Sloane the Sleuth
Summer 2021, Week 2
Tuesday morning
City Hall, City Centre
Sloane Whittier
Sloane showed up to work early the next day, hoping to talk with Charlotte before everything kicked off. As she approached the building, she realized she hadn't paid attention to its landscaping before. 'Awww, those bears are so cute! Look at them! They're in such playful positioning. I'll have to compliment our ground workerhes if I ever meet them.' Heading for her office, she prepared herself. Yesterday had been a lot and she was really hoping that Charlotte was as prompt as she appeared so she could brief her before the day's meetings started. 'Someone that together comes into work before everyone else; I'd put money on it.' Breathing a sigh of relief as she saw the older woman at her desk, she held out one of the coffees before her. "Goooood morning, Miss Charlotte. This is for you. I noticed you had one from them yesterday. The owner said you come in regularly and knew what you liked. I hope it's not cooled off too much!"Charlotte
Charlotte was, in fact, already present and settled at her desk, and had been for nearly an hour and a half. This didn't mean that Sloane's early arrival didn't impress her, however. A hard worker, hmm? Taking the lifesaving beverage with a kind smile, the secretary gave a "Good morning, Sloane. Thank you so much. Dave, was it? He's a sweetheart. I'm sorry I haven't been able to see him this week. So much to do and only one of me after all." Taking a sip of the beverage, she let out a contented sigh before turning back to the young woman. "So, you look ready to burst with something. Either your normal level of excitement or something else. Is it the latter today?"Sloane Whittier
"All of the above! I have lots to report on. I met with one of the firefighters and learned a good amount. He'd like to set up a meeting with the mayor to talk over what sort of publicity she has in mind. I also met a strange fellow at the train station, and I was wondering if we have access to run background checks on people...?"Charlotte
The girl had been working. Thinking for a moment as she looked through Monica's schedule she answered in order. "When does he have time to meet? I'm assuming this is DeAndre Walker since you said 'he.' What about Gabriella? As for background checks, we can run basic checks using a legal research system. It only pulls up common information. We can't dive too deep without police involvement."Sloane Whittier
"I'm not certain on his schedule, but if you let me know her availability, I can reach out to him and help coordinate. I didn't have a chance to meet with Gabriella yesterday, but he might be able to corral her into coming with him? Long story short, he is confirmed to be an Evo. I'm not sure that he's made up his mind on whether or not he's willing to go public yet, but the possibility is there. He was there the night of the university attack. He has firsthand knowledge of Blood Bolt and what he's capable of. I think that it will be useful for the mayor to hear his account firsthand, so she knows what we're up against without it being watered down through a game of telephone. All in all, he seems like a good guy just trying to do good things." Sloane intentionally left out any mention of Isaac, given how intent Andre had been about protecting his friend. If they changed their mind, that was up to them to say differently. "As for the background check... what sort of information can be returned from the legal research system? As I was headed home yesterday, I came across a man holding a sign at the station saying he was looking for help from Evos. He told me his full name and gave me his blessing to check up on him, but he wants me to sign an NDA before we get into the nuts and bolts of the matter. It's interesting that a man in his position would be so concerned about paperwork, but that's part of what's got my interest piqued. I just want to see what I can find out on him first."Charlotte
A few quick taps on her computer and Sloane's phone would give the ding of an email. "That's her schedule. Set something up. I know with everything going on this is the top of her priority list, especially if he has knowledge about Blood Bolt. In fact, Chief Butler might want to call in for that portion." Tilting her head at the second portion, Charlotte spoke a bit slowly at first. "A man holding a sign at the station...wanted you to sign an NDA and needed help....sweetie, I'm not sure that takes priority with everything we have going on right now? The system gives you name, addresses, any outstanding legal entries, phone numbers, marriages, that sort of thing. Think of it like social media but you can't pick and choose what to look up. I suppose if you have some time to look him up, go ahead. But I believe the mayor would agree with me that the firefighter takes priority."Sloane Whittier
"Oh, without a doubt. Don't worry. I won't be distracted from the main goal. I know my marching orders! I will call Andre right now and get it set up. I'll shoot you an email once I get it confirmed so you can put it on her calendar. How would I go about submitting that request though?"Charlotte
"That sounds good, dear. As soon as you send it, I'll confirm it. As for the search, the login information is in your training packet. There's not request for the search, it just gets logged into a database that's audited to make sure no one is stalking an Ex or anything. Like I said, the information it gives out isn't really sensitive. Anyone could find it with enough effort via normal means."Sloane Whittier
"Duly noted! I'll get right on it and get back to you once I have some answers. I'll see you in the morning meeting!"After organizing the schedules and attending meetings, Sloane logged in and ran her search on James. The following is what was returned.
NameShe emailed the results to herself and typed the current address into Google Maps on her phone before leaving the office for the day.
First Name: James
Middle Name: Augustus
Last Name: Smith Marriage Status
Single - Never Married D.O.B.
