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Kai stared up at the ceiling. She’d been brought into the hospital for examination by the paramedics that had attended the scene at the temple, after the forensic techs had taken samples of everything on her, including her fingerprints and DNA.
Now she lay in the cubicle in the paper suit and latex free gloves that the forensic techs had given her as her clothing had been confiscated as evidence and stared at the ceiling’s polystyrene tiles, tracing the edges of them where they joined the plastic grid.
I know that Zhao said I was considered unlikely to get charged with anything; he agreed that it was a self-defence move at least, but it doesn’t feel good to be on this end of things. Her mind turned to Wei Tian.
The Spirit had let her drop the blade as soon as Chamberlain’s body lay on the ground and the blue glow had disappeared. It had been taken in as evidence and with her testimony that there was a Spirit living in the sword, the forensics had agreed to treat it carefully and make sure that it didn’t just get boxed away from the world.
Kai hadn’t got a chance to speak to the warrior to explain what was happening, so she hoped that he wouldn’t be upset with her.
The curtain of the cubicle was whisked aside, and Edward came in with a small rucksack, “I hope you don’t mind, Miss Riordan, but I took the liberty of letting myself into your Loft and finding you some clothes.”
Kai grinned at him, “I’m glad you did. I just wish I had some proper gloves; my spare set are in my tool belt and that was taken for evidence processing.”
“Actually, Lady Amira sent this over first thing this morning.” He rummaged in the bag and pulled out a parcel, “Here.”
Kai took it and ripped it open. Inside were three pairs of cotton gloves in different colours and a pair of gold lace ones. Laid atop the gloves sat a sprig of jasmine. “Amira is always ahead of me somehow.” She took a deep breath of the sprig’s scent and smiled.
“I’ll let you get dressed. The detective has left a police officer outside and has said that he wishes to speak with you, so I took the liberty of calling Mr Rook, he will meet you at the station for the interview.” Edward put the bag on the gurney and backed out quickly.
Laughing to herself, Kai got dressed, then put the pair of red cotton gloves on. As always when she touched the gloves, she got an image of Amira’s smiling face. That’s so much cooler than the leather ones. Now to face the questions.
She put the rest of the gloves in the bag, shrugged into the red leather jacket Edward had delivered, slipping the jasmine into the top pocket’s buttonhole and slung the bag across her shoulder. As she stepped out of the cubicle, the police officer outside turned quickly, his hand going to his gun.
“I’m unarmed, remember?” she said, holding her hands up.
“Sorry Miss Riordan. Habit.” He replied, relaxing, “Detective Zhao is waiting for us at the station. I’m to take you there as soon as the doctor has released you.”
One of the nurses at the desk across from the cubicle looked up, “Oh you can go, Miss Riordan. Nothing wrong with you that Dr Fa can find, so you’re free to leave whenever you want. You just need to sign this discharge form.”
She did as the nurse asked, and they walked out of the A&E, Edward a pace behind Kai. The police officer gestured to a car, “Get in please.”
When Edward went to join Kai, the policeman shook his head, “Just Miss Riordan please.”
Edward frowned, “I’m her PA.”
He shrugged, “I’m only supposed to be taking the suspect.”
“It’s okay, Edward, I’ll see you there.” Kai said.
“If you’re sure, Miss Riordan.”
She nodded.
“Well in that case...” He backed off and went across to his car.
The journey to Te Ling’s Central Police Station was quiet. The Police Officer seemed unwilling to discuss what had happened and Kai didn’t feel like pushing her luck, especially as he seemed more than a little nervous around her.
When they arrived, the entire Special Division seemed to back away from her as she was led through to the interview room. Edward arrived at the same time but wasn’t allowed in to talk to her. Then Mr Rook appeared with Zhao and his partner, Clive Kingston.
The two detectives took the opposite side of the table, while Mr Rook sat in the chair beside her. Kai said hello to him and got a nod in return. After a preliminary recap of the case, Kai was asked to state her name, status and occupation for the recording.
“Kai-Lynn Riordan. Te Ling Resident and Treaty Member. Diviner and Hunter.” She said.
“Can you please give us your side of the story.” Detective Kingston rolled his shoulders.
She glanced at Rook. He nodded.
“I was asked by Detective Zhao to use my Divination Ability to track down Mage Michael Chamberlain, the suspect and only witness to a Wolf Clan murder case.” She said.
“So, you used a piece of evidence that the Detective gave you?” Kingston pushed forward an evidence bag containing the blue scarf.
