few minutes later, Deshya and Korone go up to their room, but before going to sleep, the girl with the fox-like attributes sits down in front of her computer and quickly taps the keys on her keyboard. Korone sits on the corner of the bed and watches the screen, asking the girl what she's doing.
- I'm just checking the news on the internet... I'm also going to say good night to some friends, that's all," she replies.
- Anything interesting on the internet so far?
- I don't see anything special... Minos hasn't given any news... No detective that I am has said anything, anyway.
Deshya is disappointed not to see anything interesting on the web, so she decides to have a quick chat with some friends before turning off the light and lying down on the soft bed.
- Good night, Korone.
- Good night, Deshya.
The little girl grabs Deshya's fluffy fox tail and smiles as she closes her eyes, falling asleep in a comfortable pose.
As expected, it was a good night's sleep for both girls. Deshya is the first to get up, but as she gets out of bed, she is forced to wake Korone in turn. They both brush their teeth together, and as Deshya has only a few minutes before leaving for school, she takes a quick shower. She then gets dressed and decides that today she'll wear her blue fox sweater instead of the dark orange one. Korone first eats breakfast with Deshya before taking her turn in the shower.
- See you tonight! Have a nice day!" said Deshya.
She leaves just as Korone has finished showering and heads downstairs to the entrance hall. She waves her hand at Deshya, who returns the gesture before closing the door behind her. Korone looks at Gatito and smiles.
- Are you going to work too?" asks the little girl.
The man turns to her, coffee cup in hand, and shakes his head.
- I'm off today. If something very serious requires my intervention, then I'll go, which is why I keep my phone in my pocket. It'll make a sound if I'm called," he explains.
- He, I see!
- Since I've got the day off, I can look after you while my wife goes shopping and gets some rest. She didn't sleep very well today.
- Again? She didn't sleep well yesterday either…
- …
Gatito says nothing to Korone and suggests a little board game with cards. The granddaughter accepts with a big smile and runs to the kitchen, initially wanting to play with the big dog named 'Néro'. Gatito leaves her to it, heading for the office that doubles as the living room, where the big cupboard with all the board games is also located. On the laptop in the room, his wife is looking at a few sites with little eyes. Gatito simply asks her if she's okay, but when she replies that she'll go and rest after shopping, he just kisses her on the cheek and begs her to rest. She smiles and promises she'll sleep well, which reassures the policeman.
Hours go by, and finally the bell rings to warn the students in the three 4th grade classes that they can now leave the school and that the school day is over. Raiji greets Deshya and warns her that he'll be there on time: he needs to have a little chat with his family and return a book to a friend before coming.
- No problem!" replies Deshya.
She leaves happily, but Amora catches up with her and starts chatting. The two talk until their paths diverge, and Deshya heads for Linda Park, south of the Tetazo school. She hasn't been there often, but as far as she knows, it's often quiet and few people go there. This isn't because it's not worth visiting, but because Amélie Park attracts more people. It's a bigger, more diverse place, with a soccer pitch right next door. On weekends, Linda Park receives far more visitors, so going there during the week is often a good idea and recommended. Deshya understands why Raiji wants to chat with her there, as there will be less noise and passers-by everywhere. She hesitates to pick up some food on the way, but decides to go straight there and wait for Raiji: she'll pick up food later if she has to.
She soon arrives at Linda Park and admires it with pleasure. There's no sound, and although she notices an adult couple on a bench near the small forest that borders the park, she can't see anyone around. As always, Linda's park is quiet and almost empty. The grass is a magnificent green, and the few trees are well tended, healthy and as beautiful as you'd find in a nature book. The air is fresh and the fountain in the middle of the park is visible even from the street. Deshya heads for an empty bench, right next to a half filled garbage can, and waits there. She wonders what Raiji's personality is like, given that he's a very good friend of Amora's. She remembers the time they had a quick talk during class, but she can't make much out of it, except that he seems to have a lot of energy in him. She can't imagine the conversations between him and Amora... She's tired just thinking about it. Deshya looks around, enjoying the relaxing chirps of the birds. She can't see them, even with her keen eyes, but she can hear them clearly. Unfortunately for Deshya, she doesn't know much about bird breeds, so she can't guess which ones she's hearing now. She can guess, but that's where her limit lies. While she admires her surroundings, she noticed something out of the corner of her eye and turned her attention to the forest bordering the park. The girl with the long fox tail can't quite make out what she's just observed, but she's certain it was a glint... One that was quick and feigned, meaning that a beam of light probably bounced off something in the forest. Deshya wonders why she can't see him anymore. Her curiosity begins to get the better of her, and after turning her head in all directions to check whether Raiji has arrived, she decides to get up from the bench and run towards the source of the light. She just wants to know what she's perceived out of the corner of her eye. Deshya arrives at the edge of the forest and looks ahead, since she can't go directly there: high bars separate the park from the dark forest, although it's possible to simply walk around them without difficulty. She squinted her eyes and finally saw what she had glimpsed so quickly before.
