The towering walls of Scotland Yard loomed over them, casting long shadows over the meticulously maintained courtyard. The path leading to the grand double-door entrance was lined with neatly trimmed hedges. As Monica pushed open the heavy doors, she was immediately enveloped by the bustling atmosphere within. The room was filled with the incessant sound of typewriter clicks, the hurried shuffling of footsteps, and the murmur of conversations. Bobbies and officers hurriedly crisscrossed the space, each focused on their respective tasks. Piles of paperwork cluttered every available surface, some spilling onto the floor in disarray. To the right, a massive evidence wall dominated the room, adorned with a mosaic of photos depicting victims, evidence, and various locations, interconnected by a web of red string that led to numerous question marks.

“They’ve been busy,” Cecil remarked, taking in the chaotic scene.

“It seems so,” Adam replied picking up a fallen photograph off the floor. The picture was of a woman. Dead. She was balled up in a fetal position, naked. Despite the gruesomeness of the scene, he couldn’t make out any injuries.

“Look, no injuries.” Adam put the photograph in front of Cecil’s face.

“Of course not,” He chuckled in a condescending fashion, taking the photograph from Adam’s gloved hand. One of the things all the victims have in common is that they all have traces of poison. Unfortunately, we can’t figure out which.

“He is right,” Monica interjected. “The poison used on the victim doesn’t seem to match any in our database.”

Adam sighed and placed both hands on his hips, not liking his chances.

“So this killer has 13 victims in three months, untraceable poison, and so elusive he’s escaped the grasp of the entire yard. Lucky us.”

Monica ran a nervous hand through her hair. “Things aren’t looking too bright for us, are they? But this case will never be solved if we stand around crying about it. Let’s talk to the inspector.”

“Very well.” Adam responded. “His office should be upstairs.”

The upper-floor corridor was silent. A relieving break from the madness downstairs. They walked towards the end of the corridor and then turned to an oak door on the left. Adam knocked softly. He heard a bit of shuffling inside until he heard a boisterous voice let out “Come in!”

“How’s it goin’ Clarke? Oh! And who are these two?” The tall man stood up from his leather chair. Brown curls covered his head and a matching beard hung down to the middle of his neck. Thick arms grabbed the edge of the desk as he stood up. A tarp-sized coffee trenchcoat blanketed his shoulders.

“It’s been a bit, man!” He guffawed walking over to Adam, who was half his height. Ironheel clasped a heavy hand on the young man’s shoulder. “As you see, I’ve been a bit busy.”

The group looked around the room. The man's joyous demeanor contradicted the state of the room. Like the desks downstairs, papers were scattered in the room. Cardboard boxes with stacks of photographs surrounded the desk.

“Nice to see you as well, Inspector. Have you guys made any breakthroughs?”

Ironheel sighed, massaging his forehead. “Nothing extreme. But we did notice all of the murders took place around the shopping district in western London. Most likely our murderer resides there. Unfortunately so do thousands of other people. I apologize I can’t offer much help this time. But I can tell you everything I do know.”

“No need to fret Inspector,” Monica told him. “You have been helpful already.”

Ironheel turned to the lady. “Oh yes, Clarke! You forgot to introduce your friends.” He said turning to look at Cecil, then Monica, then back.

“Right, this is Cecil and Monica.”

Ironheel turned to face Monica again. “Of course! Monica Moore! I’ve heard all about you!” Ironheel offered an eager hand which Monica shook. “An officer at thirteen! Impressive, glad to work with you.”

Ironheel looked at Cecil. “I haven’t seen this guy around here.”

“I’m new here,” Cecil answered.

“Huh.”

The room crackled with tension until Adam spoke.

“So Ironheel, what can you tell us.”

“Oh of course, of course!” He boomed as he sunk back in his seat, shuffling through a stack of papers.

“The murders started three months ago. On July 23rd a body of a woman named Natalie Halls was found in an ally outside a tailor. When the police arrived they found her corpse nude but with no sign of trauma that could have caused her death.”

“So she was killed with the poison as well,” Adam added.

