Chapter 7: "A Nest Of Snakes."
"Fear only has as much power as you let it. But courage is always strong."
- The Goddess
Nawlans Police Station (Front entrance, 1:35 pm)
The first thing I noticed as I walked into the bustling police station was the strange stallion standing on the sidewalk outside looking directly into the station from the window. He never blinked. He never moved. And he never looked anywhere else.
The second thing I noticed was Lieut-sorry-Inspector Goldbloom, peeking up from the couch that was just underneath the window the odd stallion was looking in at. She kept ducking back down, only to quickly peek back up, like she was a foal playing peek a-boo.
It was funny to see, but as I neared the window to meet the stallion's gaze, I felt a great chill surge down my spine.
He was looking in but his eyes were like foggy glass. Half closed as if he wasn't even aware of anything. Like he just...was there.
It was unsettling to say the least. "Are you alright Goldbloom?" I asked, taking my attention away from the odd stallion.
Goldbloom peeked back up with a nervous smile, clearly relieved to see anypony else but the window stalker outside. "Oh! Meir, man am I glad to see you!" she exclaimed nervously.
"I can tell. What's with that weird guy outside?"
"I don't know! He gives me the creeps! I wish he'd go away."
"Have you asked him to leave?" I suggested.
Goldbloom looked at me as if I had just suggested we dress up as clowns and join the rodeo. "Are you nuts?! I'm not going anywhere near that nutjob!" Goldbloom protested.
I sighed to myself. "Fine, I'll do it."
I turned and locked eyes with the odd stallion. "Excuse me, but would you mind leaving? Or at least tell us why you're here?" I asked politely through the window.
But the figure outside never responded. Another chill went down my spine.
Goldbloom shivered. "What's wrong with his eyes?" she asked with fear in her voice.
"I'm...not sure."
This didn't help us calm down. Unsurprisingly.
"Is Chief Karosta in? I need to talk to her about updating the case." I asked, changing the subject.
Goldbloom suddenly looked very nervous. She scratched the back of her head as she looked away from me.
I raised an eyebrow. "What happened?"I asked.
"Nothing! Except, well....the case is closed."
My eyes shot open. "What??" I exclaimed with alarm. "How is the case closed?! It just opened!"
"Chief Karosta didn't have a choice! She can tell you everything, just go talk to her. She's in her office over that way." Goldbloom said defensively, pointing to the door to Karosta's office, near the back of the station.
"Thanks. Let me see what this is about."
Karosta's Office (Nawlans Police Station, 1:37 pm)
Karosta's commanding but gentle sounding voice greeted me as I entered her office. "Ms. Meir...I had a feeling you would want to talk about this."
"What's going on, Chief Karosta? Why is the Voodoo Murders case closed?" I asked as politely as possible while still getting my point across. (The point being that I was upset about it.)
Karosta sighed as she closed her eyes. "Believe me, I'm just as mad as you are. Heck, I think I'm madder! This case is causing this whole town to lose its mind with fear, and It's my job to put a stop to it! But now....' she trailed off there.
"Please Chief Karosta. Just tell me what happened."
She sighed again. "The mayor happened."
"The mayor??"
Karosta leaned back in her chair, and crossed her hooves in front of her. "Yep. Apparently, the honorable mayor Fairmont, has said that this case is causing too much fear in the public. That its best that we just close it now, seeing as how there haven't been any new victims of late, He says everything's safe again. Made a speech to the public and everything." She nodded to the papers on her filing cabinet. "The orders came through this morning." she explained.
She turned in her chair and gestured to the wall, which had a massive hole in the paneling. Clearly from where a large desk had been thrown. Because the desk was still there, hanging out of the wall like an oversized decoration. "I didn't take the news all that well." Karosta admitted, barely batting an eye at the new location of her desk.
Putting aside, Karosta's unsurprising reaction, I was outraged! How in the world can a mayor just declare the streets safe again, when only just days ago, another murder had taken place!
"This is insane! The killer is still out there! Nopony is safe on the streets, if they just close the case without reason! If anything they're in even more danger!" I protested.
"I know! But what can I do here? I've got seven bodies and no leads. The voodoo angle's a bust and-
"The voodoo angle is NOT a bust! Pensipony confirmed it herself!"
Karosta sat up in her chair. "Wait, seriously?" she asked with anticipation.
"She said it was beyond any other kind of voodoo out there. It's the key to this whole thing! Whoever is using it is dangerous! We need to stop them!" I exclaimed.
Karosta thought for a minute. Then she gave me a determined smile. "You're right, Meir! Orders or not, I'm not just going to let this go. I swore to protect this city, and by Celestia I will, regardless of what some idiotic politician has to say about it."
