Why did Red even bring her along for the ride? It’s like Shay’s only here for emotional support, not like Red even needs that from where she’s standing.

Every time Shay notices something out of the ordinary, well, according to her, Red has not only pointed it out, but deduced the origin of why it wasn’t ordinary. Sometimes, Shay contemplates just leaving and going back to the dining room. Hell, just get out of the mansion. She didn’t do this.

Just then, Red stops in her tracks. her heels clicking. Lowkey? It was a little annoying. If Red is serious about getting an assistant, is “listening to her 25-inch heels clattering around the floor” a requirement? If so, Shay isn’t cut for it.

“Honey, I’m startin’ to learn that I truly haven’t gotten to learn about all of y’all. That’s why I’ve brought you here. I just wanna learn more about this Alyx, hear y’all’s story.”

What was Red getting at? Sure, she’s a detective, but do they actually need backstories and all? Well, probably to determine motive, Shay thinks.

“Aight, I’ll bite. Alyx at some point was everyone’s main doctor. I’ve only been with her for a bit, when I was back in Minnesota for the World Juniors. Helped me with some shit.” Shay looks absentmindedly at the ceiling. “We never spoke to each other again after that, promise.”

Red tilts her head. “Mind if you tell me what exactly the ‘shit’ was? Surely this ‘shit’ must have been extraordinarily catastrophic to warrant a murd–”

“I. Didn’t. Kill her. And it was some stupid gender-affirming shit. I dunno, thought a girl who played like a guy, liked guy stuff, and shit like that was a little too weird.” Shay slumps her shoulders, pursing her lips. She did not want to get into this now. Thankfully, Red at least has the social intellect to drop it.

“I’m terribly sorry for askin’. Well, do you know of the others, then?”

Shay shakes her head and chuckles. “Yeah. The football guy who won’t stop calling me every insult on the market? Yea, that’s Big Bill. To be honest, name’s more of an insult than anything. Dude won’t stop dickriding Tom Brady; last year he wanted to be a Buc, now he thinks he’s too good for the NFL! And to think his biggest idol kisses kids–”

Red holds up a gloved hand to stop Shay from saying anything else. “My spirited Shay, those certainly are words I understand separately. Mind speakin’ in layman’s terms?”

“Big Bill is an idiot who simps for one guy. If you ask me, he could’ve killed Alyx if she insulted him or whatever.”

Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

Red nods while taking out a notepad from her basket, writing on it. Her poodle yawns and curls up into a pillow next to Red’s feet.

“Very well. What about the leathered lass?”

“Oh, Blake? Dunno much about her, other than she’s more famous than any of us, really. Apparently she also had a hit single with fuckin’ Lana Del Rey of all people. Though she had a bit of a losing streak. Max’s been winning the championship for the past couple of years now.”

Red keeps writing. “Max… who?”

“Max La Fontaine. The Red Bull guy. Oh, right. They do racing. Formula 1.”

Red smiles as if she understands whatever Shay was saying. “Something to research after all of this is done, I suppose! Now, about the other two.”

Shay exhales, letting out some tension she didn’t even know she had. “Leo? Honestly, she’s probably as famous as Blake. She won the Euros for Italy; her penalty save is still played in ESPN to this day. Though, I think she’s younger than me, lowkey. Don't know much else. Also, she’s a bit rude. And Jake…”

While Red and Shay talked, they were walking along a terribly long hallway. The latter couldn’t help but drag her finger along the wall. And before she can finish, she hears a particular riiiiip. Before Shay could even turn her head, a needle shoots out of somewhere and strikes Shay in the back of her left knee. Yelping, Shay kneels on her right as Red takes out an umbrella from her basket.

“What the devil?! Now this house’s alive? Darling, where did you get hurt?”

“My fuckin’ left knee…! Only… Alyx knew that it was fuck–”

Before Shay could finish, another needle shot and struck the right side of her throat. Shay could only make what sounds like a gurgling noise before doubling over on her left, utterly frozen.

“Arturo, check the source of them needles! Reckon we need emergency aid now!” The poodle barks obediently and scurries out of the room as Red holds an umbrella over her and Shay, protecting them from any further needles. As she does, she scans the fallen hockey player.

Shay is still conscious, but she can only move her eyes. Her heart racing, she tries to move her arm, but finds that she can’t. Shay’s breathing goes shallow with shock - the fuck did those needles do to her?! How did it know exactly where to hurt her?! She’s had recent neck problems, sure, and her left knee wasn’t exactly the best. Did Alyx do this? Did someone want her dead?! Oh God, she could feel poison running through her, she’s done for, she’s done for, she’s done for, she’s don–

“Relax, Shay, this ain’t gonna kill you. These here needles ain’t poisoned; they’re just gonna put you to sleep! Though this is some fine acupuncture… seems like you needed it. Now, take a deep breath. Need you awake for now.”

Shay tries to do as Red says. It’s… okay.

“Well, this’ll do. Can you talk?”

As Shay’s heartbeat slows, she can feel her face slowly warming up. She could at least move her mouth.

“...fucker… shit hurt…”

“The joys of pressure points, unfortunately. Now, was Alyx into that?”

“...sure… tested me… a lot…”

“...I’ll take it as a yes! Second, looks like she didn’t tell y’all about her mansion bein’ alive. Any reason why she’d wanna arm it like this?”

“...dunno. Seemed like… the type to keep… secrets… didn’t tell me shit… other than… ex..pe…r…”

“Very well. Oh– oh, don’t sleep on me yet, Shay. Last question, promise.”

But all that greets Red is Shay’s light snoring. Huffing in disappointment, Red takes out the needles and puts them in her basket. Sportspeople. They know just how to fall asleep at the best time.

Just as Red is about to walk back, her poodle scurries down the stairs and drops off some papers at Red’s feet. She squeals in delight. “Oh, Juan, you are the best perrito I’ve ever known! What gifts have you brought me today?” As she reads the files, she gasps. Of course… that explains it.

Red has a lot to unpack for the group.