“Yup. After an inspection by the coroner, he found a poisonous substance in her body. We ran studies on it with every single poison on record but we found zero matches. Things were already going rough for us when on July 26th another body was reported. Another woman was murdered outside a pawn shop under the same circumstances. Another on August 1st. This time a black man. Another on August 5th, and one on August 9th. It’s been a continuous line of murders for the last three months. All 2 to 6 days apart.

“When was the last murder?” Asked Monica.

“Three days ago.”

“So if this pattern continues, the murder should happen sometime in the next few days.” Cecil mused.

“Sadly, you are correct. This is why this case has the utmost importance. Despite our ongoing investigations, murders have been happening right under our noses. It’s good you three are here. We’ll take any help we can get.”

“Of course, inspector,” Adam smiled. “We will get started as soon as possible. Any idea where we should start?”

“Let’s see.” He breathed, leaning back in his seat. “Though tedious, it would be good for you guys to stop at each crime scene. But as I said, earlier, each murder happened in the shopping district so they are all nearby. Stores have closed down and the residents are frantic. It would be a good idea to question some of them to see if they’ve seen anything suspicious or out of the ordinary. On the other side of the coin, we are trying to track down the murderer. We are trying to tie down the similarities between the victims, the time they were murdered, and where. It would also be wise to speak to the rest of the Yard about the evidence they have found. It is a lot of work and time is not on our side. It would be a good idea to split up to cover all bases as soon as possible.”

“Sounds good.” Monica turned towards the rest of the group. “Who wants to do what?”

“If I may,” Ironheel interjected. “I’d like Monica to accompany me to talk to the Yard.”

“On what basis?” She asked.

“Well, most of the victims are women. We don’t know when the next murder will happen or by whom. Having a female detective parade around in the murderer's fairgrounds seems like it would make her a primary target.”

The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

Adam looked over at the young woman who was bristling.

“I can handle myself!” She huffed. This is why I’m here, to investigate.”

“I’m sure you can. This is no attack on your competence. It’s we don’t know how the killer operates. You can perform an investigation at the Yard out of harm's way while your coworkers examine the shopping district.”

Monica’s arms were crossed and she was giving the Inspector a dangerous left. After a few seconds of angry silence, she spoke.

“I suppose. You two better not mess up!”

“We wouldn’t dream of it,” Adam told her sympathetically. We will see you soon.”

Ironheel clasped his hands together. “Looks like the plan is set. The next murder will happen in the next few days unless we find something big. Let’s not dawdle any longer. I’d recommend starting at the first crime scene you two. The murder was outside a tailor called Drours. You should be able to find it. Just follow the police tape. Miss Moore, come with me.”

With that, Monica and Ironheel got from their chairs and left. Cecil stood up and turned to Adam.

“You heard him. Let’s go.”

The Yard was just as chaotic as they left it. People hurried through the building. One almost knocked down Cecil as they walked down the stairs. They caught a glimpse of Ironheel and Monica talking to one of the bobbies and sent them a friendly nod. Once they got into the carriage, Adam conversed with Cecil.

“Drours is about forty-five minutes from here. It should be a long ride.

“Yup.”

Well, that didn’t work.

Silence overtook the two again while Adam thought of something to say.

"So, Prussia," Adam began, eyeing Cecil curiously. "That's quite a distance. What brings you all the way here to Great Britain?"

"A change of scenery," Cecil replied with a nonchalant shrug. "Plus, the men here are sexier."

Adam's head snapped towards Cecil, his eyes wide with shock.

"Wha- You can't say such things in public!" he whispered sharply, his voice filled with panic.

Cecil looked Adam up and down with a smirk, his sharp blue eyes boring into Adam's.

"You gonna tell on me?" he asked, the challenge clear in his voice. "I mean, it's not like I was wrong. You're standing right here."

Adam's cheeks burned as he quickly averted his gaze. "You'll get us both in trouble," he murmured, his voice barely audible.

"For what? Friendly banter?" Cecil chuckled his tone light and teasing.

"Not that. You know it's illegal."

Cecil leaned back in his chair, crossing his legs with a casual grace. "It is when you get caught."

Adam's anxiety spiked. "Well, at least be careful. You're surrounded by officers all the time."

"Are you careful?"

Adam turned even redder. "What? No, I'm not like that."

