Chapter Text
Ikaris heaved a sigh as he flipped the collar of his jacket up to try to hold off the wind.
Wind and spitting rain.
Fantastic.
Where was this place again?
He glanced up and down the row and took a turn to the left.
A yawn escaped him as looked up again at the shop names. A squad car parked in front of one of the shops made his search easier.
It seemed like a nice street.
Fancy shops and small boutiques lined both sides of the street along with a few specialty restaurants.
Giving a nod to one of the constables, he passed by the taped off front area of the store and walked through the open front door. Though technically, he could have just walked through the main front window as it had been smashed in.
Floor to ceiling glass it seemed to have been.
Art gallery.
White walls, bright lights, clean lines.
Ikaris scanned the room to see who was here.
A hand shot up.
“Ikaris!”
“Druig.” Ikaris avoided the glass to meet the man halfway. “What have we got? Smash and grab?”
“Seems so. Only one piece of art was stolen.”
That seemed strange but…
Druig handed him a clipboard.
“The owner called it in after she arrived here this morning.”
Ikaris flipped through the pages, scanning for any information that seemed to jump out at him.
“Security?”
“Silent alarm and some footage—it’s being copied as we speak.
“Right.”
“Whelp? Any orders, Sarge?”
Ikaris rolled his eyes at Druig’s mock formality.
“I assume standard procedures are being followed?”
It had been a while since he worked a robbery.
“Of course.”
Druig was usually trustworthy although the dark-haired man certainly knew how to push the line and push his buttons.
“Where is the owner?”
Druig nodded over his shoulder.
“M’lady.” He called out.
Ikaris was confused.
“Is she titled?”
Druig snorted.
“No, she just seems very elegant. It seemed to fit.”
Not perhaps the most professional thing but he could let it slide.
A woman came over towards them.
She was pretty, graceful, Asian descent—styled well in a business style dress paired with flats.
“Yes?”
Druig nodded towards Ikaris.
This is our Sergeant, Ikaris. F’raid you’ll be stuck talking to him for a bit.”
Her smile came easily but a bit tired at the corners which was understandable.
“Nice to meet you despite the circumstances.”
She offered her hand and he shook it.
Her hand was slender like the rest of her, but her handshake was firm.
“Is there a quiet place we can talk, ma’am?” Ikaris asked.
“Yes, of course, this way please.”
She led him to a back-office room which was small but contained a computer desk and the usual assortment of office space décor and necessary equipment.
He waited for her to sit before sitting down opposite her and pulling out a pen.
“Ma’am, would you mind answering some more questions for me?”
“Of course, but I did already answer some from one of the other officers.” She pointed out.
He smiled gently.
“I’m afraid I’ll have to try your patience some then.”
“Oh, no, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it that way.” She explained with a wave of her hands. “I can answer whatever; I just thought it would save you some time.”
“Not a problem.” He said, hoping that it made her feel not so embarrassed. “It’s just how things are.”
“Yes, of course. Please ask away. You are here to help after all.”
“How long have you owned this gallery?”
“Almost two years.”
“Have you ever had problems before?”
She shook her head.
“It’s a nice street. Busy at times but quiet.”
“Any possible reasons you can think of for the break in besides someone just choosing this place at random?”
“No. I—I don’t think so.”
“Do you have any enemies?”
“E—enemies?” She repeated with wide eyes.
“Perhaps I am being dramatic.” He amended. “Any problems with anyone who would seek a kind of revenge? Competitors? Unhappy customers? Upset family relations?”
“No—I would hope not. No.”
The idea appeared to startle her.
She did seem the calm and serene type.
“Who has keys to this property?”
“Oh, myself, my mum—well my parents technically I suppose, and a university student who works on the weekends.”
Ikaris shifted a few pages around.
“Her name is….?”
He tried to read the handwriting on the report.
“Sprite.” She offered up.
“Is that her legal name?”
The owner nodded.
“Do you have an address on file for her?”
