Too Fluffy For You?by flutterbythebayChaptersButterflies where?Curse My Bad Mouth!Am I Crazy?A Pony And Her GunButterflies where?The workplace was quiet. Soft rustling could be heard from outside my office as Grace Vanpelt shifted through the fresh batch of files we had received for recent murder cases. Closing the sturdy glass door that sealed off my area from the rest of the building, I leaned against the wall. Dull aching was buzzing in my head, and as I rested a cold hand on my pounding temples a pulsing beat vibrated underneath the palm. I couldn't say I didn’t regret coming to work today. But I won't leave the team to handle my consultant Patrick Jane alone. Snatching the cell phone from the desk, I flipped up the top and glared at the clock. twenty minutes had passed since I had called Jane to come to my office. I had also slipped a favor in. I missed getting a coffee this morning and didn’t feel like sipping from one of the grimy quick serve machine brands that were scattered throughout the CBI. I have a hard time trusting the work coffee anyways since my insane therapist Roy had drugged my coffee a year ago. Sliding open the iron cabinet in my desk, I quickly took out a new file out and flipped it open in front of me. Leaning onto my elbows so that I didn’t have to focus on sitting up. I let my sore blurry eyes scan the paper. It was the usual drama. A 26 year old woman by the name of Jessie Landor was found murdered in her home. The wound was a silver knife in her throat. As I read further, the drumming in my head got worse. Beginning to worry that something was wrong, I prayed that Jane would get here soon. I wasn’t afraid of dying, but if I needed to go home, which I hoped wouldn’t happen, I would have him to drive me. Dizziness sunk in not long after. That’s when I started to panic. Throwing myself out of my chair I began to make my way to the door, Getting only got as far as the other side of my desk before collapsing again when the ground rejected me. Closing my eyes and covering my head with my hands, I clenched my teeth. Tingling filled my body from my toes to the tip of each strand of my dark brown hair. When it had subsided, I felt . . . different. Opening my eyes after some time, I looked around. My office seemed twice as large, and I felt . . . exposed. Looking down to make sure I was still wearing clothes, which seemed stupid, I gasped. I was yellow. Then a pile of pink hair fell in front of my face and I pushed it away with agitation. What happened? Desperately I shot across my office and stared into one of the glass walls. My own wide eyes were staring back at me. I felt faint. Matching me in the wall was a small yellow pegasus with pink hair and butterflies on her . . . butt. She did everything I did, copied every move down the the hair. Only one thought crossed my mind at that moment, I knew exactly what happened. “Jane.” I growled, seething with rage and anger. It had to be him! Whenever something went wrong in the CBI it was always because of my consultant Patrick Jane and his stupid physic acts! and Terror struck next. How would I manage to do my job if I was a small, harmless fantasy creature? No suspect would take me seriously! And what about the team? Surely they would never see me like this? I to turn back. Breathing in a heavy ragged pattern that was past the point of simply hyperventilating, I ran to the center of the room and looked for cover. Hiding under my desk was too obvious, and if I was found, I would surely be a laughing stock, maybe fired for goofing off on the job! Footsteps from outside attracted my direct attention and before I could scuttle to the corner, the door flung open. Jane waltzed in with a smile and a coffee in his hand. When he looked at me, a surprised grin immediately curled at his lips and he bent down with curiosity and shock sparkling in his eyes. I was already up to just past his waist, but I guess he wanted to be face to face with me. stretching out his hand slowly as if he thought I would be scared of his funky expression he tapped me on the head and ruffled up my pink “mane” with his hand. “I guess Lisbon isn’t as tough as she looks is she pretty pony? but still, I don't believe that yellow and pink ponies exist.” Jane teased in a pinched voice. His gaze traveled to my folded wings and his mouth scrunched up in deep thought. "I definitely don't think pegasi exist." Slapping his arm away with a hoof I thrust myself into his face, beating my wings a mile a minute, not that I knew how to fly. “Don’t tease me Jane! What the hell did you do?” I hissed, my voice sounded the same, except significantly softer. Fresh rage flared in my veins and my cheeks glowed bright red as he stared into my hot expression with disbelief, then he quickly pulled himself together and burst out laughing. I couldn’t believe it. He didn’t take me seriously at all. I was glad that he had closed the door because this surely would have attracted a decent amount of attention by now. “Lisbon why are you a yellow and pink equine? What happened while I was getting your coffee?” Trying to ignore the way my cheeks were bulging I snatched the steaming cup from his hand, only to spill it on the floor and burn my clumsy hoof on the boiling liquid. “Ow!” I spluttered and cursed under my fast paced breath. “Calm down.” Jane said in a relaxed tone, though he was reaching into his bag. I almost blushed when he pulled a long napkin out and wrapped it around my burning hoof. “Gee, thanks.” I scowled. I looked away with false anger, not daring to let him see the small tinge of gratitude that sparked in my large eyes. After a while of not looking at him, an unsettling fear began to take hold of my body. How would I deal with this problem? “So you don’t know what happened?” Jane asked out of the blue. I turned my worried gaze back to him and shook my head hopelessly. “Then we should just wait and see what happens, I’m sure we’ll find something sooner or later.” “You’re acting strange today. Less . . . childish.” I observed curiously at his nonchalant answer to my problem. He simply shrugged and I cast the issue aside. “There’s a new case, Jessie Landor. She was murdered yesterday. We’ve got the files and the case is ours. But how am I going to work like this?” I growled, lifting a worthless hoof and waggling it in the air. “Let’s just ignore it and do our boring work as usual.” “It’s hardly boring with you on cases!” I countered aggressively, realizing a little to late that it was the response he had been waiting to laugh at. I accidentally let out a little snort and he sent me a heavy grin. “I’ll think of something, just follow me.” Not waiting to see if I agreed he opened the door and began to make his way into my team’s area, just outside the office. With soft steps I followed, madly hoping that he didn’t mess things up. When we stood in plain site I began to shiver. All eyes were on me and I didn’t like it at all. Then Jane smiled playfully and pointed to me. “Everyone meet my little pony!” Curse My Bad Mouth!The team looked at Jane with confusion, and I thought I could detect some genuine fear in their eyes as well. I searched my mind for a reason, but my imagination was far from being dependable. The only thing I could think of was them seeing Jane with a yellow and pink pegasus and concluding that he was a mad scientist with a passion for cute girly fantasy creatures It wasn’t everyday someone brought a live pegasus to work after all. Of course, Grace spoke first, she was always the one to get down to business, but she did have a tendency to poke into other people's personal problems. “Jane, why is there a pegasus in the office?” She paused for a moment, her eyes widening and she clenched her fists around her long red hair as if she was going to tie it back. “In fact, why is there a pegasus at all? That isn't possible, is it?” “Grace,” Jane