"Really?" Cecil asked, one eyebrow raised in disbelief. "It didn't seem that way this morning."

Adam opened his mouth, but no words came out. He could only stare at Cecil, his mind racing and his face flushed with embarrassment.

“Don’t look so shy.” Cecil teased. “It didn’t bother me. You’re not too bad-looking yourself.”

“Stop it!” Adam choked out. “You didn’t even answer my question, you liar! Nobody goes to another country for a fling. What’s the real reason?”

“Are you calling me a liar?” Cecil asked bringing his hand to his chest in fake shock.

“I already did.”

“What’s it to you?” He questioned with slight hostility.

“Nothing, sorry,” Adam replied softly. “I was just asking.”

Cecil’s expression softened. “It’s just not something that concerns you, pretty boy.”

Adam looked away again fidgeting with his pant leg.

“You should stop talking like that.”

“But you make it so hard,” Cecil whined. “But alas.”

“Alright, then I have another question. How long have you been in Britain?”

“You sure do ask a lot of questions about me.” Cecil mocked. “I don’t remember you interrogating the girl about her past”

“She didn’t go through absurd things to hide it.”

“I’m not hiding anything, my dear Adam.”

“I said stop it.” Adam sighed, running a hand through his chestnut waves.

“So rude. But to answer your question I’ve been here for four years. See, nothing important and nothing to hide.”

Adam leaned in, intrigued.

“How did you learn English?”

“I taught myself.”

“How.”

“Books. And you ask a lot of questions.” Cecil huffed.

“Maybe I find you interesting.” Adam hummed.

Cecil’s cheeks were slightly tinted pink as he adjusted his glasses.

“Then I’m sure I can answer all your absurd questions in a more romantic setting.”

Adam tittered softly. “Not that kind of interesting.”

“Are you sure?” Cecil grinned. “I feel like I’m winning you over.”

“Do you?” Adam answered with a similar smile. “Then you work fast.”

“I guess so.”

The carriage settled into a comfortable silence for a few minutes, except for the rolling of the wheels until another question popped into his mind

“So, if you're from Prussia can you speak German?” Adam queried with curiosity.

“Yup,” replied Cecil with a casual nod.

Adam's eyes lit up with excitement. “Can you teach me some?” he inquired eagerly.

Cecil hesitated for a moment before responding, “Nope.”

Adam seemed caught off guard by the refusal.

“Why not?” he asked, slightly exasperated. “If you really do know it, then it shouldn’t be difficult.”

Cecil rolled his eyes and leaned back in his seat, crossing his arms.

“Fine, but then you shut up for the rest of the ride,” he relented.

Adam smirked and nodded eagerly, eager to learn.

Cecil mulled it over for a moment before deciding to teach Adam a phrase.

“Ich habe mich in dich verliebt,” Cecil said, enunciating each word clearly.

Adam attempted to repeat after him but stumbled over the sounds.

“Itch happen what?” he asked, looking puzzled.

“It means ‘I speak German,’” Cecil sighed, realizing that teaching German to Adam might not be as easy as he initially thought.

“Ah,” Adam responded, trying to process the new information.

Cecil chuckled at Adam’s quick attempt to learn German.

“I told you it wouldn’t work. It never does.”

“Hmph!” Adam grumbled in good humor. Cecil decided to press his luck.

“Since you keep asking me a bunch of questions, I want to ask you something.”

“Alright,”

“Are you single?”

Adam’s face felt hot once again.

“I knew it was going to be something like that.”

“Answer the question,” Cecil said. “I answered all of yours.”

“Yes, I am.”

“Are you busy tomorrow evening?”

“Are you insane?” Adam snapped. “Of course I am. And you are too. We have a very important case to solve, remember?”

“We can put some things on hold,” Cecil suggested. “But, the next murder should happen in the next few days, ideally the case should be solved by then. So once it’s over…”

“I-I don’t know, Cecil,” Adam replied anxiously. “You know things like that are against the law.”

“The law, my dear Adam, can’t govern every aspect of our lives. Some rules have to be broken to live truly free.”

“What the devil are you talking about? Well, whatever. I’ll think about it.”

Cecil beamed, blue eyes lighting up like Christmas lights.

“I’ll take it.”