I breathed a sigh of relief. "I'm glad to hear you say that....I think." I said, hoping she didn't have anything crazy planned. I watched as Karosta got up from her chair and went over to her desk (Again, still in the wall) and got a large file from one of the drawers. She sat back down as we went over its contents.
"If were going to solve this thing for real, then we need to get down and dirty in the details."
"Uh...how dirty?" I asked in spite of myself.
Karosta smiled at me. "Relax, Meir. If the voodoo cult using this advanced voodoo stuff is in Nawlans, then all we need to do is find them, and prove that they are still a threat. That'll give our mayor something to make a speech about."
It wasn't a terribly detailed plan. But it was a plan nonetheless. "Alright. Where do we start?"
Karosta shuffled through the many papers and notes in the folder, until she found a small leaflet and handed it to me.
I looked at it in surprise. The heading read McClophlin's in cursive green lettering. "Is this...a leaflet for a bar?"
"Yep."
"Um...thanks but, I don't drink."
"You're not going to drink." Karosta explained slyly. "You're going there to ask about our only other lead besides Pensipony."
"Another lead? Who is it?"
"His name is Herring. But he calls himself 'Crash.' He's a bit of a...well no-he IS a weirdo. But a few days before this case was even official, he just burst in here and started carrying on about how the whole the city is doomed. And about voodoo. Really bad voodoo. This bar is one of his favorite hang outs."
Sounded like a lead to me. Whoever this Crash was, he must've known something about what was going on. And I guess McClophlin's was my only way of locating him. Whatever it takes, I guess.
"Alright. I'll see if I can find this Crash guy."
"Awesome. Just send him here when you find him. I won't let him out of my sight till he tells us what he knows." Karosta assured me.
"Right. I'll be back soon, then. Hopefully with Crash in tow." I assured her, although I wasn't all that excited about going to a bar even for the sake of a case. But again: It actually was for the sake of the case.
Goldbloom had to stay here and help Chief Karosta go through her files for anything else on the voodoo murders case. But I didn't feel comfortable going out there alone.
I'll be honest: I was getting severely freaked out now. First my nightmares, the cryptic horoscopes, and now that weird stallion at the window. It felt like this whole city was a nest of snakes, and I was just another mouse that wandered in, unawares. I needed to keep my friends close out here. And luckily I had another friend I knew I could trust, even in this city.
Nawlans Police Station Lobby
The phone rang for but a second before Gold Digger's elegant voice was heard on the other line. "Nawlans Galleria, Empress Suite. Gold Digger speaking."
"Goldy, It's Meir, I-
"Meir! It's so great to hear from you again. What can I do for you today?" she asked enthusiastically.
"I need you to meet me at McClophlin's. Do you know it?"
"McClophlin's? I...didn't have you pegged as a drinker, Meir. But I'll go if-
"I don't drink. It's about the case. We need to find a guy who calls himself Crash. That bar is one of his hangouts."
"Ah, I see."
"So...can you meet me?"
"Do you really need to ask? Of course I will! That's what friends are for, Meir. I'll meet you there in a bit, okay?"
"Thanks, Goldy. See you then."
I hung up the phone and checked the leaflet for directions to the bar. It was only a short walk from here, so It wouldn't take us long to get Crash back to the station if we found him there. Hopefully, we would find him there.
I went over to Goldbloom who was still cowering on the couch from the window-staring stallion (Who had not moved an inch since I last saw him. Or blinked.)
"He's...still here." Goldbloom whispered as if the stallion was listening.
"I can see that."
"What does he want? He's been here for hours now."
"I don't know. But I don't like it." And I really didn't.
"I'm telling ya Meir: This city has got some seriously bad vibes to it, these days. It's like the whole place is alive, watching your every move."
"I know. But we'll figure out whats going on in this city. And we WILL stop it. I promise you that."
"Thanks, Meir." Goldbloom said, feeling immensely relieved. "Are you heading out?"
"Yeah. To McClophlin's."
Goldbloom's eyes widened. "I didn't think you were-
"I. DO NOT. drink." I said, hopefully for the last time. "Its a lead on the case. Were not done here just yet."
"That's great! The sooner we crack this thing the better!"
I nodded in agreement. "I'm having Gold Digger meet me there. If we do we run into Crash, she might be able to 'coerce' him into coming back to the station with us."
"Good plan. I'll be here."
"To help out on the case, or because you don't want to go outside where that stallion is."
Goldbloom curled into a ball on the couch. "Both." She said shamefully.
"Don't worry, Goldbloom. We'll be fine. This city hasn't gotten us yet." I assured her, as I walked out the door.
As I made my way down the street, I took in the joyful laughter, the jubilant music and the amazing smelling food of Nawlans. This city, even in these dark times, still had so much life to it. I suppose that no matter what, Nawlans will never lose its spirit.