“Yes. I haven’t told her anything yet. She would be in class and I didn’t want to worry her. Today is Tuesday anyway—she hasn’t been here for a few days.”
“Does she have any outstanding debts that you know of?”
It would not be unusual for a student to need money.
At this point, Sersi looked offended.
“I’m afraid ma’am I have to consider every angle."
Her shoulder’s relaxed.
“Right. No, I don’t believe so. We have talked about her working more days but she is going to see how her schedule pans out. It’s her first year there.”
“Is the piece particularly valuable?”
“It’s not the most expensive that we have on display.”
“Any particular opinion on why this…. painting?”
Ikaris re-checked the note to double check on what kind of art it was.
“I suppose it was a smaller size—but beyond that….”
“Is the artist controversial?”
Sersi gave a laugh.
“Certainly not. Makkari is a local artist who mostly paints landscapes or interpretations of abandoned buildings throughout the city. A few abstracts when the mood hits her. She is popular among local collectors and has a decent following online.”
“Is it insured?”
“Yes.”
“Would you show me where the picture hung?”
“I can.”
She stood up and he followed.
They weaved around several officers until she brought him to stand in front of a wall.
It had several paintings hanging but there was an empty space and a title plaque with no corresponding art.
Ikaris traced the trail from the broken glass window around towards the gallery wall.
Visible from the street. Easy to scope out behind the desk at the entrance.
Seemed a simple enough explanation.
“Anyone of suspicion hanging about? Odd delivery persons or anyone making unusual inquiries?”
“Not really. Sorry. I don’t think I am being much help.”
Ikaris had to smile at her apologetic tone.
“The truth is always helpful. It’s just best to ask as many questions as possible even if they seem unlikely.”
“I suppose that is a good way of thinking about it.”
Her smile was light and easy in return.
He looked back down at the report to focus.
“What would you say the…”
“Boss! You’re here!”
Ikaris whipped his head around at the sound of Kingo’s voice.
“Ah, Kingo. I have been for a bit.”
The other man’s shoulders drooped.
“What? Druig didn’t tell me. That guy is the worst.”
“Yes well…”
“The worst.” Kingo repeated again with a look towards Sersi.
She seemed amused by this.
“Yes, well, getting back to things… is your team almost done Kingo?”
“Yeah, we have almost everything wrapped up. There are some nice pieces in here too. Not much photography though, but that is okay. I like the collection in the back—the ones done in the style of old movie posters in black and white. Very creative. It reminds me of—.”
“Kingo. Let’s start wrapping up then, yeah?”
“Sure thing Boss. I’m going to do one more pass now that the sun is coming around.”
Ikaris raised an eyebrow at this but let it be as Kingo headed off.
“Ikaris.” Druig called out. “They are done dusting for prints.”
“Security footage?”
“It’s being taken back to be looked at further.” Druig explained again.
“Good. That is our best shot I think. Everything else seems pretty by the numbers for a simple robbery.”
Druig nodded.
“We can always—who is that?”
Ikaris followed Druig’s gaze to the door where a dark-skinned woman stood looking around with wide eyes.
Sersi raised a hand.
“That is the artist, Makkari.”
One of the officers looks towards Ikaris and he motioned to allow her in.
“The artist?” Druig repeated, still not looking away. “She’ll have to be interviewed and finger printed as well.”
Ikaris sighed.
“I suppose so. Let’s…”
“—Sarge, I volunteer for this mission.” Druig stated with a salute.
“What? Ah… all right I guess…I mean….”
Ikaris was startled by the woman appearing beside the small group. He had to do a double take from the door back to the space besides him. He hadn’t even heard her approach.
“Hello, ma’am.” He greeted her. “Would you be able to answer some questions?”
The woman seemed to think about it before giving a thumbs up.
“Very goo—”
Ikaris paused again as Sersi touched his arm.
“Makkari uses sign language.” Sersi explained. “She can read lips but sometimes different accents can be hard to work out the first-time meeting someone.”
“Oh. Ah….” Ikaris was unsure what to do. Did anyone on the team know…
“I know a bit.” Druig piped up. “And maybe she will fancy my accent more.”