“Yes. It took me to the Old Harbour Wall and then up into the Temple Lands. I questioned the local vendors around the Northern Temple Lands pontoon. None of them recognised the picture I showed them, so I went to the Earth Temple to consult Lady Amira of the Earth Priesthood about the last vision I had had.”
Mr Rook was taking notes and held one hand up, “I’d just like to ask the Detectives if my client is currently under arrest for anything?”
The two men looked at each other and then Zhao shook his head, “No, Miss Riordan is not under arrest, but we would like to hear the whole of her side of the story for the record.”
“I understand that, Detective Zhao, I just don’t wish my client’s reputation to be called into question because of this.”
Kingston rolled his eyes, “She is considered innocent of any wrongdoing at this time.”
“Good.” Mr Rook waved his hand again, “You may continue, Miss Riordan.”
She smiled, “After my consultation with Lady Amira, I walked up to the Qiūtiān de sìmiào Temple. I kept my Personal Assistant Edward Tanner and Detective Zhao in the loop the whole time, making sure that I spoke to the Detective before contacting Michael Chamberlain. I asked him to surround the grounds with his men so that Chamberlain didn’t get away. I had no intention of hurting him, just persuading him to give himself up.”
“How did you get the Spirit Blade?” Zhao said.
“I had a discussion with the suspect and then used my ability to find out where in the temple he was. I felt that he might attack me physically, so I borrowed one of the blades from a Temple display, not realising that Wei Tian was within it. Once I had talked to him, we came to the decision that Wei Tian would counteract any physical attack and I would do the talking.” She broke off, wondering if the spirit was all right.
“So, when you killed Michael Chamberlain, it wasn’t you in control of the blade at all?” Kingston said.
She nodded, tears beginning to fill her eyes, “No, it was Wei Tian, and it wasn’t deliberate. We were defending the mage, trying to get him to give himself up, but when Detective Zhao brought his officers in so close Chamberlain thought I had betrayed him, so he jumped at me, and Wei Tian reacted in the only way a trained warrior would.” She stopped, trying to clear her throat of tears.
“We have spoken to a Priest of the Qiūtiān de sìmiào Temple, who confirmed that Wei Tian existed in the blade.” Zhao said, “We will utilise one of the priests who has Divinatory powers to get Wei Tian’s account of the incident.”
“So, in essence, Mage Michael Chamberlain’s death is considered a suicide?” Mr Rook summed up.
“Yes, this is the case.” Kingston replied.
Kai could feel the detective’s irritation and hunger. He’s a Vampire; well of course he would be in Special Division. She wiped her eyes on the side of her gloves.
“Then Miss Riordan’s belongings will be returned to her immediately?” the Lawyer asked.
“Yes.” Zhao was getting irritated as well, Kai could almost see his fangs growing.
“Then Miss Riordan is free to go.” Mr Rook stood up, “I believe this concludes our business gentlemen.”
Kingston terminated the interview and stamped his way out of the room.
Zhao sighed, “Thank you for your help, Miss Riordan. You will be paid for your services in the usual fashion, with a bonus for danger you were put in.”
“Thank you, Detective Zhao.”
Rook seemed happy about that, so she took her leave of him and went to find her things.
Edward found her as she picked up her belongings from the front office, “Is everything okay, Miss Riordan?”
“Yes, we’re fine, Edward.” Kai stuffed her tool belt and all the pieces that had been removed from it for cataloguing into her rucksack, “Can you rearrange Derwin-Hepler please and tell Sebastian that I won’t be in for the rest of the week. I’ll be back at work on Monday though.”
“You’re taking time off?” He seemed shocked.
“Yes, I need to sort out my loft amongst other things.” She yawned, “I also need to get some serious rest. I’ve been pushing myself too hard recently. Amira reminded me that I haven’t done any sēnlínyù for a while.”
“Fair enough. I’ll deal with the offices for you and bring Sebastian up to speed for the Divination business.” He smiled, a rare occurrence, “Enjoy your mini holiday.”
“I intend to.”
––––––––
AN HOUR LATER, KAI found herself lying on her couch, sipping a beer and listening to some of her favourite music. Carlos Santana’s magical guitar slid past her ears like silk over skin and set her hair standing on end. The change from the Latin guitar into Alice Cooper’s Poison may have changed the atmosphere, but Kai felt herself relaxing for the first time in six months.
I didn’t realise I was so stressed. Or that I’d been working too hard. Looks like it’s time to schedule my time better!
She pried herself off the couch as Welcome to The Jungle began and started to unpack her books and set them up on the bookcases that had stood empty since she’d moved in. She sang along, the words long since committed to memory from hours of study at University.