McClophlin's Tavern (Downtown Nawlans, 2:15 pm)
Gold Digger came over to greet me as we entered McClophlin's. As we headed inside I spotted a street drummer on the corner, just drumming away with his eyes closed. I payed him no mind as we walked into the bar.
McClophlin's is one of Nawlans landmarks (at least to some.) It's one of the city's oldest and most classic bars and restaurants. As Gold Digger went to take a seat at a table, I studied the room. The bar was full of lively and joyful patrons, both ponies and zebras, laughing and talking while they enjoyed their drinks.
The bar was of course being tended to by Ol' Stonewall McClophlin, himself. He apparently knew everypony around here. He was a portly but jolly looking orange stallion with a huge mustache, tiny glasses, and adorned in classic suspenders. His attitude was just as jolly as the rest of him.
The bar itself was a century-old antique in lovingly polished walnut. McClophlin's face was clearly visible in its surface. It was very clearly well cared for. Looking up, I saw the oil lantern chandelier was bathing the place in a warm glow.
I looked over and, seeing as how Gold Digger was now being chatted up by one (Okay, like fifteen) young stallions, I decided to ask Ol' Stonewall if he knew anything about Crash.
I took a seat at the bar, and was greeted by Stonewall's cheerful grin under his mustache. "What can I get ya, m'dear?" he asked in a jubilant tone.
"A glass of water, please?"
He chuckled. "I knew you weren't a drinker Miss Morning Meir."
I panicked for a second but he raised a hoof to calm me. "It's alright, I won't go telling any media you're here. A customer is a customer, and they get they're privacy in my bar."
He fetched me a glass of water, and took the single bit I handed him with a flourish. After putting it in the cash register he returned to me. "Now then, you obviously ain't here for drinks. So what can I do for ya Miss Meir?"
"I was wondering If I could ask you some questions."
He nodded with a smile. "Go right ahead. I'm none too busy at the moment."
Questioning (Ol' Stonewall McClophlin, Owner and Bartender at McClophlin's, May know about Crash)
I took a sip of water before asking him my first question.
"Do you know of somepony named Crash?"
"That I do. Are you lookin for him?"
"Yes, sir. He may know something about the case I'm looking into."
Stonewall's tiny eyes widened. "We'll I'll be. Never thought Crash would be getting into something like that. But he didn't do any of it. I can assure you of that. He's an odd one sure, but not a killer."
"I don't think he did anything either, Mr.McClophlin. I just wanted to talk to him to see what he does know." I explained politely.
Stonewall nodded. "Well....Crash comes in here every now and again. But he don't talk to nopony else, cept for Carlsen."
"Carlsen?"
Stonewall pointed to a young, intelligent looking blue colt in a school blazer and black rimmed glasses, sitting by himself playing chess...against himself. Carlsen seemed far too enraptured by his game to pay attention to anything else.
Stonewall continued. "Kid's an absolute genius. He's been coming here to play chess since he was but a wee one. Not once has anypony ever beaten him in that game of his. Not even come close."
"Does Crash play with him?"
"Nah. Just sits with him, they talk for a few minutes, then he leaves. And Carlsen just keeps playing his game."
"And...he's never been beaten."
"Not once. Not even close."
"So...If I beat him, he'll tell me what Crash is up to?" I asked inquisitively.
Stonewall let out a whoop of laughter. "M'dear, you beat Carlsen, and I'll give you free drinks for life!" he exclaimed cheerfully.
Putting aside the oh so stated fact that I do not drink (yet again!), this Carlsen pony seemed like a very intellectual fellow. If I did beat him, then he would no doubt be able to tell me all he could about Crash. But to have been playing for so long, and not once have lost? Impressive to say the least.
Then again: I've never been to Nawlans before. So he's never played me. Maybe I'll get lucky.
I decided to give it a shot. I thanked stonewall for the water, then went over and joined Carlsen at his table. "Hello." I said with a smile.
Carlsen never even looked up at me. His eyes seemed glued to his chess game.
"Um...sorry to interrupt, but-
Carlsen suddenly closed his eyes and let out a loud sigh. He then looked up at me begrudgingly. "What, do you want?" he asked, his English accent only confirming his annoyance at my presence. Charming.
Fine. He wanted to know what I want? "I'm looking for Crash. And you can tell me where he is, right?" I asked, putting aside manners for a second.
Carlsen put his eyes back to his game. "Depends on whose asking." He said, having lost all interest in anything but his game.
I smirked a bit as I answered. "My name is Morning Meir. I'm in Nawlans investigating the Voodoo Murders case."
He looked up at me suddenly, and apparently having finally noticed who I was, gave the very slightest smile. "Ah, the famous Morning Meir: The Smartest Pony In The World. I am honored to finally meet an intellectual equal." he stated smartly.