Ikaris watched suspiciously as Druig made a few motions with his hands.
Makkari raised an eyebrow but gave a nod.
“And I will be more than happy with some additional teaching it the lovely lass is agreeable.”
At this, Ikaris snorted.
“Try to be professional about it.” He murmured under his breath towards the other man.
Druig gave another mock salute before motioning Makkari to follow.
The artist subtly gave a wink towards her friend before she followed Druig towards the main desk.
Ikaris cleared his throat.
“I apologize. The team seem to be in very light spirits today.”
Sersi looked unaffected by this.
“I don’t mind. It’s kind of put me at ease a bit. Everyone has been very nice. Makes me feel as if everyone cares and is trying to help me out.”
Her eyes wandered behind them and Ikaris turned his head slightly to see Druig being a bit too thorough as he fingerprinted Makkari.
The woman didn’t seem too annoyed by this however as she gave Druig an easy smile.
“Oi, Ikaris.” Druig called over. “No one is dead. There is no need for your usual intensity.”
Ikaris shot him a look but didn’t say anything.
“You work in homicide?”
Sersi’s soft voice caused him to look back towards her.
“Ah, yes. Normally that is. I’m just…helping out.”
The truth was that he was on a bit of break from homicide after a particularly nasty case. The higher ups thought it seemed like a good idea to make him take a break.
He wasn’t sure how he felt about it.
“Well I appreciate your help on my own case. Boring as it might be.”
“Of course, ma’am.” He said a bit robotically.
This got a smile from her for some reason.
“Sersi? What is all this?”
Another man had appeared by the door and peered in as one of the officers put a hand back to hold him back.
“Gil! Ah…” She glanced back towards Ikaris who gave a wave of his hand to allow the man in.
They were wrapping up anyway.
The man was large but made his way carefully over.
“One of my guys told me when I got in that he had seen police cars outside here.”
Sersi gave a simple shrug.
“A break in it seems. One of Makkari’s paintings got stolen.”
The man’s eyes grew wide.
“What? Really? It’s usually so quiet here. That is awful. Are you all right?”
“I wasn’t here at the time so I am thankful for that at least.”
“Nothing else was taken?”
“That seems to be about it. Thena’s paintings are all still here.”
“I can’t believe this.” The man repeated again before glancing at Ikaris. “Sorry. Hello, there I’m Gilgamesh. I have a shop nearby.”
Ikaris gave him a nod.
“What kind of shop?” Kingo asked from the side.
“A restaurant.” Gilgamesh searched his pockets and pulled out a business card and handed it over.
“Oooohh, spring rolls.” Kingo said with interest.
“You can scan the QR code for the full menu. Stop by sometime if you want.”
“Do you have vegetarian options?”
“Of course. Plenty.”
“The noodles are very good.” Sersi spoke up.
“Where is this?”
Druig and Makkari had come over as well.
“Just around the corner. Stop by if you are feeling hungry.”
“Always.” Druig responded.
Kingo handed him the business card.
Ikaris noted that Druig was eating now.
“Sersi offered us some fruit earlier.” He explained innocently before taking another bite of the apple.
“There is more if you want something.” She offered.
“No, I’m fine. Thank you.”
“Maybe we’ll stop by.”
Druig gave the card a spin before shooting Makkari a smile.
“Well, we should wrap up here and let these business people get back to their lives.”
Gilgamesh made his goodbyes and headed off.
Kingo started to oversee packing up the equipment.
Ikaris watched Druig and Makkari continue to talk to each other in silence.
Hopefully he was being professional.
At least the rain had stopped and sunlight was peeking through as Kingo had mentioned earlier.
Ikaris took another lap around the small showroom and paused to look at a few of the pieces.
More than slightly out of the price range for something he would buy for his mother.
“Ikaris?”
“Yes?”
Sersi had come back to stand beside him.
She looked uncertain for a moment.
“Sorry, a…. Sergeant.”
“It’s not a big deal—either way.”
