tushanshu | 004 || video

As some of you may know, I was hired to find the person responsible for multiple killings in September, along with an attempted homicide. That person has now killed the Emperor. [ There's a flash of something like remorse, but it only lasts a second before her jaw tightens. There's no time to feel guilty for not catching the person sooner. She has to stop him now, before he kills again. ]

I have a list of suspects. I've narrowed it down significantly. If you were one of the people I talked to about it, please see me immediately.

[ The message is simple, one she can essentially cut-and-paste to each person. It's short, but far from sweet. She doubts they'll appreciate it. If the killer is killing again, then they have to move to catch him, and quickly. So screw pleasantries. ]

Get in touch with me as soon as possible.

[ Sharon looks tired. She doesn't want to have this conversation, but it's part of the job. The horrible thing is, Barry seems like a nice guy. A good guy. But that doesn't mean he can't be a killer. ]

Barry, I hate to ask this, but do you have an alibi for the time when the Emperor was killed, and is there anyone who can verify it?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

No, we don't. Which means that we're going to get it out of the way as soon as possible.

I'll talk to Scott.

Thank you, Tony.

Mm. [Yeah, he isn't thrilled and he assumes she isn't either. But there's something else.]

That's a pretty bold advance. You said it happened in September. Going from exploiting the confusion to hitting the palace? That's a big upgrade.

There were only two options. He would either kill again, or he would disappear. I think this is him either taking on a challenge or showing off. Everything else matches.

But why her? Your killer could have picked people off in the streets and gotten a lot less attention. Not only are you hunting them down, but now they've got the Commander's attention.

Does that really add up?

If I had to guess? I'd say he got bored picking people off the street.

I'm willing to bet that he'll be taunting the police soon.

Who would you kill?

[Because that's a totally normal question.]

If I were a homicidal psychopath, or as myself?

[ Should that question concern her more? ]

[Maybe. It's Tony's nature to question though, so she could always call it his horrible quirk.]

In general. If you weren't going to get caught. If it were personal, you'd start with people near you. If it's resentment, you stick to a certain type.

Why would you risk getting caught to break pattern? If this person is really as crazy as you think they are, they're doing a good job of pretending not to be.

[While he's still under suspicion, at least he can offer his two cents to help.]

I think the person is incredibly intelligent. Their insanity lies in their thinking they can kill people and get away with it.

If you think I'm going about this the wrong way, I'd love to hear what you think I should do.

[ SARCASM.

SARCASSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM. ]

Oh, no, I agree. I think the person who managed to commit murder in the palace with the Commander on hand had to know what he or she was doing. I think you're mostly on the right track. More or less.

[And he's just as sarcastic in response.]

But having the potential and having the motive are two entirely different things. I mean, if we're talking about capabilities, you have just as good a chance as I do, if not better. Stealth missions aren't really in my repertoire, right?

Wait, are we talking about capabilities or opportunities?

The first two murders were more than likely matters of chance, people in the wrong place at the wrong time. The attack happened right before and during when the spell was undone. Therefore, we can rule out anyone who was elsewhere during that time.

The victims were able to give a vague description of their attacker.

So the first step, what I'm working on now, is ruling out everyone who couldn't have done it. Women, men of a certain height, people who can be vouched for during the time the spell fell apart.

Which means you, my testerone-laden former boss, have far more of a chance than I do in being the killer. Or would, if no one could vouch for you.

I really don't have much to go on.

And you're right. You wouldn't know stealth if it blew something up in your face.

I thought we were talking about capabilities. I think you're just as capable as I am of catching people off-guard. I think you know just as much if not more than I do about what it would take to catch a victim alone and make it look like someone else.

And can we drop the former boss thing? I'd rather we kept the dirty name-calling to a minimum.

[He tilts his head, still keeping the cocky posture but with a little less bite.]

Look, I have no reason to want anyone killed. Can we agree on that? I have nothing to gain. If I were going to get rid of anyone, I'd go after myself. He's got better stuff than me. And before you get on that, I wouldn't. I like the guy. He's a pain in the ass.

[This has been a very long month.]

Nothing of mine was involved with the other murders, was it?

No, Tony. [ She tries to sound patient. Pepper Potts, where are youuuuu. ]

Like I said, I don't think you did it. I'll confirm that you couldn't have, and you'll be innocent. I'll vouch for you if anyone makes a fuss. And there's much rejoicing. Yay.

May I go confirm your inability to kill these specific people at these specific places and times now?

And before you feel too comfortable, I've got point something out. He's not the only Tony Stark who's a pain in the ass.

[ Dirty name calling? Well, now she knows what to call him from here on out. ]

Yeah, you said that. I'm just making a point. Go confirm away.

[He starts out by just brushing it all off, then doubles back on that.]

Hey. Play nice, okay? They've got- a lot going on. Aside from the general trauma of fearing for their lives. I don't want to add to that by giving out names.

[Tony doesn't want to get serious. He's neatly avoided serious things since he arrived in Keeliai, but since this has happened, he doesn't have a choice but to cooperate with Sharon. That doesn't mean he'll make it too easy, though.]

Sticks and stones, darling. Tell me when I'm cleared.

[And he cuts out there. Let her be frustrated by him. He thinks he's earned that much right.]

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