It feels like it’s been eon’s since Uni and not having to cope with the divination ability. If I’d come into it when I was younger, I don’t think I would be as sane as I am; I remember Ma telling me that most of our family were late developers, but those who had it appear early were always a little crazy.
Every book held a different memory and she had to wear gloves to be able to stay on track. The music carried her along and by late evening, she’d managed to unpack most of the boxes and get everything into the right place. As she surveyed her handiwork, her stomach growled.
“Time for something to eat methinks.” Kai reluctantly turned the playlist off as Seven Nation Army started and stretched. She grabbed her red jacket, keys and phone and let herself out as her neighbour was letting himself in across the hall.
“Good Afternoon... or is it morning for you?” he grinned at her.
“Afternoon for a change. I’ve taken some time off, so if you hear music coming from my place, don’t worry about it.” She locked her door.
“I wouldn’t worry about it; she’s got good taste in music. I wonder if she dances naked to the Santana... now that’s something I’d like to see.” His voice sounded in Kai’s mind, and she looked around in shock.
“Did you say something?”
He was in the process of closing the door and reopened it, “No, sorry?”
“Never mind, I think I’m hearing things; obviously I need this holiday more than I thought!” she smiled, and he waved as he shut the door.
“Poor girl, it’s not right that someone that pretty is all alone... I wonder.” His voice said in her mind again, even though the door was shut, and the image that accompanied the words made her blush.
Kai headed for the lift, feeling confused. What just happened?
In reception, Lucy was dealing with a delivery as Kai walked past.
“Snooty cow, just because she can afford one of the penthouse lofts, doesn’t mean that she has to ignore me.” Lucy’s voice said in Kai’s mind.
Kai stopped in her tracks and turned back to the receptionist, “Sorry Lucy, I was miles away, what did you say?”
Lucy signed the clipboard the driver gave her and looked at Kai, “I didn’t say anything, Miss Riordan.”
“I could have sworn... oh never mind. Who is on duty this evening?”
“Why do I always get the crazy ones? I hope that I get that job I interviewed for yesterday, then I won’t have to put up with the nutty bitches like this one in this building anymore.” Lucy frowned and consulted her paperwork, “That’s Andrew tonight, Miss Riordan. Do you need anything else?”
Kai shook her head, “No thank you. Good luck with the job application.”
Lucy’s eyes widened, “Thank you.”
Kai turned away and as she walked out through the door, Lucy’s voice in Kai’s head said: “I don’t remember telling her about the interview. In fact, I didn’t tell anyone about it...”
All the way to the restaurant Kai kept hearing voices in her mind. As she waited to cross at a junction, a man walking past behind her said, “Nice tight ass on that one; I’d love to slide my cock into it.”
On the other side, a woman she was walking towards said, “Wow that girl’s green eyes are so amazing against her golden skin; I wish I had eyes like that.”
Kai blinked but kept silent as the woman walked past her. Green eyes? I’ve got brown eyes. What on earth is going on.
At the restaurant, the waiter guiding her to her usual table said, “This is that weirdo Jai-Lo warned me about, always has exactly the same thing and always sits with her back to the corner.”
Kai was alternately confused and shocked. She ordered her meal and deliberately asked for something completely different to normal. The waiter’s face was deadpan as he wrote it down, but as he walked away, she heard “Did she hear me somehow? I hope I didn’t say that out loud, I need this job, or we’ll lose the house.”
She ate her meal, slowly growing used to the comments that she heard. I’m hearing their thoughts. Is this an evolution of my ability or something else? The notion intrigued her so much that she started testing it.
A young man, eating dinner with his parents, caught her eye. He kept glancing at her, every time she took a bite. So, she caught his gaze with her eyes and deliberately licked her lips before sucking in a strand of spaghetti as slowly as possible.
He blushed and looked down into his lap, but looked straight back up at her, looking a little like a rabbit caught in car headlights. “My god she’s so sexy, like a movie star. I hope my parents don’t notice.”
She licked her lips again and winked at him, before sucking up another spaghetti strand.
“I’m not going to be able to stand up for a while; I swear she’s deliberately turning me on!” He looked away and Kai felt a little uncomfortable with what she’d done, so she went back to eating her meal normally and ignoring him.
When the waiter returned with her bill, she asked him to add the cost of the family’s meal to her total. Then after she’d paid, she gave the waiter a massive tip.
While he was stammering out his thanks, she heard him say “Weirdo or not, she’s definitely a nice person.”
She left the restaurant feeling oddly better about herself.