Outside of an office.
Selina gently pushed the door open upon hearing Dunn's permission.
When the door clasped shut and the lady entered. Dunn lifted his head from his paper and set the champagne bottle aside. It was wrapped with a ribbon.
A gift? Selina saw the champagne being placed behind the table. She dismissed it from her mind as she asked, "Captain, why did you call me?"
Dunn propped himself from his chair, took a note from his desk. After looking at it for a moment, he handed the paper to Selina.
It was a hand-drawn picture of a man. Age seemed to take a toll as the corner of his eyes shown obvious wrinkles. He had a trimmed beard and sharp eyes. Dressed in a formal suit along with a top-hat and cane.
Before he raised the matter about the man. Dunn raised a question as well, "How was your undercover with Morroy Roundel?"
Right... I haven't been paying attention to it... Selina abruptly recalled her past schedule.
She casted her gaze down before lifting it and spoke, "Perhaps he was very recluse. His residences was devoid of any light. I couldn't even tell if he was present of not.
"Yes, once I return, I will change my approach."
Dunn chuckled, "You can worry about that some other time. By chance, do you recognize the man drawn from the paper?"
"No, I do not, but he seems quite unfamiliar", Selina gently declined before scrutinizing the aged man.
"You're right", Dunn gestured for the paper to be handed.
After receiving it, he returned to his desk and added, "He was one of the winged creatures they call vampires who had chased you and raided the establishment. A member of the Rose School of Thought."
"What?" Selina blurted out in surprise.
As far as she knew, their matters in the city weren't that significant enough to withhold a discussion, except for retrieving her.
Perhaps that was when Deimsfel hadn't come for me... Right, come for me... she silently echoed before slowly confirming.
He was apart of the Child of God's faction!
Selina creased her brow faintly, One of the Child of God's followers before succumbing into Deimsfel's puppetry...
Dunn adjusted his voice and began explaining, "A few officers had discovered that a gathering had been convened multiple times in a building near the edge of the city. Just one district away from Tussock River.
"It had been going on for quite some time until recently, a concerned citizen reported of a property, receiving poor management. Although it was already late when we found out, we managed to traced the building's regulation to a person named Ruther Huddsman. A professional medical doctor from Indus Region."
Ruther Huddsman... she repeated the name.
"Since we saw him disintegrate. The case will be dismissed soon", Dunn assured. "However, that is not the only thing I called you for."
Selina recovered from her thoughts, she looked at Dunn with an intent to listen carefully.
Dunn withdrew his hands to his pockets before saying, "Ruther Huddsman actually had other accomplices that were not apart of those creatures. In fact, Old Neil even suggests that he was apart of a different faction within the exact same organization.
"That accomplice left. Perhaps it was due to the operation involving you. But the strange thing is that he took almost everything in his residence, including the toilet."
Everything? Including the toilet? Selina found it difficult to picture how one would trouble themselves with a fifty-four weight, not to mention it was for an urgent escape.
Seeing how absurd it is, she tried reasoned, "Is it a golden toilet? It must've taken him quite awhile to find a willing coachman to bring those things at once."
"I assume that is the case. And since it had proven to be difficult to navigate with all of the dead weight with him, we suspect that he must still be in the city.", Dunn kept his gaze toward the shelves as he spoke.
He turned to Selina eventually and said, "I want you to call Mitchell and perhaps add in Klein Moretti as well to help you track him. Do so in your free time."
With that said, Selina hesitated from accepting, "Won't it be dangerous to openly find him? I mean... he could be a beyonder himself."
Dunn nodded as he acknowledge her words, "I have already informed of Mitchell about this. If ever there's a lead, immediately retreat and wait for me and the others to act."
"What about Klein?" asked Selina out of concern.
"I will inform of him later", Dunn said with a smile.
"Also, I believed Leonard had mentioned of your role. Well, you are now a Probationary Inspector, Old Neil can give you the following credentials once you leave my office."
Selina's face turned weary as the corner of her mouth lift faintly.
"Do I still need to keep an eye of Mr. Morroy?" a matter came to her by the second.
Dunn fell silent for three seconds before saying, "Yes, you may. However, that can depend entirely on your mood. Do so if there's anything amidst, if not then I suggest you dismissed the case."
A layered way of saying 'do anything you want as long as we get to monitor you'... Selina mused silently.
She nodded, "Alright. If there's nothing more, I'll take my leave now."
Out of habit, her steady pace stopped just before the door.
Seeing how her captain slowly took pieces of notes from a drawer. She sighed as she smiled ruefully, Hopefully for once, captain did not forgot anything...
She turned and twisted the handle.
...
16 Daffodil Street.
Shortly after informing Leonard of the task in addition for a collaborative effort. Selina left the building and briefly went to the Shooting Club for a test of accuracy.
Her time was spent considerably and lasted only for an hour. When this passed, she took a trackless carriage to visit her combat instructor.
She returned home with a few vitalities left to spare.
How strange... The last time I went with Mr. Gawain's assigned routine. It left me devastated that I began missing my bed.
However now... she raised both her palm and reflexively curled them.
My body seemed to perceive physical changes quite differently...
Selina recalled her state during her time at Milo. With how her body adapts at such a rate, it quickly left her to assume:
It was the result of the ritual and the Child of God now residing within her.
Strange horror treaded through her heart. An apprehension for the future left her in silence.
She feared that perhaps one day, if ever the Child of God's descent resumed. Her self would cease to exist.
