South Tori High

September 24th X288

Hmm? “Can it wait just a bit? We’re due on stage in a few minutes,” Banquet said.

“No. It has to be right now,” Florian said.

Banquet sighed and smiled. “If it’s that important, I can’t help but get curious. All right, let’s talk.”

Florian brought the mayor backstage and opened the rear exit of the auditorium. There, only the morning breeze could interrupt them.

Florian had waited for this moment.

Banquet’s soul twitched its crossed eyes back and forth while hovering circles around Florian. Not a bubble was in sight.

Finding the phone hidden in her dress, Florian tapped the record button. She took a deep breath. “Mayor Banquet. Allow me to refresh your memory.”

“I’m listening.”

“On Wednesday, September eighth at three p.m., you received a ransom note claiming that your daughter, Blythe Banquet, was kidnapped. However, I was with your daughter during that time. The kidnapping did not take place until four or five p.m.” She paused.

“Now, why would kidnappers send a ransom note before their target was in their custody? Was it overconfidence or a mistimed event? Either way, with some help, I thwarted the attempt and even escorted Blythe home safely. You, Banquet, were surprisingly calm about the ordeal. This bothered me, so I investigated further.”

Banquet was silently smiling.

“I ended up discovering the kidnapper’s hideout. It turns out they were notorious international thieves known as Ghost. They weren’t upset that I discovered they were the culprits; they were upset because I located their hideout. The Ghost members wanted nothing but to lie low, so much so that they only feared me telling the authorities their location.”

She looked at him. “I wondered why they would risk kidnapping your daughter if they wanted to lie low. Was it out of spite for you? No. Was it for the ransom money? Unlikely. Was it for something else even more valuable? Ghost didn’t even care that the attempted kidnapping ended in failure, claiming it was a small job. When I scanned their hideout, I noticed blueprints of a building I’ve never seen before. Whatever that building is, that’s their real target.”

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She paused. “Yet no matter where they are in this city, I know they won’t kill any civilians. Well, if you get in their way, they’ll still beat the shit out of you; I learned that the hard way. That was when I realized what was most valuable to them. Security, sanctuary, or asylum.”

“Hmmm? Interesting. . .” Banquet’s smile didn’t change; in fact, it looked bigger with the giant face floating behind him.

He says one thing, yet his soul tells me he’s lying. I don’t know what he’s thinking. I hate this. Why isn’t he saying anything?

Florian continued, “Ghost let me go, and at the end of the day, they didn’t kill a single person. The only dead body found was a fake, a decoy most likely prepared for the big job they were planning. They had to leave in a hurry, leaving behind what they didn’t need. Since not a single citizen of Tarot Tori City died, this reaffirmed their agreement, signaling to someone that they were honoring the terms. Meaning the deal’s still on. Their eyes are set on something bigger than you or me. They’re willing to jump through hoops to get it.”

She gave him a stern look. “Am I right, Mayor William Rite Banquet? Only you would notice right away if big fish criminals set foot in this city. The only one capable enough to provide shelter to a group like this, for so long, would be you. As long as they lay low and didn’t harm any citizens, you would let them stay in Tarot Tori City. Right under the police’s noses.”

“Hahaha. What a fascinating accusation.” The mayor’s smiling spirit turned sinister. Its neck lumps accumulated, moving up its throat and stopping at the base of the neck. It held in the air, trying to escape, in pain.

Just a little more.

Florian continued, “Based on what I pieced together, you approached Ghost first and organized your daughter’s kidnapping. Why do this stunt and fool everyone?” She paused.

“To secure the election in your favor. All the publicity and attention would be on you as the victim. Resulting in your opposition looking completely suspicious, also restricting her campaigning amid the investigations. Your exceptional handling of the crisis would also secure even more votes.”

“So impatient,” he said under his breath.

“What did you say?”

“I said, you have quite the imagination. Tell me. How many times have you practiced this spiel of yours? It’s really well planned out. Color me impressed.” He cheerfully puffed out his chest and placed his hand on his chin.

Florian stomped her foot in retaliation. “What’re you talking about? Aren’t you going to say something to defend yourself? Are you going to confess to the police about what you’ve done?”

“Don’t worry. I have plenty of responses; I even rehearsed them, just like you.” Banquet turned to the door. “I’m just a little disappointed by how impatient you are. Don’t worry; you can still make this up.”

The auditorium doors opened. “Mayor Banquet, we’re ready to start.”

“Very good. I’m on my way.”

Dumbfounded, Florian shook her head. This was supposed to make him confess everything, and he just brushed me off?

“We’re due on stage. Don’t let this second chance slip by.” Mayor Banquet smiled.