sympathized with a smart grin curling up his cheeks. “Have some imagination, you can’t possibly know everything there is to know. The world is full of mysteries.” “I know there is no such thing as a pegasus.” Cho mumbled as he walked into the office, in his arms was a folded tie. Wrinkles spread across the black leather as if he hadn’t yet ironed it, and dark bags lumped under his tired eyes. I felt bad making them all come in so early. The FBI were definitely looking for ways to pin my team. I can’t let that happen. If someone comes in late, they’ll have something to scold me about. My only choice is to start work early. I’m not scared of the FBI, but I can’t risk my team, no matter the cost. “Maybe Jane is a mad scientist or something.” Rigsby chuckled from his cluttered desk. I couldn’t resist laughing to myself as he pin pointed my exact thought. But that quickly reeled into horror. Imagining my curly haired consultant in a lab coat bent over dangerous chemicals made my head spin with fear. The damage he could do was frightening and endless. Shivers ran down my spine as Jane tapped my back, his fingers slipped right through the short fur and touched my skin. All I could think about was him with poisonous bottles and sharp needles. “Maybe I am. Maybe I conjured up this little pegasus with a solution of chemicals, or maybe it’s something more plausible.” Jane replied curtly. Anger flared through my veins, replacing any sensitive emotions I may have had seconds before. He was edging them towards the truth, towards the embarrassing fact that I was a frilly delicate mare. Quickly I struck out with my back leg. Pleasure coursed through me as it smacked into Jane’s knee. I felt his leg buckle in protest as my surprisingly strong hoof smacked him hard. “We should get back to the case.” Jane stuttered quickly, sending a challenging frown my way. I shot a glare back at him, a twisted smile stretched across my cheeks. “But where's Lisbon?” Grace questioned. “She’s . . .” Jane stopped, and I knew why. I had put him in a corner. He knew me well, too well. He knew I wouldn’t want the team to think I was ill, that I wouldn’t want them to think I was upset about something. I never missed work unless I was suspended, which seemed to be happening more often than I would like. For me to be absent there would have to be a good reason, a strong one. “Her brother Tommy came down, she told me she wanted to spend time with him while she could, you know, since she never sees him?” No! That’s completely wrong! “She would leave work to have a family get together?” Grace said warily. “Give her a break, she works hard, and she never sees him. Wouldn’t you do the same? Family is important to her, you should know that.” I doubted anyone else could see it, but he was pleading them to believe him. At that moment I knew he was loyal and that he wanted the best for me. He will do whatever it takes to keep my problem a secret from the CBI. That didn't change that the fact he used my past as an excuse didn't hurt me. “Let’s just leave it, I’m sure Lisbon has a reason.” Cho spoke, he had settled himself at his own desk now. The surface was practically spotless, much cleaner than Rigsby’s. It was also more organized than Van Pelt’s. “What do we know?” Clearing her throat, Grace scanned the papers. “The victim is Jessie Landor. She was murdered in her own house. The witness isn’t sure when, she said that the body seemed cold.” “Who was the witness?” Jane said. He took his hand off my spine and slipped it into his pocket. “Laura Granet. Apparently her and Jessie were best friends.” I was about to order Grace to search for Laura’s address when I quickly stopped myself, remembering the circumstance. Frustration clawed at my brain and I tapped my hoof against the ground. I wanted to be in control, I wanted to tell them what to do, and guide them, but I couldn’t. I had lost my role and now could only watch as my team went on as usual. Surprisingly they seemed to be alright, I shouldn’t be so surprised. They were smart, loyal, and definitely dependable. “But we still need Lisbon, she’s our boss.” Grace said from her computer after a while of silence. Frustration rushed through me and I resisted the urge to swear aloud. But Cho spoke up and saved me. “Someone could step in for her today.” “What about Grace?” Rigsby suggested. Grace shot him a rueful glare but he put up his hand and continued. “I’m just saying, you’re like Lisbon, except less manly. You’re softer than she is, and dare I say more lady like?” That was it, I didn’t care what anyone thought, this was all getting out of hand. I drew in a breath, ready to make him eat his words, spit them out, and eat them again. Then Jane kicked my side, it wasn’t to hurt though, just to remind me to keep my mouth shut. “Grace do you have an address yet?” Jane said as he hurried them on. “Yeah. How about Cho and I go see Laura? Jane you take your pony home and then meet Rigsby at the crime scene.” Grace answered, a new commanding tone blooming in her voice. Jane nodded with a laugh and pushed me towards the door, I only walked a few paces before my hooves became entangled with each other. Wobbling dangerously, I let out a yelp and tried to straighten myself, but it was no good. My legs locked and I slammed against the ground chin first, of course spilling out swear words under my breath all the way down. “Lisbon?” Grace whispered with disbelief as she stared at me. I looked over my back and tried to get up, but I had become knotted together with legs and hair so I just puffed my cheeks and frowned at them with anger firing in my eyes. Underneath me my wings crumpled in a heap of splayed feathers. I waited impatiently for everyone to stop laughing, and even after minutes had passed they still hadn’t stopped. It hurt a little, but I would never let them know that. “I don’t know anyone else with a mouth like that!” Rigsby bellowed as he slapped a hand on his knee. Meanwhile, Jane had walked over and was starting to help me up off the freezing ground, which had started to bruise my stiff bones. Warmth and gratitude spread throughout my body as Jane slipped his hands under me and hosted me to my “feet”, taking the pressure off my now bruised elbows. Swiftly I pushed Jane away, the blush tingling in my cheeks made me worried he would read right through my used to be tough disguise. “Someone has been murdered and you’re just standing around here laughing? That is not the team I guided!” Rage flushed my cheeks as they only gave my words partial notice. Even Cho was laughing, and I always thought of him as an emotionless statue. “EVERYONE SHUT UP AND PULL IT TOGETHER OR I WILL PERSONALLY DEAL WITH YOU ONE BY ONE!” They stopped. “You seem like you know what you have to do.” I said after composing myself and taking a breath to get my words back. “Van Pelt, I want you and RIGSBY to go to the the crime scene? I’ll take Cho and Jane with me to speak with Laura Granet.” Reluctantly, Grace and Rigsby exited the room, I could catch a small hint of blush on Grace’s face. he would have worked well with Cho, but I needed the team to know that I was in charge still. That meant giving them my own orders. Cho had already left to go the the car, Jane followed him. His hands tucked tight inside his vest pockets. Watching them go, I contemplated weather or not it was really a good idea for me to go with them, seeing as I wasn’t exactly scary at the moment. I couldn’t hold a gun, or electrocute anybody, which did make me kinda sad. Ringing echoed through the silent hallways as the clock struck 7am. People would be arriving soon enough and I wasn’t something they would want to see in the work area. Slight panic pricked at my thrumming heart and I shot down the halls, my mind made up. I’d go with my team to Lora’s. It wasn’t like I would have to ask the questions right? Am I Crazy?As Jane hosted me into