As this emotions whirred in Selina. The quietness of the room had become more vivid.
The kitchen table, spotless and glimmered into the dusk. Her empty plate that was stained with her roasted potato fries and meatloaf.
For an inexplicable reason, she could have never been more aware of her own self. Her gaze drifted toward the curtain drawn windows, picturing the street outside.
Selina caressed her dress, replacing her sunhat that she left at her bedroom.
That's right, since her time had been strictly used in just two places most of the day. It slowly rendered the need for a sunhat to be worn.
Right... I forgot to visit Mr. Morroy... Selina suddenly recalled.
With this in mind. She stood up and briefly tidied the table of stains and plate before taking her coat from the rack.
Even though her destination was just a few steps near. Selina still went and retrieved her key to lock the entrance.
Perhaps a precaution or measures just in case she failed to monitor her house.
What is the need for this? I locked the entrance but the windows are still breakable... she sighed as she gave a self-deprecating comment.
The chilling breeze sought her skin, forcing her to tuck her hands in her pockets.
Tap. Tap. Tap.
Her heeled boot made a distinct sound that resounded in the mildly populated street. She reached Morroy Roundel's residence and rang the doorbell.
Ding!
Selina waited. And for exactly five minutes, she stood there, receiving no response.
Is he away? Hmm... Right I forgot to bring an offering... she muttered before leaving the porch and quickly taking a portion of the leftover of her meal from her home.
Returning back, she saw the pale-looking man at the entrance, behind the door frame, looking sideways for inspection.
His brows were arched in annoyance, his lips were dry and wrinkles bore a perception of age at the man.
It was Morroy Roundel, the middle-aged gentleman who have been trying to commit suicide until the intervention of Selina.
Selina assumed a genial expression as she called, "Mr. Morroy!"
Just as Morroy was about to shut the door, a melodic voice resounded from the street.
From frustration, Morroy's face shifted on the whim upon seeing her.
"Were you the one who rang my doorbell?" He smiled as if grinning with politeness.
Selina's defensiveness rose. I thought he would grumpy because I bothered him?
With caution, she approached the man's porch with a metal container in hand. Now her face wasn't overly radiant as she replied, "Yes, I came to introduce myself as your neighbor. Uh right, I apologize for earlier as I came back because I forgot to bring an offering with me."
"That is alright", Morroy smiled. "My name is Morroy Roundel. Since when did you move in?"
"Just two weeks ago", answered Selina.
Morroy's expression paused, he cautiously asked, "Uh... Did you... saw the disputes I had with the rent collectors recently?"
Selina sighed and nodded in affirmation.
Morroy let out a withdrawn breath as he quickly apologized, "I'm sorry if you had to see that. Ahem, for compensation for such an unbecoming sight you had seen, let me welcome you inside."
He offered his hand toward the hallway before saying, "You can place the meal at the table by the living room."
Hearing this, Selina snapped and smiled wearily, "Oh no, I merely came here to offer this as a token of good friendship and peace between neighbors. I won't prolong my stay..."
"Nonsense, I saw you enter the Heath Family's doors so why not I invite you in as well? I couldn't just let myself be beaten by others in terms of kindness..." Morroy maintained a radiant smile.
Was there ever a hierarchy? Do you perceive things like that? Selina's wariness only grew.
"It's alright Mr. Roundel. I would appreciate it more if you accept my offer", she insisted.
At that moment. Morroy's smile became fixed. Despite its welcoming, Selina felt it had changed.
"Get inside."
His right hand bulged in preparation. That wasn't an offer anymore. It was an intimidation.
Out of instinct. Selina left her hand that was holding the metal container and reached inside of her coat, straining for her revolver.
Morroy was taken aback. He was the lady retract to her enclosure.
Realizing that his mannerism was inappropriate to display for such a lovely lady. He laughed hysterically and said, "Hahaha, I'm very sorry for scaring you. Really that wasn't my intention."
Selina stayed silent. She slowly withdrew her hand from her coat and held the container together.
"The psychiatrists that were ordered here by the officials to take care of me had always been advising me to monitor my temper. Truly I'm very sorry", Morroy bowed with a mix of heart.
"Worry not. I plan to get this issue of mine fixed. That is why I welcomed the psychiatrist and the inspection of the officials. Although I do wonder who was the concerned citizen that disclosed my waning state."
Selina' heart raced in anxiety.
Morroy returned his gaze after shifting it at the street. He said with content, "But I'm thankful because it stopped me from doing something I might have regretted."
"Well then", he raised both his hands in acceptance. "I appreciate the trouble for offering me such a tasty meal. I could tell just by the fragrance."
He chuckled to lighten the mood. However, it failed to ease tensed Selina.
Selina drew a breath, held herself together and gave a facade of relief. She smiled, "That is alright. I can understand the dread of being alone."
Morroy nodded, "I'm glad."
Just when she finally handed the container. Morroy's hand unknowingly touched the back of her palm.
A chilling fear curled her insides. She immediately pulled back.
"Oh sorry", Morroy apologized dismissively.
Selina regained her politeness and replied, "It's alright, I was just startled. Your hand is very cold."
"Hehe, then I'll warm it up at the fireplace", Morroy bowed shortly and waved Selina goodbye.
Selina curtsied and left.
...
At her residence. After closing the door, Selina staggered to the wooden pane and held her hands together to her chest. Trembling in her place.
I'd have to consult Captain Dunn...