The Adventures of Shadow Spade: A Study in Sewage

by Draconaquest

First published January 1st, 1970 00:00

When a construction worker dies, no one bats an eye. It's normal, construction workers die all the time.
But, what about a construction worker who died for no apparent cause, and claims to have seen the recently deceased?
Now, that's interesting.
So, I decided to figure out how he died, and, if possible, discover what his 'visions' were about.
Now where should I begin?
Ah, yes, my name would be a good place to start.
I am Shadow Spade, and I solve murders.

Chapters

Opening Introductions

Opening Introductions
View Online

The Adventures of Shadow Spade: A Study in Sewage

Opening Introductions

Shadow Spade does it again! She solved the Blackwood case, and helped the Guard discover a plot to sabotage the Friendship Summit!

Or, at least, that's what the papers should say, if the papers weren't bias toward the Royal Guard. Instead, I'm left sitting in my flat, wishing somepony would actually give me recognition for my accomplishments.

Although, at the same time, it's nice not to have everypony at my door, begging for an autograph they'll never get. But, I'm still here, being the Royal Guard's first contact when nopony can figure out what is happening.

And yet, I get no recognition for it. Oh well, the thrill is in the chase, never in the capture I suppose. Still though, it might be nice.

And, you're reading this, having absolutely no idea who I am. Well, to clarify, I am Shadow Spade, the detective. I am the one who actually solves all the crimes in Canterlot, not the idiotic guard. They couldn't tell a safety pin from a paper clip, I swear. And yet, they somehow maintain the image that they are as intelligent as Celestia herself.

I live in the main tower in Canterlot, which overlooks much of the city, therefore I get a very good view of what ponies do during their day. Much of the tower is a library, which I designed, whilst the rest of it is my bedroom, bathroom, and walk-in closet. It's large, and cozy, and I don't have to worry about too many ponies getting in the way.

Today was Monday morning, and I was sitting in my tower over looking the courtyard, while enjoying a nice cup of tea. It was raining today, as the pegasi ordered. I was sitting in my dressing gown, and was enjoying the peaceful day.

Until there was a loud knock on my door.

My concentration was broken, and my magic holding the tea cup fell to the ground, splattering all over the blue tile. "Come in!" I groaned, and went searching for a towel.

"Ms. Shade?" A voice called, as I grabbed a towel from the bedroom.

"Damn." I mumbled. It was Police Force, head detective of the Royal Guard. Compared to the rest of the guard, he was better than them, but still quite dim.

I trotted out of the bedroom, and moved the towel over the tea spill on the floor, and looked over to Force. "Yes, Police, what may I do for you? After all, I doubt this is a social visit, considering you're still wearing your armor. And, it's bad news, considering that you removed your helmet."

Police Force had never quite gotten used to my deduction skills, even though we'd been working together for the last two years. Well, when I say, 'together,' it's more like I do the hard work, and he gets the credit.

"Well, don't just stand there like a deer with a torch in it's face, talk to me!" I said, getting impatient.

"Well Ms. Shade, I have some bad news." Force said, lowering his head.

"I gathered." I replied, cleaning up the stain on the floor.

"Well, Ms. Shade, I have some news from Princess Celestia," Force explained, "And, you see, well, she said that...um..."

"Out with it!" I shouted, launching the tea-stained towel at him, which his magic failed to deflect. I chuckled as it hit him in the face.

Force removed the towel from his face, and said, "Princess Celestia has asked you to move out by next Sunday."

This caught me off guard, which was rather odd. "What? Why?"

"You cannot pay the rent." Force explained. "Princess Celestia says that because you cannot pay the rent, and must proceed to either pay this month's rent, or pack your items, so someone else can move in."

"Oh, typically bureaucratic rubbish!" I exclaimed, "'God save the Princess' more like 'God save the bureaucratic bit-"

"Ms. Shade, there is something else." Force said, getting my attention. "A construction worker died recently, and none of the doctor's can explain how he died."

"A construction worker?" I asked. "So what, construction workers die all the time, why am I supposed to care?"

"Well," Force began, "This particular worker claimed to have communication with the recently deceased."

That caught my attention. "Magic?"

"No one knows." Force said, "We thought you might want to take the case, in light of your recent dilemma."

I frowned. "Don't pity me force, it's not healthy." I said, flatly, "But, it does sound intriguing. I think I'll take it." I trotted into my bedroom, and came back out wearing my signature trench coat and hat. "Now, first things first, the scene of the crime."