Prologue

DI Octavia Philharmonica stepped of the bus, crossed the street and entered the doors of her work. She had just been away, enjoying three weeks of vacation. It had simply been divine. Music, music, more music…and some fishing. Not only had she got the opportunity to enjoy a perfectly executed performance of Bach’s Cello suit no 4 in E-minor, she also had the privilege to overhear a complete rehearsal of Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben performed by the examining classes from Equestrias Royal School of Performing Arts. And, of course, that little spontaneous performance of Clara Schumann’s Piano sonata in G minor by her old friend and colleague Jane Lestrade at a wine bar in Horseshoe.

“That was what I call a vacation”, she though. “But now, back into the purgatory known as Equestria south central Police Headquarters. Only two years to retirement…”

Octavia belonged to section VII, which meant she took care of cases regarding thefts, break-and-entry and robberies. Section VII was placed at floor no 6, which without any logic anso contained section III, Homicide. Or as the in-joke called it, “Jaywalking department”. If you did not know where to go, or didn't ask for directions, it was almost impossible to navigate through the building. The only sign that showed what section that lay beyond the untransparent and unfriendly doors, was the small group of roman numerals, attached to the upper part of the doors that divided the sections from the stairs and elevators. Octavia knew the way just all to well, and so she walked out of the elevator and made her way into the office. It was empty, but it was Monday and the time was  6.30. The dayshift started at 7.15, and the rest of her colleagues hated mornings following a second degree curve. So the solitude was nothing unusual. The sections were constructed as long corridors, which ended with coffee machines, toilets and big windows, and section VII was no exeption. The view from VII was not very spectacular though, so let’s leave that were it belongs. The corridor had seven doors on each side, and third on the left was marked “DI O. PHILHARMONICA O.I.C” The last part meant “officer in charge”. This was symbolic, due to the fact that every police officer or soldier of any kind was imposed to be under direct command of the Queen. Old Equestrian tradition. She opened her door, a bit surpriced to notice that she wasn’t alone. She was greeted by her colleague, Timmy “Time” turner. He was a young man of 27, the newest on the department, but Octavia had come to like the young boy, and she pretty much treated him like a long-time partner. Nothing else though, and no gossip. Everybody in the building knew that Octavia was lesbian since her eleventh birthday, and the once who did not know that, pretty much was informed on the spot… Octavias surprised look was because that even though Timmy was eager, he was no ass-kisser. And yet, here he stood beside her desk, at least 45 minutes before he usally appeared. On her desk, a huge pile of paper was placed. Next to the pile was a small vase filled with violets.

“Morning turner. What brings you in this hour? I must say that I’m surprised! And, what’s this?”

“Oh, only a small piece of welcome-back-chief… “

“Yeah, yeah…nice flowers…. I meant this!”

She put her hand on the pile of paper. Timmy walked closer, eager like an excited child, though he tried to restrain himself.

“Oh… Yeah, this, sir, is smoking! This has been sent to us from the piggybank…I mean the Economic section”

“ECO! You meant, they passed material onto us?”

“Yes! We have free hands to get a shot at…”

“Discord?”

“Oh no, sir. Bigger than that.”

“Oh…I see.”

Octavia paused. It had come at last. It was not that very common for a DI at section VII to have an arch nemesis, but Octavia did have one. The one which she knew were responsible for over one hundred thefts and heists, and not a single piece of evidence.  She had been hunting her for over 19 years, but never been closer to an arrest, than a couple of visits to her home, which they left without taking anything with them other than some cheerful words and their tails between their legs. And the constant teasing...

It was a couple of years ago Octavia realized that maybe she could get her the Al Capone-way, and hence, she had required material from the economic section. However, those request took their time, and in the end, she had just given up. But now, the impossible had happened! She would finally be able to put handcuffs on, and take her to the trial she had deserved for almost a lifetime…

“Rarity C. Belle.”

Turner nodded. A sinister smile came upon his DI’s lips.

“This time, turner…this time…We are going to crush her!”

Two secret letters.

“My love.

It has been only one week since I held you close, and it feels like a lifetime. Oh, how I would love to describe to you how every part of my body longs for you… but I must be discreet, I know… And brief, which is almost as hard, when I just want to say… how much I love you. You remember my little suggestion? In fact, the events that will follow would suit that purpose perfectly. Please, do not hesitate to give me your answer.

XX”

“Dearest…

I have indeed thought about your suggestion. It has been tough, due to the fact that it violates all of the principles I have… but I will say yes.  Because I love you.

XXX”