He would respond to whichever.
She nodded with a smile and appeared to be at ease again.
“See anything you like?”
“Oh, well I am not really any great…. art admirer.”
True.
The walls of his small flat were mostly bare.
“These are interesting.”
“The artist’s name is Thena. Her current collection is based on female heroes in history and fiction.”
That explained the theme.
“Who is this then?”
“Maid Marian.”
“Ah.”
It was a dynamic piece to be certain.
The colors were bold, and it seemed that any moment the woman would release the arrow she had nocked back.
“It’s a very creative idea.”
“Have you ever dabbled yourself?”
Sersi asked it with a teasing smile.
“Art? I mean, probably a finger-painting or two when I was young. I doubt it would fetch much. You are much better off with these.”
“Boss! We are almost ready to go.”
He gave Kingo a nod.
“Well, we will be in touch with anything else we found or if we have any follow up questions.”
“Of course. This is a new experience for me so whatever I can do…”
“Hopefully, the only time.”
For her sake, he hoped so.
“We will get out of your way then. No doubt you have more phone calls to make.”
Sersi sighed and pushed back some strands of her hair.
“I suppose so.”
She paused to sign something over to Makkari who was still standing with Druig,
Her face flushed for a moment and made a few more hand motions.
“Everything okay?” He felt the need to ask.
“Yes, just a…. girl stuff.”
None of his business then.
“Right. Well, we will take our leave from you ma’am. Please reach out if the need arises. I’m sure someone will be in touch with you with a few follow-ups.”
“I certainly will think things over. I have watched plenty of police dramas. I never thought I would be involved in something myself.”
“Give me a lift back, would you Sarge?” Druig asked while walking passed him.
“Why can’t you ride with Kingo?”
Druig raised an eyebrow.
“Please don’t subject me to the singing.”
That he could sympathize with.
“Fine. Let’s go.”
A construction truck was out front now working on boarding up the space where the glass had been.
Makkari gave them a wave and Sersi added one of her own as Ikaris and Druig headed down the street.
“Why did you park so far away?”
“I wasn’t quite sure which one it was.”
Druig would usually make a comment at this but a free ride without singing must have kept his mouth shut.
Ikaris pulled away from the curb and headed in the direction of the station.
“Gilgamesh’s restaurant looks nice. I might check it out.”
“Yeah?” Ikaris took a turn.
“Yeah, might make a date of it.”
“With who?”
“Makkari.”
Ikaris frowned.
“You can’t date someone connected with—.”
“She’s not a suspect is she?”
“Well, no. Not as far as I can tell.” He had to admit.
“If she is, she is as much a suspect as Sersi.”
Ikaris tapped the breaks.
“Well, she definitely is not.”
“Is that bias I hear?”
“What? No, certainly not.”
It just didn’t fit the situation.
Druig hummed and he crossed his arms.
“To bad. I was thinking we could make a double date of it.”
“With who?” Ikaris found himself repeating again.
“Sersi.”
Oh.
His first thought of that was not unpleasant.
But.
“We can’t date people connected with a case.”
Druig sighed.
“You are a true officer of the law, Ikaris.”
“Well, professionalism is important.”
“How about this? We solve this case and then see about getting a date with the ladies.”
Ikaris tried not to respond too quickly.
“We have to solve the case first—if we can.”
“Deal. We’ll catch this baddie in no time. Hopefully he was sloppy.”
Ikaris adjusted his hands around the steering wheel.
“Do you think they would be interested?” He had to ask.
“Two fine upstanding officers of the law who are solving a case on their behalf? I would think so.”
Maybe he had a point.
“Besides…” Druig dragged out. “Makkari told me that Sersi thought you were cute.”
Ikaris stopped at the red light.
“She said that?”
“That’s what Makkari told me anyway.”
Oh. Well then.
Maybe it was nice to not deal with a murder this time.
This crime seemed like it might have a benefit.
“You’re grinning.”
Ikaris straightened up and evened out his lips.
“No, I’m not.”
He was a professional after all.