Intellectual equal? I never thought anypony was anypony's intellectual equal. Were all smart in our own ways. But from his smug outlook, I could see he definitely thought he was smarter then anypony else in here. No wonder he always sat alone. He preferred it.
Carlsen moved a piece on his board before talking to me again. "As much as I appreciate you wanting to join me (Wanting to?) I'm afraid I am rather busy at the moment. Perhaps I can make time for you later. Good day."
I narrowed my eyes at him. This was not a game! Ponies lives were at risk, and he had the only clue to finding our last lead, to get this case reopened. His city was in danger. HE was in danger! Didn't he care?
Then I thought of what I had come over here to do. If I beat him in chess, he would have to tell me what he knew. "I'd like you to tell me about Crash."
"Not interested."
I put on as polite a manner as I could. "What if I beat you at chess?" I asked.
Carlsen looked up at me like he had misheard me. "Pardon?"
"If I beat you at chess, then you tell me where Crash is. Deal?"
Carlsen just looked at me for a minute. Then he laughed. "Ms. Meir, I have been playing chess since before I could so much as talk. Surely, even you realize you can't beat me in my own element?" he explained curtly.
I simply smiled at him. "I guess we'll see. I'm willing to give it a shot."
He thought for a moment. Then smiled back. "Very well. Then let us match wits, Ms. Meir."
"Lets."
Bullet Chess (Morning Meir vs Carlsen Magnum)
It was all too often when I would play chess with my patients at the hospital. The game was relaxing, challenging and took their minds off whatever ailed them. It never failed to make even the fillies in my care feel better. Over the years I had developed a very keen almost programmed deduction for chess. I would lose on purpose to my patients, but I could play for real when I wanted to.
Ponies had gathered around us as we set up the board, including Stonewall. Gold Digger stood behind me, eager to see the game start. ("I didn't know you played chess, Meir!" she exclaimed. "I'm no champion. But I do play for fun at the hospital with my patients." I explained.)
Our game was this: Bullet Chess. We each had two minutes to put the other in Checkmate. Carlsen used white. I used black. With two minutes on the clock, the game started, and the bar fell completely silent, save for the ticking of the timer.
Carlsen moved a pawn to D4, then hit the timer. He then smugly gestured for me to take my turn.
So I did. I moved my knight to C6. Timer.
Carlsen moved his knight to F3. Timer. His forehead creased as he stared at the board waiting for me to make my move. He was focused now.
I moved a pawn to D5, challenging the center. Timer.
Carlsen hesitated before moving his bishop to D3. This was slightly awkward. A better move would've been to move his knight to C3, where he wasn't obstructing his pawn. But his choice, I suppose. He hit the timer, triggering my next turn.
I moved another knight to F6. Timer.
A smile crossed Carlsen's face as he moved his pawn to take mine. Timer. But as he set my captured piece aside, his smile vanished.
I smiled back as I moved my queen. Queen takes pawn. Timer. Several of the bar patrons clapped, including Gold Digger. But it wasn't over yet.
Carlsen furrowed his brow as he moved another knight to C3. Timer. Clever. But I knew what he was doing before he did.
I moved my queen out of the way to the far right side of the board before he could attack it. Queen to H5. Timer.
Carlsen Castled, moving his king to G1. My turn again.
I moved my bishop to G4. Timer. Our queens are now locked in a pin. Carlsen's best move is to break it by moving his bishop to E2.
But he's getting nervous now. Sweat beads on his forehead as he moves another pawn to H3. Timer.
I move my knight on C6 to E5. Timer. This was a trick of mine. This is actually a losing move. In its current standings, Carlsen appeared to be winning. But he failed to see that.
Carlsen takes my bishop on G4 with his pawn.Timer.
I take his pawn with my knight on F6. Timer. Again, it looks like Carlsen is winning. But as the trick goes, this only makes him paranoid. Why would I be letting him win? He's wondering.
Carlsen was sweating bullets now, as he made a fatal move, by capturing my knight on E5 with his knight on F3. Timer. Having apparently failed to see through my trick after all, Carlsen now looked relieved, as he leaned back to admire his handiwork, he hit the timer and smirked at me.
I said nothing as I moved my queen to H2, capturing his king. "Checkmate." I said cheerfully and with a smile.
The blood drained from Carlsen's face as his jaw dropped halfway to the floor. The bar erupted in applause, as Gold Digger hugged me around my neck. The game lasted only 45 seconds. In only 9 moves, I had beaten him.
Stonewall cupped his hooves around his mouth. "Drinks on the house tonight!" He announced to another roar of cheering and applause as everypony returned to their seats.
I looked over at Carlsen as Gold Digger took a seat next to me. "So...about Crash." I inquired.
Carlsen just looked up, pale as a sheet, mouth still hung open and nodded.