the police car, sadly I had to go behind the bars, I noticed Cho was seated up front on the passenger side. A sick knot twisted in my stomach and I turned my head back to look at Jane, his smile made me feel woozy and I asked worriedly, “Who’s driving?” Cho didn’t look back at me, only said, “Jane.” before looking back at his book. Instantly I started to scramble backwards, but Jane nudged me forward and slammed the door shut. When he hopped into the car and slipped in the key to start the engine, he looked over his shoulder at me. “Come on,” he said joyfully. “You’ve driven with me loads of times.” I answered his happiness with an unsatisfied grunt. The car engine started an I jolted in surprise. Fuel scent stained the air and I tried to cover my nose with my hair as the car bounced beneath my hooves. “So Lisbon, I was thinking. You know, since you’re a pegasus and all, we should see if you can actually fly, it would be interesting wouldn’t it?” “No!” I shouted. Panic continued to grip me as the car jumped and shuddered again. Perking my ears, I caught Jane the sound of Jane growling, “Sheep dip.” while he jiggled with the key. Finally the car started properly. Steadily we began to make our way to Laura's house. Restlessness soon soon began to nag at me and to pass the time I stretched my light wings, pondering if Jane’s idea was worth testing. Suddenly I shook my head with a shiver. No way! Never would I fly! It defied ever rule in life, people don’t fly, or at least used to be people. Sighing I touched my foot against the bars and wondered if this is what it would have felt like to be in jail had Jane and I not caught Roy. I still wanted to kill him. That no good therapist of mine had planned it all along! “Lisbon, are you okay back there?” Realizing that I had drifted off, I backed off of the bars that I had been leaning against and unclenched my stiff jaw. Looking up I noticed Jane looking back at me expectantly. “I’m fine!” I hissed back with frustration, more at myself than him. Looking down I closed my eyes and tried to get myself to relax. Suddenly shock ripped through me and I snapped my head back up. Jane was still looking at me. “THE ROAD!” I squeaked hastily, “WATCH THE ROAD!” Jumping out of the car, I took a breath in. It felt good to be out of the horror movie set up, and I knew that Cho felt the same way. As my team started walking towards the door, I turned and went to sit by a large tree growing in the front lawn. I concluded it would be better I sat this one out. If I went inside, I would just cause a fuss. Yawning I admired the small neighborhood. Gardens clattered each and every property, and large trees cast dark silhouettes down upon the smooth road that split the streets. Laura’s house was probably the least attractive house on the whole block. It was covered in moss, and the brick seemed to have corroded away. Shattered windows hung open and the roof was more dreary than any I had ever seen. All I had to do was relax. It wasn’t my job right now to be butting in and investigating. I could trust Cho to take care of Jane . . . Jane . . . No. No one could handle Jane except me. Growling I slammed a hoof down. I needed to be in there with them! Shooting off the ground, I raced towards the door at full sprint, but a voice from behind me made me stop dead in my tracks. “Hello!” I turned around, no one was there. A small dog was wagging it’s tail back and forth, but I payed it no heed. Was I going nuts? Sighting I began to walk to the steps again, but was halted by laughing. “Do you wanna play a game?” Snarling I whipped around, anger flaring in my eyes. “Whoever is messing with me better stop! I’m Lisbon of the CBI! Please come out!” But no one answered. I looked down at the dog again and when it opened it’s mouth, I nearly fainted. “Do you wanna play?” I stared for a minute, hoping that it would bark, but it never did. Slowly I crept towards the door, and when I got inside I quickly saw Jane and Cho. But something else caught my eye as well. On the inside, it was a whole new world. A lovely chandelier hung from the ceiling with shimmering beads dangling from the main glass. Rows of chine glass covered the walls, filled with beautiful cutlery that I could only dream of having. Underneath my hooves was a stainless white carpet that extended all the way down the hallway to what looked to be the kitchen. “Guys . . . There’s a problem.” I started, remembering the dog. But as I got closer to them, another person came into view. Laura Granet . . . Laura was staring at me with wide teary eyes and flushed cheeks, and I couldn’t do anything about it now! I should have thought! I should have known that she was here! I felt stupid and frustrated at the same time. “Hi, I’m agent Lisbon of the CBI. This is agent Cho and my consultant Patrick Jane. If it’s alright I would like to ask you some questions.” I said as I walked up to the table, trying to pretend nothing was wrong. I could barely see overtop the counter, so Cho grabbed me a stool, which I clumsily clambered up with Jane’s assistance. I accidentally slapped him in the face a few times with my whirling wings, but I trusted that it didn’t hurt him to much seeing as they were made of feathers. “I umm . . .” Laura seemed lost for words, so I just carried on as usual, my heart pounded and my voice shook a little, but I tried to hide it. Though the only reason was so Jane didn’t have anything to “read” into. “Where were you yesterday in the afternoon?” “I, I was at home . . .” Laura answered, drawing a tissue from the white box beside her. That was a common answer, and I didn’t want to interrogate her when she was crying like this. I was almost happy I looked cute and cuddly right now. Nudging the box closer to her I continued, noticing out of the corner of my eye that Jane had walked off and was looking through Laura's bookshelf. “What were you doing?” I spoke softly. “I was reading . . . actually I was reading the book he has in his hands.” She answered with a slight sniffle, pointing to Jane. Jane looked back at us with a surprised expression. He whispered a quick apology before setting the book down in front of me. It was titled, The Price Of Luxury. “Alright, thank you.” Sighing I looked straight into Laura’s eyes. “I only have one question left, do you know anyone who might have wanted to hurt Jessie?” “I don’t think so . . .” Laura whispered stunned. I sighed disappointedly and was about to attempt to leave when Laura spoke again. “Actually, there might be one person. His name is Richard Luis, apparently Laura owed him money, I don’t recall her ever paying him back . . . He might be upset about that . . .” “At least now we have some sort of lead.” I said tiredly. “Alright, thanks Laura.” I struggled off the stool, but before I left I turned back. “Oh, Laura?” I started. Laura lifted her head and stared back at me with curiosity. “Does your dog talk?” A Pony And Her GunThe car grumbled and rattled as Jane turned the key and started the engine. I looked on unhappily as the vehicle thumped unnaturally beneath my hooves. The thick smell of gasoline drifted through the stuffy air of the tight car, and after a few more rumbles the motor started up properly. I had given up on convincing Cho to drive, because really there was no point in arguing about it, I wasn’t a child and I didn’t need to beg or plead. “We should head to the crime scene.” I started. “Cho, call Van Pelt and make sure everything is going well there. Tell her we’re about 10 minutes away and should be there soon.” I turned to Jane. “Jane, don’t screw up.” The car ride seemed endless, and the back of the car wasn’t comfortable in the slightest. But that wasn’t what worried me the most. Jane was being quiet, too quiet. “So, what do you think about Laura?” I asked, my voice cracking slightly. “I need more information before I can be sure of