A person hidden by a long black coat with a hammer in their hand. Having just killed someone else.
Deshya opens her eyes wide and takes a step back. The murderer quickly turns his face to his left, where the girl in the fox sweater is standing. They stare at each other for a few moments before Deshya turns on her heel and runs off, grabbing her phone. She quickly types in her code and opens her message application before opening one of the boxes. She begins to write down as briefly as possible what she's just seen, but as she runs…
Someone hit her on the head.
Deshya closes her eyes in pain and tries to scream, but a black veil obscures her vision before she can: it's her eyelids. She falls to the ground, dropping her phone which bounces a little further away. The person who has just hit her walks over to her phone and observes carefully, noticing that the girl hasn't turned it off, but must have wanted to write to someone or make a phone call. When they turn back to the person with the fox sweater they just knocked out, who saw the crime, they think it over and finally recognizes her.
- It's Deshya Oveja...!
The person moves towards her and stops in front of her unconscious body. Deshya is still breathing and is now sleeping peacefully because of the blow to the back of her head. The person looks at Deshya's phone and smiles broadly.
Five minutes later, Raiji arrives at Linda Park and removes his helmet from his ears to place it around his neck. He checks once again that he has enough money to invite Deshya for a snack afterwards and then stops by a bench. He observes his surroundings, but doesn't see the girl anywhere. Raiji wonders where she is, given that she told him she'd come straight here, but decides to simply shrug and sit down on the bench.
At the same time, Gatito Oveja watches a soccer match on another continent, that of Arèpe. One of his favorite bands is playing, and so far the score is still 0 - 0. Right beside him is little Korone, happily eating a peanut butter sandwich. Pera Dimera came home with three bags of shopping and put everything away with her husband's help before going upstairs to rest. Korone admires the TV with the imposing man sitting in the chair right next to her, although soccer is not her favorite sport. Neither to play nor to watch. Nevertheless, Gatito's reactions make her laugh and make the experience more enjoyable. As the two of them dine together, the policeman's phone begins to buzz: it's 'La Stravaganza', a symphony by 'Vivaldi'. He hastily swallows what's in his mouth and looks at his phone to notice that it's his daughter calling. He picks up and locks the phone between his right ear and his shoulder, taking his meal in his hands.
- What is it, Deshya?
- She's not your daughter.
Gatito squints and stands still, stopping the fork just in front of his mouth. Korone notices and turns to him in surprise.
For his part, Raiji wonders where Deshya is. He grabs his phone, which he has put on silent, and checks to see if she's told him she'll be late or if there's any inconvenience: he can't believe she'd leave him hanging without saying anything. Before starting to doubt, he decides to check her messages. He notices that Deshya has sent him something. He opens the message box, but frowns when he sees the message.
Gatito puts down his fork and takes his phone in his hand.
- Who are you? What do you want?
- I have your daughter as a hostage. She's beside me, unconscious.
Gatito grits his teeth. Korone stands up on her chair and puts her ear to the phone to hear what her sister is saying, but she notices that it's an incomprehensible voice: it's impossible to tell whether it's a girl or a boy, or even a man talking.
- I'm not going to repeat myself: I want the sum of 300,000 euros in cash, in a bag that will be taken to us discreetly. If there's the slightest sensor or microphone in it, I'll kill your daughter with one shot, Gatito Oveja, Mr. Inspector.
Korone swallows loudly and Gatito clutches his phone.
- I'll call you back in a few minutes with instructions. If you try to do anything or lie about the money, I won't hesitate to kill your daughter with a single edge.
- Wai—
Before Gatito can speak, the person on the other end of the line hangs up, having no interest in listening to him. Korone jumps out of his chair and Gatito stands up, banging a fist against his own thigh. He puts his phone away and turns off the TV before running down the hall. Korone follows him and asks where he's going, to which he hastily replies:
- Linda Park.
For his part, Raiji looked at his phone with incomprehension. The message he had just received from Deshya, some 7 minutes earlier…
- What does this mean?
The message he received from her was as follows:
“Killer Gl”*
* (In french, it’s ‘Tueur Lune’, which translates to ‘Killer Moon’. In this context, it wouldn’t make sense, so it will be changed. Remember this to understand what will happen in the next chapters of this Case. Sorry for not being able to translate it better. Really sorry.)