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?

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But not with the help of the authorities.

Bullshit.

[There's a pause before he sighs.] Namorita Prentiss, Percy Jackson, and Hannibal all have a known history of conflict with the kedan.

[ Sharon's quiet for a couple seconds. ]

Namorita has been cleared. We're looking for a man.

[ She hesitates again. ]

Can you tell me any more about Jackson and Hannibal?

Sure, yeah. You tell me more about the evidence you've got and I'll tell you more about my suspects.

You've already got suspects?

[ She sounds a little impressed, actually. She hadn't been aware anyone else was working on the case before the Emperor had been killed. ]

Yeah. Yeah, don't you?

[Costigan didn't start investigating until the Emperor's murder, but he had access to a good amount of information. Besides, he prefers the 'shoot first, ask questions later' approach with issues like this.]

Yes.

[ Her eyes narrow. Okay. Obviously, neither of them wants to share much. One of them is going to have to make the first move. ]

How many do you have on yours?

Three.

Impressive.

Of course, if your three suspects are the same you told me about earlier, you can knock it down to two. We're looking for someone who was a man that week in September.

[ How the hell had he narrowed it down so quickly? What did he have access to that she doesn't? ]

Two are who I told you already. The third's someone else. I appreciate the tip, about it being a man.

You've got it down to three suspects but didn't know it was a man?

What sources do you have access to, Costigan?

[ And he's made a significant amount of progress in a very short time. What doesn't she know? ]

Look, when I was in the Academy, finding suspects was about picking your most likely perps and trying to clear them- or nail 'em, if it was a prick cop. I didn't do any of that process of elimination bullshit you wasted your time on. I picked the three people I know who are assholes and have the most trouble with the kedan and that's it. If I can clear them, then I move on to the next ring.

And I'm sure you know a lot of assholes that you could choose from.

[ She wonders if he talks to everyone like this, or if he's acting condescending toward her because she'd asked for his alibi. ]

And what issues has Hannibal Lecter had with the kedan?

He on your list too?

[ She hates this. This guy is such an ass. But how she feels is irrelevant to catching the killer. ]

Yes. He's the only one who hasn't responded, but he fits the profile and matches the description of the killer.

I have an associate who will arrange to interview him shortly. She's very skilled in uncovering facts.

You have a description beyond 'male?'

Tell her to be careful.

You have suspects beyond Hannibal Lecter and Percy Jackson?

And don't worry. She's capable.

That depends on the description.

Didn't say she wasn't. She should still be careful.

Any time you want to share what you have so far, I'm listening.

[ Is he ever not an asshole? She knows how to manage teams. ]

I've already given you more than you've given me. You're pissed about not getting what you want when you want it. And I get that, I do. But for me, right now, keeping my sources' privacy is more important than finding the killer a little faster. You tell me you feel the same? Sure, good. We're done talking. You have a- a moral compass that tells you the investigation's more important? Then I'll listen.

I'm not blaming you. I know what I'll give and I know what I won't and I'm not going to pretend I'll do this little back and forth trade bullshit. That would be wasting both our times. But I tell you what. As a- a fucking.. sign of good faith, or what the fuck ever, I will tell you that Superman's the other suspect on my list.

[ If he could see her face, he might laugh. She more than a little pissed off. Nothing is more important to her right now than catching the guy, and there are ways around protecting someone's privacy that won't compromise the source.

And then he tells her that Superman is one of his suspects? She'd ruled him out during her waste-of-time process-of-elimination. Pity he hadn't bothered. ]

I ruled out Superman while I was "wasting time." If you'll excuse me, I'll get back to that now, as it seems to be yielding better results and the people who are working on it with me are making the killer's capture their priority.

Thank you for your time.

[ Even though she doesn't say it, he can likely still hear the "asshole" that she tacks on to the end before she cuts the feed.

So two suspects, one of whom is far more viable. Time to find Hannibal Lecter. ]

Any time. [Click.]

[He can't help himself. She's clearly frustrated and thinks he's an asshole, so why not play one. There's nothing to be gained thus far minus eliminating Nita, reducing suspicion of Superman, and increasing it on Percy, Eridan, and Hannibal.]

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