anything.” He said casually. “So in other words you won’t tell me?” “Not unless you try to fly,” I could see a small devilish smile crawling up his lip, but just huffed in annoyance. “Not happening.” I hopped out of the car with ease and took in my surroundings. We were just outside Jessie Landor’s house, but it wasn’t a house. I looked up in astonishment. I knew that Jessie was rich because of the records, but the sight that was before me was beyond what I had imagined. The mansion was at least 9 stories, and each curve was lined in gold and silver. As my gaze drifted across the structure I noticed balconies and small ornaments that dazzled in the sunlight. Freshly trimmed grass surrounded the structure and spread out for miles. “Van Pelt’s waiting inside.” Cho said plainly as he walked past me. I nodded and followed, hoping that if I carried myself with confidence no one would notice that I was a pegasus with a perfectly curled mane style. As he pushed the door open, I was greeted to luxury. Shelves of trophies and small sculptures lined the smooth walls, and the glass tiled floor was sleek and freshly washed. But that wasn’t all. In the middle of the opening room, Grace was waiting with Rigsby. That was when I noticed the blood and reminded myself that this was a crime scene. I was about to head over to her when she looked in my direction and quickly ran to me. But she had something in her hand, a police badge? It dangled as she rushed over to me and before I could do anything she slung it around my neck. “Now people will know you’re with us.” She smiled awkwardly. Rigsby walked over as well and before I knew it he was strapping something around my stomach. I tried to twist to see it but it was out of my sight no matter how hard I tried to find it. “Rigsby what is it!?” I yowled unpleasantly. “It has a gun to make you look more intimidating, not loaded of course.”” He answered with a small bout of laughter. I growled a bit before stomping past them and towards Jessie’s body. It was indeed gruesome. She had a silver knife stabbed in her throat. The worst thing was that it didn’t bother me. I just looked over the body and tried to sort out what had happened, other than the obvious of course. Jane walked over as I finished and instantly looked ill, but he gathered himself quickly. I watched with interest, as well as some fear, and he bent down and sniffed Jessie’s corpse. “She was wearing perfume, I would think it’s expensive too.” He concluded. “That’s very helpful Jane . . .” I replied in annoyance. “It looked like she was pretty clean.” Grace said from behind me. “She doesn’t show any signs of struggle, no bruises or unnecessary harms.” “Which means the killer was clever and fast.” I thought aloud, the thoughts came rolling and as I sorted through names in my head I tried to grasp which one belonged to the murderer. “That’s not true actually.” Jane said, breaking my chain of names. “What do you mean?” “I mean, it could have been someone unexpected.” He countered smartly. “You have a point.” I admitted. “But you don’t have any evidence. Laura told us about a man named Richard Luis. I say we go there and see what he knows. Apparently Laura owes him money, that could have caused a problem.” As Jane got to his feet, I gave my wings a few experimental flaps. They didn’t bug me as much as they used to, but they were still massively uncomfortable and inconvenient. “Do you have the address Cho?” I asked tiredly. He gave me a nod and I gestured to the door. “Then let’s get going. Jane, please act like a responsible adult and don’t do anything that might invigorate him unless it’s completely necessary.” I heard him say, “No promises.” but didn’t bother to even look at him. I was too busy mulling over the latest discoveries. Jessie hadn’t been harmed at all, there were no traces of struggles. That meant that it had to be fast, or that it was expertly planned out. Another thing was that she owed money to a man named Richard Luis, but why? It looked like she had plenty, none of this was adding up. “You okay boss?” Van Pelt asked as she walked up to me. I simply smiled back at her and waited for her to open the trunk so I could hop in, but my back legs fell behind and I fumbled around briefly half out of the car. Rapidly I flailed my wings until I was able to pull myself into the trunk, the extra weight of the badge on my neck and belted gun was throwing me off more than usual. I waited impatiently as Grace slammed the trunk shut and hopped in to the car with Jane, Rigsby, and Cho. Luckily, she was driving instead. And she was a skilled driver, I knew that. I still remembered when when she flung a vehicle around corners and through grass chasing a motorcycle. She had been brilliant and smart, I had to admit that I couldn’t have done what she had that day. As we pulled into the parking lot, I heard a voice. “Go away! Get out! Go away! Get out!” Jane and Grace were laughing at a joke Jane had told, and Cho was reading a novel, like always. I heard the yelling again, it was rough and deep. Straining my ears, I tried to see if I could tell which direction it came from. “Everyone quiet!” I whispered loudly as the car stopped. “Do you hear that?” “Get out! Go away!” No one reacted, no one even moved to see where the threats were coming form. That’s when Rigsby spoke. “Boss, that’s a dog barking.” There was a tone of worry in his voice, like he thought I was crazy. Jane was looking at me too, and Grace, and Cho. They were all looking at me. Heaviness made my heart slouch and I turned away from them with a snort of defiance. “Let’s go!” I hissed, venom searing every word. Everyone looked shocked, but no one dared to disobey. Obediently they hopped out of the car and I waited impatiently as Jane opened the trunk. I was glad he was the one opening it, because if it was anyone else I probably would have smacked them in the stomach before exiting. The house looked welcoming, fenced with trees and flower beds that were in full bloom. I could still hear the dog, but I didn’t bother with it anymore, everyone already thought I was loosing it, better to not push it. Cho knocked on the door, the sound was hollow and loud compared to the silence coming from inside. I didn’t think anyone was home until I caught the faintest shuffling from inside, the others heard it too. “I think he’s going through the back.” I whispered confidently. “Cho, Jane, you two stay here, Grace, see if you can find a side door, I’ll go to the back and make sure he doesn’t get out there.” Instinctively my team went into position and I started to make my way around back. The wood of the house seemed to be an older material. There were signs of rot on the edges and the smell of mold drifted from inside. The house wasn’t as welcoming as it seemed. When I got to the backyard a loud rattling filled my ears and I whipped around to see the door swing open. The man looked shocked, but I guess he noticed my gun and badge. Instantly he leapt at me and I barely was able to get out of the way before he landed right on top of me. “Lisbon of the CBI! Don’t move!” I ordered loudly. As the man got back to his feet I noticed the gun in his hand and backed away a couple of steps. He didn’t look happy to see me, and I wasn’t happy to see his gun. I hadn’t realized how defenseless I was, or how defenseless I looked. I swore in my head and as I was distracted he charged and grabbed me, locking his arms around my neck and holding the gun against my head. The cold medal rim was icy against my pounding temple and I was limp in his arms. Shock and dread flooded through me as I tried to figure out what had happened, but the death against my head kept my thoughts disoriented. My team rushed around the corner, I guess they heard the ruckus. Jane and I locked wide eyes, and the man holding me tightened his grip and pushed the gun deeper into my skin. “Drop your weapons and don’t move, otherwise this one here dies.”
Butterflies where?The workplace was quiet. Soft rustling could be heard from outside my office as Grace Vanpelt shifted through the fresh batch of files we had received for recent murder cases. Closing the sturdy glass door that sealed off my area from the rest of the building, I leaned against the wall. Dull aching was buzzing in my head, and as I rested a cold hand on my pounding temples a pulsing beat vibrated underneath the palm. I couldn't say I didn’t regret coming to work today. But I won't leave the team to handle my consultant Patrick Jane alone. Snatching the cell phone from the desk, I flipped up the top and glared at the clock. twenty minutes had passed since I had called Jane to come to my office. I had also slipped a favor in. I missed getting a coffee this morning and didn’t feel like sipping from one of the grimy quick serve machine brands that were scattered throughout the CBI. I have a hard time trusting the work coffee anyways since my insane therapist Roy had drugged my coffee a year ago. Sliding open the iron cabinet in my desk, I quickly took out a new file out and flipped it open in front of me. Leaning onto my elbows so that I didn’t have to focus on sitting up. I let my sore blurry eyes scan the paper. It was the usual drama. A 26 year old woman by the name of Jessie Landor was found murdered in her home. The wound was a silver knife in her throat. As I read further, the drumming in my head got worse. Beginning to worry that something was wrong, I prayed that Jane would get here soon. I wasn’t afraid of dying, but if I needed to go home, which I hoped wouldn’t happen, I would have him to drive me. Dizziness sunk in not long after. That’s when I started to panic. Throwing myself out of my chair I began to make my way to the door, Getting only got as far as the other side of my desk before collapsing again when the ground rejected me. Closing my eyes and covering my head with my hands, I clenched my teeth. Tingling filled my body from my toes to the tip of each strand of my dark brown hair. When it had subsided, I felt . . . different. Opening my eyes after some time, I looked around. My office seemed twice as large, and I felt . . . exposed. Looking down to make sure I was still wearing clothes, which seemed stupid, I gasped. I was yellow. Then a pile of pink hair fell in front of my face and I pushed it away with agitation. What happened? Desperately I shot across my office and stared into one of the glass walls. My own wide eyes were staring back at me. I felt faint. Matching me in the wall was a small yellow pegasus with pink hair and butterflies on her . . . butt. She did everything I did, copied every move down the the hair. Only one thought crossed my mind at that moment, I knew exactly what happened. “Jane.” I growled, seething with rage and anger. It had to be him! Whenever something went wrong in the CBI it was always because of my consultant Patrick Jane and his stupid physic acts! and Terror struck next. How would I manage to do my job if I was a small, harmless fantasy creature? No suspect would take me seriously! And what about the team? Surely they would never see me like this? I to turn back. Breathing in a heavy ragged pattern that was past the point of simply hyperventilating, I ran to the center of the room and looked for cover. Hiding under my desk was too obvious, and if I was found, I would surely be a laughing stock, maybe fired for goofing off on the job! Footsteps from outside attracted my direct attention and before I could scuttle to the corner, the door flung open. Jane waltzed in with a smile and a coffee in his hand. When he looked at me, a surprised grin immediately curled at his lips and he bent down with curiosity and shock sparkling in his eyes. I was already up to just past his waist, but I guess he wanted to be face to face with me. stretching out his hand slowly as if he thought I would be scared of his funky expression he tapped me on the head and ruffled up my pink “mane” with his hand. “I guess Lisbon isn’t as tough as she looks is she pretty pony? but still, I don't believe that yellow and pink ponies exist.” Jane teased in a pinched voice. His gaze traveled to my folded wings and his mouth scrunched up in deep thought. "I definitely don't think pegasi exist." Slapping his arm away with a hoof I thrust myself into his face, beating my wings a mile a minute, not that I knew how to fly. “Don’t tease me Jane! What the hell did you do?” I hissed, my voice sounded the same, except significantly softer. Fresh rage flared in my veins and my cheeks glowed bright red as he stared into my hot expression with disbelief, then he quickly pulled himself together and burst out laughing. I couldn’t believe it. He didn’t take me seriously at all. I was glad that he had closed the door because this surely would have attracted a decent amount of attention by now. “Lisbon why are you a yellow and pink equine? What happened while I was getting your coffee?” Trying to ignore the way my cheeks were bulging I snatched the steaming cup from his hand, only to spill it on the floor and burn my clumsy hoof on the boiling liquid. “Ow!” I spluttered and cursed under my fast paced breath. “Calm down.” Jane said in a relaxed tone, though he was reaching into his bag. I almost blushed when he pulled a long napkin out and wrapped it around my burning hoof. “Gee, thanks.” I scowled. I looked away with false anger, not daring to let him see the small tinge of gratitude that sparked in my large eyes. After a while of not looking at him, an unsettling fear began to take hold of my body. How would I deal with this problem? “So you don’t know what happened?” Jane asked out of the blue. I turned my worried gaze back to him and shook my head hopelessly. “Then we should just wait and see what happens, I’m sure we’ll find something sooner or later.” “You’re acting strange today. Less . . . childish.” I observed curiously at his nonchalant answer to my problem. He simply shrugged and I cast the issue aside. “There’s a new case, Jessie Landor. She was murdered yesterday. We’ve got the files and the case is ours. But how am I going to work like this?” I growled, lifting a worthless hoof and waggling it in the air. “Let’s just ignore it and do our boring work as usual.” “It’s hardly boring with you on cases!” I countered aggressively, realizing a little to late that it was the response he had been waiting to laugh at. I accidentally let out a little snort and he sent me a heavy grin. “I’ll think of something, just follow me.” Not waiting to see if I agreed he opened the door and began to make his way into my team’s area, just outside the office. With soft steps I followed, madly hoping that he didn’t mess things up. When we stood in plain site I began to shiver. All eyes were on me and I didn’t like it at all. Then Jane smiled playfully and pointed to me. “Everyone meet my little pony!”
Curse My Bad Mouth!The team looked at Jane with confusion, and I thought I could detect some genuine fear in their eyes as well. I searched my mind for a reason, but my imagination was far from being dependable. The only thing I could think of was them seeing Jane with a yellow and pink pegasus and concluding that he was a mad scientist with a passion for cute girly fantasy creatures It wasn’t everyday someone brought a live pegasus to work after all. Of course, Grace spoke first, she was always the one to get down to business, but she did have a tendency to poke into other people's personal problems. “Jane, why is there a pegasus in the office?” She paused for a moment, her eyes widening and she clenched her fists around her long red hair as if she was going to tie it back. “In fact, why is there a pegasus at all? That isn't possible, is it?” “Grace,” Jane sympathized with a smart grin curling up his cheeks. “Have some imagination, you can’t possibly know everything there is to know. The world is full of mysteries.” “I know there is no such thing as a pegasus.” Cho mumbled as he walked into the office, in his arms was a folded tie. Wrinkles spread across the black leather as if he hadn’t yet ironed it, and dark bags lumped under his tired eyes. I felt bad making them all come in so early. The FBI were definitely looking for ways to pin my team. I can’t let that happen. If someone comes in late, they’ll have something to scold me about. My only choice is to start work early. I’m not scared of the FBI, but I can’t risk my team, no matter the cost. “Maybe Jane is a mad scientist or something.” Rigsby chuckled from his cluttered desk. I couldn’t resist laughing to myself as he pin pointed my exact thought. But that quickly reeled into horror. Imagining my curly haired consultant in a lab coat bent over dangerous chemicals made my head spin with fear. The damage he could do was frightening and endless. Shivers ran down my spine as Jane tapped my back, his fingers slipped right through the short fur and touched my skin. All I could think about was him with poisonous bottles and sharp needles. “Maybe I am. Maybe I conjured up this little pegasus with a solution of chemicals, or maybe it’s something more plausible.” Jane replied curtly. Anger flared through my veins, replacing any sensitive emotions I may have had seconds before. He was edging them towards the truth, towards the embarrassing fact that I was a frilly delicate mare. Quickly I struck out with my back leg. Pleasure coursed through me as it smacked into Jane’s knee. I felt his leg buckle in protest as my surprisingly strong hoof smacked him hard. “We should get back to the case.” Jane stuttered quickly, sending a challenging frown my way. I shot a glare back at him, a twisted smile stretched across my cheeks. “But where's Lisbon?” Grace questioned. “She’s . . .” Jane stopped, and I knew why. I had put him in a corner. He knew me well, too well. He knew I wouldn’t want the team to think I was ill, that I wouldn’t want them to think I was upset about something. I never missed work unless I was suspended, which seemed to be happening more often than I would like. For me to be absent there would have to be a good reason, a strong one. “Her brother Tommy came down, she told me she wanted to spend time with him while she could, you know, since she never sees him?” No! That’s completely wrong! “She would leave work to have a family get together?” Grace said warily. “Give her a break, she works hard, and she never sees him. Wouldn’t you do the same? Family is important to her, you should know that.” I doubted anyone else could see it, but he was pleading them to believe him. At that moment I knew he was loyal and that he wanted the best for me. He will do whatever it takes to keep my problem a secret from the CBI. That didn't change that the fact he used my past as an excuse didn't hurt me. “Let’s just leave it, I’m sure Lisbon has a reason.” Cho spoke, he had settled himself at his own desk now. The surface was practically spotless, much cleaner than Rigsby’s. It was also more organized than Van Pelt’s. “What do we know?” Clearing her throat, Grace scanned the papers. “The victim is Jessie Landor. She was murdered in her own house. The witness isn’t sure when, she said that the body seemed cold.” “Who was the witness?” Jane said. He took his hand off my spine and slipped it into his pocket. “Laura Granet. Apparently her and Jessie were best friends.” I was about to order Grace to search for Laura’s address when I quickly stopped myself, remembering the circumstance. Frustration clawed at my brain and I tapped my hoof against the ground. I wanted to be in control, I wanted to tell them what to do, and guide them, but I couldn’t. I had lost my role and now could only watch as my team went on as usual. Surprisingly they seemed to be alright, I shouldn’t be so surprised. They were smart, loyal, and definitely dependable. “But we still need Lisbon, she’s our boss.” Grace said from her computer after a while of silence. Frustration rushed through me and I resisted the urge to swear aloud. But Cho spoke up and saved me. “Someone could step in for her today.” “What about Grace?” Rigsby suggested. Grace shot him a rueful glare but he put up his hand and continued. “I’m just saying, you’re like Lisbon, except less manly. You’re softer than she is, and dare I say more lady like?” That was it, I didn’t care what anyone thought, this was all getting out of hand. I drew in a breath, ready to make him eat his words, spit them out, and eat them again. Then Jane kicked my side, it wasn’t to hurt though, just to remind me to keep my mouth shut. “Grace do you have an address yet?” Jane said as he hurried them on. “Yeah. How about Cho and I go see Laura? Jane you take your pony home and then meet Rigsby at the crime scene.” Grace answered, a new commanding tone blooming in her voice. Jane nodded with a laugh and pushed me towards the door, I only walked a few paces before my hooves became entangled with each other. Wobbling dangerously, I let out a yelp and tried to straighten myself, but it was no good. My legs locked and I slammed against the ground chin first, of course spilling out swear words under my breath all the way down. “Lisbon?” Grace whispered with disbelief as she stared at me. I looked over my back and tried to get up, but I had become knotted together with legs and hair so I just puffed my cheeks and frowned at them with anger firing in my eyes. Underneath me my wings crumpled in a heap of splayed feathers. I waited impatiently for everyone to stop laughing, and even after minutes had passed they still hadn’t stopped. It hurt a little, but I would never let them know that. “I don’t know anyone else with a mouth like that!” Rigsby bellowed as he slapped a hand on his knee. Meanwhile, Jane had walked over and was starting to help me up off the freezing ground, which had started to bruise my stiff bones. Warmth and gratitude spread throughout my body as Jane slipped his hands under me and hosted me to my “feet”, taking the pressure off my now bruised elbows. Swiftly I pushed Jane away, the blush tingling in my cheeks made me worried he would read right through my used to be tough disguise. “Someone has been murdered and you’re just standing around here laughing? That is not the team I guided!” Rage flushed my cheeks as they only gave my words partial notice. Even Cho was laughing, and I always thought of him as an emotionless statue. “EVERYONE SHUT UP AND PULL IT TOGETHER OR I WILL PERSONALLY DEAL WITH YOU ONE BY ONE!” They stopped. “You seem like you know what you have to do.” I said after composing myself and taking a breath to get my words back. “Van Pelt, I want you and RIGSBY to go to the the crime scene? I’ll take Cho and Jane with me to speak with Laura Granet.” Reluctantly, Grace and Rigsby exited the room, I could catch a small hint of blush on Grace’s face. he would have worked well with Cho, but I needed the team to know that I was in charge still. That meant giving them my own orders. Cho had already left to go the the car, Jane followed him. His hands tucked tight inside his vest pockets. Watching them go, I contemplated weather or not it was really a good idea for me to go with them, seeing as I wasn’t exactly scary at the moment. I couldn’t hold a gun, or electrocute anybody, which did make me kinda sad. Ringing echoed through the silent hallways as the clock struck 7am. People would be arriving soon enough and I wasn’t something they would want to see in the work area. Slight panic pricked at my thrumming heart and I shot down the halls, my mind made up. I’d go with my team to Lora’s. It wasn’t like I would have to ask the questions right?
Am I Crazy?As Jane hosted me into the police car, sadly I had to go behind the bars, I noticed Cho was seated up front on the passenger side. A sick knot twisted in my stomach and I turned my head back to look at Jane, his smile made me feel woozy and I asked worriedly, “Who’s driving?” Cho didn’t look back at me, only said, “Jane.” before looking back at his book. Instantly I started to scramble backwards, but Jane nudged me forward and slammed the door shut. When he hopped into the car and slipped in the key to start the engine, he looked over his shoulder at me. “Come on,” he said joyfully. “You’ve driven with me loads of times.” I answered his happiness with an unsatisfied grunt. The car engine started an I jolted in surprise. Fuel scent stained the air and I tried to cover my nose with my hair as the car bounced beneath my hooves. “So Lisbon, I was thinking. You know, since you’re a pegasus and all, we should see if you can actually fly, it would be interesting wouldn’t it?” “No!” I shouted. Panic continued to grip me as the car jumped and shuddered again. Perking my ears, I caught Jane the sound of Jane growling, “Sheep dip.” while he jiggled with the key. Finally the car started properly. Steadily we began to make our way to Laura's house. Restlessness soon soon began to nag at me and to pass the time I stretched my light wings, pondering if Jane’s idea was worth testing. Suddenly I shook my head with a shiver. No way! Never would I fly! It defied ever rule in life, people don’t fly, or at least used to be people. Sighing I touched my foot against the bars and wondered if this is what it would have felt like to be in jail had Jane and I not caught Roy. I still wanted to kill him. That no good therapist of mine had planned it all along! “Lisbon, are you okay back there?” Realizing that I had drifted off, I backed off of the bars that I had been leaning against and unclenched my stiff jaw. Looking up I noticed Jane looking back at me expectantly. “I’m fine!” I hissed back with frustration, more at myself than him. Looking down I closed my eyes and tried to get myself to relax. Suddenly shock ripped through me and I snapped my head back up. Jane was still looking at me. “THE ROAD!” I squeaked hastily, “WATCH THE ROAD!” Jumping out of the car, I took a breath in. It felt good to be out of the horror movie set up, and I knew that Cho felt the same way. As my team started walking towards the door, I turned and went to sit by a large tree growing in the front lawn. I concluded it would be better I sat this one out. If I went inside, I would just cause a fuss. Yawning I admired the small neighborhood. Gardens clattered each and every property, and large trees cast dark silhouettes down upon the smooth road that split the streets. Laura’s house was probably the least attractive house on the whole block. It was covered in moss, and the brick seemed to have corroded away. Shattered windows hung open and the roof was more dreary than any I had ever seen. All I had to do was relax. It wasn’t my job right now to be butting in and investigating. I could trust Cho to take care of Jane . . . Jane . . . No. No one could handle Jane except me. Growling I slammed a hoof down. I needed to be in there with them! Shooting off the ground, I raced towards the door at full sprint, but a voice from behind me made me stop dead in my tracks. “Hello!” I turned around, no one was there. A small dog was wagging it’s tail back and forth, but I payed it no heed. Was I going nuts? Sighting I began to walk to the steps again, but was halted by laughing. “Do you wanna play a game?” Snarling I whipped around, anger flaring in my eyes. “Whoever is messing with me better stop! I’m Lisbon of the CBI! Please come out!” But no one answered. I looked down at the dog again and when it opened it’s mouth, I nearly fainted. “Do you wanna play?” I stared for a minute, hoping that it would bark, but it never did. Slowly I crept towards the door, and when I got inside I quickly saw Jane and Cho. But something else caught my eye as well. On the inside, it was a whole new world. A lovely chandelier hung from the ceiling with shimmering beads dangling from the main glass. Rows of chine glass covered the walls, filled with beautiful cutlery that I could only dream of having. Underneath my hooves was a stainless white carpet that extended all the way down the hallway to what looked to be the kitchen. “Guys . . . There’s a problem.” I started, remembering the dog. But as I got closer to them, another person came into view. Laura Granet . . . Laura was staring at me with wide teary eyes and flushed cheeks, and I couldn’t do anything about it now! I should have thought! I should have known that she was here! I felt stupid and frustrated at the same time. “Hi, I’m agent Lisbon of the CBI. This is agent Cho and my consultant Patrick Jane. If it’s alright I would like to ask you some questions.” I said as I walked up to the table, trying to pretend nothing was wrong. I could barely see overtop the counter, so Cho grabbed me a stool, which I clumsily clambered up with Jane’s assistance. I accidentally slapped him in the face a few times with my whirling wings, but I trusted that it didn’t hurt him to much seeing as they were made of feathers. “I umm . . .” Laura seemed lost for words, so I just carried on as usual, my heart pounded and my voice shook a little, but I tried to hide it. Though the only reason was so Jane didn’t have anything to “read” into. “Where were you yesterday in the afternoon?” “I, I was at home . . .” Laura answered, drawing a tissue from the white box beside her. That was a common answer, and I didn’t want to interrogate her when she was crying like this. I was almost happy I looked cute and cuddly right now. Nudging the box closer to her I continued, noticing out of the corner of my eye that Jane had walked off and was looking through Laura's bookshelf. “What were you doing?” I spoke softly. “I was reading . . . actually I was reading the book he has in his hands.” She answered with a slight sniffle, pointing to Jane. Jane looked back at us with a surprised expression. He whispered a quick apology before setting the book down in front of me. It was titled, The Price Of Luxury. “Alright, thank you.” Sighing I looked straight into Laura’s eyes. “I only have one question left, do you know anyone who might have wanted to hurt Jessie?” “I don’t think so . . .” Laura whispered stunned. I sighed disappointedly and was about to attempt to leave when Laura spoke again. “Actually, there might be one person. His name is Richard Luis, apparently Laura owed him money, I don’t recall her ever paying him back . . . He might be upset about that . . .” “At least now we have some sort of lead.” I said tiredly. “Alright, thanks Laura.” I struggled off the stool, but before I left I turned back. “Oh, Laura?” I started. Laura lifted her head and stared back at me with curiosity. “Does your dog talk?”
A Pony And Her GunThe car grumbled and rattled as Jane turned the key and started the engine. I looked on unhappily as the vehicle thumped unnaturally beneath my hooves. The thick smell of gasoline drifted through the stuffy air of the tight car, and after a few more rumbles the motor started up properly. I had given up on convincing Cho to drive, because really there was no point in arguing about it, I wasn’t a child and I didn’t need to beg or plead. “We should head to the crime scene.” I started. “Cho, call Van Pelt and make sure everything is going well there. Tell her we’re about 10 minutes away and should be there soon.” I turned to Jane. “Jane, don’t screw up.” The car ride seemed endless, and the back of the car wasn’t comfortable in the slightest. But that wasn’t what worried me the most. Jane was being quiet, too quiet. “So, what do you think about Laura?” I asked, my voice cracking slightly. “I need more information before I can be sure of anything.” He said casually. “So in other words you won’t tell me?” “Not unless you try to fly,” I could see a small devilish smile crawling up his lip, but just huffed in annoyance. “Not happening.” I hopped out of the car with ease and took in my surroundings. We were just outside Jessie Landor’s house, but it wasn’t a house. I looked up in astonishment. I knew that Jessie was rich because of the records, but the sight that was before me was beyond what I had imagined. The mansion was at least 9 stories, and each curve was lined in gold and silver. As my gaze drifted across the structure I noticed balconies and small ornaments that dazzled in the sunlight. Freshly trimmed grass surrounded the structure and spread out for miles. “Van Pelt’s waiting inside.” Cho said plainly as he walked past me. I nodded and followed, hoping that if I carried myself with confidence no one would notice that I was a pegasus with a perfectly curled mane style. As he pushed the door open, I was greeted to luxury. Shelves of trophies and small sculptures lined the smooth walls, and the glass tiled floor was sleek and freshly washed. But that wasn’t all. In the middle of the opening room, Grace was waiting with Rigsby. That was when I noticed the blood and reminded myself that this was a crime scene. I was about to head over to her when she looked in my direction and quickly ran to me. But she had something in her hand, a police badge? It dangled as she rushed over to me and before I could do anything she slung it around my neck. “Now people will know you’re with us.” She smiled awkwardly. Rigsby walked over as well and before I knew it he was strapping something around my stomach. I tried to twist to see it but it was out of my sight no matter how hard I tried to find it. “Rigsby what is it!?” I yowled unpleasantly. “It has a gun to make you look more intimidating, not loaded of course.”” He answered with a small bout of laughter. I growled a bit before stomping past them and towards Jessie’s body. It was indeed gruesome. She had a silver knife stabbed in her throat. The worst thing was that it didn’t bother me. I just looked over the body and tried to sort out what had happened, other than the obvious of course. Jane walked over as I finished and instantly looked ill, but he gathered himself quickly. I watched with interest, as well as some fear, and he bent down and sniffed Jessie’s corpse. “She was wearing perfume, I would think it’s expensive too.” He concluded. “That’s very helpful Jane . . .” I replied in annoyance. “It looked like she was pretty clean.” Grace said from behind me. “She doesn’t show any signs of struggle, no bruises or unnecessary harms.” “Which means the killer was clever and fast.” I thought aloud, the thoughts came rolling and as I sorted through names in my head I tried to grasp which one belonged to the murderer. “That’s not true actually.” Jane said, breaking my chain of names. “What do you mean?” “I mean, it could have been someone unexpected.” He countered smartly. “You have a point.” I admitted. “But you don’t have any evidence. Laura told us about a man named Richard Luis. I say we go there and see what he knows. Apparently Laura owes him money, that could have caused a problem.” As Jane got to his feet, I gave my wings a few experimental flaps. They didn’t bug me as much as they used to, but they were still massively uncomfortable and inconvenient. “Do you have the address Cho?” I asked tiredly. He gave me a nod and I gestured to the door. “Then let’s get going. Jane, please act like a responsible adult and don’t do anything that might invigorate him unless it’s completely necessary.” I heard him say, “No promises.” but didn’t bother to even look at him. I was too busy mulling over the latest discoveries. Jessie hadn’t been harmed at all, there were no traces of struggles. That meant that it had to be fast, or that it was expertly planned out. Another thing was that she owed money to a man named Richard Luis, but why? It looked like she had plenty, none of this was adding up. “You okay boss?” Van Pelt asked as she walked up to me. I simply smiled back at her and waited for her to open the trunk so I could hop in, but my back legs fell behind and I fumbled around briefly half out of the car. Rapidly I flailed my wings until I was able to pull myself into the trunk, the extra weight of the badge on my neck and belted gun was throwing me off more than usual. I waited impatiently as Grace slammed the trunk shut and hopped in to the car with Jane, Rigsby, and Cho. Luckily, she was driving instead. And she was a skilled driver, I knew that. I still remembered when when she flung a vehicle around corners and through grass chasing a motorcycle. She had been brilliant and smart, I had to admit that I couldn’t have done what she had that day. As we pulled into the parking lot, I heard a voice. “Go away! Get out! Go away! Get out!” Jane and Grace were laughing at a joke Jane had told, and Cho was reading a novel, like always. I heard the yelling again, it was rough and deep. Straining my ears, I tried to see if I could tell which direction it came from. “Everyone quiet!” I whispered loudly as the car stopped. “Do you hear that?” “Get out! Go away!” No one reacted, no one even moved to see where the threats were coming form. That’s when Rigsby spoke. “Boss, that’s a dog barking.” There was a tone of worry in his voice, like he thought I was crazy. Jane was looking at me too, and Grace, and Cho. They were all looking at me. Heaviness made my heart slouch and I turned away from them with a snort of defiance. “Let’s go!” I hissed, venom searing every word. Everyone looked shocked, but no one dared to disobey. Obediently they hopped out of the car and I waited impatiently as Jane opened the trunk. I was glad he was the one opening it, because if it was anyone else I probably would have smacked them in the stomach before exiting. The house looked welcoming, fenced with trees and flower beds that were in full bloom. I could still hear the dog, but I didn’t bother with it anymore, everyone already thought I was loosing it, better to not push it. Cho knocked on the door, the sound was hollow and loud compared to the silence coming from inside. I didn’t think anyone was home until I caught the faintest shuffling from inside, the others heard it too. “I think he’s going through the back.” I whispered confidently. “Cho, Jane, you two stay here, Grace, see if you can find a side door, I’ll go to the back and make sure he doesn’t get out there.” Instinctively my team went into position and I started to make my way around back. The wood of the house seemed to be an older material. There were signs of rot on the edges and the smell of mold drifted from inside. The house wasn’t as welcoming as it seemed. When I got to the backyard a loud rattling filled my ears and I whipped around to see the door swing open. The man looked shocked, but I guess he noticed my gun and badge. Instantly he leapt at me and I barely was able to get out of the way before he landed right on top of me. “Lisbon of the CBI! Don’t move!” I ordered loudly. As the man got back to his feet I noticed the gun in his hand and backed away a couple of steps. He didn’t look happy to see me, and I wasn’t happy to see his gun. I hadn’t realized how defenseless I was, or how defenseless I looked. I swore in my head and as I was distracted he charged and grabbed me, locking his arms around my neck and holding the gun against my head. The cold medal rim was icy against my pounding temple and I was limp in his arms. Shock and dread flooded through me as I tried to figure out what had happened, but the death against my head kept my thoughts disoriented. My team rushed around the corner, I guess they heard the ruckus. Jane and I locked wide eyes, and the man holding me tightened his grip and pushed the gun deeper into my skin. “Drop your weapons and don’t move, otherwise this one here dies.”