01/13/1987 Phone Number
N/A Current Address
1680 Ashford Drive
New Victoria, Virginia, 26942 Previous Addresses
587 North Street
New Victoria, Virginia, 26914
2002-2004 589 Douglas Road
New Victoria, Virginia, 26917
1999-2002 2715 Melody Lane
New Victoria, Virginia, 26940
1994-1999 4876 London Street
New Victoria, Virginia, 26902
1992-1994 2862 Pinchelone Street
New Victoria, Virginia, 26911
1987-1992 No Prior Criminal Record
Sloane wasn't about to go into Henry by herself. She knew well enough from the research she'd done before she moved to New Victoria. Pulling up a rideshare app, she changed her plan. She knew what she was asking someone to do so she tacked on a huge tip and sent a message to the driver that she promised to be in and out as quickly as she could. The driver picked her up from out front of the mayor's office in the lowest tier car they had. It was a basic option sedan. Hopefully they wouldn't stick out too badly. When they exited I-64, she noted that this was the first neighborhood she'd been in so far that wasn't dotted randomly with bear topiaries. Well that's depressing.
Tuesday afternoon
Henry, The Wards
Sloane Whittier
Finally, the driver pulled onto Ashford. 1680, where was 1680... oh here we go...Storyteller
The mailbox was marked 1680 so there was no mistaking that this was it, but upon examining the lot all that seems to fill it is the half burnt wooden beams and boards that make up the remains of a small house and the cement foundation the house once stood on. There is enough debris here to make clearing it an expensive ordeal, and the lot is not very big. With the added effect of being surrounded on all sides by much larger buildings that were built around it over the years the property has likely been avoided like the plague and left to rot away, if the owner is even willing to sell in the first place. An older man in ragged clothes, perhaps in his 50's or 60's, sits in the lot with his back up against the wall of the building to the left.Sloane Whittier
"Don't leave and I'll make it worth your while. I'll be right back." The guy nodded but kept looking around very nervously. She stepped out of the car and walked towards the lot. She made her stride purposeful and put on her best neutral (with a splash of resting bitch face) look. When she was close enough to be heard, she called out to the man. Her voice was confident and direct, but polite. Think of it as a voice one would use in corporate America. "Hello. I'm looking for James Smith? I was told he could be found at this address, but perhaps I was mistaken?"Uncle
The man looks up at her as she calls out to him, a weary but calm look on his face. "Curious. Well, maybe it's true that he can be found 'ere sometimes, but he don't come 'round these parts of Henry very often these days. May I ask how it is you know James?"Sloane Whittier
"Well, sir, we're acquaintances attempting to get to know one another better before we come to an agreement. We met at Central Station. I promise I have his permission." At this, she opened her mind and began truly listening, both for any thoughts of her conversation partner and any in the area that may pose a threat. She didn't like standing out here so exposed.[Normal, -3 EP]
Uncle
Acquaintances, huh? "Well I can't help but find it a bit odd that you're the first person to come 'ere in over a decade looking for James so I couldn't help but ask." Though the kid always was up to something new that only he could explain. "James used to live 'ere with his foster parents, the Morgans. Great couple that never had kids o' their own... and from what I've heard this was the first good home James had found since his birth. Unfortunately, the Morgans died in the fire that destroyed their home in '07. They had written him into their will, but they didn't have insurance or anything, so the poor kid inherited this pile o' rubble and the heartache that comes with it. No idea how he keeps the taxes paid, to be honest... He sleeps here some nights, but I've seen him less and less over the past few months." In fact, it's been weeks since his last visit. I should check on him, I wonder if he still stays in that abandoned building down the street.Sloane Whittier
'Aw man this guy's story is pulling at my heart strings. How did I get myself into this and why the hell am I actually considering this offer??' "You mentioned that he sleeps here some nights... do you know where else he might be? If there's somewhere nearby? If so, I'd like to stop and say hello. You can accompany me if it helps ease your mind."Uncle
"When he does show up it's always far past sundown, you won't find him anywhere near 'ere till at least 10pm. And regardless, finding a homeless man where he sleeps may not always be the best course of action, Ma'am." After what he asked me to do if I ever caught anyone digging through the rubble here... even I'm hesitant to risk surprising him. "If you are dead set on finding James your best bet is to look in Port Victoria during the day, there's a restaurant there called The Lords Feasting Hall. The building was once a church and they often let James play the old pipe organ there."Sloane Whittier
'Oh a dark streak perhaps? Territorial at the very least, but given the history, I get it.' "Perfect, thank you. I'll take a look there tomorrow. I really appreciate you talking with me. I know you didn't have to." She started to turn back to the increasingly anxious driver but paused. "Is there anything I can do for you, sir? I realize I never even got your name."Uncle
"Don't have one, Ma'am. People who know me just call me Uncle, don't 'member how it started but I guess it stuck over the years and now it's grown on me. And thanks for the offer but I'll get by just as well, always do." Could always use more drink but I won't ever ask for it, need to support my own damn habits.Sloane Whittier
"Alright then. Thank you, Uncle. I appreciate the help." And with that she got back into the car, much to the appreciation of the driver, and asked him to take her home now. She waved at the man from the back seat as they pulled away. 'Well this just gets more and more curious...'
Type
Record, Historical
Medium
Digital Recording, Text
Authoring Date
June 